Upgrading Communications Aboard a 65-Metre Vessel

RadioTrader was tasked with modernising an outdated radio system with new digital communications. The goal was to deliver secure, clear and reliable communications across all departments and working environments, from the bridge and deck to the engine room and interiors.

18
Radios Supplied
12
Motorola R5 LKP
6
Motorola SL2600
65m
Luxury Yacht
18
Individual User IDs
Multi
Department Channels
AI
Noise Cancellation
32hrs
Up To Battery Life
Man on a yacht using a walkie-talkie with a clear blue sky and ocean background

Modernising an Outdated Radio System with Motorola R5 LKP and SL2600 Radios

Reliable communication is critical aboard a large vessel, where
crew members need to coordinate quickly between the bridge, deck,
engine room and interior areas.

RadioTrader was approached by the operator of a 65-metre vessel
whose existing communications system had become outdated and was no
longer performing to the standard required for day-to-day operations.

The objective was to create a modern, reliable and
easy-to-manage radio system that could provide clear communications
across different departments while ensuring each radio was configured
specifically for the environment in which it would be used.

Challenge Solution Radio Programming Channels Programming

The Challenge

The vessel's existing radio system was no longer delivering the reliability or clarity required by the crew.

Communication requirements varied considerably depending on
location. Radios being used on deck and within the engine room needed to
withstand a demanding working environment and provide excellent audio
performance, while radios used inside the vessel needed to be compact
and discreet.

The customer also wanted a more organised system that would
allow crew members and departments to communicate independently, helping
to reduce unnecessary radio traffic and streamline everyday operations.
Motorola R5 LKP Digital Handheld Radio.

Motorola R5 LKP

Motorola SL2600 Digital Handheld Walkie Talkie.

Motorola SL2600

Motorola R5 LKP for Deck, Bridge and Engine Room Use

The Motorola R5 LKP was selected for the more demanding operational areas of the vessel.

The R5 combines rugged construction with powerful audio
technology, making it particularly well suited to environments where
background noise can make radio communication difficult.

One of the key technologies utilised in this installation was the R5's advanced AI-based noise cancellation.

This helps reduce background noise during transmissions,
allowing speech to remain clear even when crew members are working
around engines, machinery, wind or other sources of significant
environmental noise.

Long Battery Performance

Battery life was also an important consideration for crew members working extended shifts.

The Motorola R5 LKP uses Motorola's latest battery technology and can provide up to approximately 32 hours of operation between charges, depending on radio configuration and usage.

This gives crew members confidence that the radio can remain
operational throughout long working periods without requiring frequent
charging.

Discreet Interior Communications with the Motorola SL2600

For interior areas of the vessel, RadioTrader supplied six Motorola SL2600 radios.

The SL2600's slim and lightweight design makes it particularly
suitable for crew members working in guest-facing or interior
environments where carrying a larger industrial radio may be
unnecessary.

To make communications even more discreet, the SL2600 radios were supplied with ECONPLUSSLA acoustic tube earpieces.

These allow crew members to receive radio communications
privately without conversations being broadcast through the radio's
external speaker.

Accessories Selected for Each Working Environment

A range of accessories was supplied specifically for the different working areas aboard the vessel.

The Motorola R5 LKP radios were supplied with ECONPLUS2000D D-shape earpieces, providing comfortable and practical communications for crew members using the radios throughout the working day.

For personnel working within the engine room, where significantly higher levels of background noise are present, a CH-3 Peltor communications headset and compatible Flex cable were supplied.

This combination helps provide clearer radio communications
while also being better suited to the demanding acoustic environment
found around marine engines and machinery.

Reducing Unwanted Radio Interference

RadioTrader also utilised the built-in privacy and system configuration features available within the Motorola radios.

The system was programmed to help reduce unwanted outside radio
traffic and interference, creating a more controlled communications
environment for the vessel's crew.

This helped ensure that the channels configured for the vessel
remained focused on operational communications rather than unrelated
radio activity.

The Result

The upgraded system provided the vessel with a significantly more structured and capable communication platform.

Crew members can now communicate quickly between the bridge,
deck, engine room and interior areas while using equipment specifically
selected for each environment.

Key improvements included:

  • Clearer communications in high-noise environments
  • Individual identification of radio users
  • Dedicated channels for different departments
  • Improved privacy and reduced unwanted radio traffic
  • Compact radios for discreet interior use
  • Specialist accessories for different crew roles
  • Extended battery performance for long working periods
  • A scalable digital radio platform that can be expanded in the future

A Complete Marine Radio Solution

This project demonstrates how a modern two-way radio system can
be configured around the individual requirements of a vessel rather
than simply supplying the same radio to every crew member.

By combining Motorola R5 LKP and SL2600 radios
with carefully selected accessories and customised programming,
RadioTrader was able to create a communication system suited to the very
different environments found aboard a 65-metre vessel.

From the bridge and deck to the engine room and interior areas,
each element of the system was selected to provide crew members with
reliable, clear and efficient communications.

Marine Communication Solutions from RadioTrader

RadioTrader supplies and configures professional radio systems
for vessels, ports, marinas, shipyards and other marine operations.

Our team can provide advice on radio selection, programming,
channel structure, accessories and complete communication systems
tailored around your operation.

Looking to upgrade the radio system aboard your vessel?

Speak to RadioTrader about your requirements and we can help
design a professional communications solution around your vessel, crew
and operating environment.