Category Archives: Tech Tips

Motorola Mic Adapter for Boston Leather Fireman Straps

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NNTN8271 Mic AdapterMotorola Solutions recently introduced an adapter for remote microphones and Boston Leather fireman straps with clips. Designed for Motorola APX Series P25 public-safety two-way radios, the adapter assembly works with NNTN8575 XE remote microphones . This accessory has a ring loop attached to the top of the clip for hanging on hooks or the antenna.

You will need the NNTN8271 adapter that replaces the remote microphone clip. Also required is a button clip that snaps to the adapter. Motorola sells the buttons in packs of five (NNTN8749) but we will provide them in a single pack too (MAG-NNTN8749).6542-1 Radio Strap with Mic Clip

The Boston Leather 6542 straps with microphone clips are popular with firefighters and ems personnel. The clip provides a more secure attachment for the larger microphones. They are available in extra-large (6542XL) for tall individuals over 74 inches and  also with reflective safety tape (6542R).

Magnum AVL GPS Tracking Video Training Library

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Magnum AVL GPS Fleet Management

Our new Magnum AVL Enhanced GPS Fleet and Asset Tracking provides 60 second updating at $19.95 per month. Upgraded GPS devices use the Verizon nationwide network and provide more data to manage your fleet. Our web based user interface includes new features and powerful reports. This article contains videos to learn how to use Magnum AVL.

Links To Magnum AVL Training Videos

Magnum AVL User Interface Help Videos

Fleet Management Wb Interface

After logging in to Magnum AVL fleet management, the interface shows the list of vehicles and/or assets on the left with the map on the right. There are 5 navigation buttons at the top – Dispatch, Dashboard, Reports, Data/Admin, and Alerts. The links below explain each section in detail.

Magnum AVL device pricing and all of our service plans are available for purchase at our online store. We also can help answer question or provide a demonstration by calling our Dover, Delaware office at 302-734-9250 weekdays 8-5pm EST.

How To Choose a 3M Peltor COMTAC Tactical Headset For Military and SWAT Teams

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Answer These 5 Questions to Select the Correct Headset

Communications for High Noise AreasSelecting the correct COMTAC tactical headset for your police SWAT team or military unit can be confusing. There are hundreds of choices and it can take a long time to research them. In order to make the right decision faster 3M Peltor developed a list of questions to guide you to the correct model.

Question 1:  Cover Your Ears or Select Hybrid that Uses Earplugs?Over the Ear or Earplug

Tactical electronic headsets that provide situational awareness have small microphones mounted on the earcups that instantly block harmful noise. The COMTAC III has the traditional earcups but now 3M offers the COMTAC IV with earplugs that provide additional comfort in hot environments. Both are designed to fit under a ballistic helmet.

Question 2: Band Style – How Will You Wear it? Headband, Neckband, and ARC

The COMTAC III is available in three different styles. The most popular is the headband, over-the-head style. Headband style is foldable when not in use and has been preferred by most military and law enforcement teams.

If you prefer to wear your headset behind-the-head, 3M provides a neckband version. *Neckband is only available with COMTAC III.

3M recently introduced a third configuration – COMTAC III ARC. Designed for the Ops-Core FAST Helmet, the mounting mechanism clips to the Accessory Rail Connector.

Question 3: Radio Communications? More than One?Single, Dual, or Split Audio Communications

Depending on your mission and the need for interoperability, COMTAC headsets can connect to one or two different 2-way radios. Single COMM terminates in a NATO wired U/174 quick-disconnect plug designed for the appropriate radio adapter needed. One two-way radio is supported.

If your agency or mission requires interoperability with teams using different two-way radios, a Dual COMM headset will allow you to connect two different radios to your headset.  Each COMTAC headset earcup will have a short cord with NATO wired U/174 plugs. Two adapters are required and you can talk on either or both radios using either PTT button.

A Dual COMM with split audio is also available for special military applications using a dual PTT adapter.

Question 4: Choose Available Color?OD green, coyote brown, black, foliage green Headsets

Most COMTAC III headsets are available in four different colors. The last two letters of the model number indicate the headset color.

SV indicates black and is the only difference between a COMTAC and a SWAT-TAC.

CY indicates coyote brown, GN is O.D. or olive drab green, and FG is a lighter foliage green. Foliage green is not available with COMTAC IV.

Depending on the model, some colors are special order.

Question 5: What Radio or Intercom Are You Connecting?FL5000-02 Series With NATO Wiring

To choose the correct adapter you need to know the radio manufacturer (Motorola, Kenwood, Harris) and the specific model ( APX 6000, XTS 5000, etc).

COMTAC headsets are only compatible with NATO wired adapters. The specific model number should have “-02” end the end (i.e. FL5063-02). It is not possible to modify the adapter if it is wrong.

Visit our 3M Peltor headset store for the best selection of 2-way radio hearing protection accessories. We also have all of the 3M NATO adapters online for easy ordering. Contact us if you need help by using the the form below.

 

Compare Motorola MOTOTRBO Radio Features By Model and Tier

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Selecting the right MOTOTRBO DMR portable radio can be confusing with the additional model choices released in the past 18 months. The XPR 6000 platform has been discontinued and now there are five major model choices within 3 feature tiers.

Choose Commercial, Entry, or The Enhanced MOTOTRBO Feature Tier

Motorola DMR Radio Features Chart

MOTOTRBO Commercial Tier for Basic Voice Communication

If all you need is conventional voice communications with or without a repeater, the Commercial tier offers the lowest cost choices. The non-display CP200d uses the same batteries, chargers, and carrying cases as the CP200. A new choice in the Commercial tier is the SL300. It is thinner and has an optional display. MSRP ranges from $482 up to $633 per radio.

MOTOTRBO Entry Tier Includes XPR 3000 Series

The Entry tier XPR 3000 is for users who need a more rugged (IP55) radio that is capable of up to 128 channels. It offers text messaging capability and can be used on a trunking system (Capacity Plus). MSRP ranges from $575 to $675 per radio package.

Full Featured Enhanced Tier Includes Color Displays for Data Integration

The XPR 7000 series is the recommended replacement for the XPR 6350 and XPR 6550. It can be ordered with an intrinsically-safe certification, color display, and Bluetooth data. The IP57 submersible rating makes it the best choice for use outdoors and near the water. At this time the XPR 7580 does not support Smartnet operation so the XPR 6580 will be available for awhile.

The SL 7000 is not much bigger than a smartphone and can fit in your pocket. The color display, short antenna, and Micro-USB charger are features designed for hospitality, security and the service industries. Enhanced tier MSRP prices range from $1,040 up to $1,165.

Motorola Minitor VI – Buy the Intrinsically-safe Model or Not?

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Motorola Minitor VI PagerWith the introduction of the Motorola Solutions Minitor VI fire pager, you now have the choice between a UL certified intrinsically-safe model or one that does not have the certification.

Intrinsically-safe electronic equipment can be used in hazardous atmospheres with dangerous concentrations of flammable gases or dust. Non-intrinsically-safe electronic devices could cause an explosion by creating a spark or excessive heat.

Minitor VI ANSI/ISA TIA 4950

Should I Order an Intrinsically-Safe Minitor VI?

Unless your fire department has a formal intrinsic safety program, you probably should save the $50 and buy the non-intrinsically-safe model. Another way to determine if you need IS is to check your radio for the FM Certification label. If your radio is not IS then your Minitor VI should not need the certification.

Motorola Retires CP/CM/PR/PM Analog-Only 2-Way Radios

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Most Analog-only Models Cancelled As Digital Prices DropCP110, CP200, CM Mobile

All CP110 analog radio models including the MURS license-free version can no longer be ordered from Motorola. The CP110 joins the CP200, CP200 XLS, and PR400 analog–only portables that also ended production. Only a few Intrinsically-safe PR 400 portables will be available until June of 2015.

Analog-only CM200, CM300, and PM400 mobile models have also been retired.and are no longer available. Replacement accessories will continue to be available and depot repair support remains for now.

There have been no announcements about the future of the analog-only BPR40, CP185, and VL50 radios. We would not be surprised to see them retired next year.

Complete List of Motorola Analog Models Cancelled

Cancelled CP110, CP110m Portable Models

CP110

Cancelled CP200, CP200 XLS, PR400 Portable Models

Cancelled Analog only Radios

Cancelled CM200, CM300, PM400 Mobile Models

Cancelled Analog only Radios

New Digital Capable Models Provide Analog Operation

The MOTOTRBO CP200d, SL300, XPR 3000, CM200d, CM300d, and XPR 2500 are the best replacements when adding radios to your radio fleet. They can be programmed with analog for compatibility with your existing system but you wont have to replace them when you move to digital.

Rules for Ordering Mobile Computer Docks; Do I need RF Pass-Thru?

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Determine If your Computer Has Any RF Antenna Connectors

Most rugged mobile computers can be ordered with 0, 1, or 2 external RF connectors. A single connector is used for cellular WAN such as Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint and the second is used for WLAN (WiFi) external antennas. The first step is to determine how many antenna ports (if any) are on your computer.

The photos below show a Panasonic CF-18 with one and two RF connectors:

Computers with RF Pass-Thru

If your computer does not have RF connectors, it will only work in a docking station that has no RF pass-through capability.

If Computer Has RF Pass-Thru Follow These Rules For Dock Purchases

Docks with Single and Dual RF Pass Thru

If your computer has RF capabilities you can use a docking station that has:

a) has no RF pass-through or

b) you must match the RF capabilities (Single or Dual) with the RF pass-through on the docking station (Single or Dual).

For example:

  • If you have a single RF computer, you can order a docking station with single RF pass-through or non-RF pass-through
  • If you have a dual RF computer, you can order a docking station with dual RF pass-through or non-RF pass-through

For more information on Panasonic, Gamber Johnson, or Havis docks call our office at 302-734-9250 M-F 8-5:00pm EST or use the form below.

Light Indicators and How to Pair a Firecom Wireless Headset

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Firecom Wireless Headset LED Indicator and Audio Beep MeaningsFirecom Wireless Indicator Lights

Firecom wireless headsets have one green and and one red LED indicator light on the top left ear dome (microphone side). The lights and audio beeps provide the user a quick indication if the headset is connected and the battery is charged.

Indicator Lights When Connected to Charger Cable

When the charger is plugged into the powered OFF headset it will show RED when charging and GREEN when fully charged. Charging takes 2 hours and will provide about 10 hours of normal operation.

When powered ON and charging, the light meanings are:

  • GREEN ON, RED ON: Charging, headset linked to base
  • GREEN ON, RED OFF: Charge complete, headset linked to base
  • GREEN Flashing, RED ON: Charging, headset not linked
  • GREEN Flashing, Red OFF: Charge complete, headset not linked

Indicator Lights When Charging Cable is Unplugged

Below is a chart that shows what the light and beeps mean when the headset is powered ON and the charger disconnected:

Wireless Headset Indicator Light ChartFirecom Wireless Headset Pairing Procedure & Video

Firecom Wireless BasePress and hold the pairing button on the base for approximately 6 seconds until the yellow LED(s) on the base station start flashing, indicating pairing mode. When placed in pairing mode, you have about 15 seconds to place the headset in pairing mode.

Firecom Wireless UHW-51 Press and hold the PTT button, turn on power to the headset. After approximately 5 seconds, the green and red LEDs on the outside of the left ear dome will start flashing in a relatively fast alternating pattern. Release the PTT button.

Monitor the headset lights. After about 6 seconds, the flashing pattern ends, the green LED will flash for two seconds and then the green and red LEDs will indicate the headset is paired and linked to the base. The LINK LED on the base will illuminate steadily after flashing rapidly for two seconds to indicate that a link to the headset has been established.

Motorola APX Mobile Control Head Choices Explained

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Configure Your APX With The Best Controls For Your InstallationMotorola APX 6500 O5 Head with Keypad Mic

Until last year, only the O3, O5, and O9 heads were available for Motorola APX mission critical P25 mobile radios. The APX 4500 was introduced with the new O2 head for dash or remote mount configurations. There are now five control head choices available for the APX 6500 and APX 7500 radios including the O2, O3, O5, O7, and O9.

The O2 and O7 heads should be considered before you order your next APX 6500 or 7500.

APX O2, O3, O5, O7, O9 Control Head ChoicesChoose the APX O2 Head Option for Outdoor Installations 

The O2 head is rated IP55 for extreme environments and is designed for motorcycle, marine, and fire truck pump panel installations. We used this configuration for the South Bowers airboat. This rugged, XE style head has a color display, large knobs, and an integrated speaker.

Choose APX O7 Control Head for Integrated KeypadMotorola APX O7 Control Head

The O7 control head has a flush-mount design with integrated keypad, siren, lights, public address (PA) and gun-lock controls. It features a color display with enlarged multi-function rotary knob for easier control of talk-group and volume settings.

APX O5 and Specialized O3, O9 Control Heads Are Still Available

The O5 head is still the most popular option for most applications but the new choices make it a tougher decision. The O3 hand-held control head is perfect for covert and other special installations. The O9 head is packed with features but requires a bigger footprint.

 

How to Choose the Correct Vertex Standard Radio Battery

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Vertex Standard LogoVertex Standard recently introduced a new UNI energy platform that will eventually provide compatibility for all radio model batteries from a single charger. Older legacy chargers are not compatible with the lower cost UNI style batteries. During the transition you must be careful when choosing replacement batteries.

Vertex Universal (UNI) Chargers Require (UNI) Style Batteries

Vertex Standard UNI ChargerThe new XUAAJ72X001 VAC-UNI universal style single unit AC charger has a round pocket unlike the legacy chargers that have square corners. There is a 6 pocket 120V AC charger too. The model number is XUAAK44X001 VAC-6058. Both are compatible with UNI style batteries for the VX-231, VX-350, VX-450, and EVX-530 series so far.

Vertex Universal Charger & Compatible Batteries

Older VAC-300, VAC-450 Chargers Require Legacy Batteries

Vertex Standard Legacy ChargerThe VAC-300 and VAC-450 legacy chargers have a more square footprint. They are not compatible with the new lower cost UNI batteries. These chargers are included with VX-231, VX-350, and VX-450 series radios. The eVerge EVX-530 series includes the new UNI style.

The chart below shows the legacy batteries and chargers.

Vertex VAC-300, VAC-450 Compatibility ChartMore UNI Style Batteries Coming Soon

UNI batteries for the VX-820 Series, VX-920 Series, P25 portables and cancelled models of the VX-410/420 Series and VX-160 series will have UNI solutions available soon.  We expect to see legacy chargers cancelled next year.

Link to our Vertex Standard radio, battery, and accessory pricing.