Tag Archives: firefighters

OTTO Revo NC2 Noise-Cancelling Microphone Now Available

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2-way Radio Accessories - Expect ExcellenceOTTO recently introduced a new patent-pending noise-cancelling remote speaker-microphone compatible with most popular 2-way radios. The Revo NC2 rugged microphone has a submersible rating of IP68 but still has a receive-only audio jack.

The V2-R2ER1212 is compatible with the Harris P5300, P5400, P5500, and P7300, Noise-cancelliing remote speaker-micXG-75, and XG-25. There are two Kenwood choices – the V2-R2KB5112 with a multi-pin connector for NX200 or the V2-R2KA5112 for ProTalk and models with a 2-pin connector.

OTTO also released the V2-R2MF5112 microphone for Motorola APX and MOTOTRBO XPR 6000/7000 series models. There is also the V2-R2MG5112 microphone for CP Series, PR400, BPR40, and others with a 2 pin jack.

Working in a high noise environment requires hearing protection. The NC2 has a 2.5mm or 3.5mm audio jack for a receive-only earpiece or dual muff headset. We recommend the 3M Peltor HT Series Listen-Only models available in headband, neckband, or hardhat mount.

OTTO Revo NC2 User Manual

OTTO is a leading manufacturer of two-way radio accessories located in Carpentersville, IL. Founded in 1961, the company has a reputation for high quality public-safety grade audio accessories. Magnum Electronics, Inc is an authorized dealer.

Motorola Minitor VI – Buy the Intrinsically-safe Model or Not?

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Motorola Minitor VI PagerWith the introduction of the Motorola Solutions Minitor VI fire pager, you now have the choice between a UL certified intrinsically-safe model or one that does not have the certification.

Intrinsically-safe electronic equipment can be used in hazardous atmospheres with dangerous concentrations of flammable gases or dust. Non-intrinsically-safe electronic devices could cause an explosion by creating a spark or excessive heat.

Minitor VI ANSI/ISA TIA 4950

Should I Order an Intrinsically-Safe Minitor VI?

Unless your fire department has a formal intrinsic safety program, you probably should save the $50 and buy the non-intrinsically-safe model. Another way to determine if you need IS is to check your radio for the FM Certification label. If your radio is not IS then your Minitor VI should not need the certification.

Boston Leather Radio Holders and Public-Safety Accessories Now Available Online

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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 Releases Minitor VI Fire Pager and Cancels Minitor V

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Motorola Minitor VI PagerNew Minitor VI Designed for Firefighters, EMS, and On-Call First Responders

Motorola Solutions released their sixth Minitor fire pager since first introduced back in 1975. The new Minitor VI has a sleeker form factor with programmable buttons, 1 or 5 channel capability, and improved IP56 water resistance. It can also be ordered without Intrinsically-safe operation and alkaline batteries.

All models have 16 minutes of voice storage capability and the standard warranty is now 2 years. The charger has a USB connector so it can be charged from the wall or computer port.

Motorola Minitor VI vs. Minitor V Comparison

Minitor V and VI Comparison Chart

The new design requires new programming software, chargers, and accessories.

Minitor VI Accessories

Minitor VI Begins Shipping 2/17/14 and Minitor V Cancellation Next Month

Download Motorola Minitor VI Spec Sheet  Link to web pricing

Rules for Ordering Mobile Computer Docks; Do I need RF Pass-Thru?

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Determine If your Computer Has Any RF Antenna Connectors

Most rugged mobile computers can be ordered with 0, 1, or 2 external RF connectors. A single connector is used for cellular WAN such as Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint and the second is used for WLAN (WiFi) external antennas. The first step is to determine how many antenna ports (if any) are on your computer.

The photos below show a Panasonic CF-18 with one and two RF connectors:

Computers with RF Pass-Thru

If your computer does not have RF connectors, it will only work in a docking station that has no RF pass-through capability.

If Computer Has RF Pass-Thru Follow These Rules For Dock Purchases

Docks with Single and Dual RF Pass Thru

If your computer has RF capabilities you can use a docking station that has:

a) has no RF pass-through or

b) you must match the RF capabilities (Single or Dual) with the RF pass-through on the docking station (Single or Dual).

For example:

  • If you have a single RF computer, you can order a docking station with single RF pass-through or non-RF pass-through
  • If you have a dual RF computer, you can order a docking station with dual RF pass-through or non-RF pass-through

For more information on Panasonic, Gamber Johnson, or Havis docks call our office at 302-734-9250 M-F 8-5:00pm EST or use the form below.

Light Indicators and How to Pair a Firecom Wireless Headset

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Firecom Wireless Headset LED Indicator and Audio Beep MeaningsFirecom Wireless Indicator Lights

Firecom wireless headsets have one green and and one red LED indicator light on the top left ear dome (microphone side). The lights and audio beeps provide the user a quick indication if the headset is connected and the battery is charged.

Indicator Lights When Connected to Charger Cable

When the charger is plugged into the powered OFF headset it will show RED when charging and GREEN when fully charged. Charging takes 2 hours and will provide about 10 hours of normal operation.

When powered ON and charging, the light meanings are:

  • GREEN ON, RED ON: Charging, headset linked to base
  • GREEN ON, RED OFF: Charge complete, headset linked to base
  • GREEN Flashing, RED ON: Charging, headset not linked
  • GREEN Flashing, Red OFF: Charge complete, headset not linked

Indicator Lights When Charging Cable is Unplugged

Below is a chart that shows what the light and beeps mean when the headset is powered ON and the charger disconnected:

Wireless Headset Indicator Light ChartFirecom Wireless Headset Pairing Procedure & Video

Firecom Wireless BasePress and hold the pairing button on the base for approximately 6 seconds until the yellow LED(s) on the base station start flashing, indicating pairing mode. When placed in pairing mode, you have about 15 seconds to place the headset in pairing mode.

Firecom Wireless UHW-51 Press and hold the PTT button, turn on power to the headset. After approximately 5 seconds, the green and red LEDs on the outside of the left ear dome will start flashing in a relatively fast alternating pattern. Release the PTT button.

Monitor the headset lights. After about 6 seconds, the flashing pattern ends, the green LED will flash for two seconds and then the green and red LEDs will indicate the headset is paired and linked to the base. The LINK LED on the base will illuminate steadily after flashing rapidly for two seconds to indicate that a link to the headset has been established.

Motorola APX Mobile Control Head Choices Explained

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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.

 

Firefighter Training Video – “Say It Loud and Clear”

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Best Practices Developed by Motorola and the IAFC

Motorola BatwingsMotorola and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) developed a 15 minute training video to review best practices when using mission-critical 2-way radios for fireground operations. The training applies to all radio brands and models.

IAFC SealThe video shows typical scenarios how a firefighter can minimize background noise and maximize voice communications intelligibility. Whether you use analog, digital, 800 MHz, or VHF/UHF – the tips to improve audio quality all apply.

Motorola Announces XTS 5000 and XTL 5000 P25 Radio Cancellation

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Last day to order XTS5000 is 10-31-13Motorola made it official today with their cancellationXTL5000 Last day to order 10-31-13 announcement of the XTS 5000 and XTL 5000 P25 radios. The last day to order is October 31, 2013.

XTS and XTL accessories will continue to be available with depot repair support until the end of 2018.

New and Improved APX P25 Radios are the Replacements for XTS/XTL

New APX P25 Portables are the replacement for XTS XTL radiosThe APX platform has been shipping for about 2 years slowing XTS/XTL shipments. Public-safety agencies prefer the new APX P25 radios because of their durability, audio quality, and advanced features.

A full complement of audio and charging accessories are available.

Motorola Trade-in Promo Reduces APX price up to $450

Motorola has a $450 trade-in offer in effect until June 26, 2013 if you purchase a new APX. This discount is in addition to any special contract pricing. For details call your authorized Motorola manufacturer’s representative.

APX XE Remote Microphone with Strobe Light Now in 3 Colors

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Motorola NNTN8203 Strobe MicrophoneMotorola NNTN8203A APX XE is Designed for Firefighters

It is now possible to color match your APX radio and remote speaker-microphone. Available in high impact green, black, or public-safety yellow, the NNTN8203A is compatible with the APX 7000XE, APX 7000, APX 6000XE, APX 6000, and SRX2200. The new APX 4000 uses a different audio connector and is not compatible.

APX XE Dual Microphones Provide Best-in-Class Audio

The NNTN8203 is the first audio accessory to have 2 microphones that provide advanced noise suppression. The second microphone is able to differentiate voice from background noise and electronically cancel out the unwanted sounds. The speaker is also 50% louder than the XTS 5000 series speaker-mics.

Strobe Light Visible Up to 10 Feet in Smoke

A high visibility strobe light activates when the emergency button is pressed for firefighter safety. The microphone is powered by the radio so there is no need for additional batteries. The rugged, submersible design includes an IP67 rating, FM Approval for intrinsically-safe environments, and a 6 foot coiled cord.