Category Archives: APX Radios

New South Bowers Fire Rescue Airboat Installation With David Clark Wireless Headsets

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South Bowers Fire Rescue Airboat

South Bowers Volunteer Fire will now perform emergency rescues in the Kent County salt marshes with a new airboat equipped with David Clark wireless mission-critical communications. The system will provide hands-free, wireless intercom for the crew and will also integrate with the Delaware 800 MHz statewide first-responder system.

David Clark 9900 Wireless Intercom and Motorola APX 7500 Radio Integration

David_Clark_LogoThe new David Clark 9900 Series wireless gateway system is weather tight, rugged, and designed for marine use. It easily integrates with a Motorola APX 7500 700/800/VHF P25 capable radio and will connect to a 3800 wired system if needed.

David Clark 3800 Wireless Intercom

Wireless Intercom System Components, Key Features, and InstallationH9940 Headset

The South Bowers David Clark system uses four H9940 dual muff, behind-the-head style headsets each with a 9910-BSW wireless belt station with VOX. This design provides hands-free intercom for the crew and the ability to monitor radio traffic from the boat’s APX 7500 radio. The belt station has a PTT (push-to-talk) switch for transmitting. The U9922-38 wireless gateway acts as a repeater and provides up to 300 ft range using clear DECT based technology.

David Clark A99-04CRG ChargerThe belt stations use 40688G-90 rechargeable batteries that are removable and last approximately 24 hours after a full charge. A A99-04CRG 110V AC charger will hold 4 batteries and takes about 3-4 hours when fully depleted. David Clark has several 9900 Series headset styles a full range of accessories, interface cables, and antenna choices. The APX radio uses an 05 control head and motorcycle options for improved outdoor performance.South Bowers Airboat Installation

A weatherproof NEMA box was added for better protection and installation was completed at our Dover service facility on Horsepond Road. The David Clark 9900 wireless headset intercom system is an excellent choice for fire/ems, military, and marine applications. Our thanks to South Bowers Station 57 for the opportunity to provide the first David Clark 9900 Series intercom in Delaware.

South Bowers Volunteer Fire Delaware Airboat

Complete List of Motorola KVL Encryption Keyload Cables and Adapters

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Motorola KVL 3000 and 4000 Cables

KVL 3000/4000 Keyload Interface Cables and Adapters

Most Motorola military and law enforcement 2-way radio communications uses an encrypted algorithm for secure voice messages. The encryption key is inserted in the radio using a KVL 3000 or KVL 4000 as shown. The basic interface cable is the Motorola TKN8531 and an adapter specific to the radio model. XTS 5000/2500 series portable hand-held radios require a NTN8613 adapter. APX 7500/6500  and most XTL 5000/2500 mobile radios need the HKN6182.

APX 7000/6000 series use the WPLN6904 cable that does not require an adapter.

OTAR and Radio Authentication Cables 

For systems using OTAR (over-the-air-rekeying) or radio authentication, the KVL uses a different set of cables without the need for adapters. APX, XTL, and Astro Spectra mobile radios use the HKN6183. XTS portable radios require the RKN4106 and APX 7000/6000 portables use the WPLN6905 cable.

For a complete list of KVL 4000 cables, adapters, and accessories, see the charts below.

Motorola KVL Interface Cables and Adapters

Optional accessories for the KVL 4000:

KVL Optional Accessories

How to Choose the Correct Motorola Bluetooth Accessory for your Radio

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Radios_BluetoothBluetooth accessories are starting to get complicated for Motorola public-safety and professional radio models. There are now three different types of wireless audio accessories: 

  • Mission Critical with encryption and touch pairing
  • Operations Critical Enhanced with touch pairing
  • Operations Critical Standard Bluetooth

Mission Critical Wireless With 128-bit Encryption is Most Secure

For the most secure wireless communications that is extremely difficult to hack, choose the mission critical models. These are only available for APX series with the internal Bluetooth option or the XTS series with the external PMLN5792 Mission Critical wireless adapter. Motorola’s proprietary “out of band” pairing with 128-bit encryption provides the best secure connection and only takes a few seconds. Pairing takes place when the radio and the audio accessory are within an inch of each other. It does not matter which radio you use – pairing is easy and quick.

Mission Critical Wireless Accessories for APX and XTS

If you have an APX 7000, APX6000, or APX 4000, the internal Bluetooth option must be enabled. At this time, Mission Critical Wireless is only available for APX radios although it is rumored standard Bluetooth might be available in the future. It is possible to use an external third party or MOTOTRBO adapter but it would not support the encrypted accessories.

Mission Critical Wireless AdapterThe PMLN5792 external adapter is compatible with the XTS 5000, XTS 2500, XTS 1500, MT1500, and PR1500. Cancelled models including XTS3000, HT1000, MTS2000, etc. will probably work but are not supported.

Following are the mission critical accessories for APX and XTS models:

  • NTN2570 Earpiece with 12 inch cable includes NTN2571 PTT pod
  • NTN2573 Earpiece with 9.5 inch cable includes NTN2571 PTT pod

Wireless Covert KitOptional wireless earbuds (NNTN8294 11.4 inch cable) or (NNTN8295 45.7 inch cable) are available that attach to the NTN2571 PTT pod. For covert surveillance operations, the  NNTN8295 uses ipod type earbuds or any 3.5mm audio accessory.

Enhanced Operations Critical with Touch Pairing

Enhanced Operations Critical provides intrinsically-safe operation with grab-and-go touch pairing. It is only available with the MOTOTRBO XPR 6300, XPR 6350, XPR 6380, XPR 6500, XPR 6550, and XPR 6580 radios. The PMLN5993 external adapter uses the NTN2570 earpiece.

We tried the PMLN5993 adapter with both the APX 4000 and XPR 7550 after getting conflicting answers from Motorola tech support. We tried multiple times with different accessories without success.

Operations Critical Standard Wireless Bluetooth

Standard Bluetooth adapters are available for all XTS, and XPR MOTOTRBO radio models. The RMN5104 allows the XTS 5000, XTS 2500, XTS 1500, MT1500, and PR1500 to use any standard Bluetooth headset. The PMLN5712 adapter is designed for the XPR6100/6300/6500 series. The XPR5350/5550 mobile radio, XPR7350/7550 portable, and the SL7550 have internal Bluetooth included.

Operations Critical Pod

Following are the certified Operations Critical accessories:

Optional wireless earbuds (NNTN8294 11.4 inch cable) or (NNTN8295 45.7 inch cable) are available that attach to the NNTN8127 PTT pod.

Motorola APX Radio Battery Adapters for XTS Chargers

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Motorola APX Battery Charger AdaptersMotorola battery charger adapter inserts are available for APX 7000, APX 6000, and APX 4000 P25 radios. The adapters enable you to use your old IMPRES WPLN4111 single and multi-unit charger chargers with new APX models. 

Motorola APX 6000 and APX 7000 Models Motorola APX 7000 Model III

  1. The single unit battery adapter for the WPLN4111 IMPRES charger is the NNTN7687A at a cost of $39 each. Designed to fit the WPLN4111 and WPLN4114 charger base normally used for XTS 5000, XTS 2500, XTS 1500, MTS2000, HT1000, PR1500, MT1500 radios.
  2. The multi-unit charger adapters are sold as a six pack under model number NNTN7686A at a cost of $195 per charger. Compatible chargers include the WPLN4108, WPLN4121, WPLN4181, and WPLN4130.

Motorola APX 4000 ModelsAPX 4000 P25 Radio

  1. The single unit battery adapter for the WPLN4111 IMPRES charger is the NNTN8169A at a cost of $39 each.
  2. The multi-unit charger adapters are sold as a six pack under model number NNTN8170A at a cost of $195 per charger. Compatible chargers also include the WPLN4108, WPLN4121, WPLN4181, and WPLN4130.

Motorola Temple Transducers Provide Discreet Listening

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2-Way Radio Headset Keeps Ears Uncovered

Motorola 2-way Radio Temple TransducerTemple transducers are available for most Motorola 2-way radios and are the only audio accessory that keeps your communications discreet without covering your ears. Loud and clear radio transmissions are received using transducers that rest on each temple. The ears are uncovered so you will hear normally when there is no radio traffic. People close by will not hear radio messages keeping your communications private.

Use Temple Transducers in High Noise Environments with Earplugs

Temple transducers can be more comfortable than muff style headsets in hot weather orSpring & Associates Driller when working on loud machinery. Maryland based Spring and Associates performed a comparison on their job site with extreme machinery noise using MOTOTRBO XPR6550  radios. The PMLN5101 temple transducer was preferred except when extreme noise levels approached 130dB.

Choose the Correct Temple Transducer for Your Radio

Motorola offers temple transducers with connectors for most of their radios. The new APX series radios have a direct wire connector and a new boomless model that is compatible with the APX display microphone.

APX 7000, 7000XE, APX 6000, 6000XE, APX 4000 Radio Models

RMN5116 Temple TransducerFor the new APX P25 series, choose the PMLN5101 temple transducer with boom microphone.

The boomless RMN5116 is the correct choice if you use a APX display remote speaker microphone.

XTS 5000, XTS 2500, XTS 1500, PR1500, MT1500 Radio Models

Rugged Temple Transducer

RMN5049

The standard temple transducer with the XTS series connector is the RMN4049. There is also a more rugged version, RMN5049, that includes an adjustable headband keeping it more secure when repelling, jumping, or performing other physical activity. These are also compatible with HT1000, JT1000, MTS2000, MT2000, MTX8000, MTX9000, XTS3000, and XTS3500.

MOTOTRBO XPR 6100, 6350, 6550, 7350, 7550 Radio ModelsMotorola PMLN5101

All Motorola XPR 6000 and 7000 series radios are compatible with the PMLN5101 temple transducer. An oversized PTT and coiled cord is included.

There is no temple transducer available yet for the XPR3300, XPR3500, or SL7550.

Motorola HT750, HT1250, HT1550, PR860 Radio Models

The RMN4048 is the correct temple transducer model if you have a Motorola HT750/1250/1550, PR860, MTX850, MTX8250, MTX950, or MTX9250.

There is a rugged version, RMN5048 with an adjustable headband too. Both have a large PTT body switch.

Motorola EX500, EX560, EX600 Radio Models

The Motorola EX radio compatible temple transducer is the PMLN4585.

Motorola BPR40, CP110, CP185, CP150, CP200, PR400

CP200 Temple TransducerChoose the PMLN5003 boomless lightweight temple transducer with in-line microphone and 2 prong connector. Adjustable for use on long shifts. Not suitable for high noise environments.

Also compatible with P1225, CP125, VL130, CT150, CT250, CT450, GP300.

Motorola DTR410, DTR650, VL50

The RMN5114 is the correct choice. Although it uses a similar sized 2 prong connector like the PMLN5003, they will not fit the jack.

APX XE Remote Microphone with Strobe Light Now in 3 Colors

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Motorola NNTN8203 Strobe MicrophoneMotorola NNTN8203A APX XE is Designed for Firefighters

It is now possible to color match your APX radio and remote speaker-microphone. Available in high impact green, black, or public-safety yellow, the NNTN8203A is compatible with the APX 7000XE, APX 7000, APX 6000XE, APX 6000, and SRX2200. The new APX 4000 uses a different audio connector and is not compatible.

APX XE Dual Microphones Provide Best-in-Class Audio

The NNTN8203 is the first audio accessory to have 2 microphones that provide advanced noise suppression. The second microphone is able to differentiate voice from background noise and electronically cancel out the unwanted sounds. The speaker is also 50% louder than the XTS 5000 series speaker-mics.

Strobe Light Visible Up to 10 Feet in Smoke

A high visibility strobe light activates when the emergency button is pressed for firefighter safety. The microphone is powered by the radio so there is no need for additional batteries. The rugged, submersible design includes an IP67 rating, FM Approval for intrinsically-safe environments, and a 6 foot coiled cord.

Check the Date Codes of Your 2-Way Radio Batteries

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Magnum Electronics Supplies Batteries for All 2-Way Radio Models

It is that time again to check your radio batteries so you keep your communications loud and clear. Batteries begin to degrade after 18-24 months of use and can affect radio performance. Many intermittent radio problems are solved with a fresh battery.

How to Read a Motorola Battery Date Code

All Motorola batteries have a 3 digit date code on the battery label. Check the date codeMotorola Battery Label and Date Code Circled on your Motorola battery and if the first digit is a “0” or “9” it is a good time to replace it.

The first digit represents the “Year” and the next digits are the “Week” manufactured. For example; 036 is the 36th week of 2010.

All Motorola batteries carry a replacement warranty of at least a year after the date code and probably longer if marked IMPRES or contain NiCD cells.

Replacement Batteries for Motorola, Vertex, & Other Radio Manufacturers

We carry Motorola Original OEM, Vertex-Standard OEM, and Power Products batteries for all current and discontinued radio models.

Below are links to the most popular and recommended batteries:

We also carry replacement batteries for Harris, Kenwood, Icom, Tait, and many other hard to find models. Check our 2-Way Battery selection or call us and we will be happy to help you find the best battery for your needs.

Battery Technology – Lithium Ion vs. Lithium Polymer

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2-Way Radio Batteries What is different between Li-ion and Li-Polymer Batteries?

We have received several inquiries about the newest battery technology, Li-Po, that is now available for 2-way radios. Historically, NiMH was an improvement as compared to NiCD and Li-ion has many advantages over NiMH. The assumption that Li-Po is now the best battery for your radio is more marketing than anything else.

Li-Po or Lithium Polymer battery cells still use the same chemical material as Li-ion but the difference is the way they are packaged. Li-ion batteries use a thick-walled, rigid aluminum case for the cells and Li-Po utilizes a new thinner foil aluminum case. Bottom line is the difference is all in the cell construction.

Both Li-ion and Li-Po are Recommended But Check the Specs

Li-Po battery manufactures must add a more rugged case to meet the mission-critical specs required for two-way radio specifications. When comparing Li-ion and Li-Po batteries the following should be considered:

  • Battery capacity measured in mAh – The higher the mAh number the longer your battery will work before needing a recharge. When comparing specs be careful when you see the words “typical” or “average” and not “minimum” or “rated”. Our experience is there can be a big difference in actual results.
  • IMPRES or Advanced Charging Technology – “Smart battery” automatic conditioning improves performance and keeps them in service longer.
  • Drop Specification – Dropping the radio is probably the most common reason why batteries fail. Most Motorola mission-critical batteries are rated at 36 drops from 5 feet to a concrete floor.
  • IP (Ingress Protection) Rating – Higher IP numbers are better and signify the ruggedness of the battery. The first number references solids and the second number signifies liquid protection. The highest solid number is “6” (dust tight) and the highest liquid is “8” (submersibility beyond 1 meter).
  • Overvoltage protection circuit – Better batteries have 2 levels, some have 1, and lower cost batteries may not include have protection at all.
  • Temperature Range – Extreme cold affects Lithium battery performance and the spec should be investigated if your environment is outside “normal”.
  • Intrinsically-Safe Rating – FM Approval is important if you use your radio in hazardous, combustible atmospheres where an electrical spark could cause an explosion.

Firefighter Training Video Demonstrates Proper Radio Operation

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Motorola and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) produced a training video, “Loud & Clear”, demonstrating the best practices of 2-way radio operation. The 15 minute video compares both analog and digital radio transmissions in typical firefighter environments.

You will learn how to maximize the clarity of your voice transmissions and minimize background noise. Recommended for anyone using professional mission-critical 2-way communications.