Most of the district's site two-way radios are Motorola MotoTrbo Sleek SL 300 Digital Two-Way Radios. The Motorola SL300 is highly desired for its compact size, outstanding audio quality, and excellent battery life. New batteries on the Motorola SL300 have a 15-hour use time and should last two to three years.

The district has also issued Motorola XPR7550e radios.  These radios were issued to be used for district emergency communications and users are able to communicate with other users countywide.  The XPR7550e has a 22-hour use time and should last two to three years.

Best practices for extending the life of your radio batteries are to make sure they are fully charged and then taken off the charger.  Batteries should be mostly discharged before returning them to the charger to recharge.   Incorporating this practice into your daily routine should ensure your radios batteries do not require premature replacement. 

If you find your site's radios need to be frequently recharged and do not last the entire school day, you may need to have the battery replaced. The district has set up a process to replace your batteries. Please complete the Two-Way Radio Battery Replacement Request form, and the Transportation Department will order replacement batteries and have them delivered to your site. The district will cover the cost of the battery replacement.  Battery replacement costs will not be a site expense.   Please dispose of the old batteries by placing them in your outgoing district mail bin. The Warehouse staff will collect the old batteries and have the Maintenance and Operations Department properly dispose of them. 

Two-Way Radio Battery Replacement Request Form

Two-Way Radio Use - Tips

Only one person can talk at a time, and radios should not be used to hold long conversations or for chatting of any sort.  

1. Identify yourself and your location before conveying your message.  
2. Use short, clear, and concise messages.
3. Make sure the channel is clear before you speak.

TO TALK: Press the top button on the left side, hold, and listen for the double beep. Once you hear the double beep speak clearly into the radio, and let go of the button once you have finished speaking. If you hear a continuous beep, it means someone else is communicating, release the button and try again.

RADIO TERMS:

Over - I have finished speaking

Say Again - Repeat your last message

Stand By - I acknowledge your transmission but can not respond right now

Go Ahead - I can respond go ahead with your message

Copy - Message received and understood

Affirmative/Negative - Yes/No

Out - Conversation is finished the channel is clear for other users