Motorola MotoTRBO Two-Way Radio Repeater

Motorola MOTOTRBO radio repeater for analogue and digital radio communication

The devices in this category support MOTOTRBO digital operation and conventional analogue mode. A 64-channel capacity is common to the versions included in this category. Channel spacing of 12.5 / 20 / 25 kHz is available for both 1-10 W and 1-50 W versions. Digital operation includes the AMBE+2 digital vocoder, while selected configurations support two simultaneous voice or data paths in TDMA mode.

• VHF frequency range: 136-174 MHz.
• UHF frequency range: 400-470 MHz or 400-527 MHz, depending on configuration.
• Channel capacity: 64.
• RF output power: 1-10 W or 1-50 W, depending on configuration.
• Analogue and digital operation.

Frequency band, output power, power supply and installation design vary by configuration.

Which VHF and UHF frequency bands are available for Motorola MOTOTRBO radio repeaters?

VHF versions operate between 136-174 MHz. UHF configurations are available with 400-470 MHz or 400-527 MHz frequency ranges. Versions with 1-10 W RF output power have a frequency stability of 0.5 ppm, synthesised frequency generation and 12.5 / 20 / 25 kHz channel spacing.

Receiver characteristics for the 1-10 W versions include sensitivity of 0.3 uV, typically 0.22 uV, at 12 dB SINAD, and 0.25 uV, typically 0.18 uV, at 5% BER. Selectivity and intermodulation rejection depend on the selected frequency band and channel spacing.

Analogue and digital radio repeater modes, channel capacity and TDMA

The Motorola MOTOTRBO radio repeater category includes devices for both analogue and digital system environments. Supported system architectures include Digital Conventional, Analogue Conventional, IP Site Connect, Capacity Plus, Capacity Max, Connect Plus, Digital Voting and MPT 1327, although individual functions and system compatibility vary by configuration.

The 1-50 W versions support Digital Conventional, IP Site Connect, Capacity Plus, Linked Capacity Plus, Connect Plus, Analogue Conventional and MPT 1327 systems. Certain additional functions are available with optional software licences, including Capacity Plus, Linked Capacity Plus, Digital Telephone Patch and Repeater Digital Voting.

RF output power and radio repeater operating modes

The category includes versions with adjustable RF output power from 1-10 W and from 1-50 W. The 1-50 W versions are designed for 100% continuous duty at maximum output power. The 1-10 W versions also support a maximum duty cycle of 100% and support half-duplex and duplex operation.

For the 1-10 W versions, transmitter specifications include 40 dB intermodulation attenuation, adjacent channel power of 62 / 78 / 78 dB with 12.5 / 20 / 25 kHz channel spacing, 5% FSK error and 1% FSK magnitude. Conducted spurious emissions are -36 dBm below 1 GHz and -30 dBm above 1 GHz.

Radio repeater power supply, connections and installation options

Power supply and mechanical design vary within the category. The 1-50 W versions support 100-240 Vac, 47-63 Hz AC input and 11.0-14.4 Vdc DC input, with an integrated 12 V, 3 A battery charger. These units measure 44 x 483 x 370 mm, weigh 8.6 kg and use a 1U-high design suitable for installation in a 19-inch rack.

The 1-10 W versions operate from a nominal 12 V DC input, with an input voltage range of 11.0-15.5 V. Standby current consumption is 0.7 A, typically 0.63 A, while typical current consumption at 10 W transmit power is 3 A. An optional AC/DC power supply can be used. The enclosure measures 279 x 229 x 102 mm and weighs 4.54 kg.

Depending on configuration, connections include N-type socket Tx and Rx RF ports, BNC receiver connector, USB, Ethernet, RJ45 accessory connector, DC input and interfaces supporting external alarm or GPIO functions. Programming can be performed through a USB connection. Ethernet connectivity is used for remote monitoring on 1-50 W versions and for network connectivity on 1-10 W versions.

What protection and operating characteristics can a radio repeater provide?

The compact 1-10 W versions have an IP65 rating and an operating temperature range of -30 to +60 C. They are designed for indoor and outdoor installation and can be mounted on a wall, ceiling or pole. Their fanless construction uses a heat-sink enclosure, and the ventilation openings must remain unobstructed during operation.

The 1-50 W rack versions also have an operating temperature range of -30 to +60 C. The specified humidity is 95% relative humidity at 50 C without condensation. Installation requires appropriate ventilation, grounding, RF cabling and surge protection. Certain configurations require a radio licence and may require dealer programming.

Radio repeater technical advantages and points to consider

Advantages:

• 64-channel capacity with analogue and digital operating modes.
• Configurations are available for both VHF and UHF frequency bands.
• 100% maximum duty cycle for both 1-10 W and 1-50 W versions.
• USB programming and Ethernet connectivity on the relevant configurations.
• Both rack-mounted and compact IP65-rated installation designs are available.

Points to consider:

• The frequency range differs according to configuration.
• RF output power is adjustable within either the 1-10 W or 1-50 W range.
• Power supply and connector arrangements vary with the mechanical design.
• Supported system functions and optional licences are not identical across all versions.
• Rack-mounted or compact IP65-rated versions can be selected according to the installation environment.

When selecting a device, the radio system frequency band, system architecture, power supply and installation environment should be evaluated separately.

FAQ: What should you know about Motorola MOTOTRBO radio repeaters?

• Which frequency bands are available?
  The VHF range is 136-174 MHz, while the UHF range is either 400-470 MHz or 400-527 MHz, depending on configuration.
• How many channels are supported?
  The versions in this category provide a 64-channel capacity.
• Can they also be used in analogue systems?
  Yes. The repeaters in this category support both digital and conventional analogue operation.
• What RF output power is available?
  The category includes versions with adjustable RF output power of 1-10 W or 1-50 W.
• Which installation formats are available?
  A 19-inch, 1U rack-mounted design and a compact IP65-rated design suitable for wall, ceiling or pole mounting are available.

The required frequency band, RF output power, power supply, connectors and system functions should be checked separately when selecting a configuration.

Summary: How should you select a Motorola MOTOTRBO radio repeater?

The first step is to determine the required VHF or UHF frequency band, followed by the necessary RF output power, system architecture and installation method. We recommend narrowing the available options according to the 136-174 MHz, 400-470 MHz or 400-527 MHz frequency range, the 1-10 W or 1-50 W output power level, and the required rack-mounted or IP65-rated installation format, followed by verification of the required analogue, digital, trunked and network functions.