Motorola DP1400 or R2: which one to choose

The two radios side by side

The figures are for the versions we sell and come from Motorola’s specifications.

The frequency band decides

Radios only talk to each other when they work on the same band and the same frequencies. A DP1400 on VHF does not talk directly to an R2 on UHF. So if you already have a fleet and an EETT licence on one band, the choice is almost made: VHF means the DP1400, UHF means the R2.

If you are starting from scratch, VHF generally suits open areas such as farmland and ports, and UHF suits buildings and towns. The frequency EETT assigns to you also decides; we help with the application.

In use: what changes

Both are radios without a display, with a 16-channel knob and a talk button, and both are programmed with analogue and DMR digital channels side by side. In digital mode, one 12.5 kHz channel carries two calls at once.

The R2 is lighter and has Lone Worker, VOX, channel scan and basic privacy. The DP1400 transmits up to 5 W against 4 W, and Motorola tests it to MIL-STD 810. For the DP1400 Motorola also quotes up to 16.5 hours per charge.

Accessories

The DP1400 has the most accessories in our range: the original PMNN4254AR battery and the compatible Komunica AP-4497-LI, the PMLN5192 desktop charger and the PMLN7089A vehicle charger, the PMLN6534A earpiece, a tube earpiece, the PMMN4029A speaker-microphone and the RLN5383A leather case. For the R2, the tube earpiece for Motorola 2-pin fits, and its charger is in the box.

Programming: analogue and digital together

Both are programmed from a computer with your licence’s channels. You can have analogue channels to talk to old radios and DMR digital channels for new groups on the same radio. When you add radios to an existing fleet, send us the old radios’ programming details or a sample, so the new ones match exactly.

A vehicle or desk radio

If you need a fixed point, in a vehicle or an office, there is the Motorola DM1400, with up to 25 W on UHF 403–470 MHz. It works on the same band as the R2, so together they form a UHF fleet of portables and a base station. We supply it, fit it and programme it on the same frequencies.

What else to consider

If you work in very noisy, wet or dusty places, look at the R5, with IP67, audio up to 106 phon and AI noise suppression. If you want a no-display radio on VHF or UHF from the DP2000e series, look at the DP2400e, with IP55 and MIL-STD 810 testing.

Which one to buy

Buy the DP1400 if you already have a fleet or a licence on VHF, if you want 5 W for open areas, or if you already use DP1400 accessories. Buy the R2 if your licence is on UHF, if you want a lighter radio with Lone Worker, or if you are starting a new fleet in buildings and towns.