Eskimo..
in setup just map the two commands:
radio channel
range channel
(either to your keyboard or joystick)
radio channel (can't remember if this is exaclty what it's called, but it's right above the range channel in setup) is channel V (or channel 5).. like RW..
set it to a channel, have your squadies join in,
and Channel 5 is what you use...
range channel is for all friendlies in range
use it for your room, etc.. it isn't channel specific but will
instead contact all those within range, regardless of radio channel (above)