Motorola Solutions

Motorola Solutions is a global communications technology company that develops professional communication and public-safety solutions, including two-way radios, radio systems, dispatch platforms, software and communication infrastructureRadio infrastructure is the equipment and supporting systems behind a professional two-way radio network, including repeaters, antennas, base stations, network connections, power systems and dispatch equipment..

The company is one of the best-known manufacturers of professional two-way radio equipment and has a significant presence in commercial, industrial, public-safety and emergency-service communications.

What is Motorola Solutions?

Motorola Solutions provides technologies designed to help organisations communicate and coordinate teams.

Its portfolio includes:

Professional two-way radios
Digital radio systems
DMR solutions
TETRA systems
Radio infrastructure
Dispatch systems
Cloud communication platforms
Safety and security software
Video and command-centre technologies

The company operates internationally and supplies communication solutions across a wide range of industries.

Motorola two-way radios

Motorola Solutions manufactures a wide range of professional two-way radios.

These include:

Handheld radios
Mobile radios
Base stations
Digital radios
Analogue radios
Intrinsically safe radios
Licence-free radioA Licence-Free Radio is a two-way radio that can be used without an individual radio licence when it complies with the applicable licence-exempt rules. In the UK, PMR446 is the main licence-free radio service. products
Radio accessories

Different product ranges are designed for different operating environments and requirements.

Motorola digital radios

Motorola Solutions produces professional digital radios using technologies including DMR and TETRA.

Digital radio can provide features beyond basic voice communication, including:

Group calls
Individual calls
Emergency alerts
GPS
Data communication
Text messaging
EncryptionEncryption protects two-way radio communications by converting voice or data into a secure form that can only be understood by authorised radios with the correct encryption capability and keys.
Dispatch integration

The features available depend on the particular radio and system.

Motorola MOTOTRBO

MOTOTRBO is Motorola Solutions’ professional digital radio platform based on DMR technology.

MOTOTRBO systems can support business communication across a range of applications, from straightforward handheld radio systems through to larger multi-site networks.

Depending on the configuration, MOTOTRBO can provide:

Digital voice
Group calling
Individual calling
Repeaters
GPS
Emergency functions
Data
Dispatch
System management
Encryption

Motorola TETRA

Motorola Solutions also develops TETRA radio systems.

TETRA is a professional digital trunked radio standard commonly used for large-scale and mission-critical communication.

It is particularly associated with sectors such as:

Public safety
Transport
Utilities
Government
Critical infrastructure
Industrial operations

Motorola radio repeaters

Motorola Solutions manufactures radio infrastructure including repeaters.

A repeaterA Repeater receives a two-way radio transmission and retransmits it, usually from an elevated location, to extend the coverage and reliability of a radio communication system. receives a radio transmissionTransmission is the process of sending voice, data or signalling from a radio using a radio-frequency signal to another radio, repeater or communication system. and retransmits it, allowing communication over a larger area than direct radio-to-radio communication may provide.

Repeaters can be used to extend coverageRadio Coverage is the geographical area in which a two-way radio system can provide reliable communication. Coverage depends on the radios, antennas, frequency, terrain, buildings and system infrastructure. across:

Large sites
BuildingsAn antenna transmits and receives radio-frequency signals, allowing a two-way radio to communicate. Antenna type, frequency, height and location can all affect radio performance and coverage.
Industrial facilities
Rural areas
Multiple locations

Motorola radio systems

Motorola radio systems can range from a small number of handheld radios to large, networked communication systems.

A system might include:

Handheld Radios + Mobile Radios + Repeater + Base StationA base station is a fixed two-way radio installed at a permanent location, allowing an operator to communicate with handheld or mobile radios across a site or operating area.

Larger installations can add:

Dispatch + GPS + System Management + Multiple Sites

Motorola radio accessories

Motorola Solutions manufactures accessories designed for its radio equipment.

These can include:

Batteries
Chargers
Charging docks
Earpieces
Headsets
Speaker microphones
Remote speaker microphones
Carrying accessories
Bluetooth accessories

Accessories must be matched to the appropriate radio model.

Motorola intrinsically safe radios

Motorola Solutions offers radio equipment designed for use in certain hazardous environments.

Intrinsically Safe RadioAn Intrinsically Safe Radio is a two-way radio designed and certified for use in specified hazardous areas where flammable gases, vapours or combustible dust could create a risk of explosion. equipment is designed and certified to limit the possibility of the radio creating an ignition source in specified hazardous environments.

The exact certification depends on the particular radio and configuration.

Motorola emergency features

Professional Motorola radios can provide a range of emergency and worker-safety features.

Depending on the model and system, these can include:

Emergency ButtonAn Emergency Button is a dedicated two-way radio control that allows users to quickly send an emergency alert to a dispatcher, control room or authorised radio users.
Emergency AlarmAn Emergency Alarm allows a two-way radio user to quickly alert a dispatcher, control room or other authorised users that assistance may be required.
Emergency CallAn Emergency Call is a priority two-way radio function that allows a user to quickly request assistance and, on supported systems, establish an urgent voice communication with a dispatcher or control room.
Lone WorkerA Lone Worker is someone who works without direct supervision or immediate assistance nearby. Compatible two-way radios can provide safety features such as timed check-ins, emergency alerts and GPS location.
Man DownMan Down is a safety feature on some professional two-way radios that can detect a possible fall or unusual radio position and automatically raise an alert if the user does not respond.
GPS location

These functions can be integrated into wider communication and dispatch systems.

Motorola Lone Worker

Compatible Motorola radios can provide Lone Worker functionality.

This can require the user to periodically respond to a radio prompt.

If the user does not respond within the configured period, the system can raise an alert.

The exact implementation varies between Motorola radio models and communication platforms.

Motorola Man Down

Some Motorola professional radios support Man Down functionality.

The radio can use internal sensors to detect certain orientations or movement conditions that may indicate a fall or incapacitation.

If the condition remains for a configured period, the radio can raise an emergency alert.

Man Down availability varies by radio model and configuration.

Motorola GPS

Many Motorola professional radios support GPS or location services.

GPS can be used for:

Vehicle tracking
Worker location
Fleet managementFleet Management is the process of managing a two-way radio fleet, including equipment, users, programming, maintenance, firmware, security and radio system configuration.
Dispatch
Emergency response
Job coordination

Location functionality depends on the particular radio and system.

Motorola dispatch

Motorola Solutions provides dispatch and command-centre technologies that can allow organisations to manage radio communications centrally.

Dispatch functionality can include:

Individual calls
Group calls
Emergency alerts
GPS location
Communication monitoring
Incident coordination

Motorola WAVE PTX

WAVE PTX is a Motorola Solutions communication platform designed to extend push-to-talk communication across broadbandBroadband is a high-speed data connection used by systems such as PoC radio to carry voice, video and other communications over mobile networks, Wi-Fi or IP networks. networks.

It can allow compatible users on different devices and networks to communicate through a common platform.

This can support Hybrid CommunicationHybrid Communication combines two or more communication technologies, such as two-way radio, DMR, cellular, Wi-Fi or IP networks, allowing different systems or users to communicate through a common platform. between professional radio users and other connected users.

Motorola radio and Push-to-Talk over Cellular

Motorola Solutions provides Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC)Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) provides radio-style push-to-talk communication over cellular or IP networks, allowing users to communicate across wide areas where suitable network connectivity is available. technologies through its broader communications portfolio.

PoC uses cellular or broadband connectivity rather than traditional radio frequencies for communication.

This can provide communication beyond the coverage of a conventional radio networkA Network is a connected system of radios, equipment and infrastructure that allows users to communicate across a defined area. Radio networks can range from simple radio-to-radio systems to large multi-site networks. where suitable network connectivity exists.

Motorola and DMR

Motorola Solutions is a major manufacturer of equipment based on the Digital Mobile Radio (DMR)Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) is an ETSI digital radio standard for professional two-way communications, supporting voice, group calling, data and other features on compatible radio systems. standard.

Its MOTOTRBO platform is widely used for professional business radioBusiness Radio refers to professional two-way radio systems used by businesses and organisations for instant communication, often using licensed frequencies and equipment designed for commercial use. applications.

DMR allows compatible equipment from different manufacturers to follow a common technical standard, although specific features and implementations can vary.

Motorola and analogue radio

Motorola Solutions has historically produced extensive ranges of analogue two-way radio equipment.

Analogue radioAnalogue radio uses continuously varying radio signals to transmit voice communication. It remains widely used for reliable two-way communication across business, industry, events, security and other applications. remains suitable for some straightforward voice communication applications.

However, many modern professional deployments use digital radio because of the additional functionality available.

Motorola mobile radios

Motorola Solutions manufactures Mobile RadioA Mobile Radio is a two-way radio designed to be installed in a vehicle. It normally uses the vehicle's power supply and an external antenna to provide reliable communication while travelling or working in the field. equipment designed for installation in vehicles.

Mobile radios can provide communication between:

Drivers
Control rooms
Handheld radio users
Other vehicles
Dispatchers

Vehicle-mounted radios can use external antennas and vehicle powerAn antenna transmits and receives radio-frequency signals, allowing a two-way radio to communicate. Antenna type, frequency, height and location can all affect radio performance and coverage. supplies.

Motorola handheld radios

Motorola handheld radios are available in different sizes and configurations.

Depending on the product, features can include:

Digital voice
Colour displays
Keypads
GPS
Bluetooth
Emergency functions
Encryption
Man Down
Lone Worker

Motorola licence-free radios

Motorola Solutions has also produced radio equipment intended for licence-free use in certain markets.

Licence-free radio products have specific technical and regulatory restrictions.

They should not be confused with Motorola’s professional licensed radioA Licensed Radio is a two-way radio operated under an appropriate radio licence. Licensed systems can provide greater control over frequencies, coverage and infrastructure than licence-free radio services such as PMR446. systems.

Motorola licensed radio

Motorola Solutions supplies professional radio equipment designed to operate within licensed radio systems.

Licensed systems can provide greater flexibility in areas such as:

Coverage
Frequencies
Repeaters
System architecture
Capacity
Emergency functions
Network management

Motorola and radio hire

Motorola professional radios are widely used by radio-hire companies for temporary communication requirements.

Typical applications can include:

Events
Construction
Security
Hospitality
Film and television
Warehousing
Agriculture
Facilities management

The specific Motorola equipment supplied depends on the required coverage, features and operating environment.

Motorola radio hire and DCS

DCS can supply Motorola and other professional two-way radio equipment for hire where suitable equipment is available.

Motorola radios can be used for temporary communication systems ranging from straightforward handheld radio hireRadio Hire is the temporary rental of two-way radios and related communication equipment for events, projects and operational requirements, providing professional communication without purchasing the equipment. to larger systems incorporating repeaters and other infrastructure.

Motorola and event radio hire

Motorola professional radios can be used for event communication between:

Event management
Security
Production teams
Stewards
Medical teams
Site operations

Depending on the event, equipment may include handheld radios, repeaters, earpieces and other accessories.

Motorola and construction

Motorola professional radios are commonly suited to construction environments where teams need immediate communication across a site.

Possible applications include:

Site management
Plant operations
Security
Logistics
Ground teams
Contractors

A repeater may be used where additional site coverage is required.

Motorola and hospitality

Hotels, resorts, venues and hospitality businesses can use professional radios to coordinate:

Front-of-house teams
Security
Housekeeping
Maintenance
Events
Operations

Compact handheld radios and discreet accessories can be particularly useful in customer-facing environments.

Motorola and agriculture

Motorola professional radios can be used across farms and agricultural operations.

Possible users include:

Farm managers
Tractor operators
Ground staff
Maintenance teams
Contractors

A repeater can help improve communication across larger farms where direct radio coverage is insufficient.

Motorola and utilities

Utilities can use professional Motorola radio systems for communication between field workers and control operations.

GPS, emergency functions and dispatch can provide additional capabilities where required.

Motorola and transport

Transport organisations can use Motorola radio systems to connect:

Drivers
Dispatchers
Depots
Control rooms
Maintenance teams

Mobile radios can be installed in vehicles while handheld radios can be used by operational staff.

Motorola and security

Security teams can use Motorola professional radios for immediate communication between patrol staff, supervisors and control rooms.

Features such as emergency alerts, GPS and discreet accessories can support particular security applications where available.

Motorola and encryption

Compatible Motorola digital radio systems can provide Encryption to help protect communications from unauthorised listening.

The level and type of encryption available depends on the radio and system.

Encryption capabilities should be configured in accordance with the organisation’s requirements and applicable regulations.

Motorola and call recording

Compatible Motorola communication and dispatch systems can support Call RecordingCall Recording is a two-way radio feature or system function that captures and stores radio communications for later playback, review, incident investigation or record keeping..

Recorded communications can provide an operational record for organisations where recording is required and appropriately configured.

Motorola and fleet management

Motorola communication platforms can integrate radio communication with Fleet Management and location services.

This can allow organisations to combine vehicle communications with location information and operational coordination.

Motorola and cloud management

Modern Motorola communication systems can provide cloud-based management capabilities.

Depending on the platform, administrators can manage elements such as:

Users
Devices
Groups
Configurations
Software
Locations
System settings

Motorola firmware

Radio manufacturers regularly issue FirmwareFirmware is the software built into a two-way radio that controls its underlying operation, features and hardware. Manufacturers may release updates to improve performance, fix faults or add functionality. updates for compatible equipment.

Firmware can provide improvements, bug fixes, security updates or additional functionality.

Firmware compatibility and update procedures vary between radio models.

Motorola codeplug

A CodeplugA Codeplug is the configuration data programmed into a two-way radio that defines its channels, frequencies, talkgroups, radio ID and other operating features. is the configuration information programmed into a compatible professional radio.

It can contain settings such as:

Channels
Frequencies
Talkgroups
Radio identification
Scan lists
Emergency settings
Feature configuration

A Motorola radio’s codeplug must be programmed correctly for the intended system.

Motorola interoperability

Motorola radio systems can form part of wider InteroperabilityInteroperability is the ability of different communication systems, devices or organisations to work together and exchange information. In two-way radio, it can connect different radio networks, technologies or users through compatible systems or gateways. solutions.

Organisations may need to connect radio users with:

Other radio networks
Cellular users
Telephone systems
Dispatch platforms
Control rooms

The required integration depends on the systems involved.

Motorola radio coverage

Motorola radio equipment can be deployed in systems designed to provide coverage across:

Buildings
Sites
Campuses
Rural areas
Multiple locations

Coverage depends on the frequencyAn antenna transmits and receives radio-frequency signals, allowing a two-way radio to communicate. Antenna type, frequency, height and location can all affect radio performance and coverage., antennaAn antenna transmits and receives radio-frequency signals, allowing a two-way radio to communicate. Antenna type, frequency, height and location can all affect radio performance and coverage. system, terrain, buildings and infrastructure.

A site surveyA Site Survey is an assessment of a location to determine whether a two-way radio system will provide the required coverage, reliability and performance. may be required for larger or more demanding installations.

Motorola and repeaters

Motorola repeaters can form the central infrastructure of a professional radio systemA Radio System is a complete communication solution comprising two-way radios and, where required, equipment such as repeaters, antennas, base stations, mobile radios and network infrastructure..

A repeater can receive transmissions from handheld or mobile radios and retransmit them to other users.

This can significantly improve coverage where direct radio communication is limited.

Motorola and IP Site Connect

Compatible MOTOTRBO systems can use IP Site ConnectIP Site Connect links compatible DMR radio sites using an IP network, allowing selected radio communications to be shared between separate buildings, facilities or geographical locations. to connect radio sites over an IP network.

This can allow users at different physical locations to communicate through a connected radio system.

It is particularly useful for organisations operating across multiple sites.

Motorola and trunking

Professional Motorola radio systems can support trunked communication technologies where appropriate.

Trunking allows a pool of radio channels to be shared dynamically between users and groups.

This can improve capacity and simplify communication management in larger systems.

Motorola and TETRA trunking

Motorola Solutions provides TETRA infrastructure and terminals for organisations requiring large-scale digital trunked radio systems.

TETRA is commonly associated with mission-critical and public-safety communication.

Motorola and business radio

Motorola Solutions provides professional radio products suitable for business communication.

Applications can range from small teams requiring simple group communication to large organisations requiring multi-site infrastructure and centralised management.

Motorola radio terminology

Motorola product literature commonly uses technical terminology associated with professional radio systems.

Terms users may encounter include:

MOTOTRBO
DMR
TETRA
Talkgroup
Repeater
Codeplug
IP Site Connect
Emergency Alert
Lone Worker
Man Down
GPS
Dispatch

These terms describe technologies or features rather than necessarily referring to individual products.

Motorola product ranges

Motorola Solutions has produced numerous radio product families over the years.

Product availability changes as new generations are introduced and older models are discontinued.

When selecting equipment, compatibility, availability, support and system requirements should therefore be checked for the specific model.

Choosing a Motorola radio

When selecting Motorola equipment, consider:

Handheld or mobile radio.
Analogue or digital operation.
DMR or TETRA requirements.
Licensed or licence-free operation.
Required coverage.
Repeater requirements.
Number of users.
Emergency functions.
GPS.
Lone Worker or Man Down.
Encryption.
Dispatch.
Fleet management.
Accessories.
Environmental requirements.
Future expansion.