Motorola APX XE Extreme Remote Speaker-Mics Compared

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

Choose The Correct Motorola Intrinsically-Safe Battery

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

New APX IMPRES 2 Batteries and Chargers From Motorola

Improved Warranty and IP Rating

Motorola BatwingsMotorola Solutions recently started shipping IMPRES 2 batteries for the APX 6000, APX 7000, and APX 8000 series radios. The new IMPRES 2 batteries are Li-ion chemistry and are more rugged with a IP68 submersibility rating. Battery capacity ratings are larger too but Motorola changed to “typical” from APX 6000,7000.8000 Housing Sizes“minimum” that may not result in better performance. There are 3 housing sizes and all IMPRES 2 batteries include a 24 month capacity warranty when used with an IMPRES charger.IMPRES 2 Battery ChartThe PMNN4485, PMNN4486, PMNN4487, and PMNN4494 outlined in blue above are not IS (intrinsically-safe) and can be used with APX 8000, 7000, and 6000. The NNTN8930 and NNTN8921 outlined in yellow are IS (Div 1 & 2) for only APX 6000, 7000. The PMNN4504 and PMNN4505 outlined in red are designed for APX8000XE IS radios for Division 2 only.

We have been told the NNTN7038, PMNN4403, NNTN7034, NNTN7036, NNTN7037, NNTN7037, and NNTN7573 will be cancelled.

New APX IMPRES 2 Chargers Include USB Charging Ports

APX IMPRES 2 AC ChargerMotorola has introduced new IMPRES 2 chargers for the new APX batteries. The NNTN8860 single unit AC charger is more energy efficient and includes two USB charging ports. There is a switch to disable the condition/calibration features when needed. We have a NNTN8860 charger bundled with the PMNN4486 3,400 mAh battery at a lower price. The PMNN4486 has 33% more capacity without extending the length and is the preferred choice by our local customers.

There is also a multi-unit NNTN8844 charger that has six APX radio NNTN8844 and 6 PMNN4486 IMPRES 2 Bundle for APXpockets and six more USB charging ports. Each pocket also has a display for reading battery data. We also offer this charger with six PMNN4486 batteries in a discounted price bundle.

This charger is designed for long term battery storage and has a switch for maintaining batteries at 50% and 75% capacity levels. The first pocket provides additional battery data including IMPRES vs. non- IMPRES charge cycles, potential, rated, and initial capacity.

Motorola Mic Adapter for Boston Leather Fireman Straps

NNTN8271 Mic AdapterMotorola Solutions recently introduced an adapter for remote microphones and Boston Leather fireman straps with clips. Designed for Motorola APX Series P25 public-safety two-way radios, the adapter assembly works with NNTN8575 XE remote microphones . This accessory has a ring loop attached to the top of the clip for hanging on hooks or the antenna.

You will need the NNTN8271 adapter that replaces the remote microphone clip. Also required is a button clip that snaps to the adapter. Motorola sells the buttons in packs of five (NNTN8749) but we will provide them in a single pack too (MAG-NNTN8749).6542-1 Radio Strap with Mic Clip

The Boston Leather 6542 straps with microphone clips are popular with firefighters and ems personnel. The clip provides a more secure attachment for the larger microphones. They are available in extra-large (6542XL) for tall individuals over 74 inches and  also with reflective safety tape (6542R).

New Motorola APX XP Remote Microphone for Law Enforcement

Compatible with APX 7000, 6000, 4000, 3000, 1000, SRX 2200

Motorola Solutions introduced a new thin remote speaker microphone designed for law enforcement, transit police, and ems personnel. The new IMPRES XP RSM uses dual microphone noise suppression technology like the XE RSM designed for firefighters. It is expected to start shipping in September.

Two Styles – IP68 Submersible or IP55 with 3.5mm Threaded JackNMN6271, NMN6274 XP RSM

The NMN6271 model has a Delta T submersible IP68 rating allowing it to survive under 2 meters of water for two hours. This microphone can be scrubbed with soap and water if needed.

Or…choose the NMN6274 with a IP55 rating that can handle a heavy rain storm and includes a 3.5mm threaded jack.

Both models include an orange emergency button, volume toggle, and one programmable button.

There are also 2 models on the roadmap for the Motorola XTS 5000, XTS 2500, and XTS 1500 due for release later this year.

Motorola Cancels ASTRO XTS 2500 and XTS 1500 Models

No More XTS Radio Orders After October 31, 2014XTS Model Cancellation

Motorola Solutions has published an intent-to-cancel notice for ASTRO 25 XTS 2500 and XTS 1500 radio models. The last day to order is 10/31/14 and requested ship dates are not permitted after November 30, 2014. No accessories are being cancelled and depot repair support will continue for 5 more years.

Popular APX Platform is the Recommended Replacement for XTS

APX P25 TDMA RadiosThe recommended replacements for the XTS 2500/1500 models include the APX 6000, 4000, and the new 1000 series.The P25 APX 4000 has a rugged XE version available and a new “2 knob” option will be available in the next few months. The APX 1000 also has P25 TDMA capability in a smaller form factor at a lower cost. For the largest selection of accessories please visit our APX online store for batteries, chargers, carrying cases, and audio enhancements.

Motorola APX XTS Completely Discreet Wireless Covert Surveillance Accessories

Wireless Covert Radio EarbudThe Motorola RLN4922 completely discreet earpiece is a covert wireless audio accessory inserted in the ear compatible with most two-way radios using a 2 or 3 wire surveillance kit. The earbud connector on the surveillance kit connects to the included RLN4920 wireless neckloop worn under your clothing. The push-to-talk switch and microphone on the wired surveillance accessory is still used. Recently, the RLN4922 was redesigned for more comfort, made smaller, and improved technically.

New Completely Discreet Mission Critical Wireless Covert Kit

Wireless enhanced Bluetooth Covert EarpieceUsers with the Motorola APX and enhanced Bluetooth option or XTS radios with the external PMLN5792 adapter have new options for covert surveillance. Motorola’s new NNTN8434 Wireless Covert Kit includes the RLN4922 wireless earbud, NNTN8385 Y-adapter, and NTN2571 PTT pod.

Now the radio can be placed in a backpack, briefcase, or purse up to 30 feet away. The NTN2571 PTT pod uses easy touch pairing. All you need to do is place the pod within an inch or two from the radio and it will automatically connect. Now a user can select any radio available and be ready for covert two-way communications immediately. The enhanced Bluetooth is encrypted and cannot be monitored like standard Bluetooth devices.

Basic Wireless Covert Kit Uses 2 Wire Earbud Headphones

Person listening to music or using smartphoneAlso available is the NNTN8296 Basic Wireless Covert Kit that includes 3 sets of earbuds and a 3.5mm adapter for connecting any off-the-shelf commercial earphone accessory. Radio users appear to be using a smartphone or listening to music. 

The NTN2571 must be ordered separately. There is also an optional carrying case (RLN6485).

Typical battery life for the NTN2571 PTT pod is 8 hours but carrying a second pod will provide remote PTT and a spare power source for up to 16 hours of use. The pod uses a standard micro-USB charger.

For more information see the Motorola brochure APX and XTS Mission Critical Wireless Covert Solutions

The RLN4922 Completely Discreet Earpiece and wireless covert accessories are also available for MOTOTRBO Operations Critical Bluetooth. The NNTN8127 PTT pod is the operations critical wireless (OCW) version used with the NNTN8385 Y-adapter. You will also need to use the PMLN5712 or the PMLN5993 Bluetooth adapter with touch pairing for XPR 6000 series radios.

 

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.

Motorola APX Mobile Control Head Choices Explained

Configure Your APX With The Best Controls For Your InstallationMotorola APX 6500 O5 Head with Keypad Mic

Until last year, only the O3, O5, and O9 heads were available for Motorola APX mission critical P25 mobile radios. The APX 4500 was introduced with the new O2 head for dash or remote mount configurations. There are now five control head choices available for the APX 6500 and APX 7500 radios including the O2, O3, O5, O7, and O9.

The O2 and O7 heads should be considered before you order your next APX 6500 or 7500.

APX O2, O3, O5, O7, O9 Control Head ChoicesChoose the APX O2 Head Option for Outdoor Installations 

The O2 head is rated IP55 for extreme environments and is designed for motorcycle, marine, and fire truck pump panel installations. We used this configuration for the South Bowers airboat. This rugged, XE style head has a color display, large knobs, and an integrated speaker.

Choose APX O7 Control Head for Integrated KeypadMotorola APX O7 Control Head

The O7 control head has a flush-mount design with integrated keypad, siren, lights, public address (PA) and gun-lock controls. It features a color display with enlarged multi-function rotary knob for easier control of talk-group and volume settings.

APX O5 and Specialized O3, O9 Control Heads Are Still Available

The O5 head is still the most popular option for most applications but the new choices make it a tougher decision. The O3 hand-held control head is perfect for covert and other special installations. The O9 head is packed with features but requires a bigger footprint.

 

New PDF Library Added to Magnum Web Site

Magnum Electronics Mission Statement

In an effort to provide more reference and technical documents for our customers, this week we launched our new PDF Library. It contains PDF files of spec sheets, manuals, and user guides for our products and services – all in one central location. More than a hundred documents are available now and more will be added weekly.

PDF Library Categories Include Links to Web Store

Motorola Platinum Channel Partner LogoOur PDF Library content is organized by manufacturer and includes Motorola Solutions and Vertex Standard radio communications equipment. Sub-categories with portable, handheld 2-way radios and mobile vehicle mounted models should make it easy to browse. Vertex Standard LogoWe also included audio accessories, batteries, and chargers with the initial rollout. All categories include a link back to the products in our Magnum online store.

PDF Library is Located at blog.magnumelectronics.com

Our blog site contains new product announcements, promotions, tech tips, and other news about wireless communications and GPS fleet management. It has become a popular reference site and receives thousands of visitors. We hope adding the PDF Library will be convenient and easier for our Customers. A monthly summary feed of blog articles will be sent to our Magnum Newsletter subscribers beginning in September.