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, Recreational Activities, 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 three models of handheld radios to choose from: the XTS 1500, and the XTS 2500 Types I and II. Up to 2005, the campus used the Motorola MTS-2000. In 2005, Motorola discontinued the MTS 2000 series and replaced it with the XTS 1500 and 2500 models. Motorola will continue to support the MTS model until 2011 (see Legacy MTS 2000 Accessories and Equipment below).

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 XTS 1500 is the most cost-effective, simple to use and can scan up to 16 talkgroups programmed into it.
• The 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 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. XTS 1500 costs abound $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 backbone maintenance fee that is based upon the total number of radios operated on campus. For the current backbone maintenance fee, contact help@commserv.ucsb.edu.

• 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 2009 and probably well beyond. There are no plans to replace the system at this time.

The 800MHz system replaces two older systems, which used frequencies of 150MHz and 450MHz. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which licenses two-way radios systems, required that the 150MHz system be turned off once the 800MHz system was operational. The 450MHz system can still be used, but according to the FCC license, the system can only be repaired -- not added to or enhanced in any way. This means that no 450MHz radios can be added, and that the repeater cannot be made more powerful. Instead, new radio users will have to move to the 800MHz radio family, or use a stand-alone radio system.

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.

All other accessories and chargers are reported to be interchangeable with MTS 2000 and XTS 1500/2500 equipment. Batteries are NOT interchangeable between the MTS 2000 and XTS 1500/2500 equipment. Please verify the above with our Motorola Manufacturer Representative before purchasing.

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 all 800MHz radios (handhelds, mobile, and base stations):

DAYWIRELESS

Ken Gurwell
Telephone: 818-557-7390
Fax: 818-557-0254
Email: kgurwell@daywireless.com

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

ADVANCED ELECTRONICS

Mark Carry
Telephone: 310-643-8167
Fax: 310-725-0410
Cell: 310-261-3620
Email: markcarry@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 Trouble Desk at extension 4600, 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.