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MOTOTRBO

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claytonwright

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Hello everyone and thanks in advance for your help. I have been tasked with doing research on a MOTOTRBO system for a local private security agency. The security agency has come in contact with some cheap used XPR-6550 radios and are wanting to put them into use but not sure on the proper steps. They would be used in a approximately 10-20 mile radius from each other on a mobile patrol route. Are they able to just have the radios programmed on a general use freq or are they needing to file for a freq. through the FCC? Do they have to buy any extra hardware to set up a system and is this looking to be an expensive task if so?

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claytonwright

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Thank You. Are they going to need to apply for a fcc license or is the MOTOTRBO system unique where they don't need that?
 

clbsquared

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To start with, you should obtain the proper FCC licence. Second, you're not going to get that kind of range on a handheld, in a vehicle without a repeater. And then you need to figure out where you can put it. I would find a local communications company and find out if any of them will rent you tower space or rent you use of a system they currently have in place.

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SteveC0625

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Thank You. Are they going to need to apply for a fcc license or is the MOTOTRBO system unique where they don't need that?
You'll need a license. MOTOTRBO is simply a different type of electronic emissions using the same frequencies as other businesses and public safety organizations might use.

Those "cheap" radios may not be so cheap by the time they are outfitted with the proper firmware and reprogrammed to your licensed frequency. You don't even know that they'll operate on the frequency you need.

My best advice to you is to contact a local radio shop and seek their guidance on this. You still need a base radio and possibly a repeater. This is not as simple as buying a couple of used radios.

FWIW, any advice you receive here that doesn't include seeking guidance from a local to you radio professional who is knowledgeable and experienced should be taken with a large grain of salt.
 

n5ims

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1) FCC license would be required. MotoTRBO isn't anything special, it's just one of many different types of radios used by businesses on the "business band" (not a legal term, just a layman's way of saying the frequencies available for typical businesses to have their two-way radios on). Be aware that you'll not only need a FCC license, but will need to have a frequency coordinator in your area to find one or more frequencies for your business to use. For a repeater, you'll need to have at least two, an input (user to repeater frequency) and an output (repeater to user frequency). The frequency or frequencies will need to be compatible with your radios so it's important that you select the proper one(s) that your radio(s) will operate on.

2) A repeater is often the most expensive part of the system. The hardware is generally the least expensive part (and that's not generally all that cheap!) since it's basically a one-time expense (be sure to include funds for the antenna, some high quality feedline, a tower climber to install things, etc. etc. etc.). You'll also need a good site for your repeater and antenna. There will typically be a monthly cost for renting the space on the tower for your antenna and space on the ground for your equipment. You'll also need to have some specialized insurance that meets the specifications spelled out in the lease for that space as well.

You may be better served by contracting with a local company that provides businesses with access to their system. Chances are you'll end up with better coverage for less cost, and have someone to complain to when things don't work as you expect. They'll also make sure that you are initially legal and remain legal, even with changing rules and regulations. Those "cheap used" radios will only take care of the easiest and least expensive part of a properly working radio system.
 

RFI-EMI-GUY

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You might want to make sure those XPR-6550 are UHF 450 to 470 MHZ and actually have Mototrbo enabled or they might not be such a bargain.

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claytonwright

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Thank You everyone for your advice, it's been very helpful. I'll contact local companies and see what their prices are to link into their system. As far as tower space goes they do have a spot on a high rise building in the heart of the coverage area that they are able to install a repeater. I should also mention that these are UHF radios and were used by another company for their security but they have sense upgraded to the states 700mhz system with APX radios. We also have base stations too.
 
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