800MHz Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an 800MHz radio system?
• Who at UCSB is using this system?
• Who else uses this type of system?
• What kinds of portable radios I can buy?
• What are the distinctions among the available models?
• In the event of a power blackout, will the radios still work?
• What costs are associated with buying radios?
• What do you mean by "configuration charge"?
• How do I get other departments' talk groups programmed into my radio?
• How long do you expect this system to be operational?
• If I want to buy a radio, can I order it myself?
• What information will I need to include in my purchase order for a radio?
• Where do I go to get a radio repaired?
• Where can I get more information?

We currently have eighteen groups using the system: The College of Letters and Science, Student Health, Environmental Health & Safety, Facilities Management, Housing & Residential Services, Parking Services, Police, Paramedics, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Exercise and Sports Studies, Transportation Services, Business Services, KCSB, the Office of Information Technology, the Children's Center, Communications Services, UCen Dining Services, and Senior Officers (during campus emergencies).

The UC Regents have approved this system for all UC campuses, and it is now operational at every site. This allows staff at other campuses to assist in Mutual Aid. The radios will inter-operate among campuses for emergency situations.

There are four models of handheld radios to choose from: the Utility-Rated MotoTrbo XPR 6580, and the Public-Safety-rated XTS 1500 and 2500 Types I and II. Up to 2005, the campus used the Motorola MTS-2000. In 2005, Motorola discontinued the Public-Safety rated MTS 2000 series and replaced it with the XTS 1500 and 2500 models.

All the radios have the same power and range, so there is no penalty in performance if you choose a less expensive model. All can participate in UCSB emergency response and Emergency Operation Center conditions. However, there are differences.

• The MotoTrbo XPR6580 is the most cost-effective and simple to use, and can scan up to 16 talkgroups programmed into it.
• The Public-Safety-rated XTS 1500 is the least expensive, is simple to use, and can scan up to 16 talkgroups programmed into it.
• The Public-Safety-rated XTS 2500 Type I can also scan frequencies, can have up to 48 "talk groups" programmed into it, and can receive radio pages. It cannot be used for mutual aid on other UC campuses.
• The Public-Safety-rated XTS 2500 Type II can do all of the above, as well as initiate radio pages from a pre-programmed list, and participate in Mutual Aid emergencies on other UC campuses.

The main transmitters are connected to an emergency generator that provides power to the system in the event of a power outage. Should the generator fail, there are still several hours of battery power to sustain the system while other options are brought in. If the main transmitters are destroyed, there is a backup transmitter that is also connected to an emergency generator.

Individual departments using their own purchasing procedures purchase radios.

The MotoTrbo costs around $600. The XTS 1500 costs around $1,350. The XTS 2500 Type I and II radios cost about $2,200 and $2,600 respectively. This includes a one-year warranty, with an optional (but inexpensive and highly recommended) two-year additional maintenance plan, Express Service Plus, available from Motorola. Motorola also sells a wide range of accessories to serve special needs. Always be sure to contact our Motorola Manufacturer Representative for a firm quote before ordering any radio equipment or accessories.

There is also a configuration charge for each radio, and a monthly backbone maintenance fee that is based upon the total number of radios operated on campus. For the current monthly service fee, see our Rates page.

• A "reserved" status for a future talk group.
• An estimated 1-hour labor charge for initial configuration, at Communications Services' current labor recharge rate.
• A monthly per-radio charge for backbone maintenance.

The standard radio configuration has the three emergency talk groups installed, and creates a departmental talk group for daily radio use. This option provides the greatest flexibility to join other departments (with consent), add more radios to your group, and scan, and while still keeping your conversations private. Costs would be based on the following:

• A one-time, estimated 4-hour labor charge at Communications Services' current labor recharge rate to add your department's talk group to the radio system.
• An estimated 1-hour labor configuration charge per radio. If multiple radios are identically configured, all at the same time, this charge may be significantly reduced.
• A monthly per-radio charge for backbone maintenance.

Each department that uses the campus 800MHz radio system has a coordinator assigned. If you wish to have a particular talk group or groups added to your department’s radio configuration, Communications Services would need the written approval of that department’s coordinator. Contact Paul Valenzuela at extension 7222 or by email to pvalenzuela@commserv.ucsb.edu.

Best estimates are that the 800MHz system should be operational until at least the year 2016. There are plans to migrate to a new system sometime in the future but thta time is still undefined.

MotoTrbo XPR6580

XTS 1500 Radio

XTS 2500 Type I Radio

XTS 2500 Type II Radio

Be sure to contact our Motorola Manufacturer Representatives for a written quote to verify current pricing.

Tips on Accessories

• Consider buying a spare battery when you purchase your radio. That way you can always have a fresh one in the charger if the one you are using gives out.
• We believe you'll find the belt clip accessory very convenient.
• The Dipole antenna provides the highest quality reception. But due to its length and rigidity, it can be awkward and uncomfortable, especially in a motor vehicle. The Flex antenna performs nearly as well as the Dipole, and is much more comfortable to wear.

For a suggested list of accessories and general pricing, please contact Communications Services at help@commserv.ucsb.edu. To obtain a specific price quote or to order equipment, contact the Motorola Manufacturer Representative below.

For 800MHz Public Safety Radios (XTS 1500, XTS 2500, and base stations), MotoTrbo radios, or radio accessories or other Motorola products, contact:

DAYWIRELESS

Pierce Mitchell
Telephone: 818-557-7390 x6412
Cell: 818-220-3429
Email: pmitchell@daywireless.com

For 800MHz MotoTrbo radios, radio accessories or other Motorola products, you may also contact the following:

ADVANCED ELECTRONICS

Wendy Smit
Telephone: 310-725-0410 x234
Email: wsmit@advancedelectronics.com

BEARCOM

Larry Andershock
Telephone: (local) 310-854-2327;
Telephone: 800-546-2327 x40212
Fax: 214-343-5557
Cell: 310-629-9712
Email: larry.andershock@bearcom.com

Hand-held radios and base stations should be brought to the Communications Services Customer Service Center, at the rear of Public Safety Building 574. Do not bring any accessories with the radio (e.g., battery, antenna, or case). Include a written description of the problem you are experiencing.

For mobile radios (installed in vehicles), call the Communications Services Help Desk at extension 8700, or email repair@commserv.ucsb.edu, to arrange for a technician to diagnose the problem.

Contact Communications Services Customer Service at extension 8700, or email help@commserv.ucsb.edu.