Category Archives: APX Radios

Motorola APX 6000 Vehicular Adapter for Mobile Installations Now Available

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New Motorola NNTN8527 Fills XTVA Product Void for APX 6000 Users

NNTN8527 Designed for APX 6000 ModelsPublic-safety 2-way radio users who liked the Motorola XTVA and old Convertacom products now have a solution for the APX 6000 series.

The NNTN8527 APX Vehicular Adapter allows the use of a mobile antenna, power amplifier, palm microphone, and external loudspeaker in a vehicle. UHF, 700, and 800 MHz bands are supported now with VHF compatibility coming in the future.

APX Models Compatible with NNTN8527 Vehicle AdapterAPX 6000 Model 1.5, 2.5, 3.5

All APX 6000 models are compatible including the rugged XE and LI versions. Model 1.5 (top display), 2.5 (top and side display), and 3.5 (displays with full keypad) provide full access with the open face design.

Rugged P25 Radio for Firefighters

Your radio will need to have firmware release R13.00.00 or later.

The APX VA has IMPRES charging functionality identical to the NNTN7624 vehicle charger and includes a LED indicator. Internal GPS will work as long as the VA is installed in a location that can receive it. Mission Critical Bluetooth is also supported.so you can continue to use your RLN6544 wireless microphone.

The NNTN8527 VA uses the same NTN8940 mounting trunnion as the XTS XTVA mobile adapter.

Download the Motorola NNTN8527 APX Vehicular Adapter Specification Sheet

New Motorola APX XP Remote Microphone for Law Enforcement

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

 

Compatible with APX 7000, 6000, 4000, 3000, 1000, SRX 2200

Motorola Solutions introduced a new thin remote speaker microphone designed for law enforcement, transit police, and ems personnel. The new IMPRES XP RSM uses dual microphone noise suppression technology like the XE RSM designed for firefighters. It is expected to start shipping in September.

Two Styles – IP68 Submersible or IP55 with 3.5mm Threaded JackNMN6271, NMN6274 XP RSM

The NMN6271 model has a Delta T submersible IP68 rating allowing it to survive under 2 meters of water for two hours. This microphone can be scrubbed with soap and water if needed.

Or…choose the NMN6274 with a IP55 rating that can handle a heavy rain storm and includes a 3.5mm threaded jack.

Both models include an orange emergency button, volume toggle, and one programmable button.

There are also 2 models on the roadmap for the Motorola XTS 5000, XTS 2500, and XTS 1500 due for release later this year.

Motorola Cancels ASTRO XTS 2500 and XTS 1500 Models

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No More XTS Radio Orders After October 31, 2014XTS Model Cancellation

Motorola Solutions has published an intent-to-cancel notice for ASTRO 25 XTS 2500 and XTS 1500 radio models. The last day to order is 10/31/14 and requested ship dates are not permitted after November 30, 2014. No accessories are being cancelled and depot repair support will continue for 5 more years.

Popular APX Platform is the Recommended Replacement for XTS

APX P25 TDMA RadiosThe recommended replacements for the XTS 2500/1500 models include the APX 6000, 4000, and the new 1000 series.The P25 APX 4000 has a rugged XE version available and a new “2 knob” option will be available in the next few months. The APX 1000 also has P25 TDMA capability in a smaller form factor at a lower cost. For the largest selection of accessories please visit our APX online store for batteries, chargers, carrying cases, and audio enhancements.

Motorola APX XTS Completely Discreet Wireless Covert Surveillance Accessories

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Wireless Covert Radio EarbudThe Motorola RLN4922 completely discreet earpiece is a covert wireless audio accessory inserted in the ear compatible with most two-way radios using a 2 or 3 wire surveillance kit. The earbud connector on the surveillance kit connects to the included RLN4920 wireless neckloop worn under your clothing. The push-to-talk switch and microphone on the wired surveillance accessory is still used. Recently, the RLN4922 was redesigned for more comfort, made smaller, and improved technically.

New Completely Discreet Mission Critical Wireless Covert Kit

Wireless enhanced Bluetooth Covert EarpieceUsers with the Motorola APX and enhanced Bluetooth option or XTS radios with the external PMLN5792 adapter have new options for covert surveillance. Motorola’s new NNTN8434 Wireless Covert Kit includes the RLN4922 wireless earbud, NNTN8385 Y-adapter, and NTN2571 PTT pod.

Now the radio can be placed in a backpack, briefcase, or purse up to 30 feet away. The NTN2571 PTT pod uses easy touch pairing. All you need to do is place the pod within an inch or two from the radio and it will automatically connect. Now a user can select any radio available and be ready for covert two-way communications immediately. The enhanced Bluetooth is encrypted and cannot be monitored like standard Bluetooth devices.

Basic Wireless Covert Kit Uses 2 Wire Earbud Headphones

Person listening to music or using smartphoneAlso available is the NNTN8296 Basic Wireless Covert Kit that includes 3 sets of earbuds and a 3.5mm adapter for connecting any off-the-shelf commercial earphone accessory. Radio users appear to be using a smartphone or listening to music. 

The NTN2571 must be ordered separately. There is also an optional carrying case (RLN6485).

Typical battery life for the NTN2571 PTT pod is 8 hours but carrying a second pod will provide remote PTT and a spare power source for up to 16 hours of use. The pod uses a standard micro-USB charger.

For more information see the Motorola brochure APX and XTS Mission Critical Wireless Covert Solutions

The RLN4922 Completely Discreet Earpiece and wireless covert accessories are also available for MOTOTRBO Operations Critical Bluetooth. The NNTN8127 PTT pod is the operations critical wireless (OCW) version used with the NNTN8385 Y-adapter. You will also need to use the PMLN5712 or the PMLN5993 Bluetooth adapter with touch pairing for XPR 6000 series radios.

 

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.

 

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 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.

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.