Abstract: A technique for activating a transmit mode of a communication device (100) is provided encompassing the steps of generating a light signal on an outer surface of the communication device; inhibiting the light signal; and activating the transmit mode of the communication device in response to the light signal being inhibited. A communication device (100) operating in accordance with this technique includes a light transmitting device (108); and a sensor (110) for sensing light generated by the light transmitting device, the sensor disabling a transmit mode when light is detected and enabling a transmit mode when light is inhibited.

Abstract: A communication device (105) includes a first communication block (205) for operation within a first communication network (150); and a second communication block (210) for operation within a second communication network (160). The communication device (105) further includes an audio control (245) for at least one microphone (250). The audio control (245) is coupled to the first communication block (205) for receiving a first audio input for operation of the first communication block (205) and is coupled to the second communication block (210) for receiving a second audio input for operation of the second communication block (210). A low noise ground (315) is isolated from a common ground (320) of the communication device (105) to facilitate the sharing of the at least one microphone (250) between the two communication blocks.

Abstract: A communication device (105,200) includes a cordless telephone (205) and a two way radio (210). The communication device (105,200) is adapted to place an active cordless telephone call in a low frequency mode in response to receiving an incoming two way radio communication. The communication device (105,200) is adapted to then establish communication within the two way radio communication. The communication device (105,200) periodically re-establishes the cordless telephone call to maintain communication with a cordless base station (120) until the two way radio communication is completed.