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What are the key differences between analogue PMR446 and digital on-site business two-way radios?
Analogue PMR446 on-site radios offer only one-to-all, (public) group communications. Digital on-site radios are also capable of one-to-all communications, but in addition also offer both one-to-one and one-to-many private communications. Digital radios offer enhanced capabilities due to their ability to transmit and receive data as well as voice.
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What band do these digital on-site radios operate on?
The DTR Series™ Digital On-Site two-way radios operate on the 2.4GHz ISM frequency band, which does not require a license.
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What does "ISM" stand for and what are the specific frequencies in the 2.4 GHz ISM Band?
"ISM" stands for Industrial, Scientific and Medical. The DTR Series radios operate from 2.40 – 2.45 GHz.
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Can DTR radios be used anywhere in the world?
Because DTR Series radios operate on the 2.4GHz frequency, the radios can be used anywhere in the world that wireless/WiFi devices can be used. In addition, the radio is supplied complete with North American, European and UK adapters to enable universal charging capability.
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What other products operate in the 2.4GHz ISM band?
Other products that use the 2.4GHz band include Bluetooth and WiFi (wireless LAN) devices.
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What is the coverage area of DTR?
As with all radios, DTR coverage will depend on operating conditions, the terrain and building structure in which it operates. Directly comparative range tests have demonstrated DTR’s ability to exceed coverage achieved by PMR446 radios.
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How do DTR radios achieve better coverage than Bluetooth or other 2.4GHz wireless devices?
Bluetooth devices typically use very low power since the requirement is for very short range wireless links. A combination of receiver circuitry, enhanced receiver sensitivity and the use of two good antennas (WiFi typically has a relatively poor antenna on the PC), ensures that DTR is capable of achieving coverage equivalent to, or better than normal PMR446 radios
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What does Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) mean and what are the benefits of having it?
FHSS means that the (digitized) voice/text message is broken down into small packets that are transmitted on different frequencies, to minimize the chance of either interference from, or eavesdropping by, other 2.4GHz users. The radios "hop" from one frequency to another following a "pseudo-random hopping sequence." The DTR Series radios "hop" between 50 frequencies, staying on each frequency for 90msecs to transmit/receive voice/text message data packets.
Each packet is sent multiple times, to further minimize the chance of not receiving packets due to interference from another 2.4GHz product, and to improve the receiver sensitivity. For voice transmissions, the received packets are re-assembled on a "rolling basis" to form the total "message," converted back to analogue signals, and sent to the loudspeaker.
Unlike analogue radios, multiple group or private communications can occur simultaneously on the same channel, because each Public/Private/Individual call uses a different pseudo-random hopping sequence to "hop" around the 50 frequencies.
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Can my transmissions be picked up on a radio scanner that someone might purchase from an electronics store?
No, DTR Series radios utilize digital frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology that does not allow eavesdropping from consumer electronics equipment. DTR is therefore a very secure method of communication.
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What about radio compatibility?
Because of its unique operating protocol, DTR Series Digital On-Site radios are only compatible with other 2.4GHz DTR Series radio models.
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Can the DTR audio accessories be used with other Motorola radios?
DTR Series radios can use most audio accessories compatible with XTN446, XTX446 and CLS446 radios. In addition, DTR also offers a range of new dedicated accessories, such as a car charger. Contact Motorola or an Authorized Dealer for specific compatibility information.
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What is the battery life of the DTR Series radios?
The DTR Series Radio (model DTR2450) uses a high capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery that delivers up to 23 hours of operation based on a 5% transmit, 5% receive, 90% standby duty cycle (up to 18 hours using standard lithium-ion for DTR2430).
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What is the warranty on the DTR Series radios?
Each DTR Series radio is backed by a Motorola one-year warranty on parts and labour. Consult your dealer for more information or refer to the User Guide contained within each package for details.
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How rugged are the DTR Series radios?
All DTR Series radios are designed to meet Military 810 C, D, E and F standards for shock, vibration, water, dust and temperature extremes.
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What does Digital One-to-One Calling mean?
Digital One-to-One Calling allows you to call and talk privately with a specific user's radio. A private-call recipient gets a private-call alert, either an audible or vibrating signal. Additionally, the recipient's radio displays the caller's ID.
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What is the difference between a Public Group Call and a Private Group Call?
Public Group calling allows all other DTR Series radios on the same channel and Group ID to hear communications, similar to analogue radio operation. Private Group Calling enables you to program DTR Series radios to communicate privately and securely with specific sets of group members. The Caller ID feature displays group identification.
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Does the radio have different alert tones for different types of call?
All Group Calls use the same alert tone. By default, Private Calls use the same alert tone as Group Calls. However, when programming the contact list you can select a unique alert tone for a Private contact from a list of 12 tones.
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Can I download my own alert tones into the radio?
No, the DTR Series radios do not support downloadable alert tones. The radio is equipped with 12 alert tones that can be assigned to different entries in the contact list while in programming mode.
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Can I send a Public or Private Group ID from my Contact List "over the air" to another radio?
Yes, any contact can be sent over-the-air to your private or group contacts from the Cloning menu (DTR Model 2450 only).
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How many characters can I use when naming a Group or Private ID?
Unit ID names may be up to 20 characters, but will be abbreviated to the first 10. They can be viewed in their entirety by accessing View while in the Contact List.
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If I am using a DTR Series radio for my company (on-site) and the building next to me has a set as well, if we are on the same public group, can we hear each other?
If both sets of radios are set to the same Public Group ID, Channel, and within range they will communicate to each other.
DTR Series radios ship pre-programmed with 5 Public Groups using Group ID's 1 - 5 on Channel 1. This can be changed to another of the up to 100 Group IDs and 10 Channels in order to provide non-overlapping communication groups or to minimize the chance of interference.
However, for even greater privacy, Private Groups can be created utilizing the radio’s unique 11-digit Group ID in order to receive transmissions, thereby providing private and secure calls.
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Is the antenna removable or replaceable?
Yes. DTR has a removable and replaceable antenna.
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Is a repeater available?
The in-building range of the DTR Series platform is up to 20% greater than the XTN446, so a repeater is not necessary for most on-site applications.
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How powerful are the DTR series radios?
The DTR Digital On-Site radios transmit at 100mW power.
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Is the Mini Keyboard accessory required to type Unit ID names in?
When a new private ID is added, the unit name defaults to the Unit ID. When a new group is added, the group name defaults to "Public 6" or "Private 1", with the number incrementing as new items are added. In order to change the defaulted name (to "Security" or "Fred Smith") either the Mini Keyboard or the optional Customer Programming Software is used.
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How do I add a new radio to the existing fleet?
New radios can be programmed either using the Customer Programming Software or the Mini Keyboard accessory. The radio is then added to the fleet utilisng the "over-the-air" update facility.
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How do I know when a call is successfully connected?
Unlike PMR446, when a call is made on the DTR Series radio, confirmation is given that the called radio is switched on, is in range and is able to take the call. In addition, when the call is connected, the caller id of both called and calling radios are displayed.
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When the Remote Disable feature is used to disable a radio, how is the disabled radio re-activated? Does it need to be returned to Motorola or my dealer for re-activation?
The radio can be re-enabled from another DTR2450 radio that has the disabled radio's Unit ID. The DTR2450 radio must have Manager Mode activated in order to view the Remote Disable feature in Advanced Settings.
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How long do I have while swapping the battery before losing the current time and date?
The radio will retain time and date settings for up to 15 minutes. The Remote Time feature can be used to update other radios on the same channel and Group ID.
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Can I create and store my own SMS messages? If so, how many?
Yes. Messages can be edited or new messages added either using the Mini Keyboard accessory or the optional Customer programming Software. The DTR2450 allows up to 25 stored messages, while the DTR2430 allows up to 15.
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How many characters can be sent in an SMS message to another radio?
SMS messages can be up to 80 characters.
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Can I send longer text messages from the keyboard than from the stored (canned) list?
Both stored messages and those entered in user mode using the Mini Keyboard are limited to 80 characters.
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Do I get an acknowledgement that my text message has been received?
Yes, the DTR Series radio does provide acknowledgement that a text message has been sent. If sending a text message to a group, transmission must be successful to at least one member.
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Can I enter special characters and accents into a text message using the keyboard?
Yes, refer to your User's Guide for instructions on the Mini Keyboard accessory.
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