JPS RSP-Z2 Gateway Provides Simple Patch for Radio System Interoperability

The RSP-Z2 dual-channel gateway from JPS Interoperability Solutions located inJPS Interoperability Solutions Raleigh, NC allows a pair of 2-way radios, IP connections, or a radio and IP connection to be patched together. There are no recurring costs and the RSP-Z2 supports 2/4-wire interfaces, SIP, RTP, and RoIP protocols. JPS offers factory-built cables with connectors for almost every analog and digital radio model ever manufactured.

Easy Solution to Connect Your Existing Radios with WAVE TLK 100 LTE Devices

LTE Wi-Fi Two-Way Hand-held Two-Way RadioUsers with a large number of existing on-site radios can easily interface with Motorola WAVE OnCloud TLK 100 LTE devices that provide nationwide coverage. All you need is the RSP-Z2 and interface cables for the TLK 100 and your on-site radio.

The TLK 100 and your radio would be dedicated and can not be used for dispatch. Interoperability is automatic on the channels selected on each dedicated radio. Coverage for the on-site donor radio would be limited by the antenna system or repeater.

JPS RSP-Z2 Interoperability Gateway Data Sheet

JPS RSPZ2 Installation and Operation Guide

JPS RSPZ2 Field Optimization and Troubleshooting Guide

Visit our website for JPS ACU series interoperability gateways, SNV-12 voters, NXU-2A network extension unit, and interface cables. Magnum Electronics has been an authorized JPS Dealer since 2006 and provides technical support services if needed.

Updated Motorola APX XE500 RSM Best Practices Training Video for Firefighters

Firefighter Mic for APX 6000, APX 8000Below is an updated training video from Motorola Solutions for firefighters using APX series 2-way radios and remote speaker-microphones. The original video “Say It Loud and Clear” was developed with help from the IAFC.

The new version includes the XE500 extreme temperature remote speaker-mics designed for firefighters in addition to the standard RSM’s with Windporting.

Best Practices Video for Clear Audio Using Motorola APX Series

FIN ULTRA AMBI Ear Tip Provides All Day Comfort For 2-Way Radio Users

New Design From Earphone Connection Can Be Used In Either EarAcoustic Tube Comfort Ear Tip

Two-way radio users who use an audio accessory with an acoustic tube will benefit from a new ear tip from Earphone Connection. The FIN ULTRA AMBI is an improved design released at this year’s IWCE in Orlando.

It is constructed with soft semi-translucent extra soft Silicone for all day comfort. It can be worn in either ear and the open skeleton design improves ambient listening. The FIN ULTRA AMBI is available in small, medium, and large. It can be ordered in clear or black. The original FIN ULTRA is still available at a lower price but must be used with the left or right ear only.

Comfortable Ear Tip for Acoustic Tube

Earphone Connection is a leading manufacturer of two-way radio audio accessories including the Hawk used by many law enforcement agencies. For additional information about EPC and other Tactical Ear Gadget products visit our website or call our office at 302-734-9250 M-F 8-5pm EST.

Vertex Standard Products Transition To Motorola Solutions on 1/1/2018

Motorola Entry-Tier Commercial Portfolio Expands With Select Vertex Models

EVX-S24 EVX-261 VX450 VX2100 VX2200

Motorola Solutions will retire the Vertex Standard brand this month. The digital eVerge EVX-261, EVX-S24, analog VX-260 series, VX-450 series, VX-2100, and VX-2200 will be rebranded with the Motorola logo. The eVerge DMR EVX-261 and EVX-S24 are compatible with all Motorola MOTOTRBO digital radios. The last day we can place new orders for Vertex branded equipment is 12/31/17.

Vertex Standard Product Cancellations

The following Vertex eVerge and P25 products and associated accessories will end production at the end of this month,.

  • Portable Radios: EVX-531/534/539, VX-820, VX-P820, VX-920, and VX-P920
  • Mobiles: VX-4500/4600, EVX-5300/5400, VX-5500 UHF/VHF
  • Repeaters: VXR-7000, VXR-9000, EVX-R70
  • EVX – Link

Motorola Will Continue Support and Depot Warranty Repairs

Warranty repairs will be honored by Motorola and support is planned for another 5 years. The programming software will remain the same. If your Vertex radio or accessory has been cancelled, contact our office and we can recommend a replacement.

Vertex Standard Cancels VX-920, VX-P920, VX-6000, VX-7200 Legacy Radio Models

Vertex Standard Logo

Due to component obsolescence challenges, Vertex Standard is announcing a 60 day cancellation notification of the below list of legacy products. The last order date is June 30, 2017. The radios will carry the standard Vertex Standard 3 year warranty policy. After July 3rd, there will be a 7% price increase for any excess inventory at Vertex.

VX-920 – all bands and models        VX-920, VX-P920, VX-6000, VX-7200
VX-P920 – all bands and models
VX-6000 – all bands and models
VX-7200 – all bands and models
VX-2200 – LTR only models

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

Motorola Certified 3M Peltor Headsets for APX, MOTOTRBO

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.

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 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.

 

How to Choose the Correct Vertex Standard Radio Battery

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.