The RMU 2040 Motorola on-site radio is a two-way radio that affords you crystal clear, high-quality communication. This 2-watt business radio operates on 99 UHF business-exclusive frequencies, enabled with FCC narrow band. With this business radio, you are assured of exceptional durability due to its rugged design and reliable audio experience that can improve your business operations and increase productivity. The device is restricted to occupational use only, following the FCC RF energy exposure requirements.
Despite harsh weather conditions, this radio maintains high functionality in unfavorable topography, obstructions, loud noise, or even high use rate. It uses an HTML-based computer programming software that makes programming easy and direct for all users.
Combined advanced features of this radio with its physical build makes it reliable and one of the best choices of radio for on-site business demands. Of many advanced features of this device is the customized channel announcement, which will fascinate most business owners and even workers who are mostly busy. The feature helps to keep your hands free while you work on other tasks at hand.
No matter how rigorous your line of work is, even for people in construction and manufacturing, this radio can withstand most wear and tear because it is one radio that is built to last.
Table of Contents
Specifications
Tuner Technology: UHF
Transmit Power: 2 Watts
Battery: Lithium-ion battery
Number of Channels: 4
Range Indoors: 20 floors
Range in a warehouse: 250,000 sq. Ft
Display: No display
Exclusive frequencies: 99 UHF business-exclusive frequencies
Size: 4.5 x 1.6 x 2.2 inches
Pl/DPL Codes: 219 PL/DPL codes with six customizable codes that aid clear signals
Weight: 0.54 pounds (8.6 oz) with battery
Weather Alerts: No NOAA weather alerts
Battery average life: 15 hours
Speaker: 1500mW powerful speaker
Frequency: Business bands, MURS, UHF
Upon purchase of your RM radio, you get a standard package that includes; the radio, a 2100mAh 3.7V lithium-ion battery, a drop-in charger, antenna, swivel belt holster, reference leaflet, RF safety booklet and a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Considerations for Choosing Motorola RMU2040 Radio
Durability
In choosing this Motorola business radio, you may like to know that it is one of the toughest radios you can get out there. This radio of the RM series has undergone various laboratory testing, Motorola’s exclusive Accelerated Life Testing (ALT), and it was proven that the radio could outlast five years of rigorous field use. RMU 2040 was designed such that you spend the minimum on repairs and maintenance.
While most radios have military standards, this one meets military requirements and specifications for sealing against wind, shock, dust, vibrations, humidity, salt fog, and other harsh conditions, yet goes beyond to deliver even more for durability and reliability. The radio’s standard is not limited to the Military standards 8 10, C, D, E, F, G and IP54/54. It also has antimicrobial protection.
Ease of Programming
If you are concerned about how long or hard setting up your radio might be, I have good news for you. Choosing RMU 2040 comes with the pro of having your device programmed in no time using the Customers Programming Software (CPS). The software can be downloaded online, and it is free.
The simplified cloning features of the radio also makes it easy to clone settings from a source radio in the twinkle of an eye in as much as you are using the right cloning cable.
Compatibility
Compatibility is an important factor to consider in choosing this device. If you wonder about compatibility, the RMU2040 radio is compatible with Motorola RDX, XTN, CLS, Spirit, and other RM series professional two-way radios. There might be a need to change frequencies on the VHF or XTN radios to connect with a VHF or XTN series, so the system accommodates these radios’ frequency.
Safety
The device was designed in compliance with the FCC rules. The safety of the users was considered when designing the radio, and compatible accessories have been tested to be intrinsically safe.
The radio does not cause harmful interference, and it abides by all rules regarding the general population and uncontrolled environment requirements.
Any act of alterations to the manufacturer’s settings that may violate the above rules may result in the loss of the user’s authority and right to operate this device.
Replacement of any transmitter component of this radio when not authorized by the FCC equipment authorization may translate to the violation of FCC rules.
Features of the Motorola RMU2040 Radio
Enhanced Audio Quality
All audio accessories are top-notch, collectively delivering enhanced audio quality. The radio uses a 1500mW powerful speaker that enhances communication even at low volumes without distracting feedback in a noisy environment.
Customized Channel Announcement with Voice Alias
You do not need additional accessories like an earpiece or wireless device to enjoy hands-free operations with this radio.
Advanced Voice Activation (VOX)
When the right VOX accessory is used, the radio can operate in a hands-free mode for the user’s convenience. From the manufacturer, the VOX sensitivity is off, so you have to set it using the Customer Programming Software to select a VOX sensitivity level before you can use this feature.
To use the radio with a VOX accessory, you have to connect the accessory in a step-wise manner.
- First, turn off your radio if it is on
- Open the accessory cover and insert the audio accessory’s plug into the accessory port.
- Now put on your radio. Your LED indicator will blink double red light
- Adjust the volume of your radio in preparation for using your audio accessory.
- Speak into the microphone when you want to transmit. You are in the receive mode automatically when you stop talking.
- Pressing the PTT button temporarily disables the VOX. Once you remove your audio accessory, you no longer have access to the VOX feature until the accessory is being restored.
Accessories
This radio has an array of compatible accessories that helps improve its performance and functionality. Some of these accessories may confer additional features which improve its applicability. The use of accessories not authorized by Motorola may put your radio at the risk of damage. In extreme cases, such unauthorized uses might result in severe injury and hazards.
A number of these accessories allow ease of use and handling of the device. Of the numerous compatible accessories are:
- Analog call box
The callbox allows employees or even clients to connect with the office or central dispatch location while working remotely or on the field. This 0.3-watt analog call box covers a frequency range of 452- 470 MHz.
- Audio accessories
There are series of compatible audio devices for the RM 2040 radio, which includes; the Swivel earpiece with in-line microphone and PTT and Earbud with Microphone and PTT. Most of these audio accessories allow hands-free communication. With the earbuds, you can make calls with your radio without removing from your belts.
You can connect audio accessories by using the appropriate accessory connectors.
- Chargers
For longevity and optimum battery performance, it is advisable to use recommended Motorola chargers. There are a series of compatible single-unit and multiple-unit chargers for people who own multiple chargers. The compatible charging accessories for this radio are; the RM series single-unit charging station, the RVA series single-unit charger, the Six pocket charger and cloning station for RM series radios, and the Multi-unit Charger with one display.
Do not disassemble your charger for any reason. Such acts might result in electric shock and total damage to the chargers. You should also know that charger parts are not available, and a damaged charger is not repairable.
- Battery
A lithium-ion battery is recommended for this radio. You get one of such standard batteries when you purchase your radio but can upgrade to a higher capacity battery depending on your use and needs. Compatible batteries are the RM series Standard Capacity Li-ion Battery and RM/RVA/XT HC Li-ion- 3000 battery kit.
Proper handling of the battery can help improve the life cycle. Battery overcharge and a deeper average depth of discharge reduce the number of cycles a battery will last with time. Try to turn off the radio while charging the battery. Batteries should also be recharged at room temperature. Charging a cold battery may result in its damage or leakage of electrolyte. Charging hot batteries leads to reduced discharge capacities.
Motorola fast chargers have a temperature-sensing circuit that helps you determine your battery temperature and ensures that batteries are charged at appropriate temperatures.
The standard battery will last 12 hours on maximum use and 15 hours when the power saving mode is on. The Li-ion battery can be recycled. This radio offers two types of power supply; the standard power supply and the rapid power supply. Note that the radio comes with a standard power supply.
To charge the batteries, place the radio in either a single-unit or multi-unit charger tray and insert the power supply connector into the drop-in tray charger, then plugin into a power outlet. Take not to properly place the device into the tray charger with the radio facing front.
- Carry accessories
These accessories allow you to move your device conveniently. With some of these accessories, you can use your device without touching or removing them from your body.
The available carry device for this radio is the RM series carry holster. This carry holster has a swivel clip that enables you to rotate your radio to any comfortable position, especially when you have to get better reception while transmitting or receiving messages.
- Surveillance kit
This allows for discreet operations and communication. It is simple to set up and use. The Dual-pin Surveillance kit with Push-to-talk features an in-line microphone allowing you to transmit and receive in a streamlined single-wire fashion. It is intrinsically safe and includes a tube and rubber ear tip that makes it comfortable to use. It uses an earbud.
- Cloning Accessories
The business radio cloning cable assembly kit enables you to clone this device from a source radio with similar specifications. After programming and setting up your radio, you can also use it as a source radio to clone other business radios in the series.
- Antenna
For all radios of this series, the antenna used is non-removable; hence it is impossible to replace them with other antennas.
Simplified Cloning
Cloning this device is simple and easy using the recommended cloning accessories and cable. You can either use a single-unit charger cloning cable or a multi-unit charger. Cloning accessories do not come with the standard package, so you have to purchase them separately.
Microphone Gain
With this feature, you can adjust the sensitivity of the microphone to adapt to almost all kind of environment, no matter how harsh the conditions might be for communication. You can only adjust this feature using the programming software. By default, the microphone is set to level 2 but can be adjusted during programming.
Power-up Tone
You can set your radio to indicate with a selected tone when it is being powered up. To enable the power-up tone, press the SB1 and SB2 buttons together for about 3 seconds until you hear beeps in quick succession, followed by an audio announcement. To disable, repeat the steps, and you will be able to put off your power-up tone.
Channel Scan
With the channel scan feature, you can be sure of not missing conversations on the channels because you can monitor them to detect any available transmission. While scanning is in progress, the radio system searches for any active communication, and when it finds one, it goes directly to the channel. This way, you can listen to any active channel without having to tune in manually. If there are multiple active channels at approximately the same time, you will not hear the activity on the other channels. This audio impairment happens once the radio has stopped scanning after locking into one channel.
At the end of activity on any active channel, the radio takes some 5 seconds break before it resumes scanning again.
To use the scan feature, you have to have a programmed scan into either of the side buttons. After programming, you can start scanning at any time by pressing the SB1 or SB2 button—short press the side button to stop scanning.
Call Alert Tones
This feature allows you, alert people at the receiving end that you want to talk to them. You can transmit alert tones to other radios on the same channel to notify them of your incoming call or intention to speak.
You can only use this radio’s feature when you have programmed the call tones into any of the side buttons, and at least one out of the three prerecorded tones will be selected.
Tricolor LED Interface
The three colored LED interface alerts users on the radio’s status or features that are in use or disabled. This indicator gives information on battery status, power-up status, radio call information and scan status.
Side Buttons
The side buttons on the radio provide quick access to features. On the side of the RMU2040 radio, you will find the Push to Talk button, Side Button 1 and Side Button 2.
Pushing the PTT button activates the microphone, into which you can talk to transmit messages. To listen, you release this button. The PTT helps to reduce interference during communication by enabling communication one way at a time.
The Side Button 1 can be configured and programmed according to the user’s wish using Customer Programming Software. However, Side Button 1 is the “Monitor” button by default.
Side button 2 is equally a general button that can be configured by the CPS. It is the “Scroll Down” button by default and can be used to scroll through channels until the desired button is selected.
FAQs
How to change the channel on the RMU 2040 radio
To select a channel, use the SB2 button. Keep pressing the SB2 button until you reach your desired channel. A voice alert will indicate when the channel has been selected. Each of these channels has its frequencies, scan settings and Interference Eliminator Code.
How to program my RMU 2040 radio
To program your radio, it is advisable to use the Customer Programming Software (CPS) because it allows you to program your device faster and with ease. You will need to get the standard programming cable to connect your radio to the personal computer where you must have previously installed your software. You can download the CPS for free on the Motorola website.
- Advanced Configuration
You can use the radio’s front panel to customize additional features on your radio. You can also get an audio voice prompt to guide you through the configuration process. With the advanced configuration mode, you can read and modify four features, which are; frequency selection, codes (CTCSS/DPL), Auto-scan and active channels.
The frequency selection allows you to choose frequencies from a predefined list.
With the Interference Elimination Codes, you can reduce interference during communication. You are provided with a choice of code combinations that helps to filter out background noise, unwanted signals and messages, static and all kinds of interference.
You can set a particular channel to enable scan automatically whenever you are on the channel. The auto-scan feature configuration makes you do this, and you can set it via the radio’s front panel.
You can change the number of channels that are active while within the range of maximum channels allowed by using the active channel feature.
To use the advanced configuration mode, be sure that your radio is set to the particular channel you are about to program. Use the SB2 button to do this by pressing until you reach the desired channel.
Set the radio to advanced configuration mode by long-pressing the PTT and SB1 button for about 5 seconds until you get a voice alert indicating programming mode and channel number. You will notice the LED indicator blinking green light. This is called the “idle” programming mode, where the radio is ready for programming instructions by the user. At this stage, when you press the PTT button, you will hear the frequencies, codes, auto-scan and active channel settings for you to navigate along with the features for programming.
Use the SB buttons to navigate through each feature and set them as desired. The channel number is the first changeable feature, after which you can adjust the others. For an auto-scan, you can either choose to enable the feature during programming.
After all your configuration is made, you have to save your settings to complete the advanced configuration. You can choose to continue programming by short pressing the PTT button or saving and returning to the idle mode by long-pressing the PTT button, saving settings, and returning to your home screen by long-pressing the PTT button twice exit the idle programming mode.
If you do not desire to save the settings made during programming, turn off the radio. Settings that are not saved will be lost when you power-up your radio.
You might be locked out of programming using the front panel if you were previously using the programming software. To unlock, log in into your computer to use the CPS, re-enabling front panel programming.
- Cloning
Cloning is another important process to be discussed in the programming of the RMU 2040 radio. Cloning is a fast method to copy settings from the radio (the source) to another (the target). You can clone this radio via three methods:
- Using a multi-unit charger: You either place both the target and source radio in pockets 1 and 2 or 4 and 5, respectively. The source radio has to either be in pocket 1 or 4, depending on the target radio’s position. You do not need the multi-unit charger plugged into a power source when cloning, but both radios must be powered on fully charged batteries.
- By using two single-unit chargers and a radio-to-radio cloning cable
- By using Customer Programming Software, you will need a drop-in tray charger and the programming cable.
It is possible for cloning to fail, and you know this by an audible voice announcement reading “fail.” in such cases, you have to check the following before resuming cloning again.
- Check battery levels of both radios and ensure they are fully charged.
- Check your cloning cable on both Single-unit chargers (SUC) if you are using two SUCs for cloning.
- Ensure that each radio has its battery properly fixed and engaged on it.
- Try to clean the charging tray of any dirt or debris that may block the radio contacts.
- Ensure that your target radio is on and your source radio is in cloning mode.
- Cloning will fail if both radios are not of the same frequency band, region and transmission power. Check the radio’s specifications to make sure you are using the right source radio.
Conclusion
By providing excellent means of communication among workers and also between management and employees, this radio ensures a free flow of information, which is crucial to any and every business. This way, every department can be put in check, and management can have full control of the business. Timely communication is important to the success of every business, and this is what this Motorola radio offers.
Whatever kind of business you conduct, either you are into the retailing, industry, property management, education, manufacturing or construction, this radio is designed to help make your operations better.
