Motorola RMU2040 Two Way 4 Channel UHF Business Radio

The RMU2040 is the entry point into Motorola's RM Series and the simplest radio in it. Four channels on 450 to 470 MHz, two programmable buttons, and channel changes made through those buttons rather than a selector knob. For a site that runs one crew on one channel and keeps a spare for a second, the four-channel radio is the whole requirement and the eight-channel models are paying for capacity nobody uses.

Transmit power is 2 watts high and 1 watt low. Motorola puts coverage at up to 250,000 square feet or 20 floors and says in the same sentence that it varies with terrain, conditions and radio model, which is the honest way to read any coverage figure. Run time at a 5/5/90 duty cycle is up to 15 hours with battery save switched on, 12 without.

Durability is where this series earns its price. The case is sealed to IP55 and tested against Military Standard 810 C, D, E, F and G, and the radio is rated from -30 C to +60 C. Motorola describes an accelerated life testing program simulating up to five years of field use, including 30 minutes of blowing rain on every surface, 48 hours of salt fog, six hours of blowing dust and 18 shocks at a minimum of 40 G.

The radio weighs 8.6 oz (244 g) with the standard Li-Ion battery, in a body 4.5 in high, 2.2 in wide and 1.6 in deep. An antimicrobial coating is applied to the housing, and Motorola's own footnote is worth repeating: that coating does not protect users against bacteria, viruses or other disease organisms.

Motorola supplies the RM package with the radio, a Li-Ion battery, a carry holster with swivel belt clip, a compact drop-in charging tray with power supply, and the user guide. Programming runs in a web browser through Motorola's Customer Programming Software.