Introduction
Motorola MTM5500 is the next evolution in TETRA mobile radio technology, outperforming its predecessor, the MTM5400, with enhanced features and unmatched performance. This flagship model boasts best-in-class functionality, including an integrated gateway/repeater and support for TEDS transfers, revolutionizing communication in mission-critical scenarios. Notably, the MTM5500 stands out for its flexibility, allowing control from two separate locations, with control heads placed up to forty meters apart, ideal for applications such as ships, trains, or long vehicles.
Moreover, the MTM5500 offers a telephone-style control head, providing the familiarity of classic car phones while incorporating modern functionality for duplex and simplex calls. Its ergonomic design ensures ease of use and installation, whether horizontally or vertically, enhancing user experience and adaptability. With powerful and crystal-clear audio, waterproof control head options, and TETRA Enhanced Data Service (TEDS) capabilities, the MTM5500 sets a new standard for safety, intelligence, and speed in mobile communication.
It supports multiple operational modes for reliable communication in weak coverage areas and features a Type 1A compliant DMO Repeater for efficient spectrum usage. The integrated gateway connects Direct Mode users with control rooms and trunked network colleagues, supporting various call types.
The Motorola MTM5500 is highly desired model in the ham radio community. Its hardware is particularly favored for setting up multimode gateways like DMR2TETRA, TETRA2PoC, SVXLink gateways, or for use in DMO repeater mode.
Note that Motorola MTM5500 does have a factory default “COR” pinout on the rear accessory connector!
Motorola TETRA radios are available with various firmware versions, each featuring one of the following standard AIE TETRA Encryption Algorithms (TEAs):
– CLEAR NonE2 (No Encryption) This is the only one for HamRadio use!
– TEA1 is for commercial use and is primarily used by critical infrastructure around the world. But it’s also used by some police and military agencies outside of Europe.
– TEA2 (restricted to use by Schengen / EU countries). Possession of TEA2 radios is in many countries
prohibited by law!
– TEA3 Essentially the export version of TEA2 which is for use outside of Europe by the same kinds of entities that use radios with TEA2.
– TEA4 For commercial use but is hardly used.
In 2022 ETSI introduced additional algorithms, TEA 5, TEA 6 and TEA7, in order to future-proof the technology against quantum attacks. The entire set of these original and additional algorithms will be made available in the public domain as well as TAA1 (the original authentication and key management specification) and TAA2 (the new authentication and key management specification).
Each TEA version builds upon the previous one, incorporating enhancements to meet evolving user needs and address emerging challenges in communication security and efficiency.
Frequency Range from Factory:
The Motorola MTM5500 series includes several models, also serveral HW revisions, each designed to operate within specific frequency ranges. Below is a list of some common models and their corresponding frequency ranges:
Model Number – MT853C M83NFT6TZ6AN MTM5500 Remote: 350-390 MHz
Model Number – MT853C M83NFA6TZ6AN MTM5500 Data: 350-390 MHz
Model Number – MT853C M83UFA6TZ6AN MTM5500 Data: 806-870 MHz
Model Number – MT953C M83PFA6TZ6AN MTM5500 Data: 380-430 MHz
Model Number – MT953C M83PFT6TZ6AN MTM5500 Remote: 380-430 MHz
Model Number – MT533C M83RFA6TZ6AN MTM5500 Data: 410-470 MHz
Model Number – MT533C M83RFT6TZ6AN MTM5500 Remote: 410-470 MHz
Model Number – MT753C M83UFT6TZ6AN MTM5500 Remote: 806-870 MHz
Expanded Frequency Range:
Model Number – MT853C M83NFT6TZ6AN MTM5500 Remote: 350-390 MHz Do not work expanded in Ham Band
Model Number – MT853C M83NFA6TZ6AN MTM5500 Data: 350-390 MHz Do not work expanded in Ham Band
Model Number – MT853C M83UFA6TZ6AN MTM5500 Data: 806-870 MHz N/A
Model Number – MT953C M83PFA6TZ6AN MTM5500 Data: 380-440 MHz
Model Number – MT953C M83PFT6TZ6AN MTM5500 Remote: 380-440 MHz
Model Number – MT533C M83RFA6TZ6AN MTM5500 Data: 410-470 MHz Ham band covered no need expanding
Model Number – MT533C M83RFT6TZ6AN MTM5500 Remote: 410-470 MHz Ham band covered no need expanding
Model Number – MT753C M83UFT6TZ6AN MTM5500 Remote: 806-870 MHz N/A
There is also FuG version Type MT953C Model M83PFT6TZ6AN MTM5500 FuG TEA2 BOS: 380-430 MHz that most of the time comes with FW. R27.020.9063 TEA2! Before purchase ensure this radio model was cleared and preloaded with Clear firmware!
Adaptation for Ham Radio Use
The Motorola MTTM5500 is one of the most desired Tetra radio among the HamTetra comunity, easily adapted for gateway builds like SVXLink or to be used in DMO Repeater Mode
Attention! Due to the nature of the radio market, some units may originate from governmental working environments, still in use, stolen, lost, or intended for destruction but salvaged by individuals. If you notice any signs such as radio logos, initial messages, back labels, or additional markings indicating that the radio might be a “tea 2” or not a “clean radio,” do not purchase it. Instead, return the radio to the seller or report it to the nearest police station.
Only Clear radio firmware can be used for HamTetra use!!
Programming
To program the Motorola MTM5500 you will need a compatible programming cable and Motorola Tetra CPS or Motorola Tetra CPS Depot software. Additionally, for firmware upgrades, depend of existing radio firmware you need the right RPK file. Motorola MTM5500 firmware can be upgraded through Motorola Tetra CPS or Motorola Tetra CPS Depot software.
Warning!
Ethernet expansion heads are only compatible with Ethernet Remote Heads.
Do not mix the Ethernet control head with the non-Ethernet control heads.
Also ensure use of the proper Ethernet cables to connect Ethernet Expansion Head with TSCH, eCH, or another Ethernet Expansion Head
If not connected properly, transceiver can be broken
Even though mechanically possible, it is incorrect and will effect in hardware malfunction (broken transceiver).
Please refer to the Radio Quick Start Guide
Programming Cable
Programming the Motorola MTM5500 is a straightforward process thanks to the availability of dedicated programming cable.This cable facilitate seamless communication between the radio and programming software, allowing users to customize settings, configure channels, and update firmware with ease.
Programming Cable for use:
Motorola PMKN4105A Serial Programming Cable (RIBless)
Motorola HKN6184 USB Control Head Programming Cable (GCAI)
Motorola PMKN4110A MTM5200 MTM5400 MTM5500 Rear Programming Cable
Detailed information to build your own compatible MotorolaMTM5500 USB/SERIAL Data Cable was also published on the website.
Antenna Considerations
For the Motorola MTM5500 radio, two types of antennas are applicable: mobile and base station antennas. When selecting an antenna, it’s important to match it to the radio’s operating frequency
Pinout
This comprehensive list should be helpful for anyone needing to interface with the rear connector of the Motorola MTM5400.
Accessories
N/A
Operating Procedures
Please refer to the user manual Here
Interfacing with Ham Radio Networks
Motorola MTM5400 integrates perfectly into various HamTetra environments, demonstrating reliability in Direct Mode Operation (DMO), Trunked Mode Operation (TMO) and DMO Repeater Mode, ( it work as a DMO repeater also ).
Note that Motorola MTM5500 have a factory default “COR” pinout on the rear accessory connector !
Compatibility with Other Radio Manufacturers
The Motorola MTM5500 interface with radios from other manufacturers, ensuring interoperability and compatibility across diverse communication systems.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular maintenance, including battery checks, firmware updates, and cleaning, ensures optimal performance and longevity of the MTM5500. In the event of issues or malfunctions, troubleshooting procedures provided by Motorola or the HamRadio community can assist in diagnosing and resolving problems effectively.
* We do not provide programming software, licenses, additional information, or technical support beyond what is available through above published information!
