Motorola DTR700 Digital 900MHz 50 channel 1 Watt 2-Way Radio

The DTR700 is a digital radio that needs no FCC license, because it works in the 900 MHz ISM band rather than on licensed business frequencies. For a site that wants digital audio and private calling without a licensing process, that combination is unusual and it is the reason to look at this radio.

Key specifications

• Color: Black.
• Use: License-free, private digital communication for on-site business teams.
• Frequency: 900 MHz ISM using frequency-hopping spread spectrum.
• Channel capacity: 50 channels, with up to 200 contacts.
• Maximum published coverage: Up to 350,000 square feet or 30 floors with the standard whip antenna. Actual coverage depends on terrain and environmental conditions.

It uses Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum. Motorola's spec sheet states that FHSS gives more reliable and more private communication, and the practical effect is that a conversation is not sitting on one fixed frequency for anyone with a scanner to find. Only radios on the same group ID and channel hear the traffic.

The call features are what separate it from an analog radio. A programmable button reaches Call All and Page All directly rather than through the channel list, private calls alert one named user instead of putting everything on the open channel, and the radio sends preset text messages such as a call-you-back note, with custom messages available for a site's own needs.

Motorola specifies 50 channels at 50 kHz spacing, 1 watt of RF output, 8-level FSK modulation on 900 MHz FHSS, and frequency stability of plus or minus 1 PPM from -30 C to +60 C. Published range coverage is 350,000 square feet or 30 floors. The radio weighs 7.87 oz (223 g), runs a 3.7 V battery for a typical 16.5 hours on a 5/5/90 profile at maximum transmit power, and is rated IP54 to IEC 60529 and tested to Military Standard 810 C, D, E, F and G for shock, vibration, water, dust and temperature extremes.

Who it is for

The DTR700 is for a retail store, restaurant, school or hotel that wants digital audio, private one-to-one calling and remote management without an FCC licence. It runs on the licence-free 900 MHz ISM band with frequency-hopping spread spectrum, so a fleet is private to its own profile ID, chosen from 10,000 codes, and each radio holds up to 200 contacts for private calls, private groups and public groups. A manager can remote-monitor a radio or disable and re-enable it over the air. Read analog vs digital two-way radios for what digital changes on a site that is analog today.

Size, weight and battery

• Size: 5.06 x 2.2 x 1.06 in (128.5 x 56 x 27 mm).
• Weight: 7.87 oz (223 g).
• Battery life: 16.5 hours typical on a 5/5/90 profile at maximum transmitter power; Motorola notes that observed runtimes vary. Battery 3.7 V Li-Ion.
• Power and band: 1 W on 900 MHz ISM FHSS, 50 channels at 50 kHz spacing; 1 W audio output.
• Coverage: Motorola quotes up to 350,000 square feet or 30 floors with the standard whip antenna, depending on terrain and environmental conditions.
• Protection: IP54 to IEC 60529, tested to Military Standard 810 C through G; antimicrobial housing, which Motorola states does not protect users against bacteria, viruses or other disease organisms.
• Operating temperature: -22 F to 140 F (-30 C to +60 C) for the radio.

Licence

Motorola states the DTR700 is licensed by the FCC and Industry Canada to operate in the licence-free 900 MHz ISM band. No FCC business radio licence is needed.

Accessories that fit

CMI connector code: MA. Motorola's DTR700 specification sheet names the HKLN4599 earpiece with in-line microphone and PTT, the HKLN4601 surveillance earpiece, the HKLN4604 swivel earpiece, the PMLN7939 swivel clip holster, the PMAF4024 900 MHz whip antenna, the PMNN4578 2500 mAh battery, the PMPN4469 single-unit charger kit and the PMPN4465 six-pocket multi-unit charger kit, plus the HKKN4027 programming cable and HKKN4028 cloning cable.

Part number

CMI part number: DTR700. For a licence-free digital radio with a voice assistant and Wi-Fi features, see the Motorola Curve; see CMI's DTR series collection, Motorola collection and business radio collection.