Category Archives: Vertex-Standard

Magnetic Palm Mic Holder Improves Driver Safety

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Compatible With All 2-Way Mobile Radio BrandsInnovative MMSU-1 Single

One of the new mobile radio accessories that got our attention at IWCE this year was a magnetic palm microphone holder. It replaces the standard clip used by Motorola, Vertex Standard, Harris, Kenwood, Icom, and others. The powerful magnet pulls the palm microphone toward the base and supports scan, DPL, tone coded squelch, etc.

Magnetic Palm Mic Holder The MMSU-1 Magnetic Mic Holder from Innovative Products in Knoxville, TN comes individually boxed. Everything you need is in the box including stainless steel screws, stainless lock nuts, grounding screw, instructions, and hex wrench.

There is also a discounted MMBP-25 bulk pack for fleet upgrades.

Perfect for Public Safety Personnel and Public Works Drivers

Police, fire, and ems drivers will keep their eyes on the road responding to emergencies. All fleet owners will benefit from decreased driver distraction and improved safety. The magnetic mic holder is a nice addition for the Astron integrated base station power supplies too.

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

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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

How to Choose the Correct Vertex Standard Radio Battery

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Vertex Standard LogoVertex Standard recently introduced a new UNI energy platform that will eventually provide compatibility for all radio model batteries from a single charger. Older legacy chargers are not compatible with the lower cost UNI style batteries. During the transition you must be careful when choosing replacement batteries.

Vertex Universal (UNI) Chargers Require (UNI) Style Batteries

Vertex Standard UNI ChargerThe new XUAAJ72X001 VAC-UNI universal style single unit AC charger has a round pocket unlike the legacy chargers that have square corners. There is a 6 pocket 120V AC charger too. The model number is XUAAK44X001 VAC-6058. Both are compatible with UNI style batteries for the VX-231, VX-350, VX-450, and EVX-530 series so far.

Vertex Universal Charger & Compatible Batteries

Older VAC-300, VAC-450 Chargers Require Legacy Batteries

Vertex Standard Legacy ChargerThe VAC-300 and VAC-450 legacy chargers have a more square footprint. They are not compatible with the new lower cost UNI batteries. These chargers are included with VX-231, VX-350, and VX-450 series radios. The eVerge EVX-530 series includes the new UNI style.

The chart below shows the legacy batteries and chargers.

Vertex VAC-300, VAC-450 Compatibility ChartMore UNI Style Batteries Coming Soon

UNI batteries for the VX-820 Series, VX-920 Series, P25 portables and cancelled models of the VX-410/420 Series and VX-160 series will have UNI solutions available soon.  We expect to see legacy chargers cancelled next year.

Link to our Vertex Standard radio, battery, and accessory pricing.

Vertex Standard VX-350 Series Cloning Procedure

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Vertex VX-350 Series Cloning Steps

Vertex VX-351 or VX-354 Cloning Requires a CT-27A Radio-to-Radio Cable

Adding a new Vertex Standard VX-351 or VX-354 radios to your existing fleet is a simple process with the built-in cloning feature. All you need is a Vertex XURTS0008 CT-27A cloning cable  to transfer the programming information. A VX-351 will not clone to a VX-354 and all models must be identical using the same VHF or UHF band.

VX-350 Series Cloning is a 6 Step Procedure

  1. Turn both radios OFFVertex 350 Buttons and Controls
  2. Connect the CT-27 cloning cable between the MIC/SP jacks of the two radios.
  3. Press and hold the “Side 1” key and the “PTT” key while turning the radio ON.  The LED will remain off and if a VX-354, it will display “CLONE”.
  4. Repeat step 3 on the other radio.
  5. To switch the radio to receive data, press the “Side 1” key. Then the LED indicator will glow “Green“.
  6. To switch the radio to transmit data, press the “PTT” key. Then the LED indicator will glow “Red“.

When the data transfer is successful, the VX-354 display will return to “CLONE” or if a VX-351, the TX/BUSY indicator will turn off. You are now ready for the next radio or turn both radios off and disconnect the CT-27 cable. You can then power on the radios and begin normal operation.

Want to Buy License-Free FRS Talkabout Radios? Read this First

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There are Better Choices for License-Free On-site Radio Communications

FRS Radios are low power and License freeHotel and retail business owners and general managers often purchase analog Part 95 FRS (Family Radio Service) radios for on-site communications. You can find them almost anywhere at very low prices and there is no FCC license required.

After a few months, the batteries do not last an entire shift, dead spots increase, and interference from children can become unbearable when directing your employees. Some FRS radios also have higher power GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies for better range but require a costly FCC license in an individual’s name – not the business.

Part 95 MURS Band is a Better Choice for License Free Communications

Part 95 MURS Frequencies

MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) band consists of five frequencies designated for private, 2-way, voice and data communications for individual and business use. Power output limitation is two watts and 4 times greater than FRS. Although there is no protection from possible interference from other users, the MURS band is a much better alternative when choosing license-free channels. Repeaters and signal boosters are not allowed and operation in aircraft is prohibited.

Motorola CP110m is Designed for MURS Operation

The Motorola CP110m is available with 2 or all 5 MURS analog channels.Motorola CP110m MURS 2 & 5 channel radios It provides better battery life and is rated IP54/55 for water and dust resistance. It uses the same batteries and accessories as the Motorola RDX series.

The CP110m will provide coverage in a 10 story hotel up to 200,000 square feet. You can purchase an optional 2 or 3 year warranty. Expect the radio to be in service for a long time. Scan, VOX (voice operated transmit) hands-free operation, and voice scramble provide a lot of value for the low price.

CP110m programming software is free from Motorola and cloning is easy using the included chargers. All you need is the USB programming cable (RKN4155) and a cloning cable (RLN6303) if you want the ability to make any changes to your privacy codes or frequencies.

Many other Motorola and Vertex Standard analog portable radio models can be programmed to use MURS channels using the low power setting. This helps with interoperability when working with other companies and provides more flexibility for your future requirements.

Part 15 900 MHz ISM Band is License Free for DTR Digital RadiosMotorola DTR digital license free radio

900 MHz ISM band provides better building penetration for up to 20 floors.The DTR650 digital radio can also provide one-to-one private communications when needed. It is only compatible with other DTR radios.

Text messaging for discreet messaging, unit ID, long battery life, and call alert are just some of the digital features included. Free programming software is also available for this model.

Priced significantly less than $300 it is the best choice for on-site communications using license-free spectrum.

FCC License Free vs. Licensed 2-way Radio Spectrum

Obtaining a FCC license is still the best alternative for your business because you will have less interference, more range, and many more radio choices. We have many customers using MURS and ISM band that have are very satisfied with their radios for many years. Feel free to contact us to determine if license free communications will work for your business.

FRS MURS ISM FCC License Comparison Chart

How to Clone a Vertex VX-231

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VX-231 Cloning Requires a CT-27A Cable

Vertex VX-231 Radio-to-Radio Cloning Requires a CT27A Cable

Vertex Standard VX-231 2-Way Radio Includes Easy Cloning Feature

The Vertex VX-231 radio model includes a radio-to-radio cloning feature that makes it easy to add new radios to your existing fleet. All you need is a Vertex CT27A cloning cable and identical VX-231’s on the same frequency band split.

Instructions to Clone Vertex VX-231 Radios

  1. Turn radios offVX-231 Knobs, Buttons, LED Lebels
  2. Connect the CT27 cloning cable to the MIC/SP jacks
  3. Press and hold the “Side 1” key and the “PTT” key while turning the radio ON.  The LED will quickly blink green and red then go out.
  4. Press the PTT button once to put the radio in “CLONE” mode, the LED indicator will glow “Orange”.
  5.  Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the other radio.
  6. To switch the destination radio to receive data, press the “Side 1” key. Then the LED indicator will glow “Green“.
  7. To switch the source radio to transmit data, press the “PTT” key. Then the LED indicator will glow “Red“.
  8. If the cloning is successful, the LED indicator will go out.

Cloning will transfer transmit and receive frequencies, privacy codes, channel power levels, narrow or wide bandwidth, and other programmable features. It cannot change a radio from VHF to UHF or a UHF low split to the higher split.

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.