Category Archives: APX Radios

Boston Leather Radio Holder Choices for Motorola APX Series

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Boston Leather radio holders, fire, ems , and law enforcement accessoriesBoston Leather has designed a custom carrying case for each Motorola APX radio model including the option to use a strap or belt loop. Their standard cases are plain black full grain leather with silver hardware but almost anything is possible for custom orders.

It is important to know which battery you are using on your APX 8000, 7000, and 6000 because a longer case is need for the high-capacity batteries. There are also 3 different APX configurations available. This article provides choices for each Motorola APX model radio when used by fire, ems, or law enforcement professionals.

Motorola APX Battery Sizes For Boston Leather Cases

APX 8000, 7000 6000 Batteries

Motorola APX 8000, APX 8000XE, APX 6000, APX 6000XE Model 1.5P25 Firefighter Radio

Motorola APX 1.5 models only have a top display. The 5611RC15-1 holder is compatible with standard batteries and the 5611RCXB-1 is for extended length high-capacity batteries. There is also the original 5618RCNW-1 that was designed for the APX 6000 Model 1.5.

The 5481RC-1-E universal case is also a good choice if you want access to the top half of the radio.

Motorola APX 8000, APX 8000XE, APX 6000, APX 6000XE Model 2.5

APX6000XE Radio HolderThe model 2.5 has a top and side display with a limited keypad. The 5611RC-1 is designed for standard length batteries and has D-rings for a strap. The 5611-1 is the same case without the D-rings.

APX 6000/8000 Model 2.5 radios using extended batteries require the 5611RCXB25-1. If you prefer a radio holder that protects the side display choose the 5611RCNW-1. It has the sides open for larger audio connectors.

Motorola APX 8000, APX 8000XE, APX 6000, APX 6000XE Model 3.5APX 6000 with Full Keypad

The model 3.5 has a top and side display along with a full keypad. The 5611RC35-1 has a larger front cutout for access to the entire keypad and is compatible with standard size batteries. This case is also compatible with the SRX 2200 military radio.

Extended battery users should choose the 5611RCNW-1 no window holder.

Motorola APX 7000, APX 7000XE Boston Leather Radio Holder Choices

There are 3 Boston Leather radio holder choices for APX 7000 models.The standard holder for non-XE models with short batteries is the 5613RC-1. Rugged XE 1.5 models with standard batteries will need the 5612RC-1.

There is also a custom holder for the APX 7000 with an extended battery. The 5613RCXB-1 has cutouts and custom designed for the model 3.5 with full keypad and side display.

Boston Leather Radio Holders for Motorola APX 4000Radio, Mic, Leather Case

The 5701RC-1 is the recommended holder for the APX 4000. It includes cutouts for the display, full keypad, and microphone connector. This case can be worn on a duty belt and ordered without clips.

There is also a slightly different design 5701RCHW-1 with a high window.

 

How To Update Firmware in Motorola Wireless PTT Pods

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Bluetooth Accessories Require Latest Firmware for Best PerformanceWireless Bluetooth PTT for MOTOTRBO

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 PodsWireless surveillance kit with acoustic tube

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
  • Motorola NNTN8296 Wireless Covert Kit
  • Motorola PMLN7696 Completely Discreet Wireless Earpiece
  • Motorola NNTN8737 3.5mm Earbud Headset Adapter – 10 Pack

User Manuals and Quick-Start Guides

Motorola Mission-Critical Bluetooth (NTN2571)

Operations-Critical Bluetooth (NNTN8127)

Double Shoulder Holster Designed To Carry Two LMR Portable Radios

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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.

Motorola APX XE Extreme Remote Speaker-Mics Compared

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APX XE vs APX XE-500 Features

These speaker-mics are discontinued. Our article, 2025 Motorola APX Remote Speaker-Mic Guide will provide the latest info for APX series.

Motorola APX XE vs. APX XE500 RSM Feature Comparison

Motorola’s IMPRES XE rugged remote speaker-microphone (RSM) choices for extreme environments are designed for firefighters with APX 6000XE, APX 7000XE, and APX 8000XE P25 radios. Available in black or high visibility green, they have a strobe light, orange emergency button, and clip with D-ring.

Motorola APX XE and APX XE500 Shared Features

Both the XE and XE-500 are rated IP68 for submersibility and carry an intrinsically-safe rating to match the APX radio certification. Both have a large volume toggle switch and are 50% louder than a XTS RSM. There is a reflective label on both styles for increased visibility. The APX XE was introduced about 5 years ago and is available in green (NNTN8575A) and black (NNTN8575ABLK).

New APX XE500 Feature ImprovementsXE500 Features and Controls

The XE500 started shipping last year with additional features. It has a channel knob and larger emergency button with embedded orange lighting. Noise suppression is improved and can pickup your voice when you can’t hear yourself talking. The heat resistant cable can withstand 500 degrees for 5 minutes without harm.

The XE500 is intrinsically safe rated for UL-TIA4950 but does not have a FM certification. If your department uses intrinsically-safe APX radios, check to determine if you need FM or UL certified accessories. They are not interchangeable.

The XE500 with channel knob is available in green (PMMN4106A) or black (PMMN4106ABLK). The XE500 is now available without a channel knob in high impact green (PMMN4107) and black (PMMN4107_BLK).

Extreme temperature High Impact Green and Black RSM's

Link to Motorola APX XE500 Datasheet   Link to APX XE Datasheet

Choose The Correct Motorola Intrinsically-Safe Battery

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New Motorola IS Radios Are Now UL Certified

Workers using communications devices in refineries, grain elevators, and fuel storage facilities need an intrinsically-safe certified 2-way radio. Hazardous locations, called HAZLOC, certified radios have a label to identify the NFPA 70 certifications for classifications and groups. Starting 2016, Motorola stopped shipping FM (Factory Mutual) certified radios and transitioned to UL (Underwriters Laboratories). It is important to know FM and UL TIA-4950 intrinsically-safe batteries are NOT interchangeable.

Astro and MOTOTRBO IS Radios

How to Identify FM and UL Certified RadiosGreen dots on battery and radio

Radios with a FM certification have a label with GREEN text and GREEN dot usually on the bottom of the radio. FM certified batteries have the same GREEN label and GREEN dot. In order to be certified, you need two dots with the same color.

UL certified radios have a label with WHITE text and a WHITE dot. APX and XPR 7000 series intrinsically-safe radio fleets delivered before and after 1/1/16 need to make sure the batteries are correct. FM certified replacement batteries will continue to be available for a long time and are safe. Purchasing managers will need to know if FM or a UL replacement battery is required.

APX and XPR 7000/6000/3000 FM and UL Battery Choices

APX FM (green dot) batteries include NNTN7033, NNTN7035, NNTN7036, NNTN8092, and NNTN8129.

APX UL TIA4950 HAZLOC (white dot) batteries are NNTN8921, NNTN8930, PMNN4504, PMNN4505, and NNTN8560.

XPR 7000 FM (green dot) battery is the NNTN8129. The XPR 6000 series uses the PMNN4069.

XPR 7000 UL TIA-4950 HAZLOC (white dot) battery is the NNTN8560. The XPR 7000e/3000e UL TIA-4950 HAZLOC battery is the PMNN4489.

Update: Motorola Cancels All FM Certified Batteries Effective 12/18/2020

The following batteries are no longer available to order after 12/18/2020: NNTN8092, NNTN7033, NNTN7035, NNTN8129, NNTN4437, NNTN4436, NNTN7453, RNN4007, NNTN9857, NNTN6263, PMNN4069, NNTN4852, HNN9010, and HNN4002.

Fact Sheet – Motorola FM to UL Transition

Motorola FAQ FM to UL TIA Document – MOTOTRBO

New APX IMPRES 2 Batteries and Chargers From Motorola

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Improved Warranty and IP Rating

Motorola BatwingsMotorola Solutions recently started shipping IMPRES 2 batteries for the APX 6000, APX 7000, and APX 8000 series radios. The new IMPRES 2 batteries are Li-ion chemistry and are more rugged with a IP68 submersibility rating. Battery capacity ratings are larger too but Motorola changed to “typical” from APX 6000,7000.8000 Housing Sizes“minimum” that may not result in better performance. There are 3 housing sizes and all IMPRES 2 batteries include a 24 month capacity warranty when used with an IMPRES charger.IMPRES 2 Battery ChartThe PMNN4485, PMNN4486, PMNN4487, and PMNN4494 outlined in blue above are not IS (intrinsically-safe) and can be used with APX 8000, 7000, and 6000. The NNTN8930 and NNTN8921 outlined in yellow are IS (Div 1 & 2) for only APX 6000, 7000. The PMNN4504 and PMNN4505 outlined in red are designed for APX8000XE IS radios for Division 2 only.

We have been told the NNTN7038, PMNN4403, NNTN7034, NNTN7036, NNTN7037, NNTN7037, and NNTN7573 will be cancelled.

New APX IMPRES 2 Chargers Include USB Charging Ports

APX IMPRES 2 AC ChargerMotorola has introduced new IMPRES 2 chargers for the new APX batteries. The NNTN8860 single unit AC charger is more energy efficient and includes two USB charging ports. There is a switch to disable the condition/calibration features when needed. We have a NNTN8860 charger bundled with the PMNN4486 3,400 mAh battery at a lower price. The PMNN4486 has 33% more capacity without extending the length and is the preferred choice by our local customers.

There is also a multi-unit NNTN8844 charger that has six APX radio NNTN8844 and 6 PMNN4486 IMPRES 2 Bundle for APXpockets and six more USB charging ports. Each pocket also has a display for reading battery data. We also offer this charger with six PMNN4486 batteries in a discounted price bundle.

This charger is designed for long term battery storage and has a switch for maintaining batteries at 50% and 75% capacity levels. The first pocket provides additional battery data including IMPRES vs. non- IMPRES charge cycles, potential, rated, and initial capacity.

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).

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

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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.

Magnetic Palm Mic Holder Improves Driver Safety

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Compatible With All 2-Way Mobile Radio BrandsInnovative MMSU-1 Single

One of the new mobile radio accessories that got our attention at IWCE this year was a magnetic palm microphone holder. It replaces the standard clip used by Motorola, Vertex Standard, Harris, Kenwood, Icom, and others. The powerful magnet pulls the palm microphone toward the base and supports scan, DPL, tone coded squelch, etc.

Magnetic Palm Mic Holder The MMSU-1 Magnetic Mic Holder from Innovative Products in Knoxville, TN comes individually boxed. Everything you need is in the box including stainless steel screws, stainless lock nuts, grounding screw, instructions, and hex wrench.

There is also a discounted MMBP-25 bulk pack for fleet upgrades.

Perfect for Public Safety Personnel and Public Works Drivers

Police, fire, and ems drivers will keep their eyes on the road responding to emergencies. All fleet owners will benefit from decreased driver distraction and improved safety. The magnetic mic holder is a nice addition for the Astron integrated base station power supplies too.

OTTO Revo NC2 Noise-Cancelling Microphone Now Available

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2-way Radio Accessories - Expect ExcellenceOTTO recently introduced a new patent-pending noise-cancelling remote speaker-microphone compatible with most popular 2-way radios. The Revo NC2 rugged microphone has a submersible rating of IP68 but still has a receive-only audio jack.

The V2-R2ER1212 is compatible with the Harris P5300, P5400, P5500, and P7300, Noise-cancelliing remote speaker-micXG-75, and XG-25. There are two Kenwood choices – the V2-R2KB5112 with a multi-pin connector for NX200 or the V2-R2KA5112 for ProTalk and models with a 2-pin connector.

OTTO also released the V2-R2MF5112 microphone for Motorola APX and MOTOTRBO XPR 6000/7000 series models. There is also the V2-R2MG5112 microphone for CP Series, PR400, BPR40, and others with a 2 pin jack.

Working in a high noise environment requires hearing protection. The NC2 has a 2.5mm or 3.5mm audio jack for a receive-only earpiece or dual muff headset. We recommend the 3M Peltor HT Series Listen-Only models available in headband, neckband, or hardhat mount.

OTTO Revo NC2 User Manual

OTTO is a leading manufacturer of two-way radio accessories located in Carpentersville, IL. Founded in 1961, the company has a reputation for high quality public-safety grade audio accessories. Magnum Electronics, Inc is an authorized dealer.