FACTS ABOUT TWO-WAY RADIOS
Most business users need to communicate on-site and around their structures. The primary concern in choosing the correct radio is coverage of the facility with a clear, crisp audio signal that is easy to understand. Wide area coverage of multiple buildings or the distance of a few miles may require use of a range extender / repeater. Range is determined by several factors:
- UHF analog radios provide the best coverage indoors and out; especially in steel and concrete structures and large, industrial or multi-story buildings. A 2-watt, UHF analog radio will provide better coverage inside industrial buildings than a 5-watt, VHF analog radio.
- DTR Digital radios provide comparable coverage to the 4-watt UHF analog radios in addition to having superior sound quality.
- VHF analog radios are good for outdoor, “line of sight” applications and inside wood structures.
- Power plays a role in determining coverage and signal penetration.
- Obstructions such as steel, metal, and concrete will reduce range and coverage.
| Model |
Inside Steel/Concrete
Industrial Buildings |
Inside Multi-Level
Buildings |
Typical User Markets |
| RMU2040, RMU2080, RMU2080d |
Up to 250,000 SQ FT |
Up to 20 Floors |
Construction, Property Management,
Manufacturing, Lodging |
| CLP1010, CLP1040, CLP1060, CLS1110, CLS1410 |
Up to 200,000 SQ FT |
Up to 10 Floors |
Retail, Hospitality, Restaurant, Lodging |
| DTR410, DTR550 |
Up to 350,000 SQ FT |
Up to 30 Floors |
Construction, Property Management,
Manufacturing |
| RDU4100, RDU4160d |
Up to 300,000 SQ FT |
Up to 30 Floors |
Construction, Property Management,
Manufacturing, Lodging |
| RMV2080, RMM2050 |
Up to 180,000 SQ FT |
Up to 10 Floors |
Construction, Property Management |
| RMV5100 |
Up to 250,000 SQ FT |
Up to 15 Floors |
Construction, Property Management |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which is better? UHF, DTR Digital, or VHF?
UHF analog radios offer optimal coverage and signal penetration indoors through concrete, steel, and metal or outdoors from building to building. DTR Digital radios offer the best audio quality along with coverage comparable to UHF 4-watt analog radios. VHF analog radios work well in flat, open areas or around wood structures.
How much power do I need?
Power is a major factor in achieving the range and coverage in a particular structure, as well as providing a clear, crisp audio signal that is easy to understand. Coverage is improved when power is increased. An exception is the 1-watt DTR digital radio. DTR Digital radios use less power than a 4-watt UHF analog radio yet offers comparable coverage to them.
How many channels do I need?
It depends on the application. Multiple channel radios are used when separating workgroups or departments. One channel per workgroup is typical. Some workgroup examples are: Management, shipping, manufacturing, maintenance, security, general and sub-contractors. (Radio example: RMU2080) Some department examples are: Stock, customer service, produce, and liquor. (Radio example: RMU2040)
Do current Motorola radios talk to older models and other brand radios?
Yes, as long as the frequencies, codes, and bandwidths match and the radios are either all analog or all digital.
Will DTR Digital radios work with UHF or VHF analog radios?
No.
How many two-way radios can be used together?
There is no limit.
Are there monthly fees or service contracts required?
There are no monthly fees or service contacts. However, an FCC license is required for operation of analog, UHF and VHF business two-way radio frequencies. DTR Digital radios do not require an FCC License.
Are Motorola two-way radios durable?
Yes. These radios are built rugged and durable for business use and meet Motorola’s accelerated life testing that includes a 5-foot drop to concrete.
Can two-way radios be used with range extenders / repeaters and base stations?
Yes. The CLP, DTR, RD, and RM models are dealer programmable to work with range extenders / repeaters and base stations.
