Category Archives: Tech Tips

Motorola Cancels Analog VX-450 Series, VX-264, VX-2100, VX-2200 Radio Models

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Motorola BatwingsMotorola Solutions announced the cancellation of several legacy Vertex Standard analog-only models this month. The VX-264, VX-451, VX-454, VX-459, VX-2100, and VX-2200 can no longer be ordered.

The popular analog VX-261, MOTOTRBO digital capable EVX-261, and EVX-S24, are not affected by this notice. Motorola still offers analog-only choices for most of the cancelled models as shown below.VX-264, VX-450, VX-2100, VX-2200 No Longer Orderable

Our remaining stock of VHF VX-264 and UHF VX-264 radios are marked down and a good deal for analog users needing a display with 128 channel capability. Motorola will continue to provide warranty support, depot repairs, and accessories.

Motorola Technical Notification: APX/PCR RSM Cable Failures

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APX XPR Shoulder Mic with coiled cordRemote speaker-microphones cables for APX P25 and XPR MOTOTRBO DMR series radios could experience jacket failures when stressed. A manufacturing change in jacket material caused the problem.

When the cord is stressed the cable could tear or fray and expose the internal wiring. As a result, RSM’s that show failures will be replaced for up to 24 months after purchase.

Symptoms and Root Cause of the Cord FailuresCoiled Cord small tear and fraying example

The cord failure is shown in the image. The failure typically occurs at the RSM head or radio connector end or both, but can also occur in cable middle section.

Front and back mic cable routingRadio users who prefer to route the mic cord behind their back and stress the cable are more likely to experience the problem. Motorola recommends to dress the coil section so it
does not get caught on uniform accessories for optimal RSM service life.

Motorola Remote Speaker-Microphone Models Affected

Motorola is upgrading the cable jacket material in the near future. RSM’s with the new cable will include an “L” in the model suffix when shipped.

Below are the RSM’s identified in the Motorola Technical Notification (MTN):

APX 8000, APX 7000, APX 6000, APX 4000,

PMMN4062
PMMN4065
PMMN4069
PMMN4083
PMMN4099

MOTOTRBO PCR XPR 3000 and XPR 7000 Series RSM’s

PMMN4071
PMMN4073
PMMN4108
PMMN4024
PMMN4040
PMMN4025
PMMN4046
PMMN4050

Only mics that show the failure will be replaced under the MTN warranty extension. Reference MTN-0070-19-NA and original factory order number when requesting replacements. They can be obtained by calling Motorola at 1-800-422-4210; prompt 1.

Download the Motorola Technical Notification MTN-0070-19-NA_RSM

Motorola Wireless Microphone FAQ’s and LED Status Indicators

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Motorola RLN6544 Wireless RSMThe Motorola wireless remote speaker-mic (WRSM) is a popular accessory for APX, XTL, and XPR series hand-held and vehicle mounted two-way radios.

Paired with portable radios it provides range about 30 feet and with the PMMN4097 mobile palm mic/gateway you can roam up to 300 feet from the vehicle. There is “mission critical” for APX and a “operations critical” software version for MOTOTRBO DMR radios.

 Choose the Correct Wireless Mic for your Motorola Radio

Motorola’s model nomenclature and product tiering make it easy to purchase the wrong mic for your radio. Depending on the included charger bundle the product SKU changes slightly. Below is a summary of the configurations and their compatible radios.

Hand-held APX Series With Internal Bluetooth Enabled

APX Portable Radios

  • RLN6554 – Wireless RSM with Battery, Clip (RLN6544) and Dual Unit Charger (PMLN7120)
  • RLN6544 – Mission Critical Wireless RSM with Battery and Clip Only

These models are compatible with APX 8000, APX 7000, APX 7000XE, APX 6000, APX 6000XE, APX 4000, APX 3000, and SRX 2200.

It is important to make sure your radio has Bluetooth enabled. The blue dot means is has the internal hardware only. You also need to have the software option (free since April 2016) and your programmer has it turned ON. Notice this same mic can also be used with the PMMN4097 mobile palm mic/gateway.

MOTOTRBO XPR 7000 Series With Bluetooth EnabledDisplay and Non-Display Models

  • RLN6562 – Operations Critical Wireless Remote Speaker Microphone with Battery and Belt clip and Dual Unit Charger (PMLN7120)

This model is compatible with XPR 7350, XPR 7350e, XPR 7550, XPR 7550e, XPR 7580, and XPR 7580e with Bluetooth enabled. It may be turned OFF or disabled to save battery life. It is not compatible with XPR 6000 series or with the long range PMMN4097 mobile palm mic/gateway.

Wireless Mic for APX, XTL, and XPR Series Vehicle Mounted Radios

  • RLN6551 – Long Range Wireless Mobile Accessory Kit, includes WirelessLong Range Wireless Speaker Mic Remote Speaker Microphone (RLN6544), Mobile Microphone Bluetooth Gateway (PMMN4097), Vehicular Charger (PMLN6716)
  • RLN6552 – Same as above without vehicular charger

These models are compatible with APX 8500, APX 7500, APX 6500, APX 4500, APX 1500, XTL 5000, XPR 5350, XPR 5350e, XPR 5550, XPR 5550e, XPR 5580, XPR 5580e, XPR 4350, and XPR 4550.

Adding this wireless mic is easy – replace the palm mic with the combo mic/gateway and “touch-pair” – that’s it. APX users can use the same mic with their portable hand-held radio.

Motorola Wireless Mic Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use a Bluetooth adapter? No
  2. Will this work with other radio brands? No
  3. My mic started speaking the French language. How do I get it back to English? This happens when you power up the mic and press the PTT at the same time. To change languages follow the instructions in the graphic.How to change language in wireless RSM
  4. What is WRSM battery model number? PMNN4461
  5. Can I still use a receive-only earpiece? The WRSM uses the same RLN4941 or PMLN7560 earpieces as most of the the wired mics.
  6. What do the microphone LED status indicators mean? There are 2 LED lights on the microphone that provide battery level and audio availability status. Status Indicator Definitions
  7. What do the status lights on the WRSM charger mean? The graphic below shows the LED light color indicators and their meanings.Battery Status Indicators by Flashing Color
  8. Does the mic require maintenance? Yes – you should check for firmware updates for improved battery, connectivity, and audio performance especially if more than 6 months old.

Buy online these wireless remote speaker-mics and other radio accessories with low pricing and fast delivery. If you prefer, call our Dover, Delaware office during normal business hours where you will never get an automated attendant or voice mail. We can be reached at 302-734-9250 M-F 8-5pm EST.

Secure Login Instructions For Magnum AVL Fleet Tracking and Management Reports

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Magnum AVL Logo

Our website has been upgraded to improve internet security for our Magnum AVL Fleet Management customers. The upgrade eliminates the Google Chrome Browser non-secure warning, adds encryption, and shows a lock in the browser address bar as shown below.Magnum AVL Login Address URL

To connect to the secure server, enter https://avl.magnumelectronics.com in your browser address bar (or click on the link).. You should connect to the login page with a padlock icon to the left of the url address.

Secure Login with Encryption Enter your login info and save as a bookmark or add to your home screen if using a smartphone. This should save your login info and provide a secure one-click link to your Magnum AVL fleet management account.

MotoX Motorcycle Quick-Transition Headset Kit With Wireless PTT

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Police Motorcycle Quick-Transition Radio AccessoryEarPhone Connection, a leader in public-safety audio accessories, has a new low cost headset for motorcycle radio communications. Compatible with hand-held portable 2-way radios, their MotoX kit includes a helmet kit, wireless push-to-talk button for the handlebar, and a unique remote speaker-microphone. The helmet kit works with 3/4 and full-face helmets and includes a noise-cancelling boom microphone.

MotoX Available For Motorola, Harris, Kenwood Radios

MotoX-23W Quick-Transition for Motorola XTSThe MotoX-34W is compatible with Motorola APX series, XPR 7000, and XPR 6000 models. The MotoX-23W is designed for XTS series, PR1500, MT1500, and other radios with Cosmo connectors.

Most public-safety Harris radios are supported – MotoX-28W includes the XG-75, P7300 connector. The Harris XL-200P and XG-100 require the new MotoX-48W.  The MotoX-11W Kenwood multi-pin connector has keen added to their product line compatible with their high tier radios.

Special order kits are also available for Motorola HT750/1250/1550, PR860, and Harris M/A-Com 700P, P7100, P7130, P7150, P7170, P7200, P5100, P5130, and P5150.

MotoX Speaker-Mic Includes Embedded Bluetooth and Unique 3.5mm Jack

The unique remote speaker-mic has embedded Bluetooth and pairs with the wireless push-to-talk button that mounts to the handlebar. The mic also has a special 3.5mm jack that connects the audio to helmet speakers and boom mic. When disconnected, it works like a normal speaker-mic.

Coverage Testing For Delaware New Construction and SB79 Compliance

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State of Delaware Senate Bill 79 Requires Building Interior Test

A State of Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security regulation requires all new construction projects over 25,000 square feet be tested for in-building communications. The purpose of the SB79 test is to determine if newly constructed buildings have been Grid Acceptance Test In Progressdesigned so that emergency personnel can transmit and receive with portable 2-way radios and the State’s 800 MHz network. The facility owner must have the building tested prior to requesting a certificate of occupancy. The building must have the windows and doors installed before the test can be started.

Magnum Electronics is an approved vendor and has technical staff certified to perform the required scope of work quickly as defined in Appendix A by the Delaware Division of Communications. We are located in Dover and a member of the Delaware Chapter of the Association of Builders and Contractors. To request a quote, call us at 302-734-9250 M-F 8-5pm or use the form below.

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Custom Upfitting Services Include Emergency Lighting and Cabinets

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Magnum Electronics LogoCustom installations and vehicle upfitting for public-safety/commercial customers has been a growing segment of our technical service offerings.

We have formal agreements with emergency warning lighting, mobile video, rugged computer, LTE router, GPS fleet management, cabinet, and other manufacturers supporting mobile workers. We hold State of Delaware contracts for equipment and installation services along with the required insurance coverage. Below is a Chevy Tahoe our ETA certified upfit technicians completed recently.

We also provide amber safety warning lights for construction and public works vehicles. Our Acari Drill-Free mounts can be used to mount beacons, work lights, and antennas easily without holes.

To speak with our service team and request a quote call our office at 302-734-9250 during normal business hours. Located in Dover, we are an easy drive from anywhere in Delaware and most of the Delmarva peninsula.

Choosing Plantronics Headsets – Wired, Bluetooth, or DECT 6.0?

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Unified communications, noisy work areas, and the need for collaboration has increased the need for headsets. There are many types available and we found “one style does not fit all” in most organizations. Wireless headsets have become popular and allow workers to maintain communications when not at their desk. Today’s headsets also provide powerful analytics and require firmware upgrades for best performance.

plantronics authorised-partner-badgePlantronics has been a leader in headset comfort for over 50 years and offers wired or wireless headsets for all market segments. Recently, eight of our employees earned sales and technical certifications at Plantronics University for improved customer support.

Magnum Electronics is approved for all Plantronics certifications including unified communications (UC), contact centers (CC), and small & medium business (SMB). We can help select the best headset solution and support large deployments with Plantronics Hub or Manager Pro cloud-based software.

Plantronics Wired Headsets Are Reliable in High RF AreasCorded Headband Binaural Headset

Direct-connect headsets are still the best solution for areas with high radio-frequency interference. They are powered by the connected device and don’t need a battery charger. Choose binaural (dual ear) or monaural (single ear) depending on noise environment and user preference.

The Plantronics Blackwire 5200 series have USB-A, USB-C, or 3.5mm connector plugs. The EncorePro series and SupraPlus models are also popular wired models and are used on many Motorola dispatch consoles.

Plantronics Wireless Bluetooth Headset Choices

Bluetooth Headset Case Smartphone LaptopWireless Bluetooth headsets are the most popular for mobile workers. They easily connect to smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. The Plantronics Voyager 5200 UC has superior noise-cancellation and advanced sensor technology. Conference calls, webinars, and important conversations can be taken in the vehicle or on the move.

Bluetooth 4.1 Binaural HeadsetPlantronics offers headsets with a BT300 Class 2 Bluetooth adapter (up to 30 ft range) and a BT600 Class 1 adapter with up to 98 ft range. Other popular Bluetooth models include Legend UC, Legend CS, Focus UC, M70, and Marque 2.

Bluetooth frequencies share the same band as WiFi so interference could cause problems if operating close to an access point.

Wireless DECT 6.0 Headsets for Maximum Distance from DeskphoneWireless DECT 6.0 Headset

The recommended Plantronics wireless headsets for use in facilities with dense WiFi and strong interference are the Savi 700 series, Savi 440, or CS520. They utilize DECT 6.0 frequencies that don’t interfere with WiFi. DECT 6.0 also provides better range than Bluetooth by allowing you to roam up to 350 feet from the base/charger. The Savi 700 and 400 series also have Bluetooth for easy connectivity to a computer.

For a formal quote contact our Dover, Delaware office at 302-734-9250 M-F 8-5pm or use the form below.

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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)

Monitoring Speed with Magnum AVL GPS Tracking Improves Profitability

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Magnum AVL GPS Fleet ManagementYou may have heard excessive speeding can reduce fuel economy but few of us know how much it costs. We found some useful information compiled from DOE data.

Your vehicle’s fuel mileage decreases once it exceeds optimal speed. For most vehicles, this is happens at about 55 mph. Every time you go over this speed, you’re wasting fuel and money. A slight decrease in your highway driving speed can significantly reduce your fuel consumption.

Impact on Fleet Fuel Efficiency When Exceeding 55 MPH per DOEMagnum AVL Logo Truck and Map

According to studies backed by the DOE, the average fleet vehicle will be at its advertised peak efficiency MPG at 55 mph. As speed increases you can lose up to 28% of fuel efficiency when traveling at highway speeds.

The impact for every 5 mph increase is shown below:

3% less efficient at 60 mph
8% less efficient at 65 mph
17% less efficient at 70 mph
23% less efficient at 75 mph
28% less efficient at 80 mph

Magnum AVL Speed Reporting and Alerts Provide Driver Coaching

Our Magnum AVL GPS fleet management system has two types of speed alerts. The first is a high speed alert. Set the threshold at, for example, 70 mph and if a driver exceeds that threshold you can be notified (or get a daily report of all violations).

The second alert is “posted speed” alert. Set this alert to be triggered if a driver exceeds 12 mph over ANY posted speed limit on any road. Alerts can be sent to your email or phone but you may want to have a daily or weekly report sent to you showing all violations with exact time and location.

Here are short videos explaining how to setup alerts and reports to coach your drivers. Provide recognition to those with the least violations and watch your fuel bill drop next month.

Contact Anthony at our Dover office (302-734-9250 8-5pm EST) for more information and a demonstration. Our low cost wired and plug-in trackers can be purchased, leased, or rented without a long-term contract.