Astro (Motorola)

Motorola Astro is the name brand given to two-way radios from the manufacturer Motorola that are capable of digital voice transmission. [ASTRO 25 Digital Voice and Data Networks, " [http://www.motorola.com/governmentandenterprise/au/en-sg/public/functions/browsesolution/browsesolution.aspx?navigationpath=id_801i/id_953i/id_1043i/id_177i/id_1174i ASTRO 25 Digital Voice and Data Networks] ", Retrieved on April 08, 2008.] Early models used the VSELP vocoder while the latest models use the IMBE vocoder which is specified by and thus compatible with the APCO-25 Common Air Interface. [The Case for APCO Project 25, " [http://www.signalharbor.com/ttt/00jun/ The Case for APCO Project 25] ", Retrieved on April 08, 2008.]

Over the last 50-60 years, Motorola has worked with the Los Angeles Police Department in developing police radio communications. The LAPD was one of the first police agencies to use two-way radios. In the 1970s a project was ordered by Chief Daryl Gates to establish better and smarter city-wide police communications especially with regard to officers talking back and forth to the air support division from the ground. This was the origin of the Astro name, originally standing for AirShip To Rover Officers. By 2007, the LAPD had over 10,500 Motorola hand-held Astro capable radios. [LAPPL Supports Police Radio Replacement Program " [http://www.lapd.com/article.aspx?&a=5395 LAPPL Supports Police Radio Replacement Program ] ", Retrieved on April 08, 2008.]

Astro (APCO-25) is predominantly used throughout the USA however it has also been adopted by various Australian state police agencies. The NSW Police have a large fleet of Motorola Astro XTS series radios.

ee also

* Motorola
* APCO-25

References