MOTOTRBO™

MOTOTRBO™ is a professional digital two-way radio platform developed by Motorola SolutionsMotorola Solutions is a global communications technology company that develops professional two-way radios, radio systems, dispatch platforms and other communication and safety technologies.. It is 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 and is designed to provide voice and data communication for businesses and organisations.

MOTOTRBO systems range from straightforward radio networks for small teams through to larger, multi-site communication systems incorporating repeaters, dispatch, GPS and other advanced features.

What is MOTOTRBO™?

MOTOTRBO™ is a family of professional digital radio technologies and equipment rather than a single radio model.

The platform can include:

• Handheld two-way radios
• Mobile radios
• Repeaters
• Radio 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.
• Accessories
• Dispatch systems
• Management software
• Location services
• Data applications

The exact features available depend on the radio model and system configuration.

MOTOTRBO™ and DMR

MOTOTRBO™ is based on the Digital 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. (DMR) standard.

DMR is an open digital radio standard developed for professional mobile radio communication.

MOTOTRBO™ equipment uses DMR technology while also providing Motorola-specific features and system capabilities.

MOTOTRBO™ digital radio

MOTOTRBO™ radios convert voice into digital information before transmitting it.

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

• Group calls
• Individual calls
• Emergency alerts
• GPS
• Text messaging
• Data communication
• 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.
• Radio management
• Dispatch integration

The exact features depend on the particular MOTOTRBO™ equipment.

MOTOTRBO™ handheld radios

MOTOTRBO™ handheld radios are designed for users who need portable professional communication.

Depending on the model, features may include:

• Digital voice
• Colour or monochrome displays
• Keypads
• GPS
• Bluetooth
• Emergency functions
• 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.
• Encryption

Different models are designed for different industries and operating environments.

MOTOTRBO™ mobile radios

MOTOTRBO™ Mobile Radios are designed for installation in vehicles.

They can provide communication between:

• Drivers
• Other vehicles
• Handheld radio users
• Control rooms
• Dispatchers

Mobile radios normally use the vehicle’s 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. supply and an external 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..

MOTOTRBO™ repeaters

A MOTOTRBO™ 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, extending the effective 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. of the 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..

Repeaters can be used to improve coverage across:

• Large sites
• Industrial facilities
• Rural areas
• 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.
• Multiple locations

The repeater forms part of the wider radio infrastructure.

MOTOTRBO™ Capacity Plus

Capacity Plus is a MOTOTRBO™ trunking solution designed to increase the capacity of a radio system.

It allows multiple users and talkgroups to share available radio channels rather than requiring each group to have its own dedicated channelA two-way radio channel is a programmed set of communication settings, typically including frequency and signalling, that allows compatible radios to communicate with one another..

This can be useful for organisations with larger numbers of radio users.

MOTOTRBO™ Capacity Max

Capacity Max is a scalable MOTOTRBO™ trunking architecture designed for larger and more complex radio networks.

It can support multi-site communication and centralised system management.

Capacity Max is intended for organisations requiring greater capacity and more advanced system functionality.

MOTOTRBO™ IP Site Connect

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. allows compatible MOTOTRBO™ radio sites to be connected using an IP 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..

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

For example:

Site A → IP Network → Site B

This can be useful for organisations operating across multiple buildings or locations.

MOTOTRBO™ talkgroups

A Talkgroup allows users to communicate as a defined group.

For example, an organisation might have separate talkgroups for:

• Security
• Operations
• Maintenance
• Management
• Transport

A user can select the appropriate talkgroup and communicate with the relevant team.

MOTOTRBO™ group calls

MOTOTRBO™ supports group calling on compatible systems.

A group call allows one user to communicate with multiple members of a defined communication group.

This is one of the key advantages of digital radio for business operations.

MOTOTRBO™ individual calls

Compatible MOTOTRBO™ systems can also support individual radio calls.

This allows a user to communicate directly with another radio without necessarily involving the entire talkgroup.

MOTOTRBO™ emergency functions

Professional MOTOTRBO™ radios can provide emergency communication functions.

Depending on the radio and system, these may 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.
• Priority signalling
• Lone Worker
• Man Down
• GPS location

The precise functionality varies between models.

MOTOTRBO™ Lone Worker

Compatible MOTOTRBO™ radios can provide Lone Worker functionality.

The radio can prompt the user to confirm that they are safe.

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

This can provide an additional safety measure for employees working alone.

MOTOTRBO™ Man Down

Some MOTOTRBO™ 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 persists, the radio can automatically raise an emergency alert.

Man Down availability depends on the specific radio model.

MOTOTRBO™ GPS

Compatible MOTOTRBO™ radios can provide GPS location information.

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
• Operational coordination

The available location functions depend on the radio and software.

MOTOTRBO™ dispatch

MOTOTRBO™ systems can integrate with Dispatch platforms.

A dispatcher can potentially:

• Make group calls
• Make individual calls
• Receive emergency alerts
• View radio locations
• Manage users
• Coordinate incidents

The precise functionality depends on the dispatch solution.

MOTOTRBO™ and WAVE PTX

MOTOTRBO™ systems can be integrated with Motorola Solutions’ WAVE PTX™ communication platform.

This can allow compatible radio users to communicate with users connected through 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. or cellular networks.

This type of integration can provide 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. across different technologies.

MOTOTRBO™ and Push-to-Talk over Cellular

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. can extend communication beyond traditional radio coverage by using cellular or broadband networks.

Where supported, MOTOTRBO™ users can be integrated with PoC users through appropriate systems.

This can be useful for organisations with a mixture of radio and mobile users.

MOTOTRBO™ encryption

Compatible MOTOTRBO™ equipment can provide Encryption to help protect radio communications from unauthorised listening.

Security capabilities vary between models and system configurations.

Encryption should be configured appropriately for the organisation’s requirements.

MOTOTRBO™ Bluetooth

Many MOTOTRBO™ radios support Bluetooth®Bluetooth® is a short-range wireless technology used with compatible two-way radios to connect accessories such as headsets, earpieces and microphones without a physical cable..

Bluetooth can be used with compatible accessories such as:

• Wireless earpieces
• Headsets
• Speaker microphones
• Other approved accessories

This can provide greater flexibility for users who need discreet or hands-free communication.

MOTOTRBO™ accessories

MOTOTRBO™ accessories can include:

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

Accessories must be compatible with the particular radio model.

MOTOTRBO™ battery

MOTOTRBO™ handheld radios use rechargeable batteries.

Battery capacity affects how long a radio can operate between charges.

Battery requirements should be considered for:

• Long shifts
• Heavy radio use
• GPS operation
• Bluetooth use
• Frequent transmission

Spare batteries or additional charging facilities may be appropriate for demanding applications.

MOTOTRBO™ charging

Compatible MOTOTRBO™ batteries can be charged using appropriate charging equipment.

This can include:

• Single-unit chargers
• Multi-unit charging docks
• Vehicle chargers
• Desktop charging systems

Charging equipment should be matched to the relevant radio and battery.

MOTOTRBO™ and radio coverage

MOTOTRBO™ coverage depends on the system design.

Factors include:

• 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.
• Transmit power
• Antenna location
• Terrain
• Buildings
• Repeater position
• Number of sites
• Network infrastructure

A professional 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 appropriate where reliable coverage is required across a large or complex area.

MOTOTRBO™ and radio repeaters

A repeater can significantly extend the useful coverage of a MOTOTRBO™ system.

A typical system might operate as:

Handheld Radio → Repeater → Other Radios

For multi-site systems:

Site A → IP Network → Site B

This allows the radio network to cover larger operational areas.

MOTOTRBO™ and licensed radio

MOTOTRBO™ professional systems normally operate as 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 using authorised radio frequencies.

The applicable licence depends on the country, frequencyFrequency is the number of cycles a radio wave completes each second, measured in Hertz. In two-way radio, frequency determines where a transmission operates within the radio spectrum. and intended use.

In the UK, businesses operating professional radio systems must use the appropriate radio authorisation.

MOTOTRBO™ and licence-free radio

MOTOTRBO™ should not be confused with basic licence-free PMR446 radios.

Professional MOTOTRBO™ equipment provides significantly greater flexibility and system functionality, but its operation is subject to the applicable regulatory requirements.

MOTOTRBO™ and analogue radio

Some MOTOTRBO™ radios support both analogue and digital operation.

This can allow organisations to transition from an existing 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. system to digital communication without necessarily replacing all equipment at once.

The exact analogue/digital capabilities depend on the radio model.

MOTOTRBO™ and digital voice

Digital voice can provide consistent audio quality within the usable coverage area.

MOTOTRBO™ systems can also provide additional digital signalling that supports functions such as group calling, emergency alerts and data.

MOTOTRBO™ and data

MOTOTRBO™ systems can support data communication in addition to voice.

Depending on the system, this can include:

• Text messaging
• GPS information
• TelemetryTelemetry is the automatic collection and transmission of information from a remote device, vehicle, machine or radio to another location for monitoring, analysis or control.
• Job information
• Application data

The available data services depend on the radio and connected applications.

MOTOTRBO™ and job tracking

Compatible systems can integrate MOTOTRBO™ radios with Job TrackingJob Tracking is the process of monitoring the progress, status and, where supported, location of a job or field worker from assignment through to completion, often using GPS, radio and dispatch systems. applications.

This can allow organisations to coordinate field workers and vehicles alongside radio communication.

For example:

Job Assigned → Worker Dispatched → Radio Communication → Job Completed

MOTOTRBO™ and fleet management

MOTOTRBO™ systems can integrate with Fleet Management solutions.

Where GPS is available, organisations can potentially combine vehicle location information with radio communication.

This can be useful for:

• Transport
• Logistics
• Utilities
• Security
• Field services

MOTOTRBO™ and incident management

Compatible dispatch platforms can integrate radio alerts with Incident ManagementIncident Management is the process of coordinating people, communications and resources during an incident. Two-way radios can provide rapid communication between teams, control rooms and responders. systems.

An emergency event can potentially be recorded and managed centrally.

A typical workflow might be:

Emergency Alert → Incident Created → Radio Contact → Response → Incident Closed

MOTOTRBO™ and call recording

Compatible 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. through suitable dispatch or recording platforms.

This can provide a record of operational radio communications where recording is required and appropriately configured.

MOTOTRBO™ 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. contains the configuration information programmed into a compatible radio.

It can define settings such as:

• Channels
• Frequencies
• Talkgroups
• Radio identification
• Scan lists
• Emergency settings
• Feature configuration

Correct programming is essential for the radio to operate as intended within a MOTOTRBO™ system.

MOTOTRBO™ firmware

MOTOTRBO™ radios can receive 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.

Firmware updates may provide:

• Bug fixes
• Performance improvements
• Security improvements
• New features
• Compatibility updates

The update process depends on the specific radio and software.

MOTOTRBO™ radio management

Professional MOTOTRBO™ systems can provide tools for managing radio fleets.

Depending on the platform, administrators may be able to manage:

• Radio configurations
• Users
• Talkgroups
• Software
• Devices
• System settings

MOTOTRBO™ interoperability

MOTOTRBO™ 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.

Systems can potentially connect radio users with:

• Other radio networks
• PoC users
• Telephone systems
• Dispatch platforms
• Control rooms

The required gateway or integration depends on the systems involved.

MOTOTRBO™ for business

MOTOTRBO™ is designed for professional business communication across a wide range of industries.

Applications include:

• Construction
• Security
• Hospitality
• Transport
• Warehousing
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Facilities management
• Utilities
• Events

MOTOTRBO™ for construction

Construction sites can use MOTOTRBO™ radios to coordinate:

• Site managers
• Ground teams
• Plant operators
• Security
• Logistics
• Contractors

Repeaters can provide additional coverage where direct radio communication is insufficient.

MOTOTRBO™ for hospitality

Hotels, venues and hospitality businesses can use MOTOTRBO™ radios for communication between:

• Front-of-house teams
• Security
• Housekeeping
• Maintenance
• Events
• Management

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

MOTOTRBO™ for security

Security teams can use MOTOTRBO™ for immediate communication between patrol staff, supervisors and control rooms.

Emergency alerts, GPS and discreet accessories can provide additional functionality where supported.

MOTOTRBO™ for transport

Transport organisations can use MOTOTRBO™ to connect drivers, depots and control rooms.

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

MOTOTRBO™ for agriculture

Farms can use MOTOTRBO™ radios to communicate across large areas.

A system can include:

• Handheld radios
• Mobile radios
• Base stations
• Repeaters

A repeater can help provide coverage across larger farms or areas with difficult terrain.

MOTOTRBO™ for utilities

Utilities can use MOTOTRBO™ systems to connect field workers with control operations.

GPS, emergency functions and dispatch can provide additional capabilities for mobile teams.

MOTOTRBO™ for events

MOTOTRBO™ radios can be used to coordinate:

• Event management
• Security
• Production
• Stewards
• Medical teams
• Site operations

A repeater can be used where wider event-site coverage is required.

MOTOTRBO™ and radio hire

MOTOTRBO™ radios can be supplied as part of 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. arrangements for temporary communication requirements.

Typical applications include:

• Events
• Construction projects
• Security operations
• Hospitality
• Film and television
• Warehousing
• Temporary sites

The appropriate equipment depends on the required coverage and features.

MOTOTRBO™ and DCS

DCS can supply professional two-way radio solutions using compatible MOTOTRBO™ equipment where appropriate to the customer’s requirements.

A MOTOTRBO™ system can range from a small group of handheld radios through to a larger network incorporating repeaters, mobile radios, GPS and dispatch.

The correct system depends on the number of users, operating environment, required coverage and features required.