Released On 8th Jul 2025

A Buyer’s Guide to Motorola Repeaters: SLR 1000 vs SLR 5500 vs SLR 8000

When your business depends on reliable two-way radio coverage – especially across large or complex sites – choosing the right digital repeater can make all the difference. Motorola’s MOTOTRBRO range offers industry-leading solutions built for everything from compact campus networks to high-power, mission-critical infrastructure.

In this guide, we compare three of Motorola’s most trusted models: the SLR 1000, SLR 5500, and SLR 8000. Whether you operate in logistics, manufacturing, facilities management, or utilities, we’ll help you find the best fit for your team’s communication needs.

Why use a two-way radio repeater?

A radio repeater receives and re-broadcasts radio signals to extend communication range and maintain clarity. This is essential for teams working across large premises, underground zones, or behind thick concrete walls. It reduces dead zones, improves signal quality, and supports network scalability.

Quick Comparison: Motorola Repeater Models

Let’s take a moment to explain a couple of things in that table:

What is 1U/2U rackmount?

“U” stands for rack units (1.75 inches per unit). A 1U or 2U repeater fits into a standard equipment rack and helps IT teams optimise space and manage heat airflow efficiently.

System Compatibility: What You Need to Know

Understanding the MOTOTRBO system types can help you choose a repeater that matches your network needs:

• Conventional: Simple, non-networked communication; great for smaller sites
• IP Site Connect: Links repeaters over IP to extend range across multiple locations
• Capacity Plus: Supports more users with digital trunking on a single site
• Linked Capacity Plus: Combines Capacity Plus with IP Site Connect for multi-site trunking
• Capacity Max: Motorola’s flagship DMR Tier III solution for scalable, secure networks
• Connect Plus: Older wide-area trunking system, still widely used
• MPT1327: Analog trunking protocol common in legacy systems

A summary of each of the repeaters

SLR 1000: the rugged, compact, outdoor repeater

The Motorola SLR 1000 is ideal for extending coverage in hard-to-reach areas – like outdoor campuses, car parks, and industrial yards. It's IP65-rated for dust and water resistance, and the fanless, low-power design makes it energy efficient and whisper-quiet.

Why Fanless?

A fanless repeater has fewer moving parts, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and dust intrusion. It also runs silently and requires less maintenance – perfect for sensitive or exposed locations.

Best For:

• Eliminating dead zones in remote/outdoor areas
• Mounting on poles, walls, or non-traditional locations
• Low infrastructure and maintenance costs

SLR 5500: The versatile all-rounder

The Motorola SLR 5500 balances performance and reliability in a sleek 1U chassis. It has up to 50W output power and advanced receiver sensitivity, so it can detect weak signals – either because they are on the edge of coverage or they’re partially obstructed – and convert them into clear, understandable audio. 

The SLR 5500 is perfect for businesses needing clear communication across medium to large buildings.
It supports all major MOTOTRBO digital and analogue system types, and features built-in diagnostics, a battery charger, and alarm ports, giving you flexibility and future-proofing in one compact unit.

Best For:

• Warehouses, office campuses, hospitals, and hospitality
• Businesses transitioning from analogue to digital
• Users who want easy scalability

SLR 8000: High power for high-demand systems

The Motorola SLR 8000 is the powerhouse of the MOTOTRBO repeater family. With up to 100W output, it delivers exceptional coverage for regional and multi-site operations like utilities, transportation, public safety, and large event venues.

The SLR 8000 includes modular hardware – like removable amplifiers and modems – making on-site servicing easier and customisation more flexible.

Another feature worth noting is the SLR 8000’s advanced diagnostics and remote management via RDAC*.

*RDAC (Repeater Diagnostics and Control) is Motorola's remote management tool. In the SLR 8000, it allows technicians to monitor repeater health, input voltage, output power, and other metrics, reducing downtime and supporting preventive maintenance.

Best For:

• Multi-site or high-traffic radio networks
• 24/7 operations requiring maximum uptime
• Professional systems needing remote diagnostics

Key Technologies and Expansion Options

All three Motorola repeaters support:

• DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) Tier II & III protocols*
• Mixed mode analogue/digital operations
• Integration with repeater duplexers**, antenna relays***, and IP-based networks

They’re also compatible with MOTOTRBO Capacity Plus, Capacity Max, and IP Site Connect depending on the model, giving you full freedom to scale your radio infrastructure.

*Explanation of DMR Tier II vs Tier III

• Tier II: Conventional digital radio (simple frequency and channel-based communication)
• Tier III: Digital trunked radio (channels dynamically assigned, ideal for larger systems)

** A repeater duplexer allows a single antenna to transmit and receive simultaneously – saving space and simplifying setup.
*** An antenna relay can switch signals between transmit and receive paths, helping manage signal direction and minimise interference. These are especially helpful in rackmount or single-antenna installations.

Which repeater is right for you?

Here’s a quick breakdown to guide your decision:

• Choose the SLR 1000 if you need a low-cost, rugged solution for extending range in remote or outdoor areas.
• Go with the SLR 5500 if you want a balanced solution for most business needs with moderate coverage and capacity.
• Opt for the SLR 8000 if you manage a mission-critical operation needing maximum power, scalability and reliability.

What’s next?

Investing in a Motorola MOTOTRBO repeater is about more than boosting signal – you’re ensuring seamless, reliable, future-ready communication that can grow with your business.

Whether you're covering a campus, scaling a warehouse network, or coordinating critical infrastructure, there’s a model to match your needs.

The team at RadioTrader really knows their stuff, so why not get in touch for a friendly chat to help you take the next step?