Approved Devices

Radios and Devices Approved for the RNRC Network

RNRC uses professional Motorola MOTOTRBO equipment for its VHF radio network, with optional broadband push-to-talk access available through Motorola WAVE PTX.

Traditional subscriber radios must be VHF. RNRC's land mobile radio network operates in the VHF band. When purchasing a portable or mobile radio for use on RNRC, make sure you are purchasing the VHF version of the approved model.

Approved VHF Radios

Members may purchase approved equipment new, used, or professionally refurbished. RNRC can also help members verify equipment before purchase or assist with sourcing compatible radios.

Motorola R7 portable two-way radio
Recommended

Motorola R7

Portable / Handheld Radio

The Motorola R7 is RNRC's preferred portable radio for members purchasing new equipment.

  • Professional MOTOTRBO portable radio
  • Available in VHF configurations
  • Designed for demanding field environments
  • Modern Motorola platform
  • Best choice for new RNRC portable-radio purchases

The R7 provides a more future-ready platform for members who want to purchase equipment with long-term RNRC network growth in mind.

RNRC recommendation: Choose the R7 when purchasing a new handheld unless there is a specific reason to use another approved model.
Motorola R7 Information
Motorola XPR7550e portable two-way radio
Discontinued

Motorola XPR 7550e

Portable / Handheld Radio

The XPR 7550e is an older MOTOTRBO portable platform that remains an approved option for the current RNRC network.

  • Professional MOTOTRBO portable radio
  • VHF models are compatible with RNRC
  • Well-established commercial radio platform
  • Commonly available on the used and refurbished market

Motorola has discontinued this model, but there remains a healthy used and refurbished marketplace. This can make the XPR 7550e an attractive lower-cost option for members who do not need to buy new.

Future network note: The XPR 7550e is approved for the current RNRC architecture. If RNRC eventually migrates to a future system architecture that requires different subscriber capabilities, members using older radios may need to upgrade at that time.
Motorola XPR5550e mobile two-way radio
Approved Mobile

Motorola XPR 5550e

Vehicle / Mobile Radio

The XPR 5550e is an approved mobile radio for vehicles, equipment, offices, and other installations where a higher-power VHF radio and external antenna are appropriate.

  • Professional MOTOTRBO mobile radio
  • Available in VHF configurations
  • Higher transmit power than a handheld radio
  • Designed for use with an externally mounted antenna
  • Strong option for vehicles and fixed installations

For users who spend significant time in vehicles or operate near the edge of network coverage, a properly installed mobile radio will generally provide stronger communications performance than a handheld.

Important: The radio must be the VHF version and must be programmed and approved for use on the RNRC network.

Optional Broadband & ROIP Devices

Members who need access to RNRC communications outside normal VHF coverage may add Motorola WAVE PTX broadband devices and applications. These options use internet connectivity rather than directly transmitting on the VHF radio system.

Motorola TLK 150 broadband push-to-talk mobile device
Broadband / ROIP

Motorola TLK 150

Vehicle Broadband Push-to-Talk Device

The TLK 150 provides a familiar vehicle-radio style interface while communicating over Motorola WAVE PTX rather than directly over VHF.

  • Designed for vehicle installation
  • Uses cellular data and/or Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Push-to-talk operation similar to a traditional mobile radio
  • Can participate in authorized WAVE PTX communications
  • Useful outside the physical RNRC VHF coverage footprint

When WAVE PTX is integrated with RNRC communications, a TLK 150 user can communicate with authorized radio-network users even when the TLK user is far outside normal VHF repeater coverage.

Internet required: The TLK 150 is not a VHF radio. It requires suitable broadband connectivity to reach WAVE PTX.
Motorola TLK 150 Information
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Motorola WAVE PTX
Smartphone Push-to-Talk
Broadband / ROIP

WAVE PTX Smartphone App

Smartphone Broadband Push-to-Talk

WAVE PTX can turn a supported smartphone into an authorized push-to-talk endpoint connected to RNRC communications.

  • Runs on supported smartphones
  • Uses cellular data or Wi-Fi
  • Provides push-to-talk access over broadband
  • Useful for managers, office personnel, and traveling users
  • Can extend access far beyond the VHF coverage area

This allows authorized users to stay connected to RNRC communications anywhere they have a suitable internet connection, subject to WAVE service availability and RNRC access permissions.

Optional service: The WAVE PTX smartphone app is not required for normal RNRC radio operation. Standard VHF subscriber radios communicate directly with RNRC repeater sites and do not require internet connectivity.
Motorola WAVE PTX Information
Additional subscription costs apply. TLK devices and the WAVE PTX smartphone application require Motorola WAVE PTX service and associated subscriptions. These costs are separate from standard RNRC participation and VHF radio service. WAVE PTX and ROIP access are optional add-ons. Members using ordinary RNRC portable and mobile VHF radios do not need a cellular plan, Wi-Fi, or internet connection on their subscriber radio.

Bring Your Own Radio

Members are not required to purchase radios directly from RNRC. Approved radios may be purchased from another dealer or obtained through the used or refurbished market, subject to RNRC approval.

Approved Model The radio must be a model and configuration approved for use on the RNRC network.
VHF Required Traditional portable and mobile subscriber radios must be the VHF version of the approved model.
RNRC Programming Subscriber radios must be programmed or otherwise authorized by RNRC before they are placed on the network.
Used Radios Are Welcome Used and professionally refurbished equipment is acceptable when the radio is compatible and in suitable operating condition.

Not Sure Which Radio to Buy?

Contact RNRC before purchasing equipment. We can help verify that a radio is the correct model and frequency range, discuss whether a portable or mobile radio better fits your needs, and help identify appropriate new, used, or refurbished equipment.

Choose the Equipment That Fits Your Operation

RNRC supports professional VHF radios for field communications and optional WAVE PTX broadband devices for members who want access beyond the physical radio coverage area.