Category Archives: Portable Radios

3M Peltor Solutions For Communications in High Noise Areas

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Hearing Protection For Public-Safety and Industrial 2-Way Radio Users

Communications for High Noise Areas3M Peltor solutions are designed for public-safety and industrial 2-way radio users who need to communicate in high noise areas. If your department has a hearing conservation program, 3M offers UHF 2-way radio headsets or can easily integrate with Motorola, Kenwood, or any 2-way radio using a 3.5mm adapter.

3M Peltor Litecom Series UHF 2-Way Radio Headsets

Litecom series headsets include a low power UHF 2-way radio built-in with an antenna on the ear cup. There are 3 styles – headband, neckband, and hardhat mount. No FCC license is required and the range is adequate for most on-site work groups.

Choose LiteCom BRS with Business Frequencies for Less Interference

Litecom BRS 2-way Radio HeadsetLiteCom BRS models include 8 pre-programmed business channels and provide a 25 dB NRR (Noise Reduction Rating). Two AA batteries will allow up to 20 hours of use or an optional rechargeable battery pack is available.

There is a noise-cancelling boom microphone with a push-to-talk switch on the cup or hands-free voice activated VOX is possible.

LiteCom Plus Models Include Electronic Environmental Listening

3M Peltor MT7H7B4610-NA LiteCom Plus series include microphones on each cup that allow users to hear clearly while wearing the headset for improved safety. When a harmful noise is detected the headset instantly blocks it. It works great when working in an inconsistent environment with impulse noises that require 2-way communications. It includes a rechargeable battery pack, 30 business/GMRS channels, and 25 dB NRR.

Litecom Pro II Models Are Programmable and Intrinsically-Safe

Lite-Com Pro II MT7H7P3E4010-NA-50If working in hazardous atmospheres choose the Litecom Pro II series that are intrinsically-safe (IS) and FM approved. The certification includes Class I, II, III, Division 1, applicable Groups A through G, T4, -20°C≤Ta≤50°C; Intrinsically safe, Class I, Zone 0, AEx ia IIC, T4, -20°C≤Ta≤50°C, hazardous (classified) locations.

The Litecom Pro II is capable of custom programming to almost any UHF FCC licensed frequency with 3M software and a USB dongle.

3M Peltor Headsets With Adapters for Two Way Radios

The MT Tactical Pro series adapt with most radio models using a Nexus push-to-talk adapter. The HT listen-only series are connected using a 3.5 or 2.5mm cable. There are also wireless headsets that eliminate the need for an adapter and will pair with any Bluetooth enabled two-way radio or cell phone.

Military and Law Enforcement Tactical Headsets

COMTAC III ACH and COMTAC IVThe 3M Peltor COMTAC and SWAT-TAC tactical headsets provide environmental listening and integrate to most 2-way radios with a wired NATO adapter. SWAT-TAC models are the same product as COMTAC except they are black in color. COMTAC III ACH ear cups cover the ears and COMTAC IV is a hybrid style that uses earplugs.

There are 3 styles – headband, neckband, and ARC (rail connectors). The headsets can attach to one (single comm) or two (dual comm) portable radios simultaneously for interoperability. COMTAC color choices are O.D. green, coyote brown, foliage green, and black.

Hearing Loss is the Most Prevalent Occupational Health Concern in US

According to OSHA, approximately 30 million workers are occupationally exposed to hazardous noise. 3M is a leader in hearing protection and manufactures high quality products, replacement accessories, and depot repair service. To see all their two-way offerings download the 2015 3M Peltor communications product catalog.

Need a quote or want to discuss your application? Call our office at 302-734-9250 M-F 8-5pm EST.

Compare Motorola MOTOTRBO Radio Features By Model and Tier

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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

Motorola DMR Radio Features Chart

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.

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 SL300 2-Way Digital Radio Designed for Commercial Business

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MOTOTRBO SL300 is Lightweight and Provides Long Battery Life

Motorola announced the SL300, a new low cost digital 2-way radio compatible withSL300 Front Side Views 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.

MOTOTRBO SL300 Display Dunctions

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.

Download Motorola Datasheet SL300

 

Boston Leather Radio Holders and Public-Safety Accessories Now Available Online

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Leather Accessories for Fire, EMS, and Law EnforcementBoston Leather radio holders, fire, ems , and law enforcement accessories

Since before World War II, Boston Leather has been focused on manufacturing high quality leather goods designed for public-safety professionals. Located in Sterling, Illinois they continue to develop custom 2-way radio holders, firefighter straps, and badge holders. We now offer their entire catalog and have radio holders, fire/ems, and law enforcement accessories online with pricing.

Motorola APX 6000XE Radio Holder Now AvailableAPX6000XE Radio Holder

For firefighters carrying the Motorola APX 6000XE Model 2.5 or 3.5, there is a custom designed leather holder (5611RC) with large rings that is used with their 6543 strap or the 6543R reflective strap. The case fits the standard size APX batteries including the NNTN7038 (most popular), PMNN4403, and the NNTN8092.

Boston Leather Product Catalogs

Visit our Boston Leather Products online catalog with pricing or download the current full catalog. Also available for download are the Fire Brochure and the K-9 flyer. Please contact us for a quote for any accessories not online yet using the form below.

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Low Cost Digital Radios for Business – CP200d, CM200d, CM300d

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Motorola MOTOTRBO CP200d DMR Digital RadioMotorola Solutions Upgrades Popular Commercial Tier

The most popular two-way radios for business now support DMR digital voice communications with advanced features. The CP200d, CM200d, and CM300d can be ordered with both analog/digital operation or analog-only with future upgrade capability. They are compatible with other MOTOTRBO radios but are limited to conventional voice features. They will also support dual-capacity direct mode meaning you can have two simultaneous conversations on a single channel without a repeater.

CP200d batteries and chargers are backward compatible but2 Pin Audio Connector for CP200d audio accessories have been optimized for use with digital. Motorola’s new upgraded audio accessories are marked with a symbol on the 2 pin connector.

Improve Coverage with CM200d and CM300d with Display

MOTOTRBO CM200d Front ViewBase, mobile, and control station operation is now possible in VHF (136-174 MHz) with 25 and 45 watt versions. UHF band will be released later this year. Both the CM200d and the CM300d support 99 channels, repeater/talkaround, and MOTOTRBO CM300d Displayvoice announcement.

The CM300d has an alpha-numeric display and two additional programmable buttons.

DMR Digital Radio Choices Slow Analog-Only Sales

The CP200d, CM200d, and CM300d are included in the “Buy 6” August Promotion that ends this month. Receive $185 from Motorola when you purchase six radios on the same invoice.

CP200 analog-only sales slowed significantly since the introduction of the XPR 3300/3500 and Vertex Standard EVX-530 series. Now it appears there is an even easier migration for commercial customers requiring basic voice communications to migrate to DMR. The most rugged business radio for the past ten years just got a new life.

MOTOTRBO CP200d Specs and Data Sheet   MOTOTRBO CM200d CM300d Specs

Why Digital is Better    CP200d Accessory Catalog

MOTOTRBO Digital CP200d Banner

Earmuff and Temple Headsets Compared

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Radio Headset Comparison in High Noise

Bone Conduction vs.Traditional Earmuff Style in High Noise Areas

Motorola Solutions offers temple headsets for most two-way radio models and they continue to grow in popularity. Temple transducers use bone conduction technology and are more comfortable in hot weather as compared to traditional earmuff headsets.

Temple Headset Users TalkingTemple transducers keep the ears uncovered making it easier to communicate with the public. The speaker is muted so radio transmissions cannot be monitored and surrounding voices or other sounds can be heard normally. When used in high noise areas, earplugs can be worn for hearing protection.

Comparison Using MOTOTRBO Analog and Digital RadiosSpring and Associates HDD Driller

Spring & Associates, Inc an HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) contractor from Easton, Maryland relies on Motorola MOTOTRBO DMR digital radios on the jobsite.

Communications are challenging because noise levels can be 100db and often exceed 130dB close to where the drill operator sits. They compared the Motorola PMLN5275 heavy-duty, dual muff headset and the PMLN5101 temple transducer.

Tests were performed in digital and analog modes using their XPR 6550 UHF two-way radios. Digital mode audio quality was found to be superior to analog. Following are comments by Rodney Spring, President  of Spring and Associates:

Muff Style Preferred in Extreme Noise Approaching 130dBLoud Noise Chart (dB)

In extreme noise, I’m guessing over 130dB, the earmuff headset was slightly preferred over the temple transducer/hearing protection muffs combo by the operator. It seems that when you idle up the drill to full power/full noise the muff headset has ZERO distortion in the receive mode, while the temple transducer has a little.

Temple Headsets Preferred Below 100dB Noise Level

In noise levels under 100dB the temple transducer was preferred because of comfort and during temporary times of low area noise, being able to remove the auxiliary hearing protection, and still be in touch with other radios while having the ability to hear people around him.

New RLN6500 MOTOTRBO Bluetooth Kit Replaces HK200

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MOTOTRBO RLN6500 Bluetooth Accessory KitMotorola Solutions recently cancelled pending HK200 Bluetooth headset orders after running out of stock. The recommended replacement is the new RLN6500 MOTOTRBO Bluetooth Accessory Kit. The RLN6500 has a comfortable swivel earpiece connected to a pod with clothing clip.

The new design provides a more professional appearance and prevents others from thinking your employees are on their cell phones. Additional earpiece styles will be added in the future.

RLN6500 ChargerThe RLN6500 provides enough battery life for a full 8-10 hour shift unlike most cellular style Bluetooth headsets.

Included is a compact 120V AC charger with cradle for quick and easy charging for the next shift.

Designed for MOTOTRBO DMR Bluetooth Enabled Radios

The RLN6500 is designed to be used with MOTOTRBO Bluetooth enabled radios including the SL 7550, XPR 5350, 5550, XPR 7350, 7550. It is also compatible with XPR 6100, 6300, and 6500 series radios using the PMLN5712 adapter.PMLN6397 Replacement Swivel Earpiece and In-line Mic

It is easy to share among employees with extra PMLN6397 earpieces with in-line mic (pack of 3). The earpiece has a antimicrobial coating for healthcare applications.

Once paired, the headset will reconnect with the radio the next time it is turned on. It is not compatible with the PMLN5993 Bluetooth adapter with touch pairing so you will need to keep it paired with the same radio. The RLN6500 is not compatible with cell phones so you are less likely to lose them due to theft.

Lower Cost Alternative for MOTOTRBO Bluetooth Audio Accessories

The RLN6500 is priced lower than the Operations Critical NNTN8295 wireless earbud with pod and the NNTN8125, NNTN8126 earpieces.

Plantronics-85550-01 M50For those who need a HK200 replacement with long battery life that will also pair with a cell phone, we recommend the Plantronics M50 85550-01.

It has standard Bluetooth 3.0, provides 9-11 hours of typical use, and uses a micro-USB charger connector.

For more Motorola Bluetooth accessories download the Operations Critical MOTOTRBO Wireless Accessory Catalog.

Over-the-Air Programming Steps for Motorola DTR Digital Radios

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Written by Jeremy Byler, CETsr

How to Remotely Add or Update a DTR Radio Contact to your Fleet

Motorola DTR650 License Free RadioMotorola DTR650 digital radios can be programmed with a unique ID so other users can identify the person transmitting. Most of our customers request that we program their radios with employee names or job functions. This is helpful during emergencies, call alerts, and one-to-one communications.Info Displayed on DTR

When an additional radio is purchased, replaced, or updated the digital ID must be programmed in all of the existing radios. This is easily accomplished using the DTR650’s over-the-air programming feature.

All DTR Radios Must Be Turned “ON” and In Range

After the new radio is programmed using Motorola’s DTR CPS software and programming cable, begin by inserting the battery and connecting the antenna. All radios must be powered ON and within range of the new DTR for programming to be successful.

Use Cloning Mode to Add Contacts Wirelessly

To place the new radio in cloning mode a series of button presses is required. Refer to the picture for button locations and follow the steps below:DTR Radio Button Labels

  • Hold down the “Home” button and press the PTT (push-to-talk) button three times
  • Press the “Left Option” button
  • Press the “Up Arrow” button
  • Press the “Right Option” button
  • Hold down the “Home” button and press the PTT button three times
  • When done correctly screen will display cloning mode

DTR Radio Cloning Menu Mode

From Cloning Menu Choose “Send Contact”

When the DTR is in cloning mode, scroll to the “Send Contact” and choose the contact you want to send to the other radios per steps 1-3 below.Steps 1-3 Adding DTR Contacts Remotely

 Select the Contact You Want to Send to the Other DTR Radios

Steps 4-7 shows how to scroll through the list of radio contacts and change to the one you want to send to the other radios in your fleet.

Steps 4-7 Add DTR Contacts Remotely

Press “Program” and “Go” to Finish the Cloning Operation

Steps 8-11 include selecting the target radio or radio group and sending the info wirelessly using the “Program” and “Go” soft buttons.

Steps 8-11 Add DTR Contacts Remotely

After operation is completed, a status message will appear. It will either display “Successful” or show a list of radios that failed. A radio will fail if it is powered off or is out of range.

If only a single radio needs to be updated, choose the name of the radio that needs to be updated instead of the group. Once this operation is successfully completed and all your radios have been updated with the new radio’s contact information, your DTR system will communicate properly.

For more information download the Motorola DTR Series User Guide and the Generation 3 DTR650 Product Training presentation from Motorola Solutions.

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.