New Features Added to Magnum AVL GPS Web Interface

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Magnum AVL - Improving Fleet Efficiency with GPS

Fleet Management Software Enhancements Continue with New Release

We are proud to announce the latest release of Magnum AVL 2.0 GPS fleet and asset tracking software. MAVL 2.0.15 includes new features based on your requests and feedback. Our goal is to provide the best fleet management user interface that is simple, powerful, and economical.

New Work Day Summary & Work Day Detail Reports

The Workday Summary Report indicates Start time, Move time, Stop time, Idle time and End time for each day in the reporting period. The total elapsed time for the reporting period is displayed. Elapsed time is defined as the time period from the first Ignition On and the last Ignition OFF.

Magnum AVL Workday Summary ReportThe Workday Daily Details Report below contains everything in the workday summary report and also includes the Start and End addresses.

Magnum AVL Workday Daily Details Report

Low Battery & Power Reconnect Alerts Added

Low Battery Alert Set-upYour vehicle can now send a text message or email when the battery is low. The power reconnect alert has been added for our soon to be announced OBD-II Plug-in MVP1000 GPS tracker, but can also be used to alert if the power is disconnected for other reasons.

These new alerts work with any of our Magnum AVL GPS fleet trackers.

Control Panel Now Shows Heading and Odometer Columns

Magnum AVL Control Panel HeadingA new column has been added to the control panel that shows the vehicle heading. This is helpful to determine which direction the vehicle is travelling. There is also column that shows vehicle mileage. You can customize the control panel to add/delete the columns you prefer to view.

Two New Landmark Sizes Improve Reporting

Magnum AVL GPS Landmark Sizes Adding landmarks (and geofences) is the key to getting the most out of your GPS investment. Landmarks are map icons you frequently visit such as your own location, suppliers, and customers. Landmarks provide additional data for fleet management and are a powerful tool to increase fleet efficiency.

XSmall and XXSmall options have been added to the Radius dropdown menu of the New Landmark window in the Map tab. The XSmall is 40 meters in radius, and the XXSmall is 15 meters.

Free Training Webinars Continue

A live webinar with our dedicated training specialist can be scheduled at your convenience using your Magnum AVL account and fleet data. We encourage you to take advantage of this free service. Send us an email and we will get it set up for you.

If you don’t see the new features on your computer hover over the Help link in the upper right corner. If it is not 2.0.15 refresh your browser by pressing F5. You might have to close your browser too.

Advantages of New Motorola DMR MOTOTRBO XPR 5550

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New Motorola XPR 5000 Series Supports Analog and Digital DMR

Motorola MOTOTRBO XPR 5350 & XPR 5550 Motorola’s newest base/mobile offering to the MOTOTRBO DMR platform is the XPR 5000 series. Introduced in the VHF and UHF bands, the radios can be programmed with up to 1,000 analog and digital channels providing easier migration and interoperability. 

The flagship XPR 5550 includes a color display with day and night modes for easier viewing. The XPR 5350 has a numeric channel display and 32 channel capability.

An internal GPS receiver and text messaging is standard on both models.

New XPR 5000 Series Includes Embedded Wireless Bluetooth for Voice and Data

Workers can monitor and respond to voice radio traffic when not in the vehicle using any standard Bluetooth headset. This can enhance productivity by giving your workforce the ability to stay in touch when away from the mobile radio.

Bluetooth is also an easy way to connect hand-held scanners, bar code readers, and other data collection devices. You will need to purchase the HKVN4088 optional software license at a cost of $50 to enable the data transfer feature. MOTOTRBO already supports many independent software applications that enhance mobile worker productivity.

XPR 5550 5 Line Color Display Provides Day and Night Modes for Easier Viewing

Motorola XPR 55550 Display in Night Mode

Motorola XPR 5550 Display in Night Mode

Text messaging, mobile workforce productivity applications, and large channel lists are easily managed with the XPR 5550 5 line color display. The bright display can be viewed easily in broad daylight or in low light environments with night mode. Four programmable buttons can be labeled for your operational needs and a home button provides an easy user interface.

Dual Function Channel/Volume Knob Eliminates Rocker Switches

The XPR 5000 series incorporates a single knob for both volume and channel control. With a short press of the knob you can change your volume and channel easily. The XPR 5000 platform also has a nice feature called “intelligent audio” that increases or decreases the volume automatically if surrounding noise conditions change.

One Minute Video Summary of the XPR 5000 Series

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

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.