Category Archives: Tech Tips

Motorola Super Batteries For MOTOTRBO XPR 7000e, 3000e Radios

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XPR 300e XPR 7000e DMR Radios

Up to 28 Hours With New Low Voltage IMPRES Technology

Motorola BatwingsRadio users who need maximum talk time will benefit from Motorola’s new low voltage IMPRES technology. The MOTOTRBO enhanced models (XPR 3300e, XPR 3500e, XPR 7350e, XPR 7550e, XPR 7580e) will provide up to 28 hours on a single battery charge. The new batteries are similar in size and use IMPRES chargers.

MOTOTRBO Low Voltage IMPRES Battery ChoicesLow Voltage MOTOTRBO Battery

The PMNN4493 is the best choice if you have either XPR 3000e or XPR 7000e and a mix of the older “non-e” models. New enhanced radios are rated at 28 hours in digital mode or 21 hours if still on analog. The battery is compatible with legacy models but at a reduced rating of 18 hours in digital and 13.5 hours when using analog.

Low Voltage UL TIA Intrinsically-Safe Batteries for MOTOTRBO Radios

Low voltage intrinsically-safe batteries are only available for the new enhanced radios and are not interchangeable. Talk time is slightly reduced but still rated for 26+ hours in digital mode. Below are the correct model numbers for each radio:

Low Voltage Battery With Vibrating Silent Alert Belt Clip

Motorola introduced a unique vibrating belt clip that works with the low voltage battery and activates during a call alert. It can be ordered with the clip as a kit or separately and can be used with either the XPR 7000e or the XPR 3000e. Following are the model numbers and links to order:

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.

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.

Motorola APX XE Extreme Remote Speaker-Mics Compared

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APX XE vs APX XE-500 Features

Motorola APX XE vs. APX XE500 RSM Feature Comparison

Motorola’s IMPRES XE rugged remote speaker-microphone (RSM) choices for extreme environments are designed for firefighters with APX 6000XE, APX 7000XE, and APX 8000XE P25 radios. Available in black or high visibility green, they have a strobe light, orange emergency button, and clip with D-ring.

Motorola APX XE and APX XE500 Shared Features

Both the XE and XE-500 are rated IP68 for submersibility and carry an intrinsically-safe rating to match the APX radio certification. Both have a large volume toggle switch and are 50% louder than a XTS RSM. There is a reflective label on both styles for increased visibility. The APX XE was introduced about 5 years ago and is available in green (NNTN8575A) and black (NNTN8575ABLK).

New APX XE500 Feature ImprovementsXE500 Features and Controls

The XE500 started shipping last year with additional features. It has a channel knob and larger emergency button with embedded orange lighting. Noise suppression is improved and can pickup your voice when you can’t hear yourself talking. The heat resistant cable can withstand 500 degrees for 5 minutes without harm.

The XE500 is intrinsically safe rated for UL-TIA4950 but does not have a FM certification. If your department uses intrinsically-safe APX radios, check to determine if you need FM or UL certified accessories. They are not interchangeable.

The XE500 with channel knob is available in green (PMMN4106A) or black (PMMN4106ABLK). The XE500 is now available without a channel knob in high impact green (PMMN4107) and black (PMMN4107_BLK).

Extreme temperature High Impact Green and Black RSM's

Link to Motorola APX XE500 Datasheet   Link to APX XE Datasheet

Boston Leather Radio Holder Chart with Measurements

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Boston Leather radio holders, fire, ems , and law enforcement accessoriesBoston Leather offers 34 custom designed holders for Motorola, Vertex Standard, Kenwood, Harris, EF Johnson, Icom, and Bendix King two-way radios. The compatibility chart below will help find the case designed to fit your radio.

Radio Compatibility Chart

Leather 2-Way Radio CasesThere are also 7 universal cases that adjust to fit almost any model radio. All Boston Leather cases are manufactured Sterling, Illinois and ship in about 2 weeks if not in stock. The “RC” letters indicate large D rings for attaching to firefighter straps. Case numbers without “RC” are designed to be worn on a belt and don’t have D rings.

5481RC-1 Universal CaseHolders manufactured with high quality plain leather finish include a (-1) suffix following the model number. High gloss (clarino) finish is available for some holders and has a (-2) indicator. Basketweave finish is also available and has a -3 suffix. The universal 5487RC-5, 5487RC-5, and 5610RC-5 can be ordered in ballistic weave nylon.

Boston Leather Radio Holder Measurement Chart

Case Measurement Chart

Download Boston Leather Radio Holder Size Chart

Contact us to discuss your specific needs if not listed. Boston Leather will design a custom leather holder for any 2-way radio or device carried by firefighters, ems professionals, police, and law enforcement.

Motorola Certified 3M Peltor Headsets for APX, MOTOTRBO

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Motorola BatwingsMotorola APX P25 and MOTOTRBO DMR radio users working in high noise environments can now use 3M Peltor hearing protection. There are 14 headsets certified in a variety of styles with up to 26dB NRR. All are optimized for digital and carry a 12 month warranty.

Direct Connect Headsets

APX XPR Headband HeadsetDirect connect headsets do not require an adapter and include the push-to-talk button on the earcup. The RMN5137 over-the-head style provides a 25dB noise reduction rating. RMN5138 behind-the-head version offers 24dB and can be worn with headgear. There is also the RMN5139 with clips for hardhat attachments. All have noise-cancelling boom microphones.

Headsets Using Nexus PTT Radio Adapter

Standard headsets with Nexus plugs use the PMLN6095 APX/MOTOTRBO adapter. This PTT cable is not compatible with the ComTac III or SWAT-Tac models that require NATO wiring. Specs are identical with the direct connect models and the same style choices are available – PMLN6088, RLN6477, or the RMN4051.

Listen Only Headsets With 3.5mm Connectors3.5mm Non-threaded Neckband Listen only Headset

Motorola offers listen only headsets with both threaded and non-threaded plugs for use with remote speaker-microphones. Most RSM’s with a 3.5mm jack require a non-threaded accessory plug. The RMN4055 (headband), RMN5132 (Neckband), and RMN5133 (hardhat) are the most popular.

3.5mm Threaded Hardhat Attachment Headset

The exception is the NNTN8383 RSM with an industrial noise-cancelling (INC) microphone. The 3.5mm threaded jack is located on the the cord.

The RMN4057 with hardhat attachment and threaded plug is the correct choice. For headband style and 3.5mm threaded connector choose the RMN4056.

TacticalPro Headsets with Ambient Listening

3M Peltor TacticalPro electronic headsets include small microphones on the ear cups to pickup surrounding sounds for increased awareness and safety. The TacticalPro works great in environments with harmful impulse noise because it instantly block harmful sounds. It also will amplify low sounds to a comfortable level when needed. These headsets also use the PMLN6095 Nexus radio adapter and are available in all 3 styles – RMN4052, RMN5135, and RMN4053.

Motorola and 3M Peltor Part Number Cross Reference

The Motorola 3M Peltor Cross Reference Chart shows all of the Motorola certified headsets and the associated 3M Peltor part numbers. The headsets are optimized to work with APX 8000, APX 7000, APX 6000, APX 4000, APX 3000, and APX 1000. MOTOTRBO radios include the XPR 7000 and XPR 6000 series.

Nexus adapters are also available for Motorola XTS 5000, XTS 2500, XTS 1500, PR1500, PR860, HT1550, HT1250, HT750, CP200, and CP185.

Pryme Bluetooth Accessories for ZELLO, KODIAK, and WAVE PTT Apps

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Pryme 2-way radio accessoriesAndroid and Apple iOS smartphone users are adding enhanced push-to-talk (EPTT) apps for walkie-talkie group communications.

Pryme has designed a variety of professional grade Bluetooth accessories for easy pairing with popular enterprise apps including ZELLO, KODIAK, and WAVE.

Accessories include wireless push-to-talk buttons with a 2 year replaceable battery, USB rechargeable PTT’s, lapel mics with surveillance acoustic tube, and a rugged remote speaker-microphone. They are designed to work with smartphones, tablets, and other devices with Bluetooth connectivity. Each is customized to pair with the specific app and operating system.

Wireless Accessories for ZELLO Walkie-Talkie App UsersZello Walkie Talkie Accessories

ZELLO app users have a variety of choices but not all are compatible with both Android and iOS. For a basic remote push-to-talk button, Android devices require the BT-PTT2-ZD and Apple iOS must use the BT-PTT-U MINI.

Lapel mic for Zello, Wave AppsThere is a combined remote PTT and lapel mic that works with both Android and iOS.  The BTH-300-ZU has a micro-USB charging port, LED status indicator, and a 3.5mm jack to add headphones or receive-only earpiece.

It will provide up to 10 hours of talk time and includes a metal clothing clip. It also includes Pryme’s one year warranty.

Zello, Wave Wireless Speaker-MicrophoneZello users who prefer a wireless speaker-microphone should choose the BTH-600-ZU. It is heavy-duty, IP56 rugged, built-in remote PTT, and includes a 3.5mm jack.

There is also a rotating clip, waterproof speaker, and operates up to 40 hours on a single charge. The noise-cancelling microphone coupled with a 3.5mm receive-only headset make it a good choice for loud environments.

There is also the new smaller and lighter BTH-550-ZU compact wireless RSM. It has aBluetooth Remote Speaker Mic for Zello, WAVE, ESChat rotary control volume knob, waterproof front-facing speaker, directional noise canceling microphone, heavy-duty belt clip, and 3.5mm audio jack.. Range is rated about 30 feet from the smart device.

This remote speaker-mic provides up to 40+ hours of operating time with the included USB rechargeable battery. The mic is easy to control with gloves on when working in the cold weather. The BTH-550 can be paired with either Android or Apple tablets or cellphones. The side button activates PTT function while the top button controls normal phone functions.

Wireless Accessories for AT&T KODIAK Enhanced Push-to-Talk AppEPTT wireless accessories

Pryme also developed wireless accessories for AT&T EPTT customers who use the KODIAK app.

The BTH-600-KU heavy-duty remote speaker-mic and the BTH-300-KU lapel mic offer all the same features as above but are configured to pair with the KODIAK app.

Wireless PTT for Zello, Wave, KodiakIf you only need a remote PTT, the new BT-PTT-U-MINI is the best choice. The velcro strap makes it easy to attach to handlebars, steering wheels, etc. It does not require charging and the replaceable CR2032 button battery lasts 2 years.

It is compatible with both Android and Apple iOS. It also pairs automatically using the app selection setting and remembers the pairing if the battery is replaced.

Wireless Accessories for Motorola WAVE Mobile Communicator PTT AppMotorola Batwings

The Motorola Solutions WAVE app is compatible with the BTH-600-ZU heavy-duty speaker-microphone and the BTH-300-ZU lapel microphone. All of these devices are programmed to pair with either Android and Apple iOS devices.

Pryme Wired Mirage Surveillance Kit With acoustic Tube for Smartphones3.5mm 1-wire with acoustic tube

For users who prefer a wired earpiece, Pryme has the Mirage SPM-1399-A surveillance kit with a 3.5mm plug. It is compatible with most Apple or Android smart devices and includes a clear acoustic tube and high quality microphone. It can be used with different types of earpieces depending on the noise environment. You will need to use the soft PTT button the phone display or add a wireless Bluetooth BT-PTT-ZU MINI.

Pryme User Guides for Zello, Kodiak, Wave PTT Apps

Below are the user guides for the products in this post that help you setup pairing, etc

Pryme Wireless Remote PTT User Guides

Pryme Wireless Lapel Microphone User Guides

Pryme Wireless Remote Speaker-Mic User Guide

Choose The Correct Motorola Intrinsically-Safe Battery

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New Motorola IS Radios Are Now UL Certified

Workers using communications devices in refineries, grain elevators, and fuel storage facilities need an intrinsically-safe certified 2-way radio. Hazardous locations, called HAZLOC, certified radios have a label to identify the NFPA 70 certifications for classifications and groups. Starting 2016, Motorola stopped shipping FM (Factory Mutual) certified radios and transitioned to UL (Underwriters Laboratories). It is important to know FM and UL TIA-4950 intrinsically-safe batteries are NOT interchangeable.

Astro and MOTOTRBO IS Radios

How to Identify FM and UL Certified RadiosGreen dots on battery and radio

Radios with a FM certification have a label with GREEN text and GREEN dot usually on the bottom of the radio. FM certified batteries have the same GREEN label and GREEN dot. In order to be certified, you need two dots with the same color.

UL certified radios have a label with WHITE text and a WHITE dot. APX and XPR 7000 series intrinsically-safe radio fleets delivered before and after 1/1/16 need to make sure the batteries are correct. FM certified replacement batteries will continue to be available for a long time and are safe. Purchasing managers will need to know if FM or a UL replacement battery is required.

APX and XPR 7000/6000/3000 FM and UL Battery Choices

APX FM (green dot) batteries include NNTN7033, NNTN7035, NNTN7036, NNTN8092, and NNTN8129.

APX UL TIA4950 HAZLOC (white dot) batteries are NNTN8921, NNTN8930, PMNN4504, PMNN4505, and NNTN8560.

XPR 7000 FM (green dot) battery is the NNTN8129. The XPR 6000 series uses the PMNN4069.

XPR 7000 UL TIA-4950 HAZLOC (white dot) battery is the NNTN8560. The XPR 7000e/3000e UL TIA-4950 HAZLOC battery is the PMNN4489.

Update: Motorola Cancels All FM Certified Batteries Effective 12/18/2020

The following batteries are no longer available to order after 12/18/2020: NNTN8092, NNTN7033, NNTN7035, NNTN8129, NNTN4437, NNTN4436, NNTN7453, RNN4007, NNTN9857, NNTN6263, PMNN4069, NNTN4852, HNN9010, and HNN4002.

Fact Sheet – Motorola FM to UL Transition

Motorola FAQ FM to UL TIA Document – MOTOTRBO