charger

If you find yourself having to change radio settings every time a new radio is added to your fleet, you can probably save yourself a lot of time by learning how to clone your Motorola RDX radios. The cloning process simply copies the settings from one two way radio to another, and can be done in 3 ways.

NOTE: For cloning to work successfully, the radios must be the same model number.

Cloning Using a Multi-Charger
If you already have a Motorola RLN6309 RDX multi-charger, then you're in great shape! The RLN6309 has built-in support for cloning, and the process couldn't be simpler.

1. Be sure both the Source and Target radios have charged batteries. The multi-charger does not need to be connected to a power source.
2. Place the Target radio (the radio that needs to have settings updated) in Pocket 1 on the charger and turn the radio ON. (Pocket 1 is on the far left when you are facing the Motorola logo).
3. On the Source radio (the radio to copy from), hold down the PTT and SB2 buttons while turning on the radio. Continue to hold these buttons down until a tone is heard (around 3 seconds). (SB2 is the bottom button on the left side of the radio.)
4. Place the Source radio in Pocket 2 of the multi-charger.
5. Press and release SB1 on the Source radio to initiate cloning. A chirp sound confirms cloning was successful, a bonk sound is heard if cloning was not successful.
6. Turn both radios OFF and then ON to exit cloning mode.

Radio to Radio Cloning Using a Cloning Cable
You can also clone two Motorola RDX series radios by purchasing a Motorola RLN6303 Cloning Cable. The RLN6303 allows you to connect two chargers together, and allows for radio to radio cloning.

Before getting started, be sure that you have a fully charged battery in each radio. Also, please note that the chargers will not need to be connected to a power outlet.

1. Unplug any power or USB cables from the chargers and connect them using the cloning cable.
2. Place the Target radio (the radio that needs to have settings updated) in one of the chargers and turn the radio ON.
3. On the Source radio (the radio to copy from), hold down the PTT and SB2 buttons while turning on the radio. Continue to hold these buttons down until a tone is heard (around 3 seconds). (SB2 is the bottom button on the left side of the radio.)
4. Place the Source radio in the empty charger.
5. Press and release SB1 on the Source radio to initiate cloning. A chirp sound confirms cloning was successful, a bonk sound is heard if cloning was not successful.
6. Turn both radios OFF and then ON to exit cloning mode.

Radio Cloning Using Programming Software
You can also use the Motorola RDX programming software to essentially copy the settings from one radio to another.

1. Download the Motorola CPS software and purchase a programming cable (instructions here).
2. Connect a radio charger to the PC using the programming cable and launch the software.
3. Turn Source radio (the radio to copy from) ON and place it in the charger.
4. In the software, click the "Read Radio" button on the toolbar. This downloads the configuration from the radio.
5. Turn Target radio (the radio that needs to have settings updated) ON and place it in the charger.
6. In the software, click the "Write Radio" button on the toolbar. This uploads the configuration that was previously read to the new radio.

These instructions apply to all two way radios that are part of the Motorola RDX series. Models include RDU2020, RDV2020, RDU2080d, RDV2080d, RDU4100, RDV5100, and the RDU4160d.

Charging a handheld two way radio is, for the most part, a universal concept. It requires a radio equipped for charging, a charger, and rechargeable batteries. Charging is generally accomplished using one of three methods: plug the charger into the radio, drop the radio into the charger, or drop the batteries into the charger to charge the batteries directly.

While charging methods may vary according the make and model of radio you are using and the type of battery or charger used, they all have one thing in common - the charger cable or station typically plugs into a wall outlet and recharges the battery from a stationary source of AC power.

But what if there is no AC outlet available? What if you are away from your home or office, in a remote location, or on the road? What then? How do you keep your radios powered up and your batteries charged when you are on the go? These are questions frequently asked by customers in our blog, forum and on The Two Way Radio Show.

The answers to such questions depend a lot on your choice of radio. Some radios and/or their supplied chargers do not inherently support charging on DC power. Some do. However, even for some that don't, there may be a solution.

There are many brands and models of consumer FRS and GMRS two way radios with DC charging options included or built right in. Midland, Motorola and Uniden offer consumer FRS/GMRS radios with DC charging options. Motorola offers several radios with a 12v cable for their drop-in dual chargers. Several TalkAbout radios, such as the MH230R, MJ270R, MR350R and MR355R have a built-in mini-USB port to charge the radios via USB. The MR350R VP also has the mini-USB port and a min-USB car charger is included in the package. Uniden offers an optional 12v charging cable for the GMR2838-2CK, GMR2240-2CK and other Uniden radios (sold separately) so you can charge them by plugging the radios directly into the cigarette lighter in your vehicle.

Most manufacturers of consumer radios require you to turn the radios off while charging them in your vehicle. This means that you generally will not be able to use the radios to receive and transmit while they are charging. However, Garmin offers an optional Auto Power Adapter and PC Interface Cable with Auto Power Adapter to directly power the Rhino Series radios while in a vehicle. Garmin radios are more expensive than many other FRS/GMRS radios, but if you specifically need to be able to operate a radio while it is plugged into your vehicle for power, this may be the way to go.

Business radios are a little different. Although Icom does offer a DC adapter for its drop-in chargers, as a general rule most chargers for business radios are AC only.

However, Impact manufactures a line of universal chargers for business (and some consumer) radios that work using DC power. The Impact DC-1 Universal Single Rapid Vehicle Charger is compatible with a wide range of radios by utilizing an interchangeable cup system. Simply choose the cup that fits your make and model radio, drop it in the charger and it is ready for your radio. The charger also includes a mounting bracket to mount it in your car, truck or van.

If you have more than one radio to charge, Impact offers the AC/DC Universal Rapid 3 bank and 6 bank chargers. These chargers utilize the same cup system as the DC-1, allowing you to charge multiple radios of different makes and models all at the same time. Not every radio out there is supported, but there are cups available for a lot of them, and they are listed on a Charger Cup Chart. Impact offers 3-bank and 6-bank quick release vehicle mounting brackets for these chargers as well, but they are optional and are purchased separately.

Charging two way radios while on the go can have its challenges, but with a little planning and research you can find the right solution to charge your radios for full power whenever you need it, where ever you may go.

In this episode we discuss the types of batteries used in handheld two way radios. We also review the Impact AC/DC Universal Rapid Multi-Chargers.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:15

Topic Discussion 1:29
We talk about batteries for two way radios. We learn about the types of batteries available, the differences between them and how the important it is to consider the right battery when choosing the right radio. For more information about the types of batteries available and the differences between them, read Battery Type Differences: NiCd vs. NiMH vs. Li-Ion. For more information on the care and maintenance of batteries for two way radios, listen to Episode TWRS-14 - Care and Maintenance of Two Way Radios. Download our FREE Two Way Radio Care and Maintenance Guide. A durable, laminated version of our Care and Maintenance Guide is also available for purchase.

Commercial Break 15:31
buytwowayradios.com 1:00

Product Review 16:29
Today we will review the the Impact AC/DC Universal Rapid Multi-Chargers.

Questions and Answers 22:34
Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

Wrap up and Close 28:06
Send in your comments and questions for Danny, Anthony and Rick to show(at)buytwowayradios.com. Feedback on this and other topics will be read by the hosts and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

© 2011 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

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