A Look at Two-Way Radios for Schools

A Look at Two-Way Radios for Schools

Communication in school is so important to the safety and overall wellbeing of students and staff. The Motorola Solutions 2017 School Communications Survey found that schools serve as an important trend setter for communication. They have a strong need for multiple devices on the job, as well powerful data applications. School employees want to be able to communicate instantly and utilize features like GPS tracking and text messaging.

Motorola surveyed more than 720 educators across 48 states including administrators, office staff, IT employees, transportation directors, teachers, athletics personnel, maintenance workers, and more. Here are some of the facts they uncovered:

  • As of 2017, school personnel were using a variety of devices to communicate on the job. 31% of respondents said that email and Internet were their primary means of communication. This is a frightening fact considering the Internet could go out and email isn’t the quickest way to get a message across.
  • 30% of respondents said that two-way radios were the primary form of communication. Cell phones and land lines fall next in line. Two-way radios are growing in popularity, in 2015 just 10% of schools used them as their primary communication.
  • The most likely candidates to use two-way radios include principles, office staff, and maintenance personnel. Other staff that utilize two-way radios include district administrators, teachers, transportation employees, athletics personnel, operations staff, security, and safety teams.

According to Motorola, there are a variety of good reasons for school staff to utilize two-way radios.

“Two-way radios are purpose-built for highly reliable, instant communication between groups. Plus, two-way radios utilize secure, private networks that provide optimal coverage for the school and remain operational even during a crisis, allowing educators to communicate even when mobile phone towers are swamped by high traffic,” the study reports.

School Priorities vs. School Capabilities

While just about every school listed safety as their top priority, there was some disconnect between priorities and current capabilities. 92% of schools strive to create a safe and secure environment, but only 25% of schools had the measures in place to achieve this.

88% of schools say they want to have “always available communications,” but just 19% of schools have achieved this goal. In addition, 77% of schools want the ability to “hear clearly anywhere” and only 11% have achieved this. Furthermore, 76% would like direct communication with first responders, and only 17% have implemented the necessary technologies to do so.

Analog vs Digital Radios in Schools

Around 30% of schools are using analog radios, but there are so many benefits to utilizing digital technology, such as MOTOTRBO two-way radios. This is the leading form of instant communication, packing together features of a smart phone with the ease and reliability of push-to-talk.

Why are MOTOTRBO the best radios for schools?

There are many reasons why MOTOTRBO radios are the best for schools. For one, it gives a variety of different personnel – from the principle to the IT staff – a way to communicate using text messaging or push-to-talk. Plus, they have access to Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, and Wi-Fi connectivity. In addition, MOTOTRBO comes with advanced features for added safety like Transmit Interrupt, this feature ensures that the most important information is prioritized in an emergency.

As a Motorola two-way radio dealer, we offer a variety of Motorola radios for rent and sale. We are more than happy to help you find the right system to make your school run more safely and efficiently.

The Best Kenwood Two-way Radios – Pros and Cons of Different Models

The Best Kenwood Two-way Radios – Pros and Cons of Different Models

As a Kenwood two-way radio dealer, we offer a variety of Kenwood radios. There’s the sleek and powerful NX-5300, and the newer NX-320, as well as the NX-820 that is packing some serious power with 45 watts. Here’s an overview of the best Kenwood two-way radios to help you decide on the right model.

Kenwood Two-Way Radio Comparison

The NX-300 UHF NexEdge Radio

This fully featured device has a large screen (larger than the NX-320) and can output more than double the characters at one time. As a result, users can easily access more information. It is simple to program unique features to fit your needs. Plus, the device’s large internal memory can operate a considerable number of channels and frequencies.

This device is water and dust resistant for even the toughest jobs out there. That’s why it is a popular option for marine environments, as well as construction sites. All of the added features are accented by the radio’s excellent sound quality.

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Kenwood PKT-23K

Seeking a lightweight and small radio that won’t get in the way? At just 3.9oz, this is a great option to consider. Despite its compact size, it still offers a great number of features and functionality. It is packing 1.5 watts of power, offering superior communication across buildings big or small – including buildings that reach 17 floors high.

The built-in battery offers 15 hours of life which is pretty remarkable for a radio of this size. It is equipped with a Micro USB port for programming made simply. Plus, it has a 3.5mm audio jack for even more versatility when used with a variety of phone cables and accessories.

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Kenwood NX-5300

Meet the newest Kenwood flagship radio, the NX-5300. It combines two powerful qualities: the capabilities of a P25 public service radio as well as an industry grade UHF radio. This attribute puts the NX-5300 in a category of its own.

This radio is packing all of the features you need – like Bluetooth, GPS positioning, and there’s also an SD card slot. It is incredibly strong, resistant to dirt, dust and water. The battery offers 10 hours at minimum of ongoing power.

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Kenwood NX-320 UHF NexEdge Radio

The NX-320 features a new design and is super compact, while still offering all of the functionality, specifications, and rugged durability people have come to expect from Kenwood radios. This model was specially designed to offer display and function keys that are easy to use, and you can quickly train your team on how to make the most of them.

Even though it’s on the smaller side, it still has all the same capabilities as the larger models, including overall power capacity and call quality. There are two different models of this radio available, one of the models includes a display screen while the other does not.

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Kenwood NX-820

This is the most powerful Kenwood radio you can get your hands on. Packing 45 Watts, this radio can do more than any other radio. It offers a longer range of communication and a longer battery life to get through even the longest days. The inside of the device is completely outfitted with NEXEDGE and includes full analog conventional, LTR conventional and NXDN® conventional. Plus, it is trunked and offers trunked IP network support.

It features a built-in GPS receiver and has 10-character alphanumeric aliases. It is super durable with an IP-54 rating that makes it resistant to dust and water intrusion.

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What is MOTOTRBO by Motorola?

What is MOTOTRBO by Motorola?

MOTOTRBO, pronounced MOTO-TURBO, is a Motorola digital radio format designed for businesses, industrial and commercial use.  Due to its versatility, power, and advanced digital technology, it is leading the way in two-way radio functionality.

This digital communications product platform is designed after, as well as compatible with, the European 2-slot DMR and relies on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) in order to accommodate two concurrent users. One 12.5 kHz channel can carry two concurrent and neutral dialogues, as well as individual voice and data paths equivalent to 6.25 kHz. It’s worth noting that the bandwidth of DMR surpasses the greatest UHF 6.25 kHz channel centers.

The New Generation of Two-Way Radios

Considered the new generation of two-way radios, it offers greater possibilities for operational critical communications. According to John Jaderholm, a member of the Motorola System Solutions Team, “It’s designed for the communication needs of professional and commercial users. People in the utility, manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, municipality, transportation, construction, and in the educational markets,” just to name a few. 

Over the last few years, MOTOBRO has been highly successful and gives users a greater deal of control over their communication. It allows users to operate within different talkgroups, use wide-area operation through IP connection, and offers talkpaths comparable to trunking.

What is TDM (Time Division Multiple Access)

MOTOTRBO uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDM) to deliver remarkable voice quality to improve communications. In addition, it offers improved battery performance so that two-way radios last longer out in the field.

Other perks to MOTOTRBO include integrated data applications, increased capacity, and extended battery life. As a result, businesses are able to reduce operating costs and improve their bottom line. At the same time, employees can work more productively and maintain a more reliable and seamless form of communication. All of which also helps to improve the bottom line of your business.

What is MOTOTRBO Used For?

MOTOTRBO is used for portable radios, mobile radios, repeaters, controllers, and data applications. Essentially, it is customizable communication solution that can be adjusted to fit a variety of needs for many different industries. It can meet current needs, as well as adapt to meet future needs as your business grows and changes over time.

Industry Leading Features Offered by MOTOTRBO

There are several noteworthy features offered by MOTOTRBO that can help you get the most out of your business productivity. These features include:

  • Data applications
  • Integrated GPS module that allows you to locate all employees, as well as your fleet of vehicles at any time. This level of oversight offers managers a chance to improve productivity considerably.
  • Send and receive text messages from radios, as well as from computers, to enable communication even when verbal communication is not a practical option.
  • Greater range of data thanks to MOTOTRBO’s application developer program – this includes things like work ticket management, dispatch capability, system management, man-down applications and telephony.

Motorola and MOTOTRBO offer a “total solution you can count on that will grow right along with your business,” says Jaderholm.

Highland Wireless is a proud and certified supplier of Motorola radios. From finding the right radios for your team to offering affordable radio rentals, we are here to assist with all of your needs.

XPR-7550 vs XPR 550: Comparing Two Different Motorola Two-Way Radios

XPR-7550 vs XPR 5550: Comparing Two Different Motorola Two-Way Radios

What are the differences between the Motorola XPR-7550 vs. XPR-5550? For starters, the Motorola XPR-5550 is one of the most advanced two-way-radios available. In some cases, it might be too much radio for basic needs. While the features and technology of the XPR-5550 are rather exciting, the XPR-7550 should not be overlooked, especially if you don’t need as many features.

The XPR-7550 offers advanced technology and plenty of features to satisfy most needs. In addition, the XPR-7550 operates much like a smartphone. It is user-friendly and easy to train employees to use.

XPR-7550 Two-Way-Radio: Here’s What You Need to Know

This two-way-radio allows you to seamlessly integrate voice and data. The Motorola XPR-7550 is a user-friendly and advanced two-way-radio in the MOTOTRBO digital radio series.

It improves communication as well as overall efficiency by using Intelligent Audio.  The XPR-7550 features a 5-line full color LCD screen display. The design strongly resembles a smartphone. Some of its features even resemble those of a smartphone, such as GPS and Bluetooth. This two-way-radio is known for its combination of durability and sensibility. The Motorola XPR-7550 is a highly capable two-way-radio for use in just about any environment.

Advanced features of Motorola’s XPR-7550 include:

  • 5-line color display and programmable buttons
  • Bluetooth and Intelligent Audio
  • GPS
  • Expansion card
  • 1,000 channels
  • Extended battery life (powered by IMPRES)
  • Optional features such as Connect Plus and LTR/Passport
  • Durable and safe design

XPR-5550 Two-Way-Radio: What You Need to Know

Looking for an innovative “next generation” type radio that is a communication powerhouse? The Motorola XPR-5550 is everything you’ve been searching for and then some. This two-way-radio features hands-free operation with Bluetooth capability.

It offers users a solution to seamless operation and helps employees work safer and smarter. Take advantage of unlimited data applications, GPS tracking, work ticket management, and more.

Advanced features of Motorola’s XPR-5550 include:

  • Premium audio and quality
  • Bluetooth (audio and data)
  • GPS tracking
  • Text messaging
  • Customized expert applications
  • User-friendly full-color display
  • Flexible menu-driven user interface
  • Full backlit display (with day and night mode)
  • Increased security (built in scrambling)
  • Transmit interrupt
  • IP site connect
  • Limitless data applications
  • Durable design
  • Emergency button (optional)

XPR-7550 vs. XPR-5550 – Which Is the Best Two-Way-Radio for You?

If you’re trying to decide between Motorola’s XPR-7550 vs XPR-5550, there are a few things to consider. Both devices offer features such as premium audio, Bluetooth, and GPS.

The XPR-5550 offers exciting technology and features that will benefit your business and exceed your needs. It’s highly recommended for more demanding scenarios due to its added features. The XPR-5550 is a popular option in a wide variety of industries from delivery drivers to construction and maintenance crews.

The XPR-7550 doesn’t have as many bells and whistles but it can easily satisfy all basic needs. It resembles the design of most two-way-radios. On the other hand, the XPR-5550 looks much different. The Motorola XPR-5550 has a much smaller radio device supported by an additional device that is comparable in size to a Polaroid camera. In many cases, the XPR-7550 offers an effective and budget friendly option.

We offer affordable radio rentals that include all accessories. We welcome you to try out one of our top-notch Motorola or Kenwood radios to see how it helps improve your bottom line.

SL-7550 vs CP-200d: Motorola Two Way Radio Comparison

SL-7550 vs CP-200d: Motorola Two Way Radio Comparison

Today we are comparing two Motorola Radios, the SL-7550 vs CP-200d. Right off the bat, it’s easy to identify that the SL-7550 is far more advanced. The Motorola SL-7550 may be a better option if you need to train employees to use the device or communicate via text message. For more basic needs, the Motorola CP-200d two-way radio is still an advanced device that can satisfy just about every basic need.

SL-7550 Two-Way Radio: Breaking Down the Details

Tired of a bulky two-way-radio weighing you down? Motorola’s SL-7550 offers a thin, stylish, and advanced two-way-radio. Looking at its size, you can compare it to the size of most smartphones. The Motorola SL-7550 can be considered about half the weight of a standard two-way-radio.

Hospitality, retail, and a variety of other industries appreciate the sleek design of this radio. The Motorola SL-7550 can be used as an innovative digital communication device or a 2-watt UHF radio.

Four main features of this radio include:

#1. Sophisticated Lightweight Design with Bluetooth Connectivity

The Motorola SL-7550 offers advanced features that are pretty amazing considering its size. Users can take advantage of the Motorola SL-7550’s Bluetooth connectivity. You can send messages to nearby radios, connect to wireless headsets, and easily share contacts, sales data, phone numbers, and so on.

#2. Five-line Color Display, Keypad + Full-Color LCD Display Screen

These features enhance the appearance and usability of the Motorola SL-7550. Thanks to its display, users have access to a variety of messaging functions. Its user interface reflects most smartphones, this makes it easier to train staff to use the device. Plus, the display backlight is automatically controlled by an ambient light sensor.

#3. Premium Audio & Added Features Like Text Messaging

Motorola really checks off all the boxes with this device. You can create and send message now or save them for later. Plus, you can configure settings to generate reminders at certain times or instantly alert a supervisor. In addition, the Motorola SL-7550 delivers optimized voice transmission features that work to eliminate background noise.

#4. Advanced Programming

The Motorola SL-7550’s simple and sleek design is further complemented by its advanced programming capabilities and features. However, thanks to its user-friendly design its advanced features are also user-friendly. Programming options can be found by pressing one of the two programmable buttons on the side. Up to nine tasks can be programmed per button.

CP-200d Two Way Radio: Breaking Down the Details

The Motorola CP-200d two-way radio is perhaps one of Motorola’s most popular models. Its longstanding popularity has encouraged Motorola to continually improve and advance this device. Despite its rugged appearance, the CP-200d is lightweight and offers a functional design and interface. It can function in analog and digital modes.

Advanced features of Motorola’s CP-200d include:

  • Premium audio quality
  • Reliable coverage
  • Extended battery life
  • 16 channels
  • Dual Capacity Mode & basic privacy (digital mode)
  • Voice announcement
  • Digital Mobile Radio Standards

In addition, the CP-200d is a rather affordable radio that includes a two-year warranty.

SL-7550 vs. CP-200d – Which is the Best Two-Way Radio For You?

When comparing the Motorola SL-7550 and CP-200d two-way radios, you can instantly notice their design and features are distinctly different. The Motorola SL-7550 tends to appear more welcoming and easier to navigate. Overall, the Motorola SL-7550 is a much more advanced and user friendly two-way-radio. The list of features offered by the SL-7550 extend far beyond our summary above.

If you are searching for a relatively simple two-way-radio the CP-200d is an outstanding option.

Need additional help deciding? Contact us today to learn more about all of our two-way radios.