Motorola Solutions announced the cancellation of several legacy Vertex Standard analog-only models this month. The VX-264, VX-451, VX-454, VX-459, VX-2100, and VX-2200 can no longer be ordered.
The popular analog VX-261, MOTOTRBO digital capable EVX-261, and EVX-S24, are not affected by this notice. Motorola still offers analog-only choices for most of the cancelled models as shown below.
Our remaining stock of VHF VX-264 and UHF VX-264 radios are marked down and a good deal for analog users needing a display with 128 channel capability. Motorola will continue to provide warranty support, depot repairs, and accessories.
Remote speaker-microphones cables for APX P25 and XPR MOTOTRBO DMR series radios could experience jacket failures when stressed. A manufacturing change in jacket material caused the problem.
When the cord is stressed the cable could tear or fray and expose the internal wiring. As a result, RSM’s that show failures will be replaced for up to 24 months after purchase.
Symptoms and Root Cause of the Cord Failures
The cord failure is shown in the image. The failure typically occurs at the RSM head or radio connector end or both, but can also occur in cable middle section.
Radio users who prefer to route the mic cord behind their back and stress the cable are more likely to experience the problem. Motorola recommends to dress the coil section so it
does not get caught on uniform accessories for optimal RSM service life.
Only mics that show the failure will be replaced under the MTN warranty extension. Reference MTN-0070-19-NA and original factory order number when requesting replacements. They can be obtained by calling Motorola at 1-800-422-4210; prompt 1.
Up to 28 Hours With New Low Voltage IMPRES Technology
Radio users who need maximum talk time will benefit from Motorola’s new low voltage IMPRES technology. The MOTOTRBO enhanced models (XPR 3300e, XPR 3500e, XPR 7350e, XPR 7550e, XPR 7580e) will provide up to 28 hours on a single battery charge. The new batteries are similar in size and use IMPRES chargers.
MOTOTRBO Low Voltage IMPRES Battery Choices
The PMNN4493 is the best choice if you have either XPR 3000e or XPR 7000e and a mix of the older “non-e” models. New enhanced radios are rated at 28 hours in digital mode or 21 hours if still on analog. The battery is compatible with legacy models but at a reduced rating of 18 hours in digital and 13.5 hours when using analog.
Low Voltage UL TIA Intrinsically-Safe Batteries for MOTOTRBO Radios
Low voltage intrinsically-safe batteries are only available for the new enhanced radios and are not interchangeable. Talk time is slightly reduced but still rated for 26+ hours in digital mode. Below are the correct model numbers for each radio:
Low Voltage Battery With Vibrating Silent Alert Belt Clip
Motorola introduced a unique vibrating belt clip that works with the low voltage battery and activates during a call alert. It can be ordered with the clip as a kit or separately and can be used with either the XPR 7000e or the XPR 3000e. Following are the model numbers and links to order:
Bluetooth Accessories Require Latest Firmware for Best Performance
Motorola wireless accessories use a pod with APX, XTS, XPR, and SL 7000 series radios. The pod can be used as a stand-alone wireless push-to-talk (PTT) or power a surveillance kit, earbud, and also connect with the completely discreet earpiece. The pod has internal firmware that can be updated by the user to take advantage of the latest software release from Motorola.
The NTN2571 mission-critical secure pod includes encryption for APX and XTS models and the NNTN8127 operations-critical pod is designed for MOTOTRBO DMR XPR and SL 7000 radios. Each pod as unique firmware that should be upgraded for improved battery life and performance.
Instructions to Upgrade Firmware in Motorola Wireless Bluetooth Pods
Motorola Solutions provides a Windows application to upgrade their wireless bluetooth accessories. The Accessory Programming Software tool is a free download and supports both pods. The install guide includes easy step-by-step instructions with computer screenshots. In addition to the programming tool, you will also need to download the latest pod firmware.
Contact Motorola for the latest mission-critical NTN2571 software update
Contact Motorola for the latest operations-critical NNTN8127 software update
Motorola Accessories Compatible with Wireless Pods
The accessories below are compatible with either wireless pod. Some accessories require upgraded firmware if you have an older pod.
Motorola PMLN7052 Wireless Surveillance kit with acoustic tube
Motorola NTN2575 Replacement Earpiece with 9.5 Inch cable
Motorola NTN2572 Replacement Earpiece with 12 inch cable
Motorola NNTN8295 Wireless Earbud with 45 inch cord
Motorola NNTN8294 Wireless Earbud with 11.5 inch cord
Motorola NNTN8298 Black Headphones with in-line mic
Thin and Light, Analog and Digital DMR, 128 Channels, and 13+ Hour Battery Life
SL3500e is Available in VHF or UHF and Includes a Limited Virtual Keypad
The SL3500e works with MOTOTRBO conventional, IP Site Connect and Capacity Plus (single and multi-site) systems. It is a VHF or UHF entry-level professional series radio and includes a 24 month warranty.
At only 6.7 ounces it provides up to 13.5 hours of battery life. The SL3500e has a 2-line OLED display that will provide channel info, battery life, and signal strength. Wired accessories use the same audio connector as the SL300. Wireless Bluetooth audio accessories are available too. The SL3500e also has built-in WiFi for remote programming.
Smartphone 2-Way Radio App With Location and Low Monthly Fee
Motorola Solutions introduced WAVE OnCloud, a monthly subscription SaaS at last month’s IWCE. It is designed to work with or without your existing 2-way radio system and provide voice group/private calls, group text messaging, and real-time location.
The WAVE Mobile Communicator app is easily downloaded to your Android or iOS device. Your mobile workforce will have instant and secure group communications anywhere with Wi-Fi, 4G, or 3G broadband connectivity. The phone app has a large PTT (push-to-talk) button on the display. We have a variety of WAVE certified Motorola accessories, the Pryme BT-PTT-U wireless PTT pod, BTH-300-KU lapel microphone, and the BTH-500-KU remote speaker-mic located in our online store.
Motorola TLK 100 4G LTE Wi-Fi Nationwide Two-Way Radio
Motorola recently introduced the rugged TLK 100 hand-held radio for users who need a louder, IP54 device that is FMCSA compliant. It satisfies the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations for driver distraction.
The TLK 100 uses the Verizon 4G LTE wireless network or any Wi-Fi access point. It requires a WAVE OnCloud $35 monthly service plan (no contract required) billed by Motorola that includes up to 8 talkgroups, GPS location, group and individual calls, with encryption. The TLK 100 is FREE with a 24 month subscription and can be used with a mixed fleet of on-site radios and smartphones.
Motorola TLK 150 Mobile Radio for Vehicles or Base Station Use
The HKN2131A TLK 150 is Motorola’s new rugged IP54 two-way radio for fixed mount applications. Designed for fleet installations, it features GPS location, 96 talkgroups, and is Bluetooth capable for wireless audio accessories. All programming and software upgrades are performed remotely over the network eliminating service calls.
Motorola WAVE Dispatch Application For Centralized Control
WAVE Dispatch is a cloud-based desktop application for your dispatcher. The interface includes mapping, GPS location tracking history, call logging, group/individual calling, alerts, and supervisory override. The dispatcher can manage up to 300 users and 20 talkgroups from anywhere that has an internet connection. The subscription fee is $32 per month.
Magnum Electronics is WAVE Certified for Sales and Support
Motorola MOTOTRBO Capacity Plus trunking system integration is available with a gateway for seamless smartphone-to-radio communications. Conventional non-trunking MOTOTRBO users can use a donor radio with an internet gateway.
Contact our WAVE certified sales and support staff if you need wide area or on-site communications for your work team. We can provide a 30 day demonstration for up to 10 users. After the trial period, the broadband-only service for smartphones is $5 per month per user when pre-paid annually.
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
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.
Most Analog-only Models Cancelled As Digital Prices Drop
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
Cancelled CP200, CP200 XLS, PR400 Portable Models
Cancelled CM200, CM300, PM400 Mobile Models
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.
MOTOTRBO SL300 is Lightweight and Provides Long Battery Life
Motorola announced the SL300, a new low cost digital 2-way radio compatible with MOTOTRBO DMR conventional communications systems. Available in UHF soon, there is a 2 channel model and 99 channel version with display. Both can be programmed with digital or analog frequencies allowing for easier migration.
The radio provides 3 watts output in digital mode and 2 watts if using analog. The 2300 mAh battery life is rated for up to 15 hours when using digital and uses a Micro-USB charger. A new patented stubby antenna design and “Range Max Technology” provide enough coverage for most facilities. The IP54 SL300 can also be used with a conventional repeater.
UHF models are now in stock and VHF is expected to start shipping at the end of November.
New Active View LED Matrix Display Technology
The optional display radio includes 99 channels and a LED matrix behind the case. The LED’s turn on automatically and off to conserve battery life. Glare is minimized and displays will no longer scratch or crack. The radio will display channel number or alias, battery status, and other functions as shown below.
Compatible With MOTOTRBO Digital Voice Features
SL300 is designed for commercial applications needing basic digital and analog voice features. It supports emergency using the one available programmable side button. With standard MOTOTRBO CPS, you can program channel announcement, lone worker, radio inhibit and remote monitor (decode), MDC1200, VOX, and scan.
Works Up to 100 Meters from Your APX or XPR 4000/5000 Series Base/Mobile
Motorola Solutions introduced a new wireless remote speaker-microphone that will allow you to transmit and receive from your MOTOTRBO or APX mobile radio from up to 100 meters away.
The new RSM has a 3.5mm jack for receive-only audio accessories, a bright LED task light, and an 11 hour rechargeable battery. It can also transmit an emergency using the orange button on the top of the microphone.
Now you can use your high power APX, XPR 4000, or XPR 5000 series mobile radio when away from the vehicle or base.
Plug and Play Setup for Existing Vehicle or Base Installations
Adding to your existing MOTOTRBO or APX radio is easy. You will have to replace your existing mic with the Motorola PMMN4097 corded palm microphone with Bluetooth gateway. The RLN6544 wireless RSM uses touch pair to connect with the gateway and provides an audible announcement to confirm. The third component of the system is a charger. Choose the PMLN6716 12V DC charger with holder for a vehicle or the PMLN7120 AC desktop charger.
Wireless RSM Bundle Kits Available for Mobile or Base Use
The RLN6551 long range wireless kit includes the RSM, gateway microphone and 12V DC charger for a vehicle. Our base bundle includes the RSM, gateway mic, and AC desktop charger. The RLN6552 kit includes the RSM and gateway without a charger.
The long range wireless solutions are compatible with the Mission Critical Wireless Pod software version R01.05.00 or later. APX mobiles must use R13.01 firmware or later that was released in April 2015.