I have many DTR radios, which use the very common 2-pin style speaker Mics like the CP line and many other Motorola radios.
The HMN9026c speaker/mic that I’m using works fine, but it doesn’t go very loud with the DTR. The DTR without the speaker/mic is very loud indeed, so even though Moto specs this Spkr/Mic for this radio, there must be something better.
Even if it’s from another manufacturer, what’s a louder speaker/mic with the Moto 2-pin connector?
Something $50 and under if possible, so no amplified Spkr/Mics…
I have had good luck with the aftermarket heavy-duty speaker mics that go under a variety of in-house brand names, such as Impact or Cancom XSM1:
http://www.buytwowayradios.com/products/impact/prsm-hd3.aspx
For others reading this forum post, Motorola uses two DIFFERENT two-pin connectors. They look very similar and are often listed under the same connector on many sites, but they are not always compatible. (Sadly, connector terminology also differs from web site to web site too, so don’t always go with the designation. Check the actual models!)
-
The M1 connector is used by the CP150, CP200, CT150, CT250, CT450, CT450LS, EP450, GP2000, GP300, GP308, GP280, GP68, GP88, GTI, GTX, LTS2000, P040, P080, P110, P1225, P1225LS, P200, PR400, PRO2150, PRO3150, SP10, SP21, SP50, VL130, VL50, GP320, GP350, GP1280, GP2000.
-
The M2 connector is used by the CP100, AX Series, CLS Series, CLS 1413, CLS 1410, XTN Series, XU2100, XU2103, XU2600, XU2603, DTR series, RDX Series, RDU2020, RDU2023, RDU2080D, RDU4100, RUU4103, RDU4160D, RDU4163D, RDV2020, RDV2080D, RDV5100.
To tell the difference, the pins on the M2 (DTR radios) are slightly longer than the pins used by the M1. The 3.5mm (longer) pin on the M2 measures about .610 inches from the base to the tip. The 3.5mm pin on the M1 measures about .525 inches, base to tip.
The difference in tip length occasionally causes connection problems with the DTR radios. (One can shave away some plastic from the base to help if you only have access to the shorter M1 pin.)
Motorola lists all the above radios with only one variation of the two-pin connector but DO NOT BELIEVE THIS. There are two lengths available.
The other issue with the DTR radios is that the headset/speaker mic volume can be set independently from the on-board speaker volume. One needs to set the volume with the headset or the speaker mic connected.
I have had good luck with the aftermarket heavy-duty speaker mics that go under a variety of in-house brand names, such as Impact or here in Canada - the Cancom XSM1:
http://www.buytwowayradios.com/products/impact/prsm-hd3.aspx
For others reading this forum post, Motorola uses two DIFFERENT two-pin connectors. They look very similar and are often listed under the same connector on many sites, but they are not always compatible. (Sadly, connector terminology also differs from web site to web site too, so don’t always go with the designation. Check the actual models!)
-
The M1 connector is used by the CP150, CP200, CT150, CT250, CT450, CT450LS, EP450, GP2000, GP300, GP308, GP280, GP68, GP88, GTI, GTX, LTS2000, P040, P080, P110, P1225, P1225LS, P200, PR400, PRO2150, PRO3150, SP10, SP21, SP50, VL130, VL50, GP320, GP350, GP1280, GP2000.
-
The M2 connector is used by the CP100, AX Series, CLS Series, CLS 1413, CLS 1410, XTN Series, XU2100, XU2103, XU2600, XU2603, DTR series, RDX Series, RDU2020, RDU2023, RDU2080D, RDU4100, RUU4103, RDU4160D, RDU4163D, RDV2020, RDV2080D, RDV5100.
To tell the difference, the pins on the M2 (DTR radios) are slightly longer than the pins used by the M1. The 3.5mm (longer) pin on the M2 measures about .610 inches from the base to the tip. The 3.5mm pin on the M1 measures about .525 inches, base to tip.
The difference in tip length occasionally causes connection problems with the DTR radios, including but not limited to, drastically reduced volume. (One can shave away some plastic from the base to help if you only have access to the shorter M1 pin.)
Motorola lists all the above radios with only one variation of the two-pin connector but DO NOT BELIEVE THIS. There are two lengths available.
The other issue with the DTR radios is that the headset/speaker mic volume can be set independently from the on-board speaker volume. One needs to set the volume with the headset or the speaker mic connected.
Thank you for your post, Chickenhawk, and the suggestion of a compatible speaker/mic.
Do you know if the speaker/mic you’re suggesting is actually louder than the moto HMN9026?
Regarding connectors, are you sure about this? From what I’ve read, the Moto M2 connector is a single pin connector, nothing like the 2pin M1 connector.
Please see: http://www.walkie-talkie-radio.co.uk/walkie-talkie-radio-audio-connectors-explained.html
and
http://www.planetheadset.com/radio-connector-chart.php
and
http://www.buytwowayradios.com/products/impact/m2-ad-m1.aspx
Are you saying that these charts are wrong in their definition of the M1 and M2 connectors?
The problem is that there are variations in that naming system.
My Motorola dealer here in Canada calls the two variations the M1 and the M2. Others use different designations. That’s why I said it was important to not use the name, but rather look up the actual radio models.
Plus, if the site describes all Motorola two-pin radios as taking the same connector, they are WRONG. To absolutely confirm, one needs to measure the length.
The longer DTR two-pin will usually work in the shorter socket but the pins stick out a bit, which may compromise the weather-proofing of the radio if so equipped. The shorter (older-style) two-pin male end might or might not work in the DTR. I have experienced some that do and some that don’t, plus some that seem to work but break contact or result in much lower volumes than normal.
To order the correct speaker mic, go to a dealer who shows you BOTH two-pin connector styles, and choose the one for the DTR. Most dealers only specify the one length (the longer DTR length) because it works in all two-pin Motorolas, even if they stick out a bit more than normal. But if you happen to get one of the shorter two-pins, this could cause the problem you are experiencing.
Take some calipers and measure the length of the longer pin, from tip to base, and I will tell you in an instant if this could be the possible cause of your problems.
I could pass on the name of my dealer in Canada who will sell you a good heavy-duty speaker mic that I know works, but I am not going to do that on a site hosted by a really good US dealer (who has always given me great service, by the way.)
Understood. You know how to get ahold of me.
All the lists I can find, including the 3 I linked to, call the M2 a single-pin connector. Makes me think that maybe the Canadian dealer has it wrong?
I don’t know who is “right” or “wrong” which is why I always go by the model designation, not by what they call the connector. I think part of the problem might be that Motorola themselves used different designations for the male jacks than they used for the adapters.
In the chart I found here, you can see the obvious difference in the lengths of the pins on the two-pin connector.
http://www.cancomradioaccessories.com/images/CanComConnectorChart.pdf
If you measure the longer 3.5mm pin, it should be about .6" in length. Any shorter and it may be the older stye, and could be the cause of your problems. By the way, I would be happy to send you a speaker mic that I know works well on my DTR radios for you to try out temporarily.