The Motorola CP200 was the best-selling two-way radio amongst businesses for many years. Why, you may ask? That is a very simple answer: affordability. With the affordability comes excellent audio quality as well as long-lasting battery life. The CP200 was a recommended option for those that need simple yet dependable communication. Just like cellphones, we upgrade when we notice our phones are having trouble keeping up. We look for quality, durability, and convenience as well as to make sure it fits our communication style. Motorola does the same with their radios. The CP200 was replaced with the Motorola CP200d and, as of September 2023, the Motorola CP200d has been replaced with the Motorola R2. You can find more information on the Motorola R2 announcement here.
The CP200 and CP200d are in essence the same radio on the outside sharing the same overall design even down to the antenna. Internally is where the story starts getting better. The CP200d offers the same quality and features of the original CP200 with the additional benefits of better audio, increased privacy and range along with dual capacity direct mode, voice announcements, and up to 40% better battery life. The CP200d is available in either analog or digital configurations to suit your needs. The features will be somewhat different depending on which configuration is preferred.
Both of the models support up to 16 channels and have the rotary channel selector knob, large push-to-talk (PTT) button, 2 programmable buttons on the side, accessory connector, and tri-color LED that users have come to love.
Features
Both models have the same physical features including the rotary channel selector knob, tri-color LED, accessory connector, large push-to-talk (PTT) button, and two programmable buttons on the side. They also both support up to 16 channels.
The CP200d comes with a few more features, including analog scrambling, a password lock, vote scan, and Auto Range Transponder System (ARTS™), but both versions have many of the usual functions typically found on many analog corporate two-way radios. Voice announcements are also available on the CP200d.
Due to the fact that the CP200d is a DMR digital radio, it adds some special functions that are not included in analog radios like the CP200 such as: private calling, Dual Capacity Direct Mode, and transmit interrupt (decode only). The addition of these digital functions makes the CP200d a substantial improvement over the original CP200.
Compatibility
The digital configuration of the Motorola CP200d is a combination analog and digital radio, so it is compatible to use in conjunction with both analog and digital CP200’s. Instead of abandoning analog completely and switching to digital all at once, the dual analog and digital mode capabilities enables you to transition to digital gradually through regular attrition. This makes the switch to digital much more manageable and cost-effective. The analog configuration of the Motorola CP200d can be upgraded to the digital model with a cheap and simple software upgrade and programming by a Motorola Channel Partner.
Audio
The CP200d is no exception to the rule that digital radios typically offer better clarity than analog ones. Without a lot of the background noise and distortions often detected on an analog broadcast, digital audio is clearer. This reduces the need for repeat transmissions of garbled or lost language, speeding up reaction times, and increasing the effectiveness of communications within your organization as a whole. The CP200d digital radio outperforms the CP200 in terms of sound quality with crisp, clear sounds.
Durability
The Motorola CP200 and CP200d both have sturdy build and equivalent levels of durability. To endure hostile settings, these radios are constructed with a durable, die-cast chassis. Both variants have an IP54 rating for water and dust infiltration. The Portable Military Standards (MIL-STD) 810C, D, E, and F are also adhered to by them. The CP200d is also MIL-STD 810G compliant. Motorola offers a three-year warranty for the CP200d.
Battery
In analog mode, the CP200d has a little longer battery life than the CP200, but in digital mode it has a significantly longer uptime. One of the benefits of switching entirely to digital is that the CP200d uses less power in digital mode than analog.
More info on both models can be found on the Motorola Solutions site – see below for details:
Motorola CP200 Portable Two-Way Radio
