Vertex Introduces VX-260 Series To Replace VX-231, VX-351/354

1/2/2018 Update – The VX-261 and VX-264 are now available as a Motorola Solutions branded product. All specifications and warranties remain the same.

New VX-261, VX-264 Offer Many Improvements to Analog Portfolio

VX-261, VX-264 VHF and UHF Analog RadiosFor users that only need low cost analog 2-way radio communications, Vertex Standard now offers the VX-260 series. The radios were designed with improvements to replace the VX-230 and VX-350 platforms that will end production at the end of June.

The radio is 40% louder, has more signalling options, and includes additional safety features. Universal batteries/chargers and the same microphone connector makes it easy to reuse audio accessories. Programming software and cloning cable are the same too.

You won’t be able to clone your frequencies from older non-identical radios or upgrade to digital. As with all Vertex Standard models there is a 3 year depot warranty.

Last Day to Order Vertex VX-231, VX-351, VX-354 is 6/26/15

The chart below identifies the Vertex Standard radio models that will end production. For those who need a VX-231, VX-351, or VX-354 to keep their fleet identical, it is recommended to place your orders prior to 6/26/15.

VX-231 VX-351, VX-354 Models Last order date 6/26/15

Motorola Retires CP/CM/PR/PM Analog-Only 2-Way Radios

Most Analog-only Models Cancelled As Digital Prices DropCP110, CP200, CM Mobile

All CP110 analog radio models including the MURS license-free version can no longer be ordered from Motorola. The CP110 joins the CP200, CP200 XLS, and PR400 analog–only portables that also ended production. Only a few Intrinsically-safe PR 400 portables will be available until June of 2015.

Analog-only CM200, CM300, and PM400 mobile models have also been retired.and are no longer available. Replacement accessories will continue to be available and depot repair support remains for now.

There have been no announcements about the future of the analog-only BPR40, CP185, and VL50 radios. We would not be surprised to see them retired next year.

Complete List of Motorola Analog Models Cancelled

Cancelled CP110, CP110m Portable Models

CP110

Cancelled CP200, CP200 XLS, PR400 Portable Models

Cancelled Analog only Radios

Cancelled CM200, CM300, PM400 Mobile Models

Cancelled Analog only Radios

New Digital Capable Models Provide Analog Operation

The MOTOTRBO CP200d, SL300, XPR 3000, CM200d, CM300d, and XPR 2500 are the best replacements when adding radios to your radio fleet. They can be programmed with analog for compatibility with your existing system but you wont have to replace them when you move to digital.

New Motorola SL300 2-Way Digital Radio Designed for Commercial Business

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Firefighter Training Video – “Say It Loud and Clear”

Video

Best Practices Developed by Motorola and the IAFC

Motorola BatwingsMotorola and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) developed a 15 minute training video to review best practices when using mission-critical 2-way radios for fireground operations. The training applies to all radio brands and models.

IAFC SealThe video shows typical scenarios how a firefighter can minimize background noise and maximize voice communications intelligibility. Whether you use analog, digital, 800 MHz, or VHF/UHF – the tips to improve audio quality all apply.

New MOTOTRBO INC Microphones Designed for Use in Extreme Noise

NNTN8382 and NNTN8383 INC MicsMotorola is now shipping their Industrial Noise-Cancelling (INC) remote speaker microphones for MOTOTRBO XPR 6000 and 7000 series DMR radios. The new mic speaker is 25% louder and uses dual microphone noise-cancellation technology found in high tier public-safety audio accessories.

There are two styles available: NNTN8383 includes a 3.5mm threaded jack located on the 6 foot coiled cord and the NNTN8382 IP57 submersible model without the jack.

Both RSM’s use IMPRES technology to communicate with XPR MOTOTRBO series including the 6100, 6300, 6350, 6550, 6850, 7350 and 7550 models. The mics have a 4 digit date code under the clip and carry a 12 month warranty.

Easy to Clean When Working in Dirty EnvironmentsMOTOTRBO INC Mic Being Cleaned

Dirt and debris that clog other mics can prevent the user from being heard and cause repeat transmissions. The INC remote microphones can be cleaned with soapy water and a scrub brush.

Use a High-Capacity Battery When Using INC Microphones

Battery Life when using NNTN8383, NNTN8382The INC microphones use the radio battery to power the extra-loud, one watt speaker and microprocessors that cancel the background noise.

We recommend using the larger 2,150 mAh IMPRES radio battery if you work long shifts, use scan to listen to multiple channels, or transmit more than normal.

NNTN8383 Requires 3.5mm Threaded Receive-only Audio Accessories

If using the NNTN8383 with the audio jack, make sure you use a 3.5mm threaded accessory plug. Some of the popular threaded receive-only accessories that are compatible include the RLN5313, BDB6726, and the BDN6781The unthreaded receive-only RSM accessories with the short cords will not work. 

Download Motorola MOTOTRBO INC NNTN8383 NNTN8382 Product Spec Sheet