When Accidents Happen …

In any business, the cost of device downtime can have huge implications: employee safety, decreased productivity and loss of revenue. In preparation for the unexpected you need a service plan that will protect not only against normal wear and tear but also accidental breakage to eliminate headaches, unexpected expenses and disruptions to operations. A service plan can also help to ensure your devices are repaired or replaced quickly and back in service to keep your operations running smoothly.

Motorola radios are built to perform well in rugged environments and extreme situations. Accidents, however, do happen. And unexpected repairs can put a dent in your budget. One of the best solutions to protecting yourself against the cost of unexpected repairs and extending the life of your devices is a service plan that keeps you covered for longer. There’s no doubt, your radios represent a substantial investment so it just makes sense to protect that investment and maximize its value.

Motorola’s Service from the Start with Comprehensive Coverage is a program which provides fast repair turnaround times and expert technical support. You’ll get coverage beyond standard warranty, providing the protection you need to reduce your total cost of ownership and ensure devices are back in your hands quickly.

Service from the Start for ASTRO® 25 and MOTOTRBO™ devices helps protect you from the unexpected with priority support and fast turnaround times. Features of the program include:

• Budget in advance for device maintenance to reduce unexpected repair costs and lower your total cost of ownership
• Service from the Start with Comprehensive Coverage provides no-questions-asked coverage against chemical, liquid and physical damage to protect you from the unexpected
• Devices are repaired or replaced quickly and back in service to keep your operations up and running
• Our Battery Refresh program is available as an option to your Comprehensive Coverage Plan, providing fixed price battery replacements over a 4-year period for APX™ radios

To further discuss the benefits of Motorola’s Service from the Start or any of the other service programs unique to 2-Way Communications Service, contact your account manager. He’ll be glad to help.

Read the Motorola’s Service from the Start Brochure.

View a video about the key features and benefits of Motorola’s Service from the Start offering for digital radios:

Improving Two Way Radio Range

The most obvious (and most frequent) question: “How far will I be able to reach with this radio?”. Honestly, there is no simple, straight-forward answer. The factors affecting the range of a two-way radio are: the radio’s antenna and power, and the terrain. Some insight on how each of these factors impacts your ability to transmit and receive over distance is below.

ANTENNAS

You know the higher you go, the greater the range. Having a tall antenna means having maximum range. Motorola two-way radios have removable antennas, so upgrading your antenna is a low-cost (around $20) easy way to improve range performance.

Mobile radio antennas are mounted on the outside of a vehicle, preferably on the roof, so the antenna as high as possible, providing maximum range.

POWER

Operating at maximum power will also help to improve range. Using fully charged batteries allows transmitting and receiving at the highest power level possible

The average li-ion battery contains 1.2V of power, and the average alkaline battery pack produces 1.5V. That makes battery packs worth looking into. Motorola IMPRES II batteries too. Having the right battery may mean the difference in getting the message out or not.

TERRAIN

Terrain has more affect than any other factor. Using a high perch, over flat terrain a two-way radio can transmit and receive up to 30 miles. On the ground with no obstacles to interfering, the curvature of the earth limits communications to about 6.5 miles. Adding obstructions such as trees, hills, valleys, and buildings may decrease a radio’s range to under a half mile.

Know your terrain before you buy. If you are needing radios for use in a fairly open area, then VHF model radios are best. The longer radio waves of a VHF radio give a greater range over open spaces. UHF is the best choice for use around structures and in dense areas.

IF THERE IS A NEED TO IMPROVE SYSTEM-WIDE RANGE: consider Motorola Two-Way Radio Repeaters or Bi-Directional Amplification (BDA).

A radio repeater is a combination of a radio receiver and a radio transmitter that receives a weak or low-level signal and retransmits it at a higher level or higher power. The result: two-way radio signals can cover longer distances without degradation. Repeaters are usually located on a mountain top, tall building, or radio tower. This allows communication between two or more bases, mobile or portable stations that are unable to communicate directly with each other due to distance or obstructions between them.

The repeater is synonymous with the base station, which performs both functions in most emergency dispatching systems.

The repeater receives on one radio frequency (the “input” frequency), demodulates the signal, and simultaneously re-transmits the information on its “output” frequency. All stations using the repeater transmit on the repeater’s input frequency and receive on its output frequency. The Motorola repeater product line-up provides a variety of choices, allowing you to tailor your solution to fit your needs and budget.

BDA’s are ideal for increasing range within buildings and down into basements. Concrete and metal strongly affect radio signals and limit range. Adding a BDA can amplify a radio’s transmit and receive strength and help get through those barriers.

<b>Connect with your account manager to learn more.</b.

School District Case Study

Glen Ellyn, Illinois, School District 41 relies on MOTOTRBO digital radios to keep communications available during emergencies and increase efficiency for day-to-day operations.

Learn what caused this school system to turn to Motorola for a district-wide communications upgrade, the solution installed, and the results with this case study from Motorola.

 

Subscriber Preventative Maintenance Program

2-Way’s Subscriber Preventative Maintenance Program (SPMP) provides annual preventative maintenance as well as ongoing asset management and tracking for an organization’s mobile and portable radios. 

The development of a regular, reoccurring maintenance program means the customer enjoys proper radio performance; is assured of operational compliance; and realizes increased service life. The preventative maintenance optimizes performance and improves ROI. The subscriber database allows for rapid subscriber identification, reassignment, and individual unit reprogramming as required throughout the year. 

The SPMP program is made up of three principal parts, Subscriber Tracking, Annual Preventative Maintenance and Ongoing Support.

Subscriber Tracking provides a detailed database of all subscriber assets, which includes in part:

• Equipment Make
• Model Number
• Serial Number
• P25 digital ID
• Codeplug File Name
• Last Serviced Date

The annual preventative maintenance provides a comprehensive assessment of the subscriber condition, performance and compliance.  Results of the PM checks are recorded for each subscriber and will be provided to the customer upon completion. PM checks include but are not limited to:

• Transceiver compliance check
• Operational check of buttons/switches
• Clean control surfaces and accessory contacts
• Antenna sweep and physical check/cleaning

The data collected by this program, provides a convenient means of ongoing support at no cost to the participating agency.  Ongoing support includes services such as:

• Individual PM checks
• Minor programming changes
• Unlimited frequency updates

For additional information about the Subscriber Preventative Maintenance Program, give 2-Way Communications a call at (603) 431-6288.

John spent a day at Portsmouth Fire Department not too long ago, processing all the department’s mobiles and portables through the SPMP. While he was onsite, he took a couple of minutes to go more in depth about the program. Take a look!

MOTOTRBO IP Site Connect

 

 

Motorola’s IP Site Connect digital solution uses the Internet to extend the coverage of your MOTOTRBO communication system.  No matter where you’re located, you can communicate easily among locations across the city, state or country.

You can create wide area coverage and automatically roam from one coverage area to another without having to change channels on your subscriber. Or you can enhance coverage at a single site like a high-rise building that contains physical barriers. IP Site Connect enables you to extend the voice and data communication capability of your workforce beyond the levels two-way radio has achieved before. This means dramatically improved customer service and increased productivity.

Features of IP Site Connect:

Wide Area Coverage – Up to 15 sites can be connected using a standard IP network. Sites can be widely separated – in different states or even different countries. Your entire workforce stays connected.

Cost-Effective Deployment -There is no requirement to purchase additional infrastructure such as a system controller, as communications are coordinated by the site repeaters. And you only need access to a single radio channel at each site.

Full Voice and Data Support – Every site supports voice and data, and can be equipped with applications from our extensive developer community.

Easy to Maintain, Upgrade and Expand – With the included RDAC tool (Repeater Diagnostics And Control), you can access all sites remotely for maintenance, upgrade and configuration. Adding a new site is easy: just equip the new repeater on the IP network.

Migration is a Breeze – IP Site Connect is an easy upgrade from a conventional single-site radio system, and as your business grows, it’s easy to further upgrade from IP Site Connect to a MOTOTRBO trunked solution such as Linked Capacity Plus or Connect Plus. Your investment is safe.

Related Products

XPR 4000 Series Mobile Two-Way Radio

XPR 5000 Series Mobile Two-Way Radio

XPR 8400 Repeater

MTR3000 Base Station/Repeater

SL 7000 Series Portable Two-Way Radio

XPR Two-Way Radio

XPR 8380 Repeater

SLR 5000 Series Repeater

The MotoTRBO IP Site Connect Brochure is available on our website.

If you’re interested in learning more about Motorola’s IP Site Connect system, the Sales Team at 2-Way Communications will be happy to provide additional and discuss with you how IP Site Connect might meet your needs. Give them a call at (603) 421-6288 or send an email to sales@2-way.biz.

 

RADAR and LIDAR Certification

2-Way Communications Services is about more than two-way radio systems. Most of our customers are familiar the products and services provided by the Fleet and Network Departments … but the company’s RADAR and LIDAR certification program is still a (welcome) surprise to some.

2-Way Communications Service is the only authorized factory service representative for Kustom Signal in New England. We can certify not only the Raptor, Golden Eagle and Talon RADARs, but the Pro Laser 3 and 4 LIDARs as well. And if your hardware isn’t Kustom Signal, the techs can still certify your gear. They have the knowledge and test equipment needed to get the job done.

Certification is usually done on site, and removal of the RADAR units from a vehicle is not necessary. Same-day LIDAR certification happens on site as well. Of course, certifications can be completed at any of our offices too … and a warranty comes with all our work.

The RADAR/LIDAR van is fully outfitted, providing the availability of on-site factory certified repairs for most emergent needs. The van is even outfitted with a printer, so the customer receives a copy of the certification documentation before end of day.

If your annual RADAR/LIDAR certifications are due soon, call Travis at Communications Service (603-431-6288) to schedule a visit. We’ll come out at your convenience and get the job done quickly and correctly.

A Comparison of Analog and Digital Radios

In the two-way radio world, there are two types of radios available; analog and digital.

The main difference is the way in which signals are transmitted and received.

An analog radio works by picking up the signal from a transmission site using carrier radio frequency waves. Listeners tune into analog frequency stations on their device. They listen to the electrical radio waves as they are transmitted directly from the radio station to the analog radio. These radios waves are transmitted continuously, without interruption to the sound.

Digital radios work by picking up a processed signal which turns sound into patterns of digits rather than the radio waves which are used for analog transmissions. These digital signals are transmitted via satellite to listeners’ radios by the same technology as is used for digital television signals.

Pros and Cons of Analog Radio:

Pro

• Analog radios are relatively inexpensive when compared to digital radios. They are far less complex and easy to use.
• The number of products and accessories offered is much larger and provides for more options.
• Analog systems make good use of bandwidth and are well understood.
• Analog radios are eco-friendly by comparison to digital radios.
• Analog radio waves broadcast a continuous signal, so every tone of a transmission is heard as a complete sound.
• Analog systems use the natural voice, which is a feature preferred by many users.

Con

• Typically only one two-way conversation can occur at a time on each channel.
• Analog systems require hardware receivers and transmitters that are designed to fit the particular transmission.
• No software-driven business applications are available for analog radios.
• Analog radios cannot filter out other noise around the sender.
• There is no privacy on an analog radio.
• Analog radios pick up interference from other transmitting stations.

Pros and Cons of Digital Radio

Pro

• Digital radios have greater range than analog.
• Digital and analog voice signals can be combined in the same digital devices.
• Digital signals can be handled by standardized antenna systems and existing infrastructure equipment.
• Digital radios have far more capabilities, such as: voice filtering; direct and group calling; text messaging; call privacy.
• Longer battery life.

Con

• Radio frequency noises can impact the signal received on a digital device.
• First-time users may experience a steep learning curve.
• Digital is currently typically more expensive than analog.

When considering your next fleet radio purchase, it will help to understand which transmission type will suit you best. Assess the level of reception of digital and analog radio signals at the location you intend to use the radio to help ensure you are making the right choice. Keep in mind the United States is moving in favor of digital transmission, which may affect the long-term worth and usability of analog models.

Whichever  you choose, the Sales Team at 2-Way Communications will be happy to help with the selection of radio and accessories that best meets your needs.Give them a call at (603) 421-6288 or send an email to sales@2-way.biz.

Motorola’s MotoTRBO SL 7000e Series

Here’s a quick look at one of the MotoTRBO radios that’s part of the current Motorola promotion, the SL 7000e series.

The SL 7000e Series is designed for the the ultra-busy manager and features a slim and light form and incorporates high performance integrated voice and data.

 

Here’s what’s new in these next-generation radios:

• Integrated Wi-Fi
• Over-the-air software updates
• Bluetooth® 4.0
• Indoor location tracking
• Integrated accelerometer for optional Man Down
• Upgraded audio for greater clarity at high volume
• Improved expandability
• Increased UHF transmitter power for greater range

SL 7000e Series radios include:

• SL 7550e: Color display, Full keypad, UHF
• SL 7580e: Color display, Full keypad, 800
• SL 7590e: Color display, Full keypad, 900

MOTOROLA SL 7550e FEATURES

• Dual internal speakers deliver loud, clear audio quality.
• Tri-color LED indicator for clear, visible feedback of calling, scanning, roaming and monitoring features.
• Contoured push-to-talk button provides comfort and is easy to access.
• Four-way navigation disc for easy scrolling through menus and channels (supports up to 1,000 channels).
• Three programmable option buttons for quick access to frequently used features; ability to program up to nine of your favorite features into a single programmable button; also supports emergency call.
• Audio connector port supports discreet wired audio accessories (wireless Bluetooth® audio also available).
• Built-in photosensor intuitively adjusts backlighting on the screen to optimize viewing in all types of conditions; special “day/night mode” changes screen and illuminates icons to make them clear and readable in varying light conditions.
• Large, high-definition, five-line, color display offers high clarity and resolution.
• Intelligent Audio feature automatically adjusts the radio volume according to the environment’s noise level.
• Innovative antenna design optimizes range performance.

Motorola SL 7580e Features

• Dual internal speakers deliver loud, clear audio quality.
• Tri-color LED indicator for clear, visible feedback of calling, scanning, roaming and monitoring features.
• Contoured push-to-talk button provides comfort and is easy to access.
• Four-way navigation disc for easy scrolling through menus and channels (supports up to 1,000 channels).
• Three programmable option buttons for quick access to frequently used features; ability to program up to nine of your favorite features into a single programmable button; also supports emergency call.
• Audio connector port supports discreet wired audio accessories (wireless Bluetooth® audio also available).
• Built-in photosensor intuitively adjusts backlighting on the screen to optimize viewing in all types of conditions; special “day/night mode” changes screen and illuminates icons to make them clear and readable in varying light conditions.
• Large, high-definition, five-line, color display offers high clarity and resolution.
• Intelligent Audio feature automatically adjusts the radio volume according to the environment’s noise level.
• Innovative antenna design optimizes range performance.

Motorola SL 7590e Features

• Dual internal speakers deliver loud, clear audio quality.
• Tri-color LED indicator for clear, visible feedback of calling, scanning, roaming and monitoring features.
• Contoured push-to-talk button provides comfort and is easy to access.
• Four-way navigation disc for easy scrolling through menus and channels (supports up to 1,000 channels).
• Three programmable option buttons for quick access to frequently used features; ability to program up to nine of your favorite features into a single programmable button; also supports emergency call.
• Audio connector port supports discreet wired audio accessories (wireless Bluetooth® audio also available).
• Built-in photosensor intuitively adjusts backlighting on the screen to optimize viewing in all types of conditions; special “day/night mode” changes screen and illuminates icons to make them clear and readable in varying light conditions.
• Large, high-definition, five-line, color display offers high clarity and resolution.
• Intelligent Audio feature automatically adjusts the radio volume according to the environment’s noise level.
• Innovative antenna design optimizes range performance.

If you’d like to learn more about these radios, or demo a MotoTRBO, call your 2-Way Communications account manager. It only takes a two minute phone call to get it started.

The XPR 7000e Portable Radio

 

The XPR 7000e Series is designed to keep the skilled professional better connected, more safe and more productive. With high-performance integrated voice and data and advanced features for efficient operation, these next-generation radios deliver superior two-way portable radio performance to your organization. The radio is tested to tough military standards and is waterproof to IP68. It won’t let you down.

Here’s a partial features list for these next-generation radios:

• Integrated Wi-Fi
• Over-the-air software updates
• Bluetooth® 4.0
• Indoor location tracking
• Integrated accelerometer for optional Man Down
• Enhanced audio quality
• Improved expand-ability
• Better battery life (up to 29 hours)
• Better range (up to 8%)
• Better waterproofing (IP68)

Bluetooth® audio lets you talk without wires, integrated Wi-Fi enables remote software upgrades. Total visibility of your resources is provided by indoor and outdoor location- tracking capabilities. Your organization stays connected as it grows via support for trunking and legacy analog technology. Text messaging and Work Order Ticketing simplify complex communications, and data capabilities support advanced applications. 29 hours of battery life is available via the latest energy technology, and range is boosted because of the improved receiver. The audio amplifier and industrial noise cancellation delivers loud, clear speech. The orange emergency button on XPR 7000e Series radios summons help with one touch, and the integrated accelerometer automatically calls for assistance should you fall.

The XPR 7000e Series radios include:

• XPR 7550e: Color display, Full keypad, VHF and UHF
• XPR 7580e: Color display, Full keypad, 800/900
• XPR 7350e: No display, No keypad, VHF and UHF
• XPR 7380e: No display, No keypad, 800/900

Connect with your account manager to learn more, or to set up a demo.

Motorola Q3 Promotion

MOTOROLA Solutions

Q3 PROMOTIONS FOR CUSTOMERS: July 1 – September 30, 2017

UNIFY YOUR WORKGROUP COMMUNICATINOS

Migrate your technology from legacy
to leading edge!

Enjoy savings on Motorola’s Team Communications solutions with these special offers,available July 1 through September 30, 2017. Team Communications solutions are designed for the demands of industrial and commercial workers. Migrate your technology and take advantage of sizeable trade-in discounts on Next-Generation MOTOTRBO™ XPR 7000e, XPR 7550 IS, and SL7000e radios, the SLR 8000 repeater, and special financing.

XPR 7000e / XPR 7550 IS / SL 7000e RADIO TRADE-IN OFFER

There’s never been a better time to turn to Motorola’s Next-Generation MOTOTRBO radios to enhance workforce efficiency, productivity and safety. You can save $1,200 USD when you purchase 10 MOTOTRBO XPR 7000e, XPR 7550 IS, or SL 7000e series radios and trade in 10 eligible units.

SLR 8000 REPEATER TRADE-IN OFFER

A huge leap forward in technology, the SLR 8000 represents the next evolution in repeaters. Save $500 USD when purchasing the MOTOTRBO SL 8000 repeater with a trade in of a Motorola Solutions MTR 2000 base station or other industry repeater.

POWERFUL FINANCING OPTIONS

Thanks to Motorola, you have options. As a Motorola customer you can take advantage of special financing offers such as 0% financing with no payments until 2018.