Vertex Standard

Big changes are coming soon to the Vertex Standard line of two way radios. It's common knowledge that Vertex Standard is owned by Motorola, but has always been operated as a stand-alone brand. Early in 2018, this will no longer be the case. Motorola is creating a new line of radios, informally known as their "Commercial Tier" products, which will include a combination of several existing Motorola radios as well as several Vertex Standard models that will be re-branded as Motorola.

What's Changing With Vertex Standard
A few small exceptions aside, it looks like Vertex Standard will cease to exist as a brand. Most popular Vertex Standard models will join the Motorola Solutions Commercial tier, and some radios will be discontinued.

The following Vertex Standard products will be rebranded as Motorola Solutions:

• Analog products: VX-260 Series, VX-450 Series portables and VX-2100 and VX-2200 mobiles
• Digital products: EVX-261 and EVX-S24 portables

The following models will be discontinued:

• 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

What's NOT Changing With Vertex Standard
It's important to point out that customers are not being left out in the cold with this change. Of course, if you are a user of Vertex Standard radios, the warranty is still valid and will continue to be honored. Vertex Standard has been a Motorola Solutions brand for years now, so we don't expect much to change regarding warranties and support.

It's also important to point out that the physical radios that are being rebranded will not be changing either. For example, a Motorola VX-261 will be exactly the same product as the current Vertex Standard VX-261.

Motorola Commercial Tier Radios
In addition to the Vertex Standard models listed above, the following current Motorola Solutions models will also be a part of the Commerical tier:

• Portable Radios: CP200d, SL300, CP185, BPR40, DTR650, VL50
• Mobiles: CM200d, CM300d
• Repeaters: SLR5000

Dealers selling the new Commercial tier products will be known as "Commercial Radio Value-Added Resellers". It is expected that most Vertex Standard dealers will become dealers for the new Commercial products.

Stay Tuned
There are still some details that are being worked out, so stay tuned for updates. At the moment, we expect to start seeing the new Motorola Commercial Tier radios sometime in January, 2018. However, the Vertex Standard branded models won't disappear overnight. I expect most Vertex Standard radios will still be readily available for at least the first half of 2018. Check back here for updates!

We've been selling business radios for quite a while now. One thing that we hear pretty often from customers is that they like the idea of the 6-unit multi-charger. After all, most businesses have a central location for charging radios and adding dozens of individual chargers quickly turns into a disorganized heap of plastic and wires. The problem is, some radio manufacturers have multi-chargers that tend to break the bank (I'm looking at you, Icom and Vertex Standard).

Fairly regularly, we'll have a customer with Icom or Vertex Standard radios ask about a multi-charger, only to change their mind when they hear the $300-$400 price. Motorola and Kenwood, on the other hand, have much better options with their on-site business radio series, providing chargers that generally retail in the $150-$200 range.

Well, there are now some lower priced options available! XLT Communications has released five new chargers as their RC6 Series. These chargers work with popular low cost Icom and Vertex Standard radios. They are rapid chargers, fully charging a dead battery in around two hours. They also are capable of charging a battery separate from a radio, and can be wall mounted.

Kenwood has taken a different route with their multi-chargers, so they are a different situation. Their multi-chargers are reasonably priced, but they are more of an organizer for the individual chargers than an all encompassing multi-charger. The KMB-28, for example, is a tray with a power cord. You snap in your individual KSC-35S chargers (that were included with the radios) and create a multi-charger. Power cords are built into the KMB-28, so it does provide the organization most businesses need. If you're looking for an all-in-one solution, however, the XLT RC6-K45L does provide it and even at a slightly lower price.

The following are the models available, their prices, and compatible radios.

RC6-I232 ($169.00) - Works with Icom radios using the BP-232H battery, including the Icom F4011, F3011, F24, and F14.

RC6-I265 ($169.00) - Works with Icom radios using the BP-265 battery, including the Icom F4001, F3001, F4210D, F3210D, T70A, and V80.

RC6-I279 ($169.00) - Works with Icom radios using the BP-279 or BP-280 batteries, including the Icom F1000, F2000, F1000D, and F2000D.

RC6-K45L ($149.00) - Works with Kenwood radios that use the KNB-45L battery, including the Kenwood NX-240, NX-340, TK-2400, TK-2402, TK-3400, TK-3402, TK-2300, TK-2302, TK-3300, and TK-3302.

RC6-VSUNI ($169.00) - Works with the Vertex Standard UNI battery system, including radios that use any of the following battery models: FNB-V127LI-UNI, FNB-V128LI-UNI, FNB-V129LI-UNI, FNB-V129LIIS-UNI, FNB-V130LI-UNI, FNB-V133LI-UNI, FNB-V134LI-UNI, FNB-V134LIIS-UNI. Works with the following Vertex Standard radios series: EVX-260, EVX-530, VX-260, VX-450, VX-820, VX-920.

Vertex Standard launched a promotion to educators offering 0% financing on their two way radios!

This promotion is only for educators and educational institutions. If you are in the education industry, you may qualify for 12, 18 or 24 months of interest-free financing on your radio purchase. Alternative financing structures such as annual payments and extended term options are also available. Hurry, this promotion ends on September 29th, 2017!

Read the promotion flyer for details.

Last week we launched a trade-in promotion incentive in partnership with Vertex Standard. Thanks to the level of interest, they agreed to extend this promotion another week and now it is valid through next Friday (September 8th, 2017). This promotion allows you to trade in your old business radios (even non-working radios that you're no longer using) for a credit towards new digital models.

You can save $25 per radio on the entry level EVX-261, or $35 each on the small and lightweight EVX-S24. Most business radio brands qualify for the trade-in, but unfortunately we're not able to include Motorola products. Again, the trade-in radios do not have to be working!

Vertex Standard just added a new DMR digital business radio to its eVerge line, The EVX-S24. Like the other models in the EVX series, this new radio includes many of the features now considered a standard on DMR transcievers. It is also capable of operation in both digital and analog modes. But this isn't just another run-of-the-mill eVerge. The S24 is quite unique.

The EVX-S24 is a tiny transceiver. At roughly three and a half by two inches, it's about the size of a credit card, and it's only one and quarter inches thick. It can easily fit in a shirt pocket, and at only 7.6 ounces is so light weight it can be worn on the vest of a uniform or on a jacket without much effort. that may not sound impressive to anyone who uses a Motorola CLS1410, CLP1040, or even a Kenwood PKT-23 on the job, but those are all analog radios, and the S24 is a digital/analog hybrid. Sure, there is the Motorola DLR1060 and the Icom IP100H, but we aren't talking about 900MHz or WiFi radios here. This is about a DMR capable radio on business band UHF.

However, digital capability alone isn't what really makes this little radio unique among its competitors. It's also the performance. The EVX-S24 is amazingly powerful for its size. The Motorola CLS, CLP and DLR radios all operate on one watt of analog power. The Vertex Standard EVX-S24 operates on 2 watts in analog mode. That's twice the power of the Motorola models and a half-watt higher than the Kenwood. And it gets better. Put it in digital mode and the S24 operates at 3 watts!

You can also hear the power. The S24 has a built-in 500mW speaker at 40 ohm output, which on its own is rather impressive for a radio of its size and weight, but when you factor in the unfiltered clarity of digital audio, the S24 sounds powerfully amazing.

Speaking of power, the EVX-S24 uses a 2300mAh Lithium-ion battery similar to the size and type of battery used in small cell phones. Vertex Standard rates their battery with an estimated 12 hours in digital mode and 10 hours in analog mode.

The performance of this little radio is enhanced by its capabilities. The S24 has the same powerful set of features found on other models in the EVX series, but stuffed into a smaller package. The S24 has multiple scanning options, Busy Channel Lockout, Whisper Mode, escalating alerts, Lone Worker Alert and Voice Inversion Encrypton. It also includes ARTS™ (Auto Range Transponder System), a standard feature found on many Vertex Standard business radios. And that's operating in analog mode.

In digital mode, the S24 has Call History, Site Search, Remote Monitor Decode, all call, group call and private call functionality and can send and receive pre-programmed text messages.

It has a Transmit Interrupt, too. This digital feature is handy for emergencies or urgent communications. If other users are tying up a channel, you can break in to interrupt or halt them to get the message through, even if someone else is still tranmitting or holding down their push to talk button.

It's not just unique on the inside. The EVX-S24 is built for powerful capability on the outside, as well. It has a programmable multi-color LED, four programmable keys, and a backlit LCD display in Vertex Standard branded orange, a color that is surprisingly easy on the eyes.

As for durability, who says tiny can't be tough? It's definitely not the case here. The EVX S24 is IP67 dust and waterproof and is submersible. It also meets Mil-STD D, E, F, and G specifications.

If that's not enough, The S24 comes with an industry leading three year warranty from Vertex Standard. Such a warranty is hard to beat by any radio manufacturer.

Designed for education, hospitality, medical offices, retail and any other occupation with a need for light but powerful portable handheld radios, the EVX-24 sounds like a product well worth considering for serious communications.

The EVX-S24 is available now at Buy Two Way Radios.com. It comes in your choice of black or yellow at MSRP $259.99.

For a comprehensive list of features and specifications, download the Vertex Standard EVX-S24 Product Sheet.

There are many reasons to choose Vertex Standard radios. They are tough, all-purpose, professional two way radios that are powerful and easy to use. Now there is another reason go with Vertex Standard - free Desert Cups!

When you purchase six Vertex Standard radios, you will also receive a FREE 30 oz. Stainless Steel Desert Cup for each radio purchased!

The Vertex Standard Desert Cup is a vacuum insulated, double wall cup that can keep your hot drink hot for up to 12 hours or your cold drink cold for up to 24 hours! The Desert Cup is valued at $30, but you can get it free when you purchase a minimum of of six Vertex Standard radios. You get one cup per radio, with a maximum of 24 cups!

The offer is good for all Vertex Standard portable handheld and mobile two way radios purchased from Buy Two Way Radios. The promotion offer is valid on up to 24 radios purchased for a maximum 24 cups (one cup per radio) through September 9, 2016. All radios must be ordered on a single order and on the same invoice. Multiple orders cannot be combined. Please allow 7-10 days from date of invoice to receive your cups. This offer is good only in the U.S. and is void where prohibited, taxed and restricted by law. Download the promotion flyer for details.

There are a limited number of cups available and the offer is available for a limited time, so if you want FREE Desert Cups with your radios get them before they're gone.

If your business or organization is waiting for the right moment to migrate from analog to digital, your moment may have arrived. Vertex Standard just launched the new EVX-261 DMR digital portable two way radio, and it is certainly one handheld to consider.

Touted by the manufacturer as the "perfect entry radio", the EVX-261 is the latest offering in Vertex Standard's eVerge Series, a line of digital radios designed to make the digital/analog mix more affordable without sacrificing basic features or quality.

The EVX-261 seems to meet those parameters. Of course, the audio quality is great, which is something of a given, since this is primarily a digital radio, and crystal clear voice reception is a natural part of the digital experience to begin with. Other functions such as All Call, Group Call and Individual Call have also become a standard on digital two way radios, as are basic privacy and security features.

Even its analog capabilities are somewhat expected. Most DMR radios on the market today are capable of both digital and analog operation, and many can operate in a mixed mode. The EVX-261 is no exception. It includes analog features supported by many other business radios in its class, including 2-tone and 5-tone encode/decode, DTMF, MDC1200® ANI encode, and CTCSS/DCS capability, so if you have a mixed fleet of digital and analog radios in your operation, the EVX-261 will fit right in.

In addition, the EVX-261 features a Transmit Interrupt, allowing the user to circumvent or interrupt a transmission in progress to receive a message of a higher priority. It also operates in Direct Mode, allowing you to double call capacity by using a single frequency for two paths of communication.

These are all good features, to be sure, and as digital radios go, the EVX-261 does meet general expectations. Yet there is something about this radio that makes it worth serious consideration, and it's not just the price.

What sets this radio apart from other entry level business digital DMR radios on the market is the battery system. That's right, the battery system.

The Vertex Standard Universal Battery System, also known as the UNI battery, is a standardized battery and charger system for Vertex Standard radios. Introduced in 2014, the UNI system allows the same battery and charger to be used with any series and model of Vertex Standard business radio, providing cross-compatibility with power options across the entire line.

In other words, if you have an existing fleet of analog Vertex Standard two way radios equipped with UNI batteries and chargers, and you add an EVX-261 to the mix, you won't need to add a different set of power accessories to accommodate it. The EVX-261 will fit right in. How many other two way radios, digital or analog, can do the same thing?

Considering this, the EVX-261 may be a good deal after all. Compatibility with DMR, MOTOTRBO, and other analog business radios aside, as well as the features and functionality of many other business radios in its tier, The EVX-261 holds its own as expected. When factoring in cross-compatibility with accessories, especially power options, the Vertex Standard EVX-261 may very well have the edge.

It's certainly something to consider.

For full specifications, download the Vertex Standard EVX-261 product sheet.

This spring, Vertex Standard announced the new VX-260 series business radios. This series currently consists of two new models destined to eventually replace the VX-231, VX-351 and VX-354.

In this video, Danny Feemster from Buy Two Way Radios introduces you to the new Vertex Standard VX-261 and VX-264 in a side-by-side comparison of their overall layout and features. Both models are now available in UHF and VHF versions.

Vertex Standard just announced the new VX-260 Series UHF/VHF portable business two way radios designed to deliver an "ideal combination of features and performance for efficiency, reliability and interoperability". According to Vertex Standard, the new VX-260 Series offers enhanced audio output and expanded interoperability while promoting the safety of radio users working alone. It also utilizes Vertex Standard's Universal Battery System, which allows VX-260 series radios to use the same charger as all of the other Vertex Standard radios equipped with UNI batteries.

The VX-260 Series will consist of two models, the VX-261 and VX-264.

VX-261 NOW AVAILABLE - This is the base model of the series, with no display. It has 16 channels, 1 group, two customer programmable keys and a 700mW internal speaker. Price: $169.00

VX-264 NOW AVAILABLE - The higher end model has an 8-character alphanumeric display, 128 channels, 8 groups, 6 custom programmable keys, embedded voice inversion encryption and a 700mW speaker. Price: $219.95

Additional features of both models include MDC1200® Encode, FleetSync® ANI Encode, DTMF ANI Encode, 2-Tone Encode/Decode, 5-Tone Encode/Decode, CTCSS/DCS Encode and Decode, emergency alert, Lone Worker timer, multiple scan options, ARTS™, and internal VOX (when used with a VOX capable accessory). Both models are MIL-STD 810C, D, E, F, and G and come with a 3 year manufacturer warranty.

These new radios will eventually replace the VX-230 and VX-350 series in the future, including the VX-231, VX-351 and VX-354. However, we do not have any specific timeline for this yet. Pricing will be announced soon.

Motorola Solutions recently announced its intent to cancel VHF and UHF versions of some popular analog business radios. The models to be discontinued are the Motorola CP200, CP200XLS and PR400 portables. Motorola also discontinued the CM200, CM300 and PM400 mobile radios. The last day to order these models was November 22, 2014, and the last ship date is December 22, 2014.

The CP200 was Motorola's most popular business radio, which may leave many businesses that use them wondering what to do. If you are one of the many CP200 users suddenly facing the demise of your favorite radio, don't despair. There are other models that will fill the void and maintain compatibility with your existing CP200 fleet.

The Motorola RDU4160d is a great replacement for the UHF version of the CP200. Like its counterpart, the 4160d operates on 4 watts and meets Mil-STD standards for durability. Battery life is comparable as well, and it is even lighter than the CP200, weighing in at under 11 ounces with the battery pack.

For businesses on VHF frequencies, the Motorola RDV5100 is a way to go. It meets the VHF version of the CP200 with 5 watts of power, Mil-STD C, D, E, and F standards and boasts a similar battery life to the RDU4160d.

In addition, both the UHF RDU4160d and the VHF RDV5100 are compatible with the same Motorola audio accessories used for the CP200 radios. This makes things even better, since it won't require a complete overhaul of radio accessories to accommodate new radios to replace the old ones as time goes on.

Of course, there are other alternatives, as well. One notable model from Vertex Standard is the VX-231. It is available in both UHF and VHF versions with wattage, durability, battery life and weight comparable to the Motorola CP200, RDU4160d and RDV5100 radios.

The CP200 may soon be a thing of the past, but there is no cause for concern. There are plenty of options available to fill the void and maintain compatibility across the fleet with no worries.

Update: The Motorola CP200 was replaced by the Motorola CP200d.