Magnum Electronics Blog, News Updates, & Tech Tips Transition to a New Platform

New Motorola CP100d Entry Level Digital Radio Will Replace the EVX-261 After October

Digital DMR Handheld PortableMotorola Solutions announced the cancellation of the Vertex EVX-261 DMR digital radio and no orders will not be accepted after 10/31/2020. The result will be EVX-261 users will not be able to add a digital radio with compatible batteries, chargers, audio accessories, antennas, or belt clips. It may be a good time to refresh your radio communications and take advantage of the technology improvements.

The recommended replacement is a new MOTOTRBO offering in the commercial products product tier. The new CP100d uses the same batteries and charger as the CP185 analog-only radio. CP185 users now have an easy path to upgrade to digital communications.

VHF or UHF Digital DMRThe CP100d uses the popular 2-pin audio connector that is used with the CP200d, CP185, and BPR40. The radio will have improved battery life and there is an option to add a display.

The non-display radio has 16 channel capability and the display can handle a maximum of 160 frequencies. For more info download the CP100d Data Sheet.

If you would like to discuss radio communications for your facility, feel free to call our Dover, Delaware office at 302-734-9250 during normal business hours or use the form below.

Motorola Cancels Analog VX-450 Series, VX-264, VX-2100, VX-2200 Radio Models

Motorola BatwingsMotorola 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.VX-264, VX-450, VX-2100, VX-2200 No Longer Orderable

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.

Motorola EVX-S24 Rugged IP67 Digital 2-Way Radio Is Built To Last

Compact and Lightweight With Up to 12 Hour Battery Life

Yellow and Black Digital 2-Way RadiosMotorola rebranded the Vertex EVX-S24 earlier this year and added it to their commercial DMR digital portfolio. Available in yellow or black, it has been a popular choice by schools, construction, and hospitality customers. The EVX-S24 can be programmed with both digital and analog channels for easier migration to digital communications. At only 7.6 ounces it packs all the features you need for the safety and coordination of workers inside or outside buildings.

The EVX-S24 has an 8 character display, 256 channels, emergency button, and convenient Micro-USB charging port. The rugged IP67 submersibility rating and 3 year warranty make this a good investment for any business needing reliable voice communications.

Wide Variety of Accessories Available for EVX-S24

Depending on your coverage requirements, you may like the ATU-21FS super stubby antenna. It is only 2 inches tall and lets you carry the radio in your pocket. It may reduce your coverage depending on the number of walls you need to communicate through.

The EVX-S24 standard package includes the CD-65 single unit charging cradle. There is an optional CD-66 enhanced cradle that can charge a PMNN4468 spare battery. The VAC-6066 six pocket charger saves your AC wall outlets and helps keep track of your radio inventory.

1-Wire With Mic, PTT, Acoustic TubeThe Motorola MH-90A4B remote speaker-mic and the MH-89A4B earpiece microphone are the most popular audio accessories. We also offer a 1-wire surveillance kit with acoustic tube. There are custom leather carrying cases available and our neck strap is an option to consider. It has a rubber o-ring that slips under the belt clip and is a favorite with teachers, retail, and hospitality workers.

Download Motorola EVX-S24 Data Sheet .pdf      EVX-S24 User Manual .pdf

Vertex Standard Products Transition To Motorola Solutions on 1/1/2018

Motorola Entry-Tier Commercial Portfolio Expands With Select Vertex Models

EVX-S24 EVX-261 VX450 VX2100 VX2200

Motorola Solutions will retire the Vertex Standard brand this month. The digital eVerge EVX-261, EVX-S24, analog VX-260 series, VX-450 series, VX-2100, and VX-2200 will be rebranded with the Motorola logo. The eVerge DMR EVX-261 and EVX-S24 are compatible with all Motorola MOTOTRBO digital radios. The last day we can place new orders for Vertex branded equipment is 12/31/17.

Vertex Standard Product Cancellations

The following Vertex eVerge and P25 products and associated accessories will end production at the end of this month,.

  • Portable Radios: EVX-531/534/539, VX-820, VX-P820, VX-920, and VX-P920
  • Mobiles: VX-4500/4600, EVX-5300/5400, VX-5500 UHF/VHF
  • Repeaters: VXR-7000, VXR-9000, EVX-R70
  • EVX – Link

Motorola Will Continue Support and Depot Warranty Repairs

Warranty repairs will be honored by Motorola and support is planned for another 5 years. The programming software will remain the same. If your Vertex radio or accessory has been cancelled, contact our office and we can recommend a replacement.

Double Shoulder Holster Designed To Carry Two LMR Portable Radios

Radio Carry Pouch With Pockets

Some work teams and group leaders carry their own 2-way radio for internal Radio Holder with antenna keepercommunications but need to carry a second portable for interoperability. Our universal double shoulder holster is compatible with all 2-way radios including Motorola, Vertex Standard, Kenwood, Harris, HYT, Icom, EFJ, and others.

The USH-300D can be worn inside or outside jackets and is seat-belt friendly. Law enforcement can use it for covert and undercover Rear View Shows Pouchessurveillance. It includes 2 rear pouches and an antenna keeper too. It is constructed with lightweight ballistic nylon.

The shoulder holster is also available with a single radio pouch for left or right-handed users. The USH-300L has the radio located on your left side for right-handed users. Choose the USH-300R if you prefer to hold your radio in your left hand.

Visit this link for more unique, hard-to-find two-way radio carrying solutions including chest packs, belt packs, deployment cases, etc. We also carry the full line of Boston Leather accessories for firefighters, ems personnel, and law enforcement.

Vertex Standard Cancels VX-920, VX-P920, VX-6000, VX-7200 Legacy Radio Models

Vertex Standard Logo

Due to component obsolescence challenges, Vertex Standard is announcing a 60 day cancellation notification of the below list of legacy products. The last order date is June 30, 2017. The radios will carry the standard Vertex Standard 3 year warranty policy. After July 3rd, there will be a 7% price increase for any excess inventory at Vertex.

VX-920 – all bands and models        VX-920, VX-P920, VX-6000, VX-7200
VX-P920 – all bands and models
VX-6000 – all bands and models
VX-7200 – all bands and models
VX-2200 – LTR only models

Low Cost Vertex EVX-S24 Digital Radio Now Shipping

eVerge Low Cost Digital Display Radio

Vertex Standard announced a new low cost DMR digital radio earlier this year with a display, Micro-USB charger, and 12 hour battery life. The UHF 403-470 MHz model in a black case has been released this month. The yellow case will start shipping in Q4.

Meets IP67 Submersible Rating With Analog/Digital Modes

DMR Display IP67 RadioIn addition to the 8-character alphanumeric display, the IP67 EVX-S24 is built to withstand 30 minutes under 3 feet of water. Up to 256 analog and digital channels can be programmed in the radio simultaneously.

The radio transmits 3 watts in digital mode and 2 watts in analog. It is compatible with any brand analog radio and other DMR digital radios.

The radio uses the FNB-V142LI 2300 mAh “cell phone” size battery making it one of the lightest radios at 7.6 oz. The radio is smaller with dimensions of 3.58 x 2.17 x 1.24 inches.

EVX-S24 Audio Accessories Require 3.5mm Threaded Plug

The EVX-S24 uses a 3.5mm threaded audio connector and new belt clip that are different from other Vertex radios. The programming software is new too and requires a CB000262A01 Micro USB cable. Our first impressions are this radio is feature rich at an entry-level price point. Schools, hotels, and now construction companies can migrate to a digital display radio for their on-site communications for under $300 per radio.

The standard EVX-S24 radio package includes the radio, battery, MicroUSB charger and cradle, stubby antenna, belt clip, and 3 year radio warranty.

Download Vertex Standard EVX-S24 Data Sheet .pdf

Vertex eVerge EVX-261 UHF Digital Radio Now Shipping

New Low Cost DMR Digital Radio for Hotels and Retail

Vertex Standard LogoVertex Standard started shipping their new EVX-261 DMR digital hand-held radio this week. The radio has 16 channels and can be programmed with analog and digital modes within the 403-470 MHz UHF R1 band. VHF and UHF R2 band is due to ship next quarter.Digital DMR Handheld Portable

The radio uses the same universal batteries, chargers, and accessories as the analog-only VX-260 series and the eVerge EVX-530 models. The EVX-261 uses the DMR Tier 2 Standard with TDMA protocol. It supports 2 simultaneous communications paths on a single frequency in digital mode.

Battery life is 9 hours and up to 15 hours when using digital with the optional high-capacity FNB-134LI-UNI. If you are using the radio with a legacy analog system we recommend the better battery. A 700mw speaker provides good clarity and output in noisy environments. Like other Vertex Standard radios, there is a 3 year depot warranty.

3 Year Depot RepairsWe recommend the EVX-261 for a business considering or using FRS/GMRS Talkabout style radios. You will find the audio, range, and battery life superior. Our EVX-261 Six Pack Special with multi-unit charger and neck straps is perfect for most starter systems. The 3 year warranty will protect your investment significantly longer.

Download Spec_Sheet,_EVX-261 .pdf

Interoperability Gateway Devices Improve In-building 2-Way Radio Coverage

ACU-M Gateway Improving Radio CoverageJPS Interoperability Solutions has a long history of mission critical radio communications connectivity. The JPS ACU-M interoperability gateway console is an excellent tool to quickly improve in-buildingRaytheon ACU-M Interoperability Console coverage for first responders. It is compatible with the JPS ACU-1000 and the ACU-T.

The JPS ACU-M provides interconnection with up to four different 2-way radios, optional 2 VoIP channels, and a local operator handset. Plug-in cables are available for virtually every 2-way radio, satellite, and cell phone in use. The ACU-M can be networked and managed remotely using a computer with the included graphical user interface software.

Set up ACU-M as a Portable Repeater for Communications in Basements

The JPS ACU-M can be installed in a first-arriving command vehicle or waterproof carry case. Below grade basements that prevent RF penetration can be improved using long radio interface cables connected with the ACU-M gateway repeater. By attaching a portable radio to the end of a very long radio interface cable, the radio can be lowered into a tunnel or RF-blocked structure to provide a means of routing the signal in and out of the structure.

Use WiFi Network with ACU-M for Long Distance Radio Interoperability

Using the ACU-M’s VoIP’s option, a radio can be connected using WiFi or an ethernet Raytheon NXU-2A Network Extension Unitbridge and a NXU-2A radio interface. The JPS NXU-2A is a device that converts VoIP/RoIP into audio signals compatible with the remote radio. It uses the same plug-in radio-specific cable as the ACU-M.

ACU-M using WiFi and NXU-2A

ACU-M Easy to Deploy – Simple User Interface

The ACU-M is pre-programmed with factory optimized settings for most radio models and manufacturers. Just connect up to four radios with the proper cables and you will be operational in minutes. Touch controls and indicator lights make it easy to patch nets quickly. Remote control software is included too and can be installed on a connected laptop if you prefer.

ACU-M Control Panel and Indicator Lights

6/1/16 Update: Raytheon closed the JPS division on 1/29/16 after many years of providing interoperbility solutions. In April, the assets were purchased by Don Scott, one of the original founders of JPS. Key staff and support personnel returned and operations are returning to normal.