CommUSA’s Two Way Radio Blog

Motorola recently released a case study pertaining to NASCAR’S use of the MOTOTRBO two way radio system. The NASCAR schedule is very grueling, and they needed an onsite communications system that would withstand the long days, loud environment and large number of talk groups. These different talk groups could be car drivers, pit crews, emergency personnel, food and beverage vendors, media groups and administrative staff.

The case study said that NASCAR picked the MOTOTRBO system because it was able to:

1. Coordinate large numbers of radios
2. Ensure absolute audio clarity
3. Maintain consistent, reliable communications.
4. Able to withstand a rough environment.

Since the MOTOTRBO system is a digital two way radio system, you can have multiple talk groups. This is a nice feature when you have different groups who need to communicate privately. Audio quality has never been an issue with the MOTOTRBO. It has noise cancelling technologies that make the signal sound cleaner in noisy environments. Although I’ve never been to a NASCAR race, you can imagine how loud it is at the track.

The case study ended by saying that NASCAR is satisfied with the MOTOTRBO SYSTEM.  NASCAR’S President said that fans are still able to listen to their favorite drivers because the MOTOTRBO supports both digital and analog communications. The drivers must still be using the MOTOTRBO in analog mode, because you can only use the MOTOTRBO in digital or analog mode, not both.

Written by Adam Hermsdorfer - MOTOTRBO Experts

We often get questions on how far the signals of two way radios, otherwise called “walkie talkies” can go? In fact, it’s usually the first question that customers ask. This question is sparked by toy radios claims that they can go 25 miles. This blog post will debunk the myths!

Common questions and answers regarding the range of two way radios:

1. Why do toy radios say they can go 25 miles?  Manufacturers test these radios in desert, or over water,  where the  conditions are optical. The reality is conditions are never optical! When was the last time that you had total line of site, meaning you could see the other radio user with absolutely nothing in your way?
2. How far as can professional radios transmission go? If the radios are full power they can go forever if they have line of site. However, it depends on the building construction materials, hills, foliage or any other obstructions. CommUSA will only guarantee coverage after one of their Communications Consultants performs a coverage test.
3. How far can a repeater extend transmission? This also depends on the conditions and the environment. Repeaters can output a minimum of 40 watts, so they could possible go 100 miles depending on the conditions. We’ve been impressed with the MOTOTRBO XPR8300 repeater. The MOTOTRBO repeater is continuous duty, which means that it works 24 hours a day.  It also has an expandable ethernet port for ip connect.  This allows the repeater to connect to the internet with no additional equipment. MOTOTRBO repeaters also handle double capacity. This means that 2 channels are covered and you have the capacity of 2 repeaters in one unit.
4. Have you seen better range with the MOTOTRBO‘S?  Yes. The signal is clearer for the entire transmission.  With the MOTOTRBO, you have better audio quality at further distance. The signal will stay strong, and then it drops at the very end. The signals of analog radios, on the other hand,  slowly get weaker. That is when you hear static.

I hope this post helped debunk the myths of two way radio ranges!

Written by Adam Hermsdorfer - MOTOTRBO Experts