RMN5104 Bluetooth adapter for XTS/HT1000/MTS Radios + review

radioinstl · Post by **radioinstl** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 4:33 pm

Motorola has come out with a bluetooth headset for XTS radios. They have tested it with their headset but is supposed to work with any headset.#RMN51041 adapter #98682H headset

Motorola Bluetooth Adapter
Bluetooth Adapter for Radios
Technical Data:
Benefits of Motorola Bluetooth Adapter
Toggle switch: allows customer to easily switch audio between the Bluetooth Headset H300
and radio loud speaker
PTT switch: easily accessible for quick, coordinated communications
LED: indicates connection with BluetoothHeadset H300
Communicate flexibly: move up to 30 feet (10 meters) away from your radio with your headset without losing the connection
Tested and certified to work with the Motorola H300 Bluetooth Headset Compact, durable adapter connects to the radio quickly and easily Latch and top-screw design helps provide tight connection between the radio and connector

They have also came out with a remote set out for CDM GM300 and some others #RKN4092

[Adjusted OP's topic to better reflect discussion -Alex]

libuff · Post by **libuff** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 10:59 am

question is HOW MUCH?

n1oty · Post by **n1oty** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:16 pm

See, if you were a government buyer with taxpayer money, you wouldn't have to ask "how much"?

John
N1OTY

Post by **akardam** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:26 pm

libuff wrote:question is HOW MUCH?

RMN5104A XTS BLUETOOTH ADAPTER
List $179.00

98682H ASSY,ENT/CONCTIV,HSET,98682H,BT HS 300
List $39.99

Rayjk110 · Post by **Rayjk110** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 2:03 pm

Oh, that's not bad. I'd probably buy one, given the chance and having the fund$....

I wonder what this device name would be, showing up on different BT devices, such as cell phones... "XTS5000" ?

HLA · Post by **HLA** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 4:49 pm

why is it that you need a wireless device for your wireless devices?

N4DES · Post by **N4DES** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 11:19 am

Does is have to be the 9868H HS300 headset or will others work with the adapter?

Post by **alex** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 1:57 pm

Mark -

I'm still waiting for them to put the stupid PDF online that's there on MOL.

I got an open case with them that it's broken and I want the literature. When I first heard about this back in August, they originally said it would only work with one in particular, however, they were also going to try and see if it could work with any headset.

Since the H300 is a standard cellphone headset, and your not buying it under a random part number I don't think there will be an issue with joe blow's.

-Alex

Post by **Grog** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 2:07 pm

HLA wrote:why is it that you need a wireless device for your wireless devices?

Because all the other moto-snobs will have one, and you know people don't want to be outdone

Post by **alex** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 2:30 pm

alex wrote:Mark -
I'm still waiting for them to put the stupid PDF online that's there on MOL.

It is finally fixed:

from the PDF:

Motorola is responding to your need for wireless communications on the job.
Bluetooth® wireless technology takes the wires away so you’re free to do more,
from almost anywhere. For busy professionals on the move, Bluetooth cuts the
cords, bringing simplicity and efficiency to almost any situation.The Motorola
Bluetooth Adapter for two-way radios is an accessory designed to work with
the following models: XTS®1500, XTS®2500, XTS®5000, MTS 2000, PR1500
and HT1000™. Users can quickly and easily connect to the compatible Motorola
Bluetooth Headset H300*.

Benefits of Motorola Bluetooth Adapter Benefits of Motorola H300 Bluetooth Headset
• toggle switch: allows customer to easily switch • Up to approximately 30 hours talk time**
audio between the Bluetooth Headset H300
• Powered by a single replaceableaaa battery
and radio loud speaker
- no charger required
• ptt switch: easily accessible for quick,
• ergonomic ear hook for optimal wearing comfort
coordinated communications
on either ear over extended periods of time
• LeD: indicates connection with Bluetooth
• Improved style, lighter weight and more
Headset H300
comfortable design than previous headsets
• Communicate flexibly: move up to 30 feet (10
• advanced volume controls can adjust the
meters) away from your radio with your headset
orientation of volume ‘up’ button and mute
without losing the connection
the headset
• tested and certified to work with the Motorola
• Blue indicator light can be turned on/off
H300 Bluetooth Headset
There are three items that are available for purchase:
• Compact, durable adapter connects to the radio
quickly and easily • RLN6379: Kit includes H300 Bluetooth Headset
and Bluetooth Adapter for Radios
• Latch and top-screw design helps provide tight
connection between the radio and connector • 98682H: H300 Bluetooth Headset
• RMN5104: Bluetooth Adapter for Radios

* Bluetooth is a short-range unlicensed frequency that allows for communications without cables over short distances. It is not recommended for first-responder and mission
critical users.The Motorola Bluetooth Wireless Adapter has only been tested for compatibility with the Motorola Bluetooth Headset H300 and performance and talk time will
vary when using other Bluetooth headsets.
** All talk times are approximate. Battery performance depends on network configuration, signal strength, operating temperature, features selected, and voice, data and other
application usage patterns.

specification sheet ®

MOTOROLA BLUETOOTH ADAPTER
Simple, Efficient Wireless Mobility

Bluetooth adapter h300 headset

physicaL physicaL

Dimensions: 69 x 33 x 26 mm Dimensions: 65 x 21 x 24 mm
Weight: 30 grams Weight: 25 grams including battery
Connector: Standard XTS-style connector with Battery: AAA
6-pin radio accessory interface
TalkTime: Up to approximately 30 hours
EPP Compliant: Reportable

pairing
environmentaL
Pairing Distance: Headset within 1 meter of adapter
PairingTime: First time: <45 seconds
Voltage Stability: 6.5V to 9V
Subsequent: <15 seconds
OperatingTemperature: -30C to +60C
Reconnect After Lost Link: 15 seconds
StorageTemperature: -55C to +85C
Thermal Shock: -40C to +80C
environmentaL
Humidity: 90-95% RH at +50C for 8 hours
Random/Sine Vibration: MIL810F Method 514.5, Procedure I,
Category 24 OperatingTemperature Range: -10C to +60C
Shock: MIL810F Method 516.5, Procedure I, StorageTemperature Range: -10C to +65C
Functional Shock
Humidity: 90% humidity at +60C
Drop: 48” drop onto tiled concrete floor
Rain: MIL810F Method 506.4, Procedure I,
Blowing Rain
ESD: IEC 61000-4-2
Dust: MIL810F Method 510.4, Procedure I,
Blowing Dust
Salt/Fog: MIL810F Method 509.4, Procedure I,
Aggravated Screening
Solar Radiation: Method 505.4, Procedure I
RFI Emissions/
Susceptibility: EN61000-4-3 and EN301-489
IP Rating: IP54 (mated to radio)

power

Source: Radio battery, 7.5V typical

Motorola, Inc
http://www.motorola.com/governmentandenterprise

All features, functionality and other product specifications are subject to change
without notice or obligation. No warranty or guarantee expressed or implied is made
regarding the capacity, performance or suitability of any product.
MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the U.S. Patent andTrademark
Office.The Bluetooth trademarks are owned by their proprietor and used by Motorola,
Inc. under license. All other product or service names are the property of their
respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2008. All rights reserved.
01/08

Post by **Grog** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 5:30 pm

alex wrote:
The Motorola Bluetooth Adapter for two-way radios is an accessory designed to work with HT1000™

I can has bluetooth for my $70 radio?

n7maq · Post by **n7maq** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 5:47 pm

I ordered one today for myself, I should have it Friday, or Monday. I did not get the headset with it, I have seen the 300 and I don't like it(1 it's cheap feeling, 2 it takes a AAA battery). I have a smaller one here that I will not have to replace the battery on every other day on. I will post my opinion when I get a chance to use it for a few days

I have posted the PDf for anyone who wants to see it http://members.trainorders.com/x4449/xt ... etooth.pdf

Jim

kbmp0992 · Post by **kbmp0992** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 6:27 pm

I know it's not listed, but could it be expected to work with an XTS3000? I'm hoping it's just not listed because it's an antique now.

n7maq · Post by **n7maq** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:10 pm

kbmp0992 wrote:I know it's not listed, but could it be expected to work with an XTS3000? I'm hoping it's just not listed because it's an antique now.

I don't see why not, if it will work with the old Jedi's it should on a 3000. I'll test it on one myself when I get it in.

Jim

Post by **Grog** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:42 pm

It's sold for the XTS5000 yet it's not recommended for first-responder and mission critical users.

Ok, are the cart pushers at walmart getting XTS sexy now? Just who (in the legitimate market) uses a XTS5000 and is not a first-responder and/or a mission critical user?

Really, it's interesting, but it sounds like a new toy for the most part.

n7maq · Post by **n7maq** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:23 pm

I received the RMN5104 Bluetooth adapter today. I put it on my XTS5000 and within 30 seconds I had it paired up to my Motorola HS850. To TX with the unit you must use the PTT switch on the audio adapter not the multifunction button on the headset. I did an over the air check and I received a good report on the TX audio from the dispatcher. I then switched over to the ham band and had a conversation on a local repeater. I received a few comments on the TX audio and all said I sounded good, but a few did say I sounded a bit “hollow”.

The RX audio sounds good and clean to me. The HF850 is not a good headset for noisy environments, but the RX audio was sufficient for in the shop. I would like to have another headset that is good in noisy environments before I can comment on that. I have had the HS850 for sometime now, so I did not purchase it with the H300 headset that Motorola bundles with it in the RLN6973 kit.

It should work with any Bluetooth headset, or audio device. I will try it with my Bluetooth car kit when I get it installed in the new car. I tested the adapter on a XTS5000, XTS2500, XTS3000, and an EF Johnson 5100. It worked just fine on all of those radios.

Bottom line, I like it so far. I’m going to keep testing it in different was and will comment as I have more to add.

Jim

n7maq · Post by **n7maq** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 11:28 pm

More updates,

The cost is $176.00 for the adapter by itself. I don't have the kit cost but IIRC it was just over $200.00.

All of the testing I did at first was analog. I have done a lot of talking with it on 2 meters, and I never got any comments on my audio until I mentioned that I was on a BT headset. Then the comments came in. After being on the air for close to 15 minuets talking with a group all of a sudden my audio was low or tinny to few, but most still said I sounded just fine and they would have never known that I was not on a local mic. On of the OM's that said I had low audio after I told them what I was using even went as far as to question the legality of using Bluetooth to "relay" amateur comm's.

I used it on digital simplex and the other party could not tell when I was on the Bluetooth, or the local mic.

So far so good. It gets my vote.

Jim

Post by **alex** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 12:11 am

I got mine setup this afternoon. I've been using it most of the day on and off, and it works pretty nicely. It actually seems to do a number of "logic" based things that I wouldn't have expected. If the adapter looses contact with the headset, it'll turn the speaker/microphone back on with the radio. The switch on the adapter seems to work pretty well for turning on/off the headset audio.

Overall the audio sounds pretty good - I haven't run a shift with it yet, but so far I like how it all works.

Pretty easy to setup the pairing as well. I have the H300 that came with it, I haven't tested it with any other headset as of yet.

-Alex

maelv · Post by **maelv** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 2:14 am

Hello does any one of you know if this will also work with the mototrbo radios ?

maelv..

Post by **alex** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:09 am

maelv wrote:Hello does any one of you know if this will also work with the mototrbo radios ?

maelv..

They *MUST* have the "jedi" style accessories to work. Any radio which has the Jedi connector will have no problem with the adapter. I don't know off hand if the Trbo falls into this category.

-Alex

Rayjk110 · Post by **Rayjk110** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:30 am

Can anyone who has one take a picture of it on the radio? Being that it requires an AAA battery would make me thing it'd be sort of bulky. That and it'd just be neat to see. I already have the Hi-Rose adapter on my 5k, so if it's not any bigger than one of those I'd probably get one.

KMB · Post by **KMB** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 9:12 am

Is it even using H300 headset, it still only use the PTT on the adopter to Tx?

Post by **alex** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 9:57 am

Yes, you must use the adapter PTT in order to transmit. I think part of the problem is that the headset button is meant to be momentary, and not programmed otherwise. This would cause a problem with other headset adapters and restrict compatibility.

The Headset requires the AAA battery, not the actual bluetooth adapter. The adapter is no bigger than the 3.5MM adapter that goes on the actual radio. If you look at the PDF that was posted in the other bluetooth thread (I should probably join the two threads together) it clearly shows the size of the adapter.

I have to say it is very cool looking.

Personally, the fact you need to hit the PTT on the adapter makes sense, as the user should be close to the radio and not using it to talk across the room.

I do want to do some testing with it over P25 and see how it sounds/performs. I haven't really gotten a chance to do that as of yet.

-Alex

Post by **escomm** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 10:04 am

Any testing done with the 3k? I have to imagine its compatible since it works with the Jedi but the 3k was left off the marketing collateral so I'm curious

Post by **alex** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:21 am

escomm wrote:Any testing done with the 3k? I have to imagine its compatible since it works with the Jedi but the 3k was left off the marketing collateral so I'm curious

Confirmed. Works fine.

Tested also on a A4 MTS2000, A7 MTS2000, XTS5000, XTS2500 Haven't tried HT1000 yet.

-Alex

Post by **escomm** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 1:24 pm

Thanks, I'm getting my first shipment tomorrow and I'm eager to check them out.

kbmp0992 · Post by **kbmp0992** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 9:19 pm

Thanks for the evaluation.

mr.syntrx · Post by **mr.syntrx** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:56 pm

What sort of money are these worth?

Post by **Grog** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:19 am

mr.syntrx wrote:What sort of money are these worth?

Only each buyer can say what they are worth. Too bad /\/\ thinks they are worth more that what I am willing to pay

mr.syntrx · Post by **mr.syntrx** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:20 am

Grog wrote:Ok, are the cart pushers at walmart getting XTS sexy now? Just who (in the legitimate market) uses a XTS5000 and is not a first-responder and/or a mission critical user?

Dog catchers and parking inspectors in my city.

Post by **Grog** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:37 am

You guys have the taxes to pay for that kind of waste

mr.syntrx · Post by **mr.syntrx** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:45 am

Grog wrote:You guys have the taxes to pay for that kind of waste

Not really - why keep schools open and police on the streets when you can buy an expensive radio system that doesn't do the job for which it was intended?

Post by **escomm** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:18 am

$179 MSRP on the adapter
$39.99 for the headset

$209 MSRP if purchased as a kit

Post by **escomm** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:23 am

Yeah, meter maids and public works monkeys in Burbank and Glendale are carrying around some 3000s. I think I've seen a 5k or two on a "sergeant's" hip

Post by **alex** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:28 am

If this thread looks a bit out of whack with posts - it's because I merged them together. I'll update the subject of the original post to better reflect the combined topics.

Post by **Grog** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:51 am

Ok, to recap, you're only able to TX by hitting the button on the adapter itself, correct?

That being said, has anyone done any distance tests yet to see how far you can reliably hear the RX on the radio? I know my when I tether my phone via BT that it does not disconnect until I am over 80 feet away. Just wondering how far away the RX would work well? Come on someone, turn into the NWS and walk awhile and let a brotha know

I actually see a limited use of a BT headset while using the HT as a portable base in a shelter. Yes, I have enough crap to turn the Jedis into a portable base, and I could actually see being able to wander a little bit away from the radio while still being able to hear any calls to be rather useful. Anyway, it's a very limited use, and something to consider

Post by **alex** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 11:17 am

Grog wrote:Ok, to recap, you're only able to TX by hitting the button on the adapter itself, correct?

Yes.

Grog wrote:That being said, has anyone done any distance tests yet to see how far you can reliably hear the RX on the radio? I know my when I tether my phone via BT that it does not disconnect until I am over 80 feet away. Just wondering how far away the RX would work well? Come on someone, turn into the NWS and walk awhile and let a brotha know

Probably about 30-40 feet as advertised. You can hear the audio break up a bit. Keep in mind it's built on the same size as the 3.5mm audio adapter or the hirose adapter. They have limited space for a real antenna. Since they engineered it so you had to use PTT on the adapter itself, it only makes sense that it have a limited range.

Grog wrote:I actually see a limited use of a BT headset while using the HT as a portable base in a shelter. Yes, I have enough crap to turn the Jedis into a portable base, and I could actually see being able to wander a little bit away from the radio while still being able to hear any calls to be rather useful. Anyway, it's a very limited use, and something to consider

Depends on your use I guess.

-Alex

n7maq · Post by **n7maq** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:27 pm

Grog wrote:Ok, to recap, you're only able to TX by hitting the button on the adapter itself, correct?

That being said, has anyone done any distance tests yet to see how far you can reliably hear the RX on the radio? I know my when I tether my phone via BT that it does not disconnect until I am over 80 feet away. Just wondering how far away the RX would work well? Come on someone, turn into the NWS and walk awhile and let a brotha know

I actually see a limited use of a BT headset while using the HT as a portable base in a shelter. Yes, I have enough crap to turn the Jedis into a portable base, and I could actually see being able to wander a little bit away from the radio while still being able to hear any calls to be rather useful. Anyway, it's a very limited use, and something to consider

I was able to use mine (RX only) around the house with the radio upstairs. I would guess I get about 40 to 60 feet thru walls on the same floor here in the shop. It seems close to the same range as my i870 iDEN unit.

I did get a chance to look at the deviation on the service monitor, and it is down about 1KHz from the local mic with my HS850 in an open room. I also am going to try it with a Jawbone BT headset in some noisy areas.

Jim.

Post by **Wowbagger** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:02 pm

HLA wrote:why is it that you need a wireless device for your wireless devices?

So you don't look like you are Secret Service when you are trying to be low profile.

EVERYBODY and their DOG has a Bluetooth headset for their phones - walking around with one in your ear will not draw undo attention.

Walk around with an earpiece and cable disappearing into your jacket, and you WILL stand out (except at Dayton).

Now, consider: you are a police detective, or a private security guard, or other undercover person. Would you rather have everybody looking at you thinking "He must be a cop, 'cause he has a cop earpiece" or "He's just a strato-yuppie with his cell phone."?

Post by **Grog** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:06 pm

A few of the hardcore scannerheads use a BT adapter to listen to their scanners while out & about too. Not a bad idea in many ways. And yes, BT headsets are as common as fanny packs in a vacation town.

Post by **Wowbagger** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 2:51 pm

On looking low profile: I suppose the other thing you could do would be to find a headset like I have for my Nokia N800 - stereo ear-buds and a microphone where the ear-bud cables come together - only in white.

Then folks will just think you are groovin' on your iPod.

mike m · Post by **mike m** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:48 pm

I just found this dealer who has them for $169, anyone ever deal with this Co. ?

I suspect you could ask other dealers to beat this price and see if you can get it cheaper.

http://www.radioaccessories.com/storefr ... ctID=60527

Post by **Grog** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:10 pm

mike m wrote:I just found this dealer who has them for $169, anyone ever deal with this Co. ?

I suspect you could ask other dealers to beat this price and see if you can get it cheaper.

http://www.radioaccessories.com/storefr ... ctID=60527

Or you could look in the FS area here, there are already some out there cheaper than that

Post by **escomm** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 6:17 pm

I am selling those in the FS/FT forum at a great price for batlabs members, as Grog has mentioned

On a related note, there are plans for a ruggedized and intrinsically safe headset and adapter combo. The PTT on the ruggedized version is on the headset itself (!!!!) I have it from the horse's mouth that they want these things out in public safety.

There are also plans in the works for models for the Pro series as well as Mototrbo. Hopefully Pro series before Mototrbo.....

Post by **akardam** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 8:14 pm

So here's one for ya...

Got my kit in straight from Mother M, fire it up. Works great. Walking around, monitoring, TXing, all is well.

Then about 15 minutes or so in, headset audio cuts out right in the middle of RX, and audio reverts to the radio. Adapter and headset indicate they're not paired. I've tried everything I can think of, gone through the booklet dozens of times, and no matter what I can't get them to re-pair. The headset works fine with my nextel phone - almost instantaneously re-pairs.

So I'm thinking it's the radio adapter side. I've tried:

- Letting them sit - no go, they both just keep flashing like they're trying to re-pair.
- Initiating pairing only from the headset side - no go.
- Initiating pairing only from the adapter side - no go.
- Turning on the headset, putting in pairing mode, then turning on radio, and putting in pairing mode - no go.
- Turning on the radio and putting in pairing mode, then turning on the headset and putting in pairing mode - no go.
- Tried all the above with and without the security screw on the adapter tightened down - no go.
- Tried replacing the battery in the headset - no go.
- Tried a different radio - no go.

So, I'm fresh out of ideas. I'm pursuing a warranty exchange with Moto, but in the mean time does anyone have any ideas (or had a similar situation, whether you fixed it or not)?

Post by **Grog** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 8:19 pm

It's a shame, those do look neat. Maybe they have a lot of work before they are ready for "mission critical" use?

n7maq · Post by **n7maq** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 8:50 pm

There are also plans in the works for models for the Pro series as well as Mototrbo. Hopefully Pro series before Mototrbo.....

Why did Moto discontinue th BT adapter they made for the Pro/Waris series a few years ago? I have one that I got off of a HT1250 that I bought at a hamfest, but I have never tried to use the BT.

Jim

Post by **escomm** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 9:03 pm

n7maq wrote:
There are also plans in the works for models for the Pro series as well as Mototrbo. Hopefully Pro series before Mototrbo.....
Why did Moto discontinue th BT adapter they made for the Pro/Waris series a few years ago? I have one that I got off of a HT1250 that I bought at a hamfest, but I have never tried to use the BT.

Jim

They could never get it to work properly apparently

Post by **Wowbagger** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 4:49 am

akardam wrote:Adapter and headset indicate they're not paired. I've tried everything I can think of, gone through the booklet dozens of times, and no matter what I can't get them to re-pair. The headset works fine with my nextel phone - almost instantaneously re-pairs.

Silly question: is your phone near the adapter and headset? It could be that the BT adapter on the radio is fighting with the phone over who is in charge of the piconet, and that is confusing the headset.

Post by **akardam** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 6:37 am

Wowbagger wrote:Silly question: is your phone near the adapter and headset? It could be that the BT adapter on the radio is fighting with the phone over who is in charge of the piconet, and that is confusing the headset.

I've tried it at the other end of the building from where the phone is, no luck - and that's with the phone's Bluetooth turned off completely, anyway.