Category Archives: IMPRES

Motorola IMPRES Battery Tips and Charger Indicator Lights

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Proper IMPRES Battery Care Starts With Initialization

Motorola IMPRES ChargerA Motorola IMPRES battery must be initialized by an IMPRES charger the first time it is charged. This process is indicated by a STEADY YELLOW light on the charger indicator (the same as if the battery were reconditioning). The process is automatic, includes an initial reconditioning of the battery, and begins charging upon completion of this process.

This process requires approximately 12 hours depending on the capacity. Do not remove the battery from the charger until the STEADY GREEN light is on.

IMPRES Indicator Light Chart with Explanations

Motorola IMPRES Charger Light Indicators

IMPRES Automatic Battery Conditioning

Motorola IMPRES Adaptive Chargers, when used in conjunction with a Motorola IMPRES battery, have the ability to determine the appropriate time to recondition the battery. When an IMPRES battery is properly inserted into the charger, the charger determines if it is appropriate to recondition the battery. If the battery needs reconditioning, the charger automatically indicates a STEADY YELLOW.

This process may take up to 12 hours to complete, depending upon the state of charge and capacity rating of the battery when it is inserted. It is important to note, for this process to be effective, the IMPRES battery must be allowed to complete the recondition/recharge process. Leave the battery in the charger until the charger indicates a STEADY GREEN. At the completion of the recondition cycle, the charger automatically recharges the IMPRES battery.

How to Terminate the IMPRES Conditioning Process

At any time during the reconditioning process of a Motorola IMPRES battery (STEADY YELLOW indication), reconditioning may be terminated by removing and reinserting the battery back into the charger within 5 seconds. This causes the charger to terminate the reconditioning process and begin the charging process. The charger indicator changes to a STEADY RED. The charger will attempt to recondition the battery at the next battery insertion.

Manually Initiating the IMPRES Reconditioning Process

Within 2-1/2 minutes of the initial insertion of an IMPRES battery (STEADY RED indication), remove and reinsert the battery within 5 seconds to manually force reconditioning to occur. The charger indicator changes from a STEADY RED to a STEADY YELLOW. This forces the charger to recondition and automatically recharge the battery. This is a useful feature to have when IMPRES batteries have been in storage for several months or longer. Two or three manual recondition cycles may be required to rejuvenate the batteries, due to long term storage conditions.

Motorola XPR 6100, 6350, 6550 Battery Choices Explained

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MOTOTRBO Radio Battery Choices

Motorola Batteries for XPR 6000 Series Radios Use IMPRES Technology

Motorola introduced the MOTOTRBO DMR digital XPR 6300 (non-display) and XPR 6500 (display) series radios in 2007. Surprisingly, we still see some of the batteries with date codes five years old and still in use. It is probably due to the IMPRES automatic conditioning feature that Motorola patented about 10 years ago.

A fresh battery can improve your radio performance and eliminate intermittent problems when voltage fluctuates. Due to the new enhancements with MOTOTRBO (i.e. Bluetooth, LTR, GPS, lone worker, etc) you should make sure you choose the best battery for your needs. Replacement batteries do not include a belt clip so be sure to remove it from the old battery.

All Batteries Carry a Submersible IP57 Rating

All Motorola XPR 6000 series MOTOTRBO batteries are built tough with a IP57 submersibility rating meaning it can withstand being under three feet of water for 30 minutes. IMPRES smart charging is also standard on all four battery choices.

PMNN4077C is the Most Popular MOTOTRBO Battery with Highest CapacityMOTOTRBO PMNN4077 High capacity battery

The Motorola PMNN4077C is the most popular battery because it provides the highest capacity at 2,200 mAh. The extra capacity is needed if you use a Bluetooth adapter, optional LTR trunking board, or if you require maximum battery life for long shifts. It uses Li-ion chemistry and is only slightly thicker than the PMNN4066A.

PMNN4066A Battery is Standard with XPR6100 and Original XPR 6300MOTOTRBO PMNN4066 battery

The Motorola PMNN4066A uses Li-ion chemistry with a 1,500 mAh capacity. It was included with the original XPR6300 non-display, non-GPS radio back in 2007. It is recommended if you use digital mode only and no power consuming options like GPS, Bluetooth, etc. It is slightly thinner but we normally recommend the higher capacity PMNN4077.

PMNN4069A Battery is FM Approved Intrinsically-Safe for Hazardous AtmospheresFM Intrinsically Safe battery

The PMNN4069A is the only FM battery that is intrinsically-safe rated. It has a green dot on the bottom of the battery and a FM label. It must be used with a XPR radio that includes the factory installed FM option. Look for the label on the radio and a green dot on the bottom of the radio. The battery capacity is 1,400 mAh and it uses Li-ion cells.

There is no benefit in purchasing a FM battery and using it with non-FM radios. It will work but there are no advantages.

Motorola PMNN4065A is the only NiMH Chemistry MOTOTRBO BatteryMOTOTRBO NiMH battery for cold weather

For anyone using their XPR 6000 series MOTOTRBO radios in extremely cold environments the PMNN4065A is the best choice. Li-ion batteries should be avoided because they do not perform well at low temperatures. The Motorola PMNN4065A NiMH battery has 1,300 mAh capacity and is a little heavier. It also is the most economical with the lowest price.

All of the above batteries are compatible with the XPR6100, XPR6300, XPR6350, XPR6380, XPR6500, XPR6550, and XPR6580 MOTOTRBO radios..

Not sure of the condition of your batteries? First, check the date codes and then consider investing in the Motorola NNTN7392 IMPRES battery reader if you have a large quantity.

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.