Motorola Introduces Additions to APX P25 Mission Critical Two-Way Radio Series

HOUSTON (APCO, Motorola Booth # 531) – Aug. 2, 2010 –The Enterprise Mobility Solutions business of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced its newest additions to its APX P25 mission critical two-way radio series —the APX™ 7000XE Portable, APX™ 6000 Portable and APX™ 6500 Mobile. All radios in the Motorola APX series are P25 Phase 2 capable and designed to redefine safety for first responders with best-in-class features, functionality and design.

The APX 7000XE, the first Motorola radio designed for use by first responders in extreme conditions, combines multiband interoperability, state of the art ergonomics, and best-in-class audio.  The smallest handheld P25 Phase 2 capable radio, the APX 6000 portable, and the APX 6500 mobile were developed for single band radio users as a smart investment. Each radio has FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified hardware encryption, integrated GPS for accountability and location tracking and future ready capabilities with P25 Phase 2 technology, expandable memory, over-the-air programming, excellent audio, and advanced features like intelligent lighting.

The new additions to the APX series provide seamless interoperability with Motorola’s ASTRO 25, SmartNet® and SmartZone® systems. ASTRO 25 systems are Project 25 capable systems that are scalable and flexible to meet the needs of customers from federal or large statewide agencies to small cities and towns, including on-site systems such as prisons, or ports. Motorola offers multiple choices in conventional, trunked and simulcast systems with scalable cores depending on the requirements of the user. For agencies that require multiband operation, the APX 7000XE offers them seamless interoperability in 700/800MHz and VHF or UHF.

“Motorola products are targeted for the specific needs of first responders in extreme situations,” said Brenda Herold, corporate vice president of Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions. “We are proud to present the Motorola APX 7000XE as a solution to address issues like loud fireground conditions, large fire gloves that may restrict use of radio controls, and distractions stemming from limited screen visibility.”

APX 7000XE

Firefighters and other mission critical users working in extreme or hazardous conditions will benefit from the glove readiness of the APX 7000XE.

“The large knobs on the APX 7000XE make changing channels and adjusting the volume very easy with gloves on. These knobs are in a class all to themselves,” said Lieutenant David H. Hudik, EMT- PRN, Elgin, Ill. Fire Department.  “The audio is very loud and clear which makes hearing radio traffic much easier, especially in high noise environments like the fireground. The large top display allows for ease of viewing regardless if the radio is in a radio pouch on my bunker gear or in my hand.”

Other features of the APX 7000XE include:

• A T-grip design provides a wider control top with exaggerated controls and knobs that can be easily differentiated by touch alone; 
• Distinct channel knob “clicks” and the volume knob has a “high resistance feel” to assure users they are using the correct knob;
• A push-to-talk (PTT) button designed to be extremely easy to use with gloves and can be easily located by the  “ramps” on each side to also insure that the PTT button is not activated accidentally if the radio is dropped;
• The largest and most accessible emergency button on the market located at the base of the antenna;
• Industry-leading noise reduction software combined with the latest AMBE digital voice vocoder and Motorola’s exclusive Extreme Audio Profile provide best-in-class audio for first responders working in extremely loud environments.
• A 1-watt speaker so the audio can be heard over background noise created by sirens and tools in an emergency situation;
• And a top display twice the size of the APX 7000 angled to allow first responders to see radio status and channel or zone information without removing the radio from their turnout gear.

APX 6000 Portable Radio

As the smallest P25 Phase 2-capable radio designed specifically for mission critical users, the APX 6000 portable radio was developed with Motorola’s user-centered design philosophy.  Key elements ranging from ergonomic form factor to advanced hardware include:

• Dual-sided, two-microphone design provides excellent audio quality with directional sensing technology that  locates the talker and cancels unwanted background noise;
• The latest AMBE digital voice vocoder;
• Three radio models to allow the user to select the best option for their environment;
• And Mission Critical Wireless to securely communicate with an encrypted wireless Bluetooth earpiece.

APX 6500 Mobile Radio

Key features of the APX 6500 mobile radio include:

• A flexible platform to allow users to choose from 2 control heads, mid and high power models and different installation methods;
• The Mid-Power model can be easily installed using the existing XTL mobile  mounting holes and cables;
• The High Power model  is designed for secure engagement and includes a handle for  easy removal;
• And is equipped with the latest AMBE digital voice vocoder.

Beyond the state-of-the-art hardware and form factor, the APX 6000 and 6500 radios also include significant software features.  The radios are equipped with intelligent lighting to provide the user with color alert notification at a glance.  The text messaging feature connects the first responder with other users and dispatch operators beyond traditional voice.  Additionally, the voice announcement function provides an audible, pre-recorded voice file for the description of the selected channel or zone.

"Cities and counties require new communications systems while at the same time budgets are being squeezed," added Herold.   "Motorola is listening to public safety agencies and offering lower cost alternatives for mission critical Project 25 systems through our scalable ASTRO 25 systems and new APX6000 line of radios." 

The APX 7000XE, APX 6000 portable and APX 6500 mobile will be unveiled at the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) Conference, Aug. 1-4, 2010 in Houston, Texas.