If a Chatter 2.0 unit runs while it is plugged in over USB but stops the moment you unplug it, the place to look is the battery power path rather than the radio. Most of the time it is one of the checks below. If they all look right, the likely explanation is a faulty part, and there are instructions at the end for getting in touch.
The power-related parts fitted during the build are the battery holder, the battery cover and the plastic on-off cap. The build guide, which has more than 100 photos, shows exactly how each one goes in.
Work through these, in order:
The battery is seated in the holder the way the build guide shows, including which way round it goes.
The battery is pressed firmly against both of the holder's contacts, with nothing between them.
The holder is attached to the main circuit board exactly as the guide's photos show, with no loose or half-seated connection.
The plastic on-off cap sits over the switch without fouling it, so the switch travels fully to the on position.
The battery cover is not pressing the battery out of contact when it is closed.
A Chatter box contains two complete communicators, so you have a working reference. Open both and compare the battery area side by side. If only one unit fails, the difference between the two is usually the answer. If both behave the same way, compare them against the battery pages of the build guide.
If it still will not run unplugged, message us here, or email [email protected], with your order number and a clear photo of the battery holder and its connection to the board, on both units. A part that arrived defective, or was missing from the box, is replaced free. A part damaged during the build or in use can still be supplied, but it is charged, and we quote you the price before anything is sent.
If your unit is dead even on USB, or its buttons do not respond, that is covered separately in My Chatter 2.0 will not turn on, or the buttons do not respond.