MOTOTRBO™ Two-Way Radios for Stadiums
Buying Guide
MOTOTRBO Two-Way Radios at a Glance
Amidst the crowded parking lots and manicured playing fields of a stadium, where safety and clear communication are critical, your teams must be equipped with technology that can provide instant, reliable communication at all times. MOTOTRBO two-way radios offer advanced communication and are engineered to bridge the gap between venue managers and emergency response teams to maintenance and security personnel. With features like long battery life, clear audio, and emergency signaling, these radios ensure that all stadium staff and fans can quickly connect with each other in any situation.
MOTOTRBO Radios Categories
Commercial Voice
Radios in this category include the CP 100d, SL 300, and R2. These are designed for straightforward voice communication.
Premium Voice, Broadband Data, Androids
The MOTOTRBO ION is a premium device offering voice, broadband data, and Android capabilities, combining radio and smartphone features.
Entry Professional Voice Basic System
The R5 is an entry-level professional radio providing a voice-basic system.
Professional Enhanced: Superb Voice, Enhanced Data, Systems, Features
This tier includes radios like the R7, XPR 2500 (for use in buses), XPR 5550e/XPR 5580e (for use in buses), and XPR 5000E HCH (for use in buses). These offer enhanced voice, data, and system features.
Capabilities
Data
Motorola Solutions' two-way radio portfolio helps address the complex communication needs of stadiums. Specialized devices combine robust data handling and secure voice communication, plus text messaging for discreet communication, reducing the need for multiple devices and ensuring reliability in critical situations on private networks.
Converged vs Collaborative
Converged devices, like MOTOTRBO ION, combine the benefits of two-way radio and smartphones, offering data and voice with renowned Push-to-Talk (PTT) performance, an open app ecosystem on the Android platform, and access to Motorola Solutions' safety & security ecosystem. Collaborative devices, like the R7, are designed to complement more data-intensive devices in your fleet and work with other tools like body cameras, video security, and sensors.
Audio
Clear audio is a prominent feature for both end-users and buyers. The ability to hear and be heard clearly is crucial for the safety of staff, fans, and players. All MOTOTRBO radios have basic noise-canceling features, with more advanced options available on higher-tier radios.
Connected Ecosystem
The MOTOTRBO portfolio connects to other technology within the Motorola Solutions safety & security ecosystem, enhancing communication investments by linking critical systems like video security and access control with two-way radios and body cameras for proactive incident prevention. For example, pressing the radio's emergency button sends an alert and simultaneously starts recording on a paired VB400 body camera. Utilizing Orchestrate, radios can receive automatic text alerts from cameras and sensors, while computer-aided dispatch enables desktop management of voice communications. Broadband push-to-talk solutions can further extend network reach beyond traditional radio systems.
[Description of radio UI image: A Motorola radio displaying a main menu with options like 'Main Menu', 'Bluetooth', and icons for various functions.]
Understanding Device Durability
Stadium communication devices need to be robust and reliable to handle diverse and dynamic stadium settings. IP (Ingress Protection) ratings serve as a benchmark for device durability, with the first digit indicating defense against solid objects and the second against liquids. MOTOTRBO radios range from IP54 to IP68.
IP Rating Explained
# | Object Size | Example |
---|---|---|
0 | — | No protection against contact and ingress of objects |
1 | >50 mm | Protected against large objects |
2 | >12.5 mm | Protected against fingers |
3 | >2.5 mm | Protected against tools |
4 | >1 mm | Protected against wires |
5 | Dust | Dustproof: Dust may enter, but not enough to interfere with product operation |
6 | Dust | Dust-tight. No dust may enter |
# | Protection |
---|---|
0 | Not protected against liquid intrusion |
1 | Protected against vertical dripping water |
2 | Protected against water dripping at an angle |
3 | Protected against spraying water |
4 | Protected against splashing water |
5 | Protected against water jets |
6 | Protected against powerful water jets |
7 | Protected against immersion (up to 1m / 3ft for 30 mins) |
8 | Protected against immersion (beyond 1m / 3ft - Motorola tests to 2m / 6.6 ft for 2 hrs) |
Hazardous location certifications are sought after for environments where flammable or explosive gasses, liquids, dust, or "flyings" may be encountered. Health and safety regulations often mandate that products used in these areas must be HazLoc-certified.
Hazloc certified models are available starting at the entry professional tier and up. Intrinsically safe* models are professional enhanced tier and up.
*Intrinsically Safe is an equipment design protection method for Division 1 which encompasses hazards that may be present under normal operating conditions or frequently present during maintenance and repair work.
Connectivity
Direct Mode/Single Site Conventional
Each MOTOTRBO radio can communicate directly with other radios, without repeaters or radio systems. They also work well with single-site conventional systems (local network systems). These basic systems enhance direct radio chats by using a powerful repeater to boost the signal, improving range and control. MOTOTRBO radios operate in both direct radio-to-radio mode and within these local, single-location networks.
MOTOTRBO DMR Systems
MOTOTRBO systems offer advantages over conventional systems and direct mode, including more user capacity, customized coverage, and increased control. Systems can be deployed for single- or multi-site, employing dynamic trunking to increase capacity for up to 750 sites, with up to 3000 users per site. MOTOTRBO systems serve as the backhaul for voice and data for a network of applications developed for radio users. Entry-level professional radios are designed for Capacity Plus Systems, and professional enhanced radios for Capacity Max systems.
System Types and Capacities
- Single Site Conventional: Up to 200 users, baseline coverage.
- IP Site Connect (1-5 Sites): Up to 200 users, extended coverage.
- Capacity Plus (single & multi-site, 1-15 Sites): Up to 1600 users/site, cost-effective coverage and capacity.
- Capacity Max (1-250 Sites): Up to 3000 users/site, comprehensive coverage, capacity, and control.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi allows radio managers to update radios remotely and quickly. It is available for setup and for push-to-talk (PTT) services through WAVE PTX on advanced models. PTT over WAVE PTX covers areas where the normal radio system might not work. Full Wi-Fi data is available on the Premium tier with MOTOTRBO ION.
LTE
WAVE PTX is a push-to-talk (PTT) over LTE service that enables MOTOTRBO radios from the professional enhanced tier upwards to communicate nationwide. MOTOTRBO ION offers complete Wi-Fi and LTE data capabilities, allowing communication over mobile networks and faster updates or programming over LTE.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth connectivity allows MOTOTRBO devices to connect to audio and data applications. Wireless Bluetooth accessories, such as remote speaker microphones and headsets, enhance the audio experience.
Coverage
Customized Coverage with MOTOTRBO
MOTOTRBO systems provide personalized voice communication networks that ensure staff stays in touch, regardless of location. These systems combine superior signal strength with flexibility to customize site coverage, a predictable cost structure, control over network features and devices, capacity for numerous devices, and the capability to keep teams connected with just a button press.
Interoperability
While all DMR radios are designed to an international standard enabling interoperability between brands, MOTOTRBO radios can work with various devices over broadband data networks via WAVE PTX. The WAVE PTX application allows smartphones, tablets, and other devices to connect with MOTOTRBO over LTE and Wi-Fi.
Device Handover
DMR, Wi-Fi, and LTE offer voice interoperability through MOTOTRBO, but handover between these devices requires manual intervention. MOTOTRBO ION's Seamless Voice Handover maintains voice communications by automatically switching to broadband when the radio signal fades. Authentication, status, talkgroups, and encryption are preserved without interruptions or resets.
Our Top MOTOTRBO Picks for Stadiums
MOTOTRBO ION
[Description of MOTOTRBO ION radio image: A sleek, modern radio with a screen and keypad.] The MOTOTRBO ION smart radio is a cutting-edge communication tool combining instant push-to-talk communication with smartphone-like versatility. It runs on the Android platform, offers access to a wide range of apps, and seamlessly connects with Motorola Solutions' safety and security ecosystem. It provides stadiums with access to video security footage, video analytics, secure networking, and innovative services like intelligent virtual assistants to enhance safety and efficiency.
MOTOTRBO R7
[Description of MOTOTRBO R7 radio image: A robust, professional-looking two-way radio.] The MOTOTRBO R7 is a robust, digital two-way radio delivering exceptional audio clarity for reliable communication among stadium staff. Built to endure the exciting atmosphere of a stadium, this durable device ensures messages come through loud and clear, even in noisy surroundings. With forward-thinking connectivity features, the R7 equips stadium staff with a communication tool prepared for evolving stadium demands.
MOTOTRBO R5
[Description of MOTOTRBO R5 radio image: A compact, durable-looking two-way radio.] The MOTOTRBO R5 helps connect your team to boost efficiency and safety with loud, clear audio that cuts through background noise. Designed with intuitive status indications and controls so staff can focus on their tasks, this tough, compact device is built to last, helping stadium staff stay connected across operations.
MOTOTRBO SL3500e
[Description of MOTOTRBO SL3500e radio image: A slim, discreet two-way radio.] The MOTOTRBO SL3500e portable two-way radio is a sleek, discreet communication tool perfectly designed for stadium needs. Its slim profile and light weight make it unobtrusive, allowing staff to carry it throughout the day without burden. The radio features a virtual keypad and display for navigating channels and features, facilitating quick communication. With advanced audio quality, the SL3500e ensures messages are heard clearly, and its integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities allow for seamless connectivity, integrating smoothly into daily stadium staff activities.
MOTOTRBO Radio Tier Comparison
Feature | Entry Professional (R5) | Entry Professional (SL3500e) | Professional Enhanced (R7) | Premium (ION) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Adaptive Dual Microphone Noise Suppression | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Automatic Acoustic Feedback Suppression | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Color Display | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Broadband (LTE/Wi-Fi) Data | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Bluetooth | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Android OS / Google Play Store | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Video Streaming | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Automated Analytic Alerting (Orchestrate) | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
IP Rating | IP67 | IP54 | IP68 & IP66 | IP68 |
Fall Alert | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Lone Worker | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
HazLoc Certified | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Intrinsically Safe | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Direct Mode | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Single Site Conventional | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
IP Site Connect | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Capacity Plus | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Capacity Max | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Seamless Voice Handover | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
What's Next?
Bring MOTOTRBO to Your Stadium
Motorola Solutions and its extensive network of partners are here to help. Get started by reaching out to the Motorola Solutions team. Experts will work with you to understand the unique needs of your stadium and help you uncover the best options to maximize your technology investment.
Contact Motorola Solutions today to get in touch with a Motorola Solutions representative.