Motorola Trunking Concepts

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Introduction
This training program covering Trunking Concepts is intended to provide customer

technicians the prerequisite knowledge required for the SmartZone and
SmartZone OmniLink training programs. Although the main audience intended for
this training is Motorola, customer, and dealer/MSS technicians, the first five
modules may be appropriate for other audiences such as Motorola/Dealer sales
personnel, customer management and administrative personnel, and others with
a need to learn Motorola trunking concepts. The remaining modules (6 - 8) are
more detailed and technically oriented and may not be appropriate for all
audiences.
Module Titles
Module 1. Introduction to Trunking 1-3
Module 2. How Trunking Works 2-1
Module 3. Trunked Call Types 3-1
Module 4. Trunked System Features 4-1
Module 5. Private Trunked Systems 5-1
Module 6. Trunking Signaling 6-1
Module 7. Type I vs. Type II Trunking 7-1
Module 8. System ID Structure 8-1
Objectives
Upon completion of this segment of the training, the learner should be able to:
• Define trunking.
• Describe the advantages of trunking.
• Identify the FCC loading requirements for trunked systems.
• Explain how users are organized in a trunked system.
• Identify the components that comprise a basic trunked system.
• Explain the basic functionality of a trunked system and how a call is
processed.
Motorola Confidential 1-1 V.1.0

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
• Differentiate between message trunking and transmission trunking.

• Describe trunked system access features.
• Describe the timeout parameters used in a trunked system.
• Describe the trunked system reliability features.
• Describe each of the trunked systems types provided by Motorola.
• Describe the Voice on Control (VOC) operation available in Motorola trunked
systems.
• Describe the ID structure used in a trunked system.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module 1: Introduction to Trunking
Contents
Topic 1: Trunking Concepts 1-4

This topic introduces the concept of trunked systems and shows how
non-trunked and trunked systems compare.
Topic 2: Trunking Features and Advantages 1-8

This topic describes important features and advantages of Motorola
trunked radio systems.
Activity 1-10
In this activity, you will match features and advantages of trunked
radio systems with their descriptions.
Topic 3: Channel Loading Criteria 1-11

This topic describes FCC requirements for channel loading in two-way
radio communication systems.
Module Exercises 1-12

This module ends with exercises that test your mastery of module
objectives.
Introduction
The purpose of this module is to provide a definition of trunking and to introduce

the learner to the advantages of trunking over other types of two-way
communication. This module will also explain the FCC loading requirements for a
trunked system.
Objectives
• Define trunking.
• Describe the advantages of trunking.
• Identify the FCC loading requirements for trunked systems.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 1: Trunking Concepts
Introduction
Trunking is a telephone company concept that refers to the automatic sharing of a

small number of communications paths among a large number of telephone
subscribers. In two-way radio communications, trunking refers to the automatic
and dynamic sharing of a small number of radio channels between a large number
of radio users.
A trunking system efficiently distributes message traffic among the available

channels and reduces channel waiting time.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Non-Trunked Communication System
Compare a non-trunked communication system to a group of toll booths on a toll

highway. Red cars must use the red both, green cars must use the green booth,
and blue cars must use the blue booth.
As long as there are about the same number of cars of each color, the toll booths
are used efficiently.
A number of red cars may stack up waiting for the red booth to become available.
Even though there are no green or blue cars, the red cars must wait because they
can use only the red booth.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Trunked Communication System
Compare a trunked communication system to the system many airlines use to

handle queuing for ticket agents. Any agent can handle a transaction for any user.
There is a single queue, and each user is handled by the next available ticket
agent.
If there are fewer users than ticket agents, there is no waiting.
If there are more users than ticket agents, a single queue builds up. The single
queue gives all users equal access to the available ticket agents.
The effectiveness of trunking is predicated on two fundamental characteristics of

user communication:
• It is improbable that a large percentage of users will want to make a call at

the same time.
• Most conversations are relatively short.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 2: Trunking Features and Advantages
Introduction
The graphic below lists a number of features and advantages of Motorola trunked
radio systems. These features and advantages are described in the following
sections.
Faster System Access
Users have faster system access since all repeaters in the system are typically
made available to all users. In addition, voice channels are assigned
automatically, eliminating the need for the user to monitor and wait for a clear
channel
Better Channel Efficiency
All channels are typically shared by all users, resulting in an overall decrease in
channel congestion.
User Privacy
Groups of users can be assigned exclusive use of a voice channel for the duration
of a conversation. Users in other groups cannot listen to that channel.
Types of Communication
Users can initiate a wide variety of calls including one-to-one, one-to-many, and
one-to-all.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Queuing
The queuing capabilities of a trunked system provide a more orderly approach to

system access. A feature called new user queueing makes it possible for the radio
user to set down the microphone and wait for a call back once a busy signal has
been received. This relieves the user from having to continually rekey the PTT
button in order to gain system access.
Automatic Retry
Automatic retry eliminates the need for a user who is experiencing bad signalling
conditions or interference to continually key and dekey the radio in order to gain
system access.
Priority Levels
Provision for different levels of priority ensures that critical users have more
immediate access to the system. A feature called recent user priority ensures that
ongoing communications can be completed on a priority basis over conversations
that are just being initiated.
Flexible Expansion
Additional users can be added without necessarily adding additional channels or

modifying existing radios.
Continuous Assignment Updating
The continuous assignment updating feature ensures that a radio just coming into
service in the middle of a conversation will immediately be assigned to the
appropriate voice channel so that the user can be included in that conversation.
User Call Organization
The user call organization feature allows a user to organize the radio system
around functional, or operating groups, rather than according to frequencies or
channels.
Fail Soft
The Failsoft feature ensures continued communications capability in the case of a

malfunction of the central controller. System operation reverts to operation in a
non-trunked system in which talkgroups are assigned to fixed voice frequencies.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Activity
Match each of the following features and advantages of trunking with the
statement that best describes it.
Features and Advantages:
A. User Privacy
B. Queuing
C. Automatic Retry
D. Priority Levels
E. Continuous Assignment Updating
F. Fail Soft
Descriptions:
B Allows a user to wait for a call back after a busy signal has been received.
C Avoids the need to continually key the radio in order to gain system access
when experiencing signal problems.
F Ensures continued communications capability in the case of a malfunction of
the central controller.
A Allows different groups of users to be assigned exclusive use of a voice
channel for the duration of a conversation.
D Provides critical users with more immediate access to the system than non-
critical users.
E Ensures that a radio just coming into service in the middle of a conversation
will immediately be assigned to the appropriate voice channel.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 3: Channel Loading Criteria
Introduction
The FCC assigns radio frequency channels to users based on an expectation that
those channels will be effectively utilized. The FCC considers a fully-loaded
channel to be one that serves 100 users.
5-Channel Loading
When the FCC grants a 5-channel license the system owner has 2 years to
accomplish 70% loading. This means that within 2 years, the system owner must
be serving at least 350 users with those five channels.
20-Channel Loading
When the FCC grants a 20-channel license the system owner has 5 years to
accomplish 70% loading. This means that within five years, the system owner
must be serving at least 1,400 users.
The FCC may delete channels if the system owner is not able to accomplish 70%
loading in the allotted time.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module Exercises
Multiple Choice
In a trunking system, repeaters are used in the following manner:
a. Each user is assigned to a particular repeater.

b. Each talkgroup is assigned to a particular repeater.
c. All users share a common pool of repeaters.
d. Only one repeater is used.
Multiple Choice
Which of the following trunking features allows a user to be assigned to the

correct voice channel no matter when he or she enters a conversation:
a. Automatic retry.
b. Continuous assignment updating.
c. User privacy.
d. Failsoft.
Multiple Choice
With a 20-channel license, the FCC requires the system owner to accomplish:
a. 70% loading within 5 years.

b. 90% loading within 2 years.
c. 70% loading within 2 years.
d. 50% loading within 3 years.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module 2. How Trunking Works
Contents
Topic 1: Talkgroups and Announcement Groups 2-3

This topic explains how radio users are
grouped into collections called talkgroups and
announcement groups.
Topic 2: User Organization Example 2-7

This topic shows an example of a possible
talkgroup and announcement group
organization.
Topic 3: Trunking Infrastructure 2-9

This topic shows how the equipment that
implements a Motorola trunked radio system is
organized.
Topic 4: Trunking Calls 2-11

This topic introduces the way in which calls are
handled in a Motorola trunked radio system.
Topic 5: Basic Call Processing 2-15

This topic follows a trunked call from initiation
to completion.
Activity 2-24
In this activity, you will place basic call
processing steps into the sequence in which
they are performed.
Topic 6: Busy Call Processing 2-25

This topic shows how a call is handled when
there are no system resources available to
handle it.
Motorola Confidential 2- 1 V.1.0

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Activity 2-29
In this activity, you will place busy call
processing steps into the sequence in which
they are performed.
Topic 7: Message and Transmission Trunking 2-30

This topic explains the difference between
message trunking and transmission trunking.

This module ends with exercises that test your
mastery of module objectives.
Introduction
The purpose of this module is to provide a high-level

overview of how trunked system users are organized, the
components that comprise a basic trunked system, and
how a trunked system processes basic talkgroup calls. This
module will also describe the difference between
transmission and message trunking.
Objectives
• Explain how users are organized in a trunked

system.
• Identify the components that comprise a basic
trunked system.
• Explain the basic functionality of a trunked system
and how a call is processed.
• Differentiate between message trunking and
transmission trunking.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 1: Talkgroups and Announcement Groups
Radio Users
The concept of talkgroups underlies the way in which

users are organized in a trunked communication system.
The basic unit of organization in a trunked communication

system is the individual radio user.
Unit ID
Each radio in a trunked communication system has a

unique identifier assigned to it called a Unit ID.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
To simplify the diagrams, each radio will be identified with

a simpler one-digit Unit ID.
Talkgroups
Individual users can be combined into collections called

talkgroups. The first collection of two users forms one
talkgroup.
The second collection of three users forms a second

talkgroup.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Each talkgroup in a trunked communication system has a

unique identifier assigned to it called a Talkgroup ID.
Most calls that take place in a trunked communication

system are ordinary talkgroup calls. When a user makes a
talkgroup call in a trunked communication system, all
radios in that talkgroup hear that call. Other users not in
that talkgroup do not hear the call.
A talkgroup is made up of a collection of users who

typically need to communicate in order to accomplish their
job. The users in a particular talkgroup usually have a
common functional responsibility. Typically, the majority
of an individual's communications requirements will be to
communication with other users in his or her own
talkgroup.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Announcement Groups
Motorola trunking allows multiple talkgroups to be

dynamically merged into larger groups called
announcement groups. Announcement groups are
sometimes called multigroups.
When a radio user places an announcement group call in a

trunked communication system, that call is received by all
the radios in all the talkgroups associated with that
announcement group. Announcement groups ensures that
critical information is received at once, by as many
talkgroups as desired, throughout an entire system.
In defining the user organization for the system, not every

talkgroup needs to be included in an announcement group.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 2: User Organization Example
Introduction
As an example of trunking user organization, assume

there are two departments within a Public Works
Department: a Highway Department and a Maintenance
Department.
Highway and Maintenance Talkgroups
Since it is likely that all the radio users in the Highway

Department need to be in communication with one
another, they might be grouped into a talkgroup. Call this
one Talkgroup A.
It is also likely that all the radio users in the Maintenance

Department also need to communicate frequently, they
may form another talkgroup. Call this one Talkgroup B.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Overlapping Supervisor Talkgroup
It is also likely that the supervisors in both the Highway

Department and the Maintenance Department will need to
communicate frequently. One radio in each talkgroup is
used by a supervisor
The supervisors can form a third, overlapping talkgroup.

Call this one Talkgroup C. As this example shows, each
individual radio user can be assigned to multiple
talkgroups. The user selects the particular talkgroup to use
for communication by selecting appropriate settings on the
radio.
Highway/Maintenance Announcement Group
Should the need arise, talkgroups A and B could be

merged into a single announcement group, along with any
other desired talkgroups. With such an announcement
group, a radio user in the Highway Department can
originate a call that is heard by users in both the Highway
Department and the Maintenance Department.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 3: Trunking Infrastructure
Introduction
The backbone of a Motorola trunked radio system begins

with a series of trunked repeaters located at a location
chosen to assure optimum coverage. A single-site Motorola
trunked system can support up to 28 repeaters. The
example shows only five repeaters for simplicity.
Trunked repeaters are capable of handling data traffic as

well as voice traffic. In a Motorola trunked system, one
repeater always has the duty of transmitting and receiving
the data traffic required to monitor and control the
operation of the system. The repeater performing this duty
is called the control channel. All the other repeaters are
designated as voice channels. The first four repeaters in a
trunked system are capable of performing control channel
duty, with only one of those repeaters at a time actually
performing the control channel function.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Central Controller
A Motorola trunked radio system also uses a central

controller that functions like a traffic cop and controls the
operation of the trunked repeaters. The central controller
is a computer that processes inbound and outbound data
traffic, assigns repeaters for voice channel access, and
generally monitors and maintains order in the system. All
of the repeaters are linked to the central controller via
dedicated data cables.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
System Users
Assume that the users who will be making use of this

trunked radio system are organized into two talkgroups:
Talkgroup A and Talkgroup B. The talkgroup may contain a
mixture of mobile and portable radios. All of the radios are
trunked radios that are frequency synthesized and capable
of switching to the frequencies of any of the repeaters in
the system. Each radio is capable of transmitting a unique
code word that identifies the radio to the central controller
and indicates to which talkgroup the radio belongs.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 4: Trunking Calls
Introduction
Topics 4, 5, and 6 in this module show how a trunked

system controls the call processing sequence throughout
all phases of a call, from the system being in the idle
state, to processing a request for a call, to assignment of a
voice channel for completion of a call.
This example follows a typical call from the moment

before access is requested until the conversation is
completed. In this example, repeater 1 is operating as the
control channel, and the trunking system is in idle state.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Idle Mode
When the system is in Idle Mode, no radio users are

talking and all radios are monitoring the control channel.
The radio speakers are muted since only data
transmissions being received. In Idle Mode, the central
controller uses the control channel to periodically send out
a data signal called a System Status Word (SSW). The
SSW contains system identification information and is
transmitted at least every three seconds. The SSW is
received by all radios and tells them which channel to
monitor as the control channel.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Central Controller Database
The radios used in a Motorola trunked system are

microcomputer controlled. Each radio has information
programmed into it that determines its personality and
specifies the radio’s Unit ID.
The central controller maintains a database that keeps

track of each radio’s Unit ID and the talkgroups with which
each radio is currently affiliated.
System Access
Assume this radio is first turned on in this trunked

communication system.
The radio reads from its memory a list of possible control

channels.
The radio then scans these channels looking for a System

Status Word. When a radio receives an SSW, it compares
the System ID value in the SSW with the System ID
information in the radio’s memory.
If the system ID values match, the radio is in the correct

trunking system and continues to monitor the channel
transmitting the SSW. If the system ID values do not
match, the radio continues to scan all the control channels
listed in its memory until it receives an SSW that has the
proper System ID value.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
If the radio does not receive an SSW with a matching

System ID, the radio continues scanning. This may occur
because the radio may be out of range of its trunking
system. As the radio continues to scan the control channel
frequencies, it may eventually come into range of its own
system. When that happens, it receives an SSW with a
System ID match and then proceeds to operate normally.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 5: Basic Call Processing
Initiating a Call
The central controller continually monitors the control

channel to see if a radio user wants to make a call. All of
this is done without the involvement of the radio users.
This topic shows a request for a call. In this example,

radio 5 in talkgroup B is initiating a request to make a call
in the trunked system.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Inbound Signal Word
When the radio user presses the PTT button, the radio
sends a data signal in the form of an Inbound Signal Word
(ISW) to the control channel. The ISW contains the radio’s
Unit ID and an indication of the type of call being made. In
this example, the call is a talkgroup call. The ISW
constitutes a request for allocation of a voice channel for
the call.
There is a possibility that the ISW may not get through

because of weak signalling conditions or interference. To
prevent this, the radio uses a feature called Automatic
Retry and continues sending ISWs until the receipt of the
ISW is acknowledged by the central controller, up to 16
times randomly within 4 seconds.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Call Processing Event Sequence
Once the control channel receives an ISW from a radio in

the system, the following sequence of events takes place.
The entire sequence of events occurs in less than half a
second.
Step 1 -- Central Controller Receives Call Request ISW
The control channel forwards the received ISW to the

central controller.
The central controller then searches its data base for a

Unit ID match.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
The ISW contains the selected talkgroup information. The

central controller updates the database to reflect the
current talkgroup affiliation.
Step 2 -- Central Controller Transmits OSW
The central controller processes the ISW and assigns one

of the idle repeaters to the user’s talkgroup. In this case,
Repeater 5 is assigned.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
The central controller the sends an Outbound Signal Word

(OSW) over the control channel. The OSW contains the
Talkgroup ID and Unit ID of the requesting radio, as well
as voice channel assignment information.
Step 3 -- Radios Receive OSW
All radios monitoring the control channel receive the

transmitted OSW and examine the Talkgroup ID contained
in the OSW.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 4 -- Radios Switch to Voice Channel Frequency
All of those radios assigned to the talkgroup associated

with the Talkgroup ID in the OSW switch to the assigned
voice channel frequency.
Step 5 -- Central Controller Transmits LSHS Signal
The central controller now sends a Low-Speed Handshake

Signal (LSHS), sometimes called a Connect Word, over the
voice channel. All radios that have switched to that voice
channel receive the LSHS. The LSHS unmutes the
receiving radios to allow them to receive the incoming
transmission.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 6 -- Initiating Radio Transmits Voice and Connect Tone
The initiating radio transmits voice audio and a sub-

audible Connect tone. The Connect tone is used to inform
the central controller of voice channel activity.
Step 7 -- Central Controller Continues Transmitting LSHS Signal
The central controller continues to send the LSHS on the

assigned voice channel for the duration of the
transmission. This is used to keep the receiving radios
unsquelched.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 8 -- Disconnect Tone
When the radio user releases the PTT button, the radio
transmits a Disconnect tone to the central controller,
indicating that the transmission has ended
Step 9 -- Radios Switch Back to Control Channel Frequency
When the call is completed, the radios in the talkgroup

switch back to the control channel frequency.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
All the radios continue to receive the SSW from the central
controller. The previously assigned voice channel now
becomes available for other calls.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Other Call Processing
While the talkgroup B conversation is in progress, any

radio in another talkgroup can also initiate a call and will
be assigned an available voice channel in the same
manner.
In addition, the central controller continues to transmit

OSWs over the control channel. The OSWs contain the
voice channel assignments for all active calls. This
information is used by any radio that may be turned on, or
come into range, after a call is in progress.
When a new radio is first turned on while a call for its

talkgroup is in progress, a process called Continuous
Assignment Updating is used to find the proper control
channel, receive the OSWs being transmitted, and switch
to the appropriate voice channel to join its talkgroup.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Activity
Enter numbers to the left of each of the following steps
involved in call processing to place the steps into the
sequence in which they are performed.
6 All radios in the talkgroup are unsquelched. The

initiating radio is unmuted and transmits voice
information and a Connect tone.
3 All radios monitor the OSW and examine the
Talkgroup ID.
1 A radio transmits a Call Request ISW, the control
channel forwards the ISW to the central controller, and
the control channel retrieves an entry for the initiating
radio from the talkgroup database.
4 All radios in the requesting radio's talkgroup switch
to the assigned voice channel.
2 The central controller processes the ISW, assigns an
idle repeater to the requesting radio user's talkgroup,
and sends an OSW to the requesting radio indicating
the voice channel to use.
5 The central controller sends an LSHS signal over the
assigned voice channel, which all the radios in the
talkgroup receive.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 6: Busy Call Processing
Introduction
The events described in Topic 5 occur if a voice channel is

available at the time a request for access is received by
the central controller. This topic describes the events that
take place during busy periods when there are no voice
channels available.
Assume a user tries to access the system and all repeaters

are in use, which indicates there are no available voice
channels.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 1 -- Central Controller Receives Call Request ISW
The radio requesting a call sends an ISW in the normal

manner.
Step 2 -- Central Controller Finds No Available Voice Channel
The control channel receives the ISW and forwards it to

the central controller. The central controller processes the
call request and determines that there are no available
voice channels.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 3 -- Central Controller Transmits Busy OSW
The central controller transmits an OSW to the requesting

radio, indicating that the system is busy. This causes the
requesting radio to generate a busy tone.
Step 4 -- Central Controller Queues Call Request
The central controller places a call request entry in a Busy

Queue. where it remains until a voice channel becomes
available. Additional radio users can also make call
requests, and entries for all call requests are placed in the
Busy Queue on a first-in-first-out basis.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 5 -- Repeater Becomes Available and Call Completes
Now repeater 3 becomes available.
The central controller next retrieves the call request entry

from the queue. The central controller then transmits
another OSW containing Voice Channel assignment
information. All the radios in the talkgroup receive the
OSW and switch to the assigned voice channel. The
requesting radio generates another tone notifying the user
that a voice channel has become available. The originating
radio user then begins the call.
The call is then processed as described in Topic 5.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Activity
Enter numbers to the left of each of the following steps
involved in busy call processing to place the steps into the
sequence in which they are performed.
2 The control channel receives the ISW and forwards it

to the central controller. The central controller
processes the call request and determines that there
are no available voice channels.
3 The central controller transmits an OSW to the
requesting radio, indicating that the system is busy,
which causes the requesting radio to generate a busy
tone.
1 A radio transmits a Call Request ISW, the control
channel forwards the ISW to the central controller.
4 The central controller places a call request entry in a
Busy Queue. where it remains until a voice channel
becomes available.
5 A repeater becomes available. The central controller
retrieves the call request entry from the queue and
transmits an OSW containing Voice Channel assignment
information. Radios in the talkgroup receive the OSW
and switch to the assigned voice channel. The initiating
radio user begins the call.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 7: Message and Transmission Trunking
Introduction
There are two forms of trunking that can be used in a

Motorola trunked system:
• Message Trunking
• Transmission Trunking
Motorola trunked systems can be set up for message

trunking or transmission trunking depending on the user’s
requirements.
In this sequence, assume the central controller is using

repeater 3 to handle voice transmission involving radio 1
in talkgroup A.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Call Termination
During the time that a radio is transmitting, the radio

transmits voice information and also transmits a Connect
tone to the central controller.
The assigned repeater handles the voice information and

transmits a Low-Speed Handshake Signal (LSHS) to the
radio.
When the radio user releases the PTT button, the radio
transmits a Disconnect tone to the central controller
indicating that the transmission has ended.
The most apparent difference between message trunking

and transmission trunking is what happens after the user
releases the PTT button and the radio transmits the
Disconnect tone.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Message Trunking
With Message Trunked calls the central controller gives

other users a chance to respond to each transmission that
takes place. When a radio user releases the PTT button,
the Central Control receives the Disconnect tone and
starts a message trunked timer.
The central controller continues handling the voice and

transmitting the LSHS signal.
While the drop-out timer is running, the central controller

continues to send the LSHS tone. During the drop-out
time, if a member of the talkgroup presses the PTT button,
the radio will unmute and immediately begins transmit a
voice signal along with a Connect tone. Communication
then continues on the previously established voice
channel.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Now look at another call example.
The radio user releases the PTT button, and the radio
again sends the Disconnect tone.
The central controller now starts the message trunked

timer again.
If no calls are made, the drop-out timer eventually

expires. When that happens, the central controller stops
sending the LSHS tone and transmits a Disconnect signal.
The radios in the talkgroup then squelch and revert back
to monitoring the control channel OSW.
Message trunking is the preferred mode of communication

in most Motorola trunked systems. Message trunking
maintains a smooth flow of conversation with few in-
terruptions by other system activity.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Transmission Trunking
The following sequence shows an example of transmission

trunking. Again, the radio user starts a transmission by
pressing the PTT button.
In a transmission trunked call, when the user releases the

PTT button, the central controller again receives the
Disconnect tone from the radio.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
The central controller immediately stops sending the LSHS

and transmits a Disconnect word. When each radio
receives the Disconnect word, it automatically squelches
and reverts back to monitoring the control channel.
If the user wants to continue the message, or if some

other user wants to respond, the channel will be lost, and
the channel request and assignment process must be
repeated. Therefore, Transmission Trunking is best used
for calls where most calls are one-way calls.
Transmission trunking can make the most use of channel

air time. However, during system busy periods,
conversation continuity may be disrupted because of the
immediate disconnect that occurs after each transmission.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module Exercises
Multiple Choice
Each individual radio in a Motorola trunking system is

uniquely identified by a:
a. Voice channel ID.

b. Unit ID.
c. Talkgroup ID.
d. Announcement group ID.
Multiple Choice
When all of the highway crews of a Public Works

department need to communicate with one another, they
are assigned to a(n):
a. Fleet.
b. Talkgroup.
c. ISW.
d. Private conversation.
True or False
Message Trunking uses a message trunked timer to give

users a chance to respond after a radio is done
transmitting.
__X__ True _____ False
True or False
In an announcement group call, radio users cannot talk

back to the dispatcher for clarification or questions.
_____ True __X__ False
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the brains of a Motorola trunking

system, which manages and controls the entire system:
a. Central Controller.
b. Base Station Repeater.

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c. Centralized Interconnect Terminal.

d. None of the above.

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Module 3. Trunked Call Types
Contents
Topic 1: Talkgroup Calls 3-3

This topic discusses talkgroup calls, which
provide the primary level of communication in
a trunked radio system.
Topic 2: Announcement Group Calls 3-4

This topic describes announcement group calls,
shows how announcement group calls are
initiated and received, and lists announcement
group call options.
Topic 3: Private Conversation II Calls 3-7

This topic examines private conversation calls
and describes the Private Conversation II call
feature.
Topic 4: Call Alerts 3-11

This topic discusses the call alert feature,
which allows the dispatcher to send a paging
message to an unattended radio.
Topic 5: Emergency Calls 3-12

This topic describes emergency calls that radio
users can employ to inform the dispatcher of
situations that may need immediate attention.
Topic 6: Telephone Interconnect Calls 3-15

This topic examines the telephone interconnect
feature that provides radio users with access
to the public switched telephone network.
Activity 3-24
In this activity, you will match audio tones
generated by the radio with their meanings.

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Introduction
The purpose of this module is to describe the types of calls

that can be made in a trunked system.
Objective
• Identify the various types of calls available in a

trunked system.

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Topic 1: Talkgroup Calls

The talkgroup is the primary level of communication in a
trunked radio system, so the majority of conversations
take place within a talkgroup. Therefore, radios assigned
to a given talkgroup usually communicate only with other
members of the same talkgroup. When a radio user places
a talkgroup call, the transmission from that user’s radio is
received by all other active radios in the same talkgroup.
This provides the effect of a private channel down to the
talkgroup level and prevents members of one talkgroup
from hearing the talkgroup calls generated by radios in
other talkgroups.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 2: Announcement Group Calls
Introduction
An announcement group is a collection of talkgroups. To

see how an announcement group call works, assume that
talkgroups A, and B form an announcement group.
When a user places an announcement group call, the

transmission from that user’s radio is heard by all the
radios in all the talkgroups in that announcement group.
An announcement group call allows a user to transmit a
message to all the radios in two or more talkgroups
simultaneously.
The advantage of announcement group calls is that critical

information is received at once, by as many talkgroups as
necessary. In addition, radio users can talk back to the
originator of the announcement group call if necessary.

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Initiating an Announcement Group Call
Assume that the radios in talkgroup A are in the middle of

a conversation
The dispatcher initiates an announcement group call for

this announcement group, which consists of talkgroup A
and talkgroup B.
Receiving an Announcement Group Call
Assume all the radios in talkgroups B are idle. All the

radios in talkgroups B are immediately switched to the
announcement group call channel and will hear the
announcement group call.
In addition, those units in talkgroup A that are receiving

the talkgroup A transmission are immediately switched to

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
the announcement group call channel. Only the radio in

talkgroup A that is transmitting at the time of the
announcement group call will not be immediately switched
to the announcement group call channel.
When that radio dekeys, it will join the announcement

group call if it is still in progress.
Announcement Group Call Options
An announcement group call can be set to wait while

talkgroups finish any calls in progress, which allows all the
radios in the announcement group to hear the call.
Alternatively an announcement group call can be set to
interrupt existing talkgroup communications, not waiting
for other transmitting radio users to stop keying their
radios. Those users join the call in progress as soon as
they stop pressing their PTT buttons.

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Topic 3: Private Conversation II Calls
Introduction
The Private Conversation II (PC II) feature allows one

radio user to talk to and be heard by only one other radio
user. This feature allows a supervisor to discuss
confidential matters with a particular member of a
talkgroup while the radios of other members of the same
talkgroup remain squelched. Radios that do not have the
PC II capability installed cannot be involved in a Private
Conversation call.
Individual Radios that have the Private Conversation II

capability can be set up one of the following ways:
• Decode Only. Receive Private Conversation II calls,

but not initiate them.
• Simple Encode. Initiate a Private Conversation II
call to only one other radio.
• Multiple Encode. Initiate a Private Conversation
call to a programmed list of up to eight other radios.
• Unlimited Encode. Initiate a Private Conversation
call to any other radio in the system.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Initiating a Private Conversation Call
To initiate a Private Conversation call, the user presses the

Private Conversation button and then selects the radio to
receive the private call. The user can do this by selecting
from a pre-programmed list of radios or by keying in the
Unit ID of the radio using the numeric keypad.
After the user selects the recipient of the private call, the
user presses the PTT button. The initiating radio then
sends two ISWs over the control channel. The first ISW
contains the radio’s own Unit ID.
The second ISW contains the Unit ID of the radio being

called.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
The central controller receives the ISWs, recognizes a

request for Private Conversation II call, and assigns the
two radios to an available voice channel. The receiving
radio generates a special alert tone to notify the user of
the receipt of a Private Conversation call.
Answering a Private Conversation Call
To answer the Private Conversation call, the user of the

receiving radio presses the Private Conversation button.
The two radios can then converse, and no other radio in

the trunked system is allowed to monitor the assigned
voice channel.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
If the receiving radio has a visual display, the user can

view the Unit ID of the calling party before responding to
the call.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 4: Call Alerts

A dispatcher or supervisor might call a particular radio
user and find that the user does not answer the call. This
typically means that the radio is temporarily unattended.
The dispatcher or supervisor, or other authorized user, can
send a paging message, called a Call Alert message, to the
unattended radio. When the unattended radio receives the
Call Alert message, it automatically sends an acknowledge
signal back to the originating user. The radio then
activates a Call Alert indicator in the radio to alert the
radio user that there is a Call Alert message waiting. The
Call Alert indicators in the receiving radio may be audible
or visual, depending on the capabilities of the radio. The
Call Alert indicators remain active until the radio user
returns to the radio and acknowledges the page. As part of
the Call Alert message the radio also displays the Unit ID
of the radio that originated the Call Alert message. Call
Alert signaling is accomplished over the control channel
and do not affect voice channel usage.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 5: Emergency Calls
Introduction
Radio users can use Emergency Call capability to inform

dispatchers of life-threatening situations. The transmission
of the Emergency Call Alarm signal takes precedence over
any other signalling activity in process in the system.
Depending on how the system is configured, the
Emergency Call Alarm message automatically repeats a
predetermined number of times or repeats until the
dispatcher acknowledges it.

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Initiating an Emergency Call
The user sends an Emergency Alarm by pressing the

Emergency button on the radio.
The user can then initiate an emergency call by pressing

the PTT button.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
When the user presses the Emergency button, the radio

immediately transmits an Emergency Call Alarm signal
over the control channel.
After the user presses the PTT button after pressing the
Emergency button, the radio automatically goes into an
Emergency Call mode. If all voice channels are occupied,
the emergency call may be placed at the top of the Busy
Queue. Alternatively the system may be set up to use a
feature called Ruthless Preemption to terminate an active
call and to immediately assign the emergency call to that
voice channel.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Receiving an Emergency Alarm
The dispatcher is immediately notified of the receipt of an

Emergency Alarm by an audible alert tone and a visual
display of the Unit ID of the emergency caller's radio.
Since the Emergency Alarm signal is sent over the control

channel, the dispatcher is notified of the emergency
immediately without the emergency caller having to wait
for an available voice channel.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 6: Telephone Interconnect Calls
Introduction
The Telephone Interconnect feature allows individual radio

users to make or receive telephone calls using the radio.
This feature also allows a supervisors to dispatch an entire
talkgroup using an ordinary telephone. Since this feature
allows an individual user to tie up one of the available
voice channels, the system is normally set up to limit the
number and length of telephone interconnect calls that are
allowed.
In order to use the telephone interconnect option, the

central controller must contain a Telephone Interconnect
terminal. This device connects the telephone lines to the
base station equipment.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Types of Telephone Interconnect Calls
Three types of telephone interconnect calls can be made:
Radio to Landline Phone
To call a landline phone from a radio, a radio user presses

the Telephone Interconnect button.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
The radio sends an ISW to the central controller, indicating

a request for a Telephone Interconnect call. In this
example, assume that only repeaters 2 and 3 have been
configured to support Telephone Interconnect calls.
When the central controller receives the request, it

searches for an available interconnect channel. If one is
available, it is assigned to the requesting radio.
The radio user then hears a dial-tone.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
If all of the interconnect channels are active, the radio use

hears a busy-tone. The central controller then queues the
Telephone Interconnect call request until an interconnect
channel becomes available.
When a channel becomes available, the requesting radio is

assigned that voice channel, and the user hears a dial-
tone.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
The user then enters the desired phone number on the

keypad. The telephone call then goes through normally.
If the user is using a simplex radio, both parties must be

aware that while the radio is keyed, the radio user cannot
hear the land line user. To remind users of this, the
telephone user hears a soft beep tone each time the radio
user releases the PTT button. This indicates that the radio
user can now hear the land line user.
Terminating a Telephone Interconnect Call
A telephone interconnect call can be terminated in one of

three ways:

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
The central controller maintains a variable timeout timer

to control the duration of Telephone Interconnect calls.
Fifteen seconds before the timeout expires, both parties
hear a Timeout Alert tone.
The central controller terminates the Telephone

Interconnect call 15 seconds after generating the Timeout
Alert tone. If a radio is transmitting 15 seconds before the
timer expires, the timer temporarily stops, the system is-
sues the Timeout Alert after the radio is de-keyed, and the
timer restarts to allow 15 seconds before the central
controller disconnects the call.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Landline Phone to Radio
To call a radio from a landline phone, a telephone user

dials a phone number to connect to the radio system. If all
Telephone Interconnect channels are occupied, the caller
hears a busy tone. The caller must then hang up and try
again later.
If a Telephone Interconnect channel is available, the

Telephone Interconnect terminal accepts the call, and the
telephone caller hears a Talk tone. The caller now dials an
access code to indicate the radio to be connected to.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
If the receiving radio is involved in another call or radio

conversation, the central controller sends a fast-ringing
signal to the telephone caller.
The central controller then begins signaling the radio on

the control channel. The central controller continues
signaling for 20 seconds or until the central controller
receives an Acknowledge tone from the radio, indicating
that the radio is now free to receive the phone call.
When the radio becomes available, both the caller and the
radio user hear a telephone-type ringing tone.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
The radio user answers the call by pressing the Telephone

Interconnect button.
The radio then sends an ISW to the central controller. The

central controller assigns a Telephone Interconnect
channel to the radio, and the telephone conversation can
take place.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Landline Phone to Talkgroup
To call all the radios in a talkgroup from a landline phone,

a telephone user dials a telephone number to connect to
the radio system. As with a call to a single radio, if an
interconnect channel is available, a tone signals the caller
to enter the appropriate code for the talkgroup. The
central controller then dispatches the call like any other
talkgroup call by assigning a voice channel to the target
talkgroup. The telephone caller’s transmission is then
heard by all active radios in the talkgroup.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Activity
Match radio tones with their meanings.
Private Conversation Alert. Generated by the radio to

alert the user of a Private Conversation Call.
Call Alert. Generated by the radio when the radio

receives a Call Alert message from the dispatcher.
Dial Tone. Generated by the radio when the radio user

initiates a telephone interconnect call, and a telephone
interconnect channel is available to handle the call.
Busy. Generated by the radio when the radio user

initiates a telephone interconnect call, and no telephone
interconnect channel is available to handle the call.
Timeout Alert. Generated by the radio when a telephone

interconnect call is in progress and there ate 15 seconds
remaining before the central controller times out and
automatically terminates the call.
Phone Ring. Generated on a telephone interconnect call

when a telephone use calls a radio user. Both the
telephone user and the radio user hears this tone.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module Exercises
Matching
Match each of the following call types with the call

description that best describes it.
Call Types
E Talkgroup
A Announcement Group
C Private Conversation II
D Call Alerts
B Emergency
F Telephone Interconnect
Call Descriptions
A The transmission from a user’s radio is heard by all

the radios in two or more talkgroups.
B Takes precedence over any other signalling activity
in process in the system.
C Permits one radio user to talk to and be heard by
only one other radio user.
D Used to send a paging message to an unattended
radio.
E The transmission from a user’s radio is received by
all other active radios in the same talkgroup.
F Allows radio user to make or receive telephone calls
using the radio.
True or False
A radio equipped with the Private Conversation II feature

can engage in a private conversation with any other radio.
_____ True __X__ False

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
True or False
A telephone interconnect device is required at the central

site in order to handle phone calls.
__X__ True _____ False
Multiple Choice
Which of the following ensures that critical information is

received at once by as many talk groups as desired,
throughout the entire system:
a. Call Alert.
b. Telephone Interconnect.
c. Announcement Group.
d. Private Conversation II.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module 4. Trunked System Features
Contents
Topic 1: Trunking System Access Features 4-2

This topic describes some important Motorola
trunking system features relating to providing
access to the trunking system.
Activity 4-4
In this activity, you will match system access
features with descriptions of their functions.
Topic 2: Trunking System Reliability Features 4-5

This topic describes some important Motorola
trunking system features relating to reliability.
Activity 4-8
In this activity, you will match reliability
features with descriptions of their functions.


TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Introduction
The purpose of this module is to provide an overview of

the access features available in a trunked system, how
those features work, and their associated benefits. Where
appropriate, the tones generated by the radio to indicate
specific access conditions will be demonstrated (for
example, busy tone or out of range tone). This modules
covers the various system time-out parameters and how
they impact system operation. It also provides an
overview of the reliability features available in a trunked
system, how those features work, and their associated
benefits.
Objectives
• Describe trunked system access features.

• Describe the trunked system reliability features.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 1: Trunking System Access Features
Introduction
The graphic below lists trunking system access features.

These features are described in the following sections
Busy Tone
The Busy tone is generated when the PTT button is

pressed at a time when all voice channels are occupied.
Busy Queue/Call Back
When all voice channels are in use, call requests are put in
a waiting queue and are served on a first-in-first-out
(FIFO) basis. When a compatible channel becomes free,
the central controller selects the oldest entry in the
waiting queue and sends the associated radio a Call Back
signal, consisting of a short series of beeps.
Out of Range/Out of Service
If a System Status Word (SSW) cannot be detected by the

radio, this is an indication that either the radio is out of
range or the trunking central controller is out of service.
When the radio detects this condition, the radio generates
an Out of Range tone (a continuous Busy tone) whenever
the radio user presses the PTT button.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Talk Permit (optional)
The optional Talk Permit feature causes the radio to

generate a brief series of tones, identical to the Call Back
tones. This provides the user with an explicit indication
that the user may successfully transmit on the voice
channel.
Automatic Retry
When a radio user presses the PTT button, the radio

automatically sends channel requests ISWs until the
request is acknowledged by the central controller or until 4
seconds (16 tries) have elapsed. This feature makes it
unnecessary for the user to continually press the PTT
button while trying to gain access to the trunked system.
Radios transmit channel request ISWs using random
timing to reduce contention on the control channel.
Recent User Priority
The term recent user refers to a talkgroup that was

previously using a voice channel and then stopped
transmitting on it. For 10 seconds after a talkgroup
transmission ends, the recent user talkgroup has priority
over other system users.
Priority Levels
In a trunked communication system, busy periods may

occur in which all repeaters in the system are occupied
with voice traffic. In order to provide immediate access to
the most critical services during busy periods, radios
support eight levels of user priority in controlling access to
system services.
Priority level 1 is reserved for Emergency Calls. The usage

of priority levels 2 through 8 are determined by the
System Manager. In the event the system is busy, calls
are processed on a priority basis, beginning with level 1
(emergency calls) and proceeding down through priority
levels 2 through 8 as voice channels become available.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Activity
Match each of the following trunking system access
features with the statement that best describes it.
Trunking System Access Features:
A. Busy Queue/Call Back

B. Out of Range/Out of Service
C. Talk Permit (optional)
D. Automatic Retry
E. Recent User Priority
Feature Descriptions:
E Provides a user who was using the voice channel

with priority over new users.
B Generates a busy tone when the user presses the
PTT button and the radio is out of its service area or
when the central controller is out of service.
C Generates a series of tones when the radio user
presses the PTT button and there is a voice channel
available.
A Permits call requests to be served on a first-in-first-
out (FIFO) basis when no voice channels are available.
D When the radio user presses the PTT button, the
radio automatically sends channel requests ISWs until
the request is acknowledged by the central controller or
until a time interval has elapsed.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 2: Trunking System Reliability Features
Introduction
The graphic below lists trunking system reliability

features. These features are described in the following
sections.
Multiple Channels
Channels are assigned as needed so users are not

dependent on any given channel for communications. The
failure of individual repeaters, thus making one or more
channels unavailable, would not be apparent to radio users
in most trunked systems.
Control Channel Switching
If the control channel fails, the trunking central controller

is programmed to assign another repeater to perform the
duties of the control channel. Up to four stations in a
Motorola trunked system are eligible for assignment as the
control channel.
Transmitter Shutdown
The trunking central controller is programmed to detect

any loss or reduction in output of individual transmitters.
When the transmitter output power falls below a
predetermined level, the channel is automatically made
unavailable for assignment.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Misdirected Radio Protection
This feature ensures user privacy from other users in the

system. All radios in the system receive a voice channel
grant and channel assignment. It is up to the radio to
decide if it should be involved in the call. In the event a
radio decodes a grant incorrectly and moves to the
assigned voice channel, its receiver would not unmute
unless it decoded another data packet which contained
information particular to its own assigned talkgroup.
Continuous Assignment Updating
Once an announcement group call or talkgroup call is

assigned to a voice channel, the control channel continues
to transmit channel assignment information for as long as
the call is using the voice channel. A radio just coming into
service will receive this signal and will be sent to the
appropriate voice channel to join the rest of its talkgroup.
The central controller transmits channel assignment
information serially on the control channel.
Failsoft
To ensure continued communications in the event of a

major failure, the trunked system is designed to go into
Failsoft mode. Major failures that will place the system
into Failsoft mode are:
• Failure of the central controller.

• Failure of all four control channels.
• Failure of all voice channels.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
A system will be in Failsoft mode within .3 seconds after a

failure is detected. When in Failsoft mode, radios operate
as they would on a conventional repeater system.
A sub-audible data word is continuously sent out by the

system repeaters to let the radios know that the system is
operating in Failsoft mode. Radio users are made aware
that the system is in Failsoft by the automatic sounding of
a low-level Alert tone every 10 seconds.
The voice channel that the radios in a particular talkgroup

use for communication while the system is in Failsoft
mode is programmed into the radios. Depending on how
many talkgroups there are on the system and how Failsoft
is set up, some talkgroup privacy may be lost.
In most cases, Failsoft channels are assigned by system.

Radios with multiple system capability will have a Failsoft
channel programmed for each system. The system
administrator can optionally set up Failsoft by talkgroup.
Each radio would then have an appropriate Failsoft
channel programmed for every talkgroup with which it is
associated. When the radio user changes talkgroups while
in the Failsoft mode, the radio automatically switches
voice channels.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Activity
Match each of the following trunking system reliability
features with the statement that best describes it.
System Reliability Features:
A. Control Channel Switching

B. Transmitter Shutdown
C. Misdirected Radio Protection
D. Continuous Assignment Updating
Feature Descriptions:
D The control channel continues to transmit channel

assignment information for as long as the call is using
the voice channel.
A Assign another repeater to perform the duties of the
control channel.
B When a transmitter output power falls below a
predetermined level, the channel is automatically made
unavailable for assignment.
C Allows a radio to decide if it should be involved in
the call.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module Exercises
Which of the following conditions indicates that the radio is
out of range of the central controller site:
a. The radio generates a Call Alert tone.

b. The radio cannot detect the System Status Word
(SSW) transmitted by the central controller.
c. The radio does not get a response to the Call
Request ISW that it transmits.
The central controller function in a Motorola trunked

system is performed by:
a. A special repeater that performs control channel
functions only.
b. Any repeater at the site of the central controller.
c. One of up to four repeaters designated as eligible for
assignment as the control channel.
d. The dispatcher.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module 5. Private Trunked Systems
Contents
Topic 1: Motorola Trunking Systems 5-3

This topic categorizes Motorola trunking
systems as either single-site trunking systems
or wide area trunking systems.
Topic 2: SMARTNET Systems 5-5

This topic introduces the features and
capabilities of Motorola SMARTNET trunking
systems.
Topic 3: SmartWorks Systems 5-6

capabilities of Motorola SmartWorks trunking
systems.
Topic 4: StartSite Systems 5-7

capabilities of Motorola StartSite trunking
systems.
Topic 5: Simulcast Systems 5-10

capabilities of Motorola Simulcast trunking
systems.
Topic 6: Receiver Voting Systems 5-12

capabilities of Motorola Receiver Voting
trunking systems.
Topic 7: SmartZone Systems 5-13

TRUNKING CONCEPTS

capabilities of Motorola SmartZone trunking
systems.
Topic 8: SmartZone OmniLink Systems 5-15

capabilities of Motorola SmartZone OmniLink
trunking systems.
Topic 9: Dimetra Systems 5-17

capabilities of Motorola Dimetra trunking
systems.
Activity 5-19
In this activity, you will match Motorola
trunking systems with descriptions of their
characteristics.

This module ends with exercises that test your mastery of
module objectives.
Introduction
The purpose of this module is to provide an overview of

the types of trunked systems available from Motorola.
Users will be able to click on a specific feature from a
feature list to see a more detailed description/definition of
that feature.
Objectives
• Describe each of the trunked systems types provided

by Motorola.
• Describe the Voice on Control (VOC) operation
available in SmartZone systems.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 1: Motorola Trunking Systems
Single-Site Trunking Systems
Motorola's trunked systems can be divided into two

groups; single-site systems, and wide area coverage
systems.
Single-site trunked systems include:
• SMARTNET
• SmartWorks
• StartSite
Wide Area Trunking Systems
Motorola offers the following types of trunked wide area

system configurations. These are:
• Simulcast
• Receiver Voting
• SmartZone
• SmartZone OmniLink
• Dimetra (Europe only)

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
The first topics in this module describe the Motorola

trunking systems that support a single site. After that,
additional topics describe Motorola wide area trunking
systems.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 2: SMARTNET Systems

SMARTNET is Motorola's most feature packed single-site
trunking system. SMARTNET is designed to provide flexible
talkgroup partitioning for those customers who may need
to expand talkgroup sizes. SMARTNET supports up to 28
channels.
SMARTNET has the following capabilities:
•
Flexible talkgroup partitioning allows customers to
expand talkgroup sizes
 48,000 Unit IDs
 4,000 talkgroups
• Up to 28 channels
• Up to 8 priority levels
• Automatic Unit ID
• Reduced access time (250 ms for single-site
systems)
• Priority Scan
• Private Conversation
• Call Alert
• Emergency Call/Alarm
• CentraCom Consoles

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 3: SmartWorks Systems

SmartWorks is a single-site trunking system that can
support up to seven channels.
SmartWorks has the following capabilities:
• Designed for small system users

 Expandable to supports from 3 to 7 channels
 700 radios or less
• Provides Single Site Coverage
• Based on SMARTNET II technology
• Can support Type I, Type II, or hybrid operation
• Has many trunking advanced features
• Less costly than full featured trunking systems
• Telephone Interconnect
• Console Interface for Control Center Dispatching
• Supports SECURENET encryption subsystems at 800
MHz

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 4: StartSite Systems

StartSite supports from one to five voice channels and is
an economical, entry-level trunking system geared to
single-site users. As with any Motorola trunked system,
the central controller plays a key role in controlling the
operation of the trunking system.
All StartSite systems include the following standard

trunking features:
• Fast Failsoft
• Base Station Identification
• Both Major and Minor Local Alarm Functions
• Channel Activity Reporting
• System Manager Terminal Access
The system manager can enter a command to switch the

central controller between dynamic control channel mode
and active control channel mode. The following control
channel features are available only when the central
controller is operating in the active control channel mode
of operation.
• Radio Inhibit
• Dynamic Regrouping
• Continuous Assignment Updating
• Busy Queuing and Callback
• Recent User Priority

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
• Talkgroup, Announcement Group, and System Calls

• Priority Level Control
• Private Call and Call Alert
• Unit Registration and Talkgroup Affiliation
StartSite Control Channel Features
Two StartSite central controller configurations are

available:
• Continuous Control Channel

• Selectable Control Channel
Continuous Control Channel
With the continuous control channel configuration of the

StartSite central controller, the central controller operates
in the same mode as the central controller in other
Motorola trunked systems. With a continuous control
channel, one of the repeaters always functions as the
control channel. While a repeater is performing the duties
of the control channel, it cannot be used for voice
communications.
Selectable Control Channel
The selectable control channel configuration of StartSite

central controller offers two switchable modes of
operation:
• Active control channel mode

• Dynamic control channel mode
Active Control Channel Mode
When the selectable control channel is operating in active

control channel mode, the central controller operates in
the same manner as a central controller operating with a
continuous control channel. In this mode, one of the
repeaters is chosen to perform the duties of the control
channel, and that repeater is not available for use as a
voice channel.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Dynamic Control Channel Mode
When the central controller is operating in dynamic control

channel mode, the system can use all the repeaters to
support voice channels without dedicating one of the
repeaters for full-time use as the control channel. This
results in more subscriber air time and full use of all
channels for voice communications, an important benefit
in a smaller system supporting one three or five channels.
When the dynamic control channel is assigned to support

voice communication, the following occurs:
• All existing calls remain active.

• Any new call requests are considered out of range.
• No control channel processing can occur.
When any existing call on an dynamic control channel

ends, the dynamic control channel becomes available for
use as a control channel in less than one second.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 5: Simulcast Systems

A Simulcast system supports the simultaneous
transmission of identical carrier signals from multiple,
geographically separated transmitter sites. A single-site
trunked system is centralized in structure, with all of the
repeaters installed at a single site. However, a Simulcast
system allows the repeaters to be located at different
sites. Up to eleven sites can be accommodated in a
Simulcast system. This provides a much larger coverage
area.
In a Simulcast system, when a radio user presses the PTT

button, the radio signal is received by the control channel,
and the voice signal is then retransmitted by repeaters at
each of the other sites simultaneously.
One site, which contains a central controller, is designated

as the prime site. It is here that all the channel designa-
tion decisions are made. The other sites are called remote
sites and contain a remote controller instead of a central
controller. The remote sites are extensions of the prime
site, and follow orders from it.
With a Simulcast system, each site must contain identical

repeater configurations. The remote sites must also be
linked to the prime site to coordinate audio and data
transfers.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Overlapping Coverage
In simulcast systems there are overlap areas between the

sites where the same audio information from two or more
transmitters on the same frequency may be received by a
radio. For good audio performance it is imperative that the
transmitters be exactly in-phase with each other.
Otherwise, noise or distortion may be experienced.
Simulcast is very effective in expanding the transmission

of a trunked radio system, and provides fill-in where
buildings or mountains may cause shadow coverage.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 6: Receiver Voting Systems

Receiver voting is an alternative which extends the talk-in
capabilities of a system. It involves placing additional
receiver sites in areas around the associated transmitter
site, where talk-back coverage is weak.
Through the use of voting comparators, the best received

audio signal is voted and passed on through the audio
network for transmission. Receiver voting systems are the
recommended wide area alternative in frequency
congested areas where talk-in capability needs to be
expanded.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 7: SmartZone Systems

SmartZone is a high capacity, integrated wide area
coverage radio/data system. Although SmartZone is
primarily for use with trunking technology, it can also
integrate conventional sites and systems. Larger
geographic areas can be covered with a SmartZone
system. A single zone of a SmartZone system can have up
to 48 subsystems.
Because SmartZone can incorporate frequency efficient

simulcast subsystems, and frequency re-use systems,
frequency availability can be accommodated for every
segment of a user's operations.
SmartZone's multiple subsystem design also uses a

variable number of repeaters at each of the sites to handle
different traffic loading requirements. A low traffic area
has fewer repeaters than an area with a high volume of
traffic.
SmartZone systems are available in the following
subsystems:
• Standalone sites with 6809 controllers
• Standalone sites with IntelliRepeaters
• Receiver Voting with 6809 controllers
• Simulcast with 6809 controllers
SmartZone channels can be configured for digital (ASTRO)

and/or analog operation. Each channel is programmable
for digital only, mixed analog and digital, or analog only
operation.
A SmartZone system configuration is comprised of a

Master Site and Remote Sites. Remote sites can be
considered as building blocks to the SmartZone system's
functionality. They are very similar to standard SMARTNET
II systems, however they are modified to behave and be
an integral part of the SmartZone network.
SmartZone Voice On Control
Voice on Control is used at a low density SmartZone site

which contains four or less repeaters. Sites with a 6809

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
central controller cannot support this feature. A repeater

site with Voice On Control (VOC) software allows the
control channel to be temporarily used for voice
communication. This helps increase capacity when all
voice channels at the site are in use.
When a radio requests a channel and all voice channels

are in use, a channel grant is sent out on the control
channel along with a code telling other radios that a
control channel is unavailable. If another radio requests a
channel, it receives a busy tone. When the repeater
designated as the control channel is no longer needed for
voice traffic, it returns to service as the control channel.
For proper operation, radios and other equipment must be

equipped with Voice on Control software. Voice on Control
operation is best applied for low traffic, fill-in coverage for
remote locations which only require the basic trunking
features and wide area coverage with other sites.
The following are capabilities available with Voice on

Control operation:
• Talkgroup calls
• Emergency calls
• Interconnect calls subject to limitations noted below
• Secure calls subject to limitations noted below
• Enhanced Private calls (not available at 800 MHz)
• Internal queuing of requests by VOC equipped radios
• Subscriber access control with 10 priority levels
• Dynamic Regrouping when the control channel is
available
• Selective Radio Inhibit when the control channel is
available
• Call alerts when the control channel is available

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Topic 8: SmartZone OmniLink Systems

SmartZone OmniLink is a software-based, very wide area
radio communications network based upon the
interconnection of multiple SmartZone systems. A
SmartZone OmniLink system operates with virtually
transparent boundaries, creating homogeneous system
operation over very large geographical areas. SmartZone
OmniLink carries over the majority of SmartZone features,
while providing additional features and enhancements
specific to the needs of a very wide area radio network.
SmartZone OmniLink supports the interconnection of up to

four SmartZone systems with 32 Zone Controller ports per
zone for a total of 128 ports for a system. Each SmartZone
OmniLink zone also contains an Embassy Audio switch,
offering a substantial expansion of the audio switch
capacity due to multiple audio switches in the system.
SmartZone OmniLink supports the same system

addressing as SmartZone:
• A maximum of 48,000 unique individual IDs

• A maximum of 4,000 unique talkgroup IDs
• A maximum of 2,000 unique talkgroup Ids with
Priority Monitor
Site IDs need to be unique within a zone, but not between

zones. The SmartZone OmniLink Zone (system) IDs must
be unique.
SmartZone OmniLink is Project 25 Common Air Interface

(CAI) compliant and supports the following modulation
modes:
• Clear Analog
• ASTRO digital (IMBE vocoding only, does not support
VSELP)
• Mixed mode Analog/ASTRO
• Encrypted ASTRO digital or 12 Kb SECURENET (12
KB SECURENET and ASTRO digital are not supported
on the same system)

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
SmartZone OmniLink is Frequency Band independent and

allows intermixing the following frequency bands at the
Zone level:
• 900 MHz
• 800 MHz
• UHF band
• VHF band
SmartZone OmniLink supports the following types of call

across all zones:
• Talkgroup Calls
• Announcement Group Calls
• Telephone Interconnect Calls
 Landline to radio — Find unit anywhere
 Radio to landline
• Emergency Call and Alarm
• Call Alert

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 9: Dimetra Systems

This overview is intended to give the reader a basic
understanding of Motorola’s TETRA compliant radio
system, Dimetra™ (DIgital Motorola European Trunked
Radio).
The Trans European Trunked RAdio (TETRA) standard is a

common European standard for advanced digital trunked
radio networks. The standardization work is carried out by
the European Telecommunications Standards Institute
(ETSI).
The Motorola Dimetra system family is a highly

sophisticated range of digital radio equipment that delivers
the full benefits of the TETRA standard designed to meet
the needs of users of both private mobile radio networks
(PMR) and public access mobile radio (PAMR) systems.
The development of the Dimetra system was based on

Motorola’s experience in technologically proven systems
such as SmartZone and iDEN. This addition to Motorola’s
portfolio of radio systems includes a comprehensive
product line-up including base stations, switches,
operations management control, portables, mobiles, and
consoles. All of these have the ability to be simply and
easily reprogrammed whenever there is a system
enhancement, or to meet future requirements as the new
technology evolves.
Dimetra provides one Master Site and multiple Remote

Sites, known as a Dimetra Zone.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
The figure illustrates a Dimetra system with one Master

Site and a number of Remote Sites, i.e. one Zone, also
known as Switching and Management Infrastructure
(SwMI).
The Master site implements the following main functions:
• System Management. HP Unix work station based

network containing System Databases and providing
intuitive Graphical User Inter-face (GUI) for
configuring the system and the radio subscribers.
• Group Switch Controller. Provides very fast call
control for group communication in a wide-area
network. The Group Switch Controller also controls
private calls, interconnect calls and circuit data calls
as well as providing mobility information for other
communication types such as Short Data Service.
• Group Switch. High speed digital switch, which is
specifically designed for wide-area systems with
console dispatchers. Among the functions of the
Group Switch are the capability to route any bit pat-
tern to one or multiple destinations, which is a
unique requirement in wide area group
communication systems.
• Dispatch Consoles. Highly advanced dispatch
system which provides fixed dispatch capabilities to
both the Dimetra trunked system as well as
conventional PMR radio systems including the ability
to connect calls between these systems. The
dispatcher may also connect calls to a telephone
system.
• Telephone Gateway. Computer Telephony based
Telephone Gateway providing easy adaptation of
current and new analogue and digital line interfaces.
• Transcoder. Converts audio streams between
TETRA ACELP compressed voice and 64 Kbps PCM
voice. Pulse Code Modulation voice is used for the
Dispatch Consoles and the Telephone Gateway.
• Site Link Multiplexer. Provides efficient usage of
site link capacity, i.e. routing all relevant data such
as ACELP voice, TETRA data, Call Control and Site
Management via one link.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
The Remote Sites, also known as Enhanced Base

Transceiver System (EBTS) contain the following main
functions:
• Base Radio (BR). Each BR provides one TETRA

carrier, i.e. four TETRA time slots. The BR is
optionally equipped with three receivers for diversity
reception which increases the coverage area and
reception quality.
• Site Controller: Controls up to 7 BRs and provides
the interface to the Master Site. In case of site link
failure the site controller provides local trunking
capabilities for continued communication within the
site coverage area.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Activity
Match Motorola trunking systems with descriptions of their
characteristics.
Motorola Trunking Systems:
A. SMARTNET
B. SmartWorks
C. Simulcast
D. SmartZone
E. SmartZone OmniLink
Trunking System Descriptions:
D Multiple-site trunking system that uses a variable

number of repeaters at each site, can contain up to 48
subsystems, and comprises a Master Site and one or
more Remote Sites.
B Single-site trunking system, available in both 800
and 900 MHz versions. that supports up to seven
channels.
C Multiple-site trunking system that supports the
simultaneous transmission of identical carrier signals
from multiple, geographically separated transmitter
sites.
A Single site trunking system that provides flexible
talkgroup partitioning, unrestricted roaming capability,
and supports up to 28 channels.
E Multiple-site trunking system that uses software
techniques to provide radio coverage over a very large
geographical area that may be divided into multiple
zones.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module Exercises
Multiple Choice
Which of the following single-site trunking systems is

Motorola's most powerful, supporting up to 28 voice
channels:
a. SmartWorks
b. SMARTNET
c. StartSite
d. SmartZone
Multiple Choice
Which of the following wide-area trunking systems

supports a single zone that can have up to 48
subsystems:
a. SmartZone OmniLink
b. Receiver Voting
c. SmartZone
d. Simulcast

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module 6. Trunking Signaling
Contents
Topic 1: Signaling Sequence 6-3

This topic illustrates the sequence in which
signaling takes place within a Motorola
trunking system during call processing.
Activity 6-15
In this activity, you will place descriptions of
signals into the sequence in which the signals
flow during normal call processing.
Topic 2: Failsoft Signaling 6-16

This topic describes the signaling that takes
place within a Motorola trunking system when
failures in the central controller occur.
Topic 3: System Timeouts 6-17

This topic examines the various system
timeout parameters that control the operation
of various aspects of the trunking system.


TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Introduction
The purpose of this module is to provide technicians with a

detailed explanation of signaling words and tones and how
they are used in a Motorola trunking system. This
knowledge is important when troubleshooting system
access problems in a trunked system.
Objective
• Describe the various types of signaling used in a

trunked system and how signaling words and tones
are used in processing a call.
• Describe the timeout parameters used in a trunked
system.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 1: Signaling Sequence
Introduction
This topic describes the inbound and outbound signals

used by the central controller in a trunked system to
manage the system resources and control access to the
system. The following pages show how signals flow
through a Motorola trunking system during the processing
of a call.
Step 1 — System Status Word/System ID OSW
System Status Word/Word Frame
The System Status Word (SSW) is transmitted by the

central controller through the control channel. The SSW is
received by all the radios listening to the control channel
and is transmitted in a format called a Word Frame.
The Word Frame carrying the SSW occupies a 23.3 ms

time frame and is sent continuously at 3600 baud. It is
transmitted only when the system is idle and is used to
synchronize the subscribers to the control channel. The
Word Frame tells the radio that this is a Motorola system.
The Word Frame is used for bit synchronization only and
provides no useful information to the user.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
System ID OSW
The System ID OSW is inserted serially after an SSW at

least once every three seconds and contains system
identification and control channel information.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 2 — Inbound Signal Word (ISW)
When a radio user presses the PTT button is pressed, the

radio sends an Inbound Signal Word (ISW), sometimes
called a Channel Request, to the central controller via the
control channel.
The radio sends the ISW to the central controller at 3600

baud in 23.3 ms word frames and is transmitted in
synchronization with the central controller's SSW. ISW
transmission is synchronized to the central controller's
SSW.
Single-Word ISW
The information bits in the ISW contains the Unit ID, call
type, and other parameters. If the radio is already
affiliated with the central controller, the radio transmits a
Single Word ISW containing 78 bits sent at 3600 bps
(21.67 ms) with 21 information bits and 57 error
correction bits.
Dual-Word ISW
If the radio is not yet affiliated with the central controller,

it transmits a Dual Word ISW.
The format of the dual word ISW is as follows:
1. First words

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
2. First word.
 Unit ID
 Type of call, group or individual.
 Code word indicating the presence of the second word.
3. Second word
 Talkgroup ID.
 Call type description: Private Call, Call Alert, etc.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 3 — Channel Grant/Busy OSW
In step 3, the central controller transmits the Channel

Grant or Busy OSW.
The Channel Grant OSW contains announcement group,

talkgroup, Unit ID, and voice channel assignment or status
information.
The channel grant signal contains 84 bits sent at 3600

baud (23.3 milliseconds) with 27 information bits, 8 sync
bits, and 49 error correction bits. The 27 information bits
consist of 16 address bits, one call-type bit, and 10 status
or channel bits. If the channel is in the 0 - 759 block, then
the status bits contain the channel number, but if the
channel is in the 760 - 1024 block, then the status word is
sent in hexadecimal code.
This OSW is used to send the voice channel assignments.

It consists of two consecutive words sent four times in
succession. Each word contains 84 bits and is sent at 3600
bps (23.3 ms). The information bits are split into 27
information bits, 8 synchronization bits, and 49 error
correction bits.
If a channel is not available (the entire system is busy)

the initiating radio displays a busy light and/or produces a
Busy tone.
The Channel Busy OSW has the same format as the

Channel Grant except that the information causes the
radios to generate a busy tone to indicate to the radio user
that all repeaters are busy.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 4 — Low Speed Hand Shake (LSHS)
The central controller transmits a Low Speed Handshake

(LSHS) signal, also called a Connect Word. The LSHS
unmutes received audio and holds receiving radios on the
assigned voice channel. The LSHS is sent through the
voice channel at 150 Baud. The signal consists of the first
11 bits of the talkgroup identification. If a radios does not
receive or decode the LSHS, it returns to the control
channel.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Connect Tone
When the microphone is unmuted and voice transmission

begins, the radio transmits a Connect tone, which causes
the central controller to keep the channel connected. The
Connect tone is a sub audible tone sent by the radio on
the voice channel along with voice information. The
central controller checks its presence to verify that the
radio is still using the voice channel. If the tone is not
there, the central controller takes control of the repeater
and makes it available for reassignment as a voice
channel. The default frequency for the Connect Tone is
105.88 Hz. Other Connect tone frequencies are sometimes
used.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 5 — Disconnect Tone
In Step 5, the initiating user stops talking and releases the

PTT button.
When the PTT button is released the radio does not dekey.
Instead, it sends 200 milliseconds of Disconnect tone. The
Disconnect tone is used to notify the central controller that
the user has finished a transmission. The Disconnect tone
is a 163.64 Hz. signal that is transmitted over the voice
channel for 200 milliseconds. In message trunking, the
central controller detects the Disconnect tone and begins a
message timeout timer (max. 6 seconds, factory default
set for 1 second).
If the talkgroup is programmed for Message Trunking, the

central controller starts a timer at that point. If it detects
no PTT from any of the radios in that talkgroup, within the
allotted time, it takes control of the voice channel and
makes it available to other users.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Once a radio transmits the Disconnect Tone, the radio

switches to receive mode and unmutes after detecting the
LSHS.
If any talkgroup member decides to respond to the

message prior to the expiration of the message timer, the
conversation will continue with the new radio providing the
Connect Tone.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 6 — Call Continuation
In step 6, the receiving radio transmits.
Assuming that message trunking is in operation, once a

radio has sent an end of transmission signal, any radio in
the same talkgroup can respond to the original
transmitting radio by pressing PTT and talking. When the
radio user presses the PTT button, the radio sends a
Connect tone, together with voice information.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 6 — Call Continuation
The central controller detects the Connect tone, resets the

message timeout timer, and transmits an LSHS signal so
the conversation can continue.
Step 7 — Disconnect Tone
Step 7 begins when the radio user releases the PTT button
When the PTT button is released, the radio does not

dekey. Instead, it sends 200 milliseconds of Disconnect
tone.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
In message trunking, the central controller detects the

Disconnect tone, transmits the LSHS signal via the voice
channel, and begins a new message timeout timer, as
before.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Step 8 — Disconnect Word
In Step 8, the final step in this sequence, the central

controller transmits.
If the central controller does not receive a Connect word

before the message timeout timer expires, the central
controller transmits a 125 ms. Disconnect word at 300
baud via the voice channel. When a radio receives the
Disconnect word, the radio mutes and returns to control
channel. The central controller then makes the voice
channel available for reassignment.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Activity
Enter numbers to the left of each of the following signaling
steps to place the signals into the sequence in which they
flow during normal call processing.
2 When a radio user presses the PTT button, the radio

sends an Inbound Signal Word (ISW), or Channel
Request, to the central controller via the control
channel.
3 The central controller transmits a Channel Grant
OSW over the control channel.
1 The central controller uses the control channel to
transmit the System Status Word signal with System ID
OSW signals inserted at least once every three seconds.
5 When the PTT button is released the radio a
Disconnect tone to notify the central controller that the
user has finished a transmission. The radio then
switches to receive mode and unmutes after detecting
the LSHS.
4 The central controller transmits a Low Speed
Handshake (LSHS) signal to unmute received audio and
to hold receiving radios on the assigned voice channel.
The radio then transmits a Connect tone, which causes
the central controller to keep the channel connected.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 2: Failsoft Signaling

During normal system operation, the central controller
supplies the base station's Failsoft circuit with a Transmit
Data (TDATA) signal. The TDATA signal consists of an
OSW, followed by an LSHS signal, followed by a
Disconnect Word signal. The TDATA signal keeps the base
stations in the trunking mode. If TDATA transmission
stops because of failure of the central controller, the base
stations revert to the failsoft mode.
• The base station unmutes and transmits a Failsoft

data word.
• Radios respond to the Failsoft data word and
unmute, allowing service to continue via community
repeater type operation.
• The base station sends out a 900 Hz tone for 280
milliseconds every 10 seconds to alert the radio user
that the system is in Failsoft mode.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 3: System Timeouts
Introduction
The central controller maintains a set of system timeout

parameters. The system manager can change these
system parameters to control the operation of the system.
Major system timeout parameters are listed in the graphic

below. These parameters are described in the following
sections.
Carrier Timeout Period
This determines the time period for which an assigned

voice channel remains unmuted and active, receiving only
carrier and no handshake Connect Tone. The time can be
activated after a Disconnect tone is detected by the
central controller.
Fade Timeout Period
This determines the time period for which an assigned

voice channel remains active after the disappearance of
the Connect tone and carrier. After the timer expires, the
channel is unassigned. The timer is activated after the
central controller fails to detect the Disconnect tone after
loss of the low speed Connect Tone.
Message Trunk Timeout Period
This determines the time period for which a voice channel

remains active after receiving a Disconnect tone from a
radio. After the timeout the channel is unassigned.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Carrier Malfunction Timeout Period
This determines how long an interfering signal must be

present on an unassigned channel before it is removed
from system use. An entry of 254 seconds disables the
time out.
Module Exercises
Multiple Choice
The System Status Word is transmitted by:
a. The initiating radio.

b. The receiving radio.
c. The repeater for the active voice channel.
d. The central controller.
Multiple Choice
The Disconnect tone is transmitted by:
a. The initiating radio.

b. The receiving radio.
c. The repeater for the active voice channel.
d. The central controller.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module 7. Type I vs. Type II Trunking
Contents
Topic 1: Type I Trunking 7-2

This topic introduces Type I trunking systems
that group radios by fleet and subfleet.
Topic 2: Type II Trunking 7-3

This topic introduces Type II trunking systems
that group radios by talkgroup and
announcement group.
Topic 3: Hybrid (Type IIi) Trunking 7-4

This topic introduces Motorola trunking
systems that can handle both Type I and Type
II addressing.

Introduction
Trunking system features rely on the unique digital

addresses assigned to every radio in the system. With the
development of Motorola trunked systems, two addressing
schemes, or protocols, have evolved: Type I and Type II.
The purpose of this module is to provide technicians with

an explanation of the two types of addressing signaling
words, how those signaling words are structured, when
they are used, and how Type I and Type II radios can
operate in the same system.
Objective
• Differentiate between Type I and Type II trunking.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 1: Type I Trunking

Motorola's first trunking systems, introduced in 1977, used
a protocol for assigning digital addresses to radios. This
original protocol, which later became known as Type I,
divides the system into groups called fleets. Each fleet is
further divided into smaller groups called subfleets.
With Type I addressing, each radio is assigned a unique

digital address that identifies it as a member of a
particular fleet. Using this address, the radio can make
group calls in any of the subfleets affiliated with its
assigned fleet.
Each radio is assigned to a fleet and has a unique ID

within that fleet. To address a particular radio, the central
controller must indicate the radio's fleet number and
unique ID within the fleet. Together, a fleet number and
ID give a radio a unique digital address within the system.
Fleets and subfleets are the two levels of groups in Type I

systems. The maximum number of subfleets and radio IDs
a fleet can contain is fixed, though the maximum varies
between trunking systems.
For Type I radios, subfleet calls are more common than

fleetwide calls. A subfleet call is heard only by radios in
the same subfleet. A fleetwide call is heard by all radios in
the fleet.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 2: Type II Trunking

Beginning in 1987, to add more features such as capacity
for more radio and group IDs, Motorola developed a new
trunking protocol, called Type II. Type II trunking is the
standard protocol on Motorola trunking systems.
With Type II trunking, a radio's Unit ID does not identify

any particular group, so Unit IDs and group IDs can be
assigned independently. With Type II trunking, any
number of radios can be assigned to a group, whereas
Type I trunking limits the number of radios that can be in
any particular fleet.
In Type II systems, the two main levels of groups are

talkgroups and announcement groups, also called
multigroups. Announcement groups are comparable to
fleets, and talkgroups are similar to subfleets.
Announcement groups are groupings of talkgroups, just as
fleets may be considered groupings of subfleets.
For Type II radios, talkgroup calls are more common than

announcement group calls. A talkgroup call is heard only
by radios in the talkgroup. An announcement group call is
heard by all radios monitoring talkgroups within the
announcement group.
With Type II systems there are no restrictions on

talkgroup and individual ID combinations up to a limit of
48,000 total Unit ID values and 4,000 total talkgroups per
system.
Older trunked systems support Type I signalling only.

Newer trunked systems support both Type I and Type II
signalling.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 3: Hybrid (Type IIi) Trunking

Several Motorola trunking systems incorporate both types
of trunking signalling (Type I and Type II). These are
referred to as Hybrid or Type IIi systems. Radio units with
Type I and Type II capabilities are often referred to as
twin type radios.
This means that a customer with an older trunking

system, who may want to upgrade to a newer system at a
later date, can use twin type radios in a system and not
have to worry about obsolescence when upgrading at a
later date.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module Exercises
Multiple Choice
Which of the following identifies fleet and subfleet directly

in Unit ID values:
a. Only Type I trunking.

b. Only Type II trunking.
c. Type I and Type IIi trunking.
d. Type II and Type IIi trunking.
Multiple Choice
Which of the following allows for a maximum of 48,000

Unit IDs and 4,000 talkgroups:
a. Only Type I trunking.

b. Only Type II trunking.
c. Type I and Type IIi trunking.
d. Type II and Type IIi trunking.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module 8. System ID Structure
Contents
Topic 1: System IDs 8-2

This topic summarizes the types of system IDs
important in Motorola trunked systems.
Topic 2: Unit IDs 8-3

This topic examines the structure of the
individual Unit IDs that make up the unique
digital addresses assigned to the radios in a
Motorola trunking system.
Topic 3: Talkgroup IDs 8-4

This topic looks at the structure of the
talkgroup IDs that uniquely identify each
talkgroup in a trunking system.
Topic 4: Announcement Group IDs 8-5

This topic discusses the structure of the
announcement group IDs that uniquely
identify each announcement group in a
trunking system.
Topic 5: Radio Programming 8-6

This topic describes the way in which a radio's
talkgroup affiliation is established.

Introduction
The purpose of this module is to provide technicians with

an explanation of the two types of signaling words, how
those words are structured, when they are used, and how
Type I and Type II radios can operate in the same system.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Objectives
• Describe the ID structure used in a Motorola

trunking system.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 1: System IDs

There are three types of system IDs important in trunking
systems:
• Individual Unit IDs

• Talkgroup IDs
• Announcement Group IDs
In most trunking systems, only 16,000 individual Unit IDs

and 1,000 talkgroup IDs are available unless the extended
(128 Mb) memory board option has been added to the
central controller. Assuming the boards are purchased, the
maximum number of Unit IDs increase to 48,000, and the
maximum number of talkgroups increases to 4,094.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 2: Unit IDs

Each radio has only one Unit ID per system. This makes it
easier to locate radios for private calls such as call alert,
private conversation, and telephone interconnect.
A unique 4 digit hex number is assigned to each user on a

system. The ID which is normally used is the equivalent
decimal value of the hex number with the number 7 added
as a prefix. The following example shows how to find the
equivalent decimal Unit ID for a hex Unit ID (Example:
4B6A):
3
The decimal equivalent of 4B6A hex is 4*16
2
+11*16 +6*16 +10=19306 (A and B are equivalent to 10
and 11 in the hex number system, respectively.)
Adding the prefix number (7), the decimal Unit ID is

719306.
The user has only one Unit ID per system. This makes it
easier to locate individuals for private type calls, such as
call alert, private conversation, and interconnect. The
decimal conversion of this ID is the land to mobile ID for
interconnect calls. There are up to 64,000 Unit ID's on a
system of which 48,000 Unit IDs can be used.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 3: Talkgroup IDs

A talkgroup ID is a 3 digit (hex) number that represents a
group of users on the system.
• Any number of units can be assigned to a talkgroup.

• The number of talkgroups the radio may be
programmed to operate in depends on the number
of trunked modes available in the radio.
• The radio's programming defines the talkgroups it
may operate in.
A unique 3 digit (hex) number represents a group of users

on a system. The ID which is normally used is the
equivalent decimal value of the hex number with the
number 80 added as a prefix. The following example
shows how to find the decimal Talkgroup ID for hex
Talkgroup ID 8A7:
2
The decimal equivalent of 8A7 hex is 8*16 +10*16
+7=2215
Adding the prefix number (80), the decimal Talkgroup ID

is 802215
Any number of units can be assigned to a talkgroup. The

number of talkgroups the radio may be programmed to
operate in depends on the number of trunked modes
available.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 4: Announcement Group IDs

A unique 3 digit (hex) number represents a set of
talkgroups on a system. The ID which is normally used is
the equivalent decimal value of the hex number with the
number 80 added as a prefix. The group may contain any
number of talkgroups. The organizational needs of the
customers will determine what talkgroups are affiliated
with an announcement group. This information will be
programmed into the system manager terminal and radios
to determine which groups they will operate in.
The central controller has no preprogrammed records of

announcement group to talkgroup affiliation. This data
must be entered manually into the central controller using
the system manager's terminal for proper call processing
to take place.
• An announcement ID is a unique 3 digit (hex)

number that represents a collection of talkgroups in
a system.
• The group may contain any number of talkgroups.
The organizational needs of the customers will
determine what talkgroups are affiliated with an
announcement group. This information will be
programmed into the radios to determine which
groups they will operate in.
• This data must be entered manually into the central
controller using the system managers terminal for
proper call processing to take place.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Topic 5: Radio Programming

The central controller does not determine the talkgroup
the unit may operate in, this is done in the programming
of the radio. The radio informs the central controller of the
current talkgroup it is operating in using a procedure
called affiliation. The Affiliation procedure can be
performed by two methods, depending on how the radio
was programmed to Affiliate:
• Push-to-talk (PTT): The user chooses a

different talkgroup on the radio. When the radio is
keyed it transmits a dual-word ISW. The first word
contains the Individual Unit ID and call type, the
second word contains the updated talkgroup ID.
• Automatic: The user changes the talkgroup
selector position. A few seconds after the change,
the radio automatically transmits an ISW to update
the central controller of the new talkgroup ID. This
gives a faster access time. The radio will use PTT
affiliation if the user presses the PTT button prior to
the timeout set to transmit the new affiliation
information.

TRUNKING CONCEPTS
Module Exercises
Multiple Choice
A Unit ID value consists of:
a. A three-digit decimal value.

b. A three-digit hexadecimal value.
c. A six-digit decimal value.
d. A six-digit hexadecimal value.
Multiple Choice
Which of the following uniquely identifies an individual

radio in a Motorola trunking system:
a. Unit ID value.
b. Unit ID value and talkgroup ID value.
c. Unit ID value, talkgroup ID value, and
announcement group ID value.

Motorola Trunking Concepts

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Motorola Trunking Concepts

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TRUNKING CONCEPTS

This training program covering Trunking Concepts is intended to provide customer

Module 1. Introduction to Trunking 1-3

Module 2. How Trunking Works 2-1

Module 3. Trunked Call Types 3-1

Module 4. Trunked System Features 4-1

Module 5. Private Trunked Systems 5-1

Module 6. Trunking Signaling 6-1

Module 7. Type I vs. Type II Trunking 7-1

Module 8. System ID Structure 8-1

Motorola Confidential 1-1 V.1.0

• Differentiate between message trunking and transmission trunking.

Motorola Confidential 1-2 V.1.0

Module 1: Introduction to Trunking

Topic 1: Trunking Concepts 1-4

Topic 2: Trunking Features and Advantages 1-8

Topic 3: Channel Loading Criteria 1-11

Module Exercises 1-12

The purpose of this module is to provide a definition of trunking and to introduce

Motorola Confidential 1-3 V.1.0

Topic 1: Trunking Concepts

Trunking is a telephone company concept that refers to the automatic sharing of a

A trunking system efficiently distributes message traffic among the available

Motorola Confidential 1-4 V.1.0

Non-Trunked Communication System

Compare a non-trunked communication system to a group of toll booths on a toll

Motorola Confidential 1-5 V.1.0

Trunked Communication System

Compare a trunked communication system to the system many airlines use to

If there are fewer users than ticket agents, there is no waiting.

The effectiveness of trunking is predicated on two fundamental characteristics of

• It is improbable that a large percentage of users will want to make a call at

Motorola Confidential 1-6 V.1.0

Topic 2: Trunking Features and Advantages

Faster System Access

Better Channel Efficiency

Motorola Confidential 1-7 V.1.0

The queuing capabilities of a trunked system provide a more orderly approach to

Additional users can be added without necessarily adding additional channels or

Continuous Assignment Updating

User Call Organization

The Failsoft feature ensures continued communications capability in the case of a

Motorola Confidential 1-8 V.1.0

Features and Advantages:

Motorola Confidential 1-9 V.1.0

Topic 3: Channel Loading Criteria

Motorola Confidential 1-10 V.1.0

In a trunking system, repeaters are used in the following manner:

a. Each user is assigned to a particular repeater.

Which of the following trunking features allows a user to be assigned to the

a. 70% loading within 5 years.

Motorola Confidential 1-11 V.1.0

Module 2. How Trunking Works

Topic 1: Talkgroups and Announcement Groups 2-3

Topic 2: User Organization Example 2-7

Topic 3: Trunking Infrastructure 2-9

Topic 4: Trunking Calls 2-11

Topic 5: Basic Call Processing 2-15

Topic 6: Busy Call Processing 2-25

Motorola Confidential 2- 1 V.1.0

Topic 7: Message and Transmission Trunking 2-30

Module Exercises 2-35

The purpose of this module is to provide a high-level