MOTO Talk

MOTO Talk is Motorola's feature which allows the user of an iDEN capable phone to use the 'direct-connect', 'push-to-talk' feature without actually being on the iDEN network.

Two of the largest carriers offering the Direct-Connect offering are Boost Mobile, and Sprint-Nextel in the United States. The Direct-Connect feature provides a walkie-talkie-like feel through the use of a number similar to a phone number. Under traditional cellular plans, Direct-Connect diminishes the available minutes. MOTO Talk, however, generally does not use cellular minutes.

The MOTO Talk service is similar to the FRS (Family Radio Service) provided by current walkie-talkie technology.

On the model i870 phone the MOTO Talk is referred to as "DirecTalk".

On-network walkie talkie

MOTO Talk IDs, are a number-based format in the following syntax: "012*345*67890".

The first 3 digits make up the area ID, (e.g. what region or area of your carrier's network you're from.)The middle 3 digits make up the network ID, (e.g. which iDEN carrier you're on. Ex. Nextel, SouthernLinc, Nii, MIKE/Telus, etc.)and the final 5 digits make up the member's ID (Your personal number from your carrier's network.)

The Star symbol is also part of a user's unique Direct connect number and it is used to divide the area ID, network ID, and unique member's ID number on their network.

Off-network walkie talkie

In addition to the MOTO talk IDs which are good only for on-network communication, the Motorola phones are also made with an off-network solution as well. Such application could be useful for areas without any mobile coverage, like when camping on mountain-sides with no cellular towers nearby. Other times this could be useful is when a disaster takes any part of a mobile network off line. The off network feature on the iDEN phones work for up to a six mile radius and will communicate with all other iDEN phones in the area on the same channel and code access number.

The off network walkie talkie feature has a total of 10 channels on newer phones and within those 10 channels, the phones can handle 15 separate group codes. This means there can be 15 conversations operating on each of the 10 channels within any single 6 miles radius. As with FRS and GMRS radios, the 15 group codes work to block calls that are not on the same code. The group codes do not secure your conversation. Only one person can talk on a channel at a time. The phone is capable of listening to all activity on a channel, but can not transmit when in this "receive-all" mode. It uses FHSS technology on the 900 MHz ISM band as an unlicensed transmitter.

You can secure your off network walkie talkie conversation by using the intended recipients' phone number.

iDEN model compatibility

MOTO Talk is available on these iDEN models:
*ic902
*i880
*i870
*i850
*i760
*i670
*i580
*i560
*ic502
*ic402
*i355
*i325is
*i275
* M710
* i425

ee also

*Sprint Nextel
*Direct Connect
*Push to Talk over Cellular
*Walkie talkie

External links

* [http://www.motorola.com Motorola's Main Web Site]
* [http://idenphones.motorola.com/idenProducts/phonesHome.do?phones=1 Motorola's iDEN Phone Offerings]
* [http://www.nextel.com/assets/pdfs/en/support/guides/services/walkie_talkie/direct_talk_qsg.pdf Instructions for off iDEN-network walkie-talkie service] (PDF)