Back
APX 6500 Information Guide
Product Catalog
Jump to ...
  • Model
  • Ordering Information
  • Software & Services
Back
APX 6500 Information Guide

Model

APX6500
  • APX6500
  • O3_CH_OM

ASTRO® Digital APX 6500 Mobile Subscriber
700/800 MHz (10 – 35 Watts)
VHF - 136 -174 (10-50, 25 - 100 Watts)
UHFR1 - 380-470 (10-40, 25 -110 Watts)
UHF R2 450-520 (10-45 Watts)

Secure and Trunked Radio Systems

Ordering Information

Features

Standard Features
• Up to 870 Channels
• Available in Single-Band Operation
• Trunking Standards supported:

Clear or digital encrypted ASTRO® 25 Trunked Operation
Capable of SmartZone®, SmartZone Omnilink, SmartNet®

• Analog MDC-1200 and Digital APCO P25 Conventional System Configurations
• Narrow and wide bandwidth digital receiver
         (6.25kHz/12.5kHz/25kHz)
• Embedded digital signaling (ASTRO and ASTRO 25)
• Integrated GPS capable*
• Intelligent lighting
• Radio profiles
• Unified Call List
• Meets applicable MIL-specs 810C, D, E, F and G
• Ships standard IP54
• Utilizes Windows XP and Vista Customer Programming Software (CPS)
• Supports USB Communications
• Built in FLASHport™ support
• Re-use of most XTL™ accessories
• Standard ADP
• Voice Announcements

*Features is dependant on a specific ordered option (GA00229).

Optional Features
• Enhanced Encryption Capability
• Programming over Project 25 (POP25)
• Text Messaging
• Over the Air Re-Key (OTAR)
• Tactical Over the Air Re-Key (OTAR)
• Radio Trace
• Trunked One Touch Button
• Radio Authentication
• 12 character RF ID asset tracking

FLASHport®
All ASTRO Digital APX 6500 Mobiles are part of the FLASHport® program and ship standard with a FLASH EE Prom, which allows for feature and system upgrades (contingent upon remaining within the current RF capabilities of the radio)

****NOTE: The APX 6500 digital radios require either a SOFTWARE KEY (QA01749) OR HARDWARE KEY (QA01648) to be ordered to operate/program on a trunking system.  IF QA01648-  HARDWARE KEY is ORDERED, SUPPLEMENTAL DATA is required to be entered.  Also, an Advanced System Keys (ASK- DVN4046) will be required to be ordered.   ****

****NOTE: The APX 6500 digital radios require Advanced System Keys (ASK) to be configured to operate/program on a trunking system. 

Advanced System Key

FCC Information

Band/Model Power Output FCC Certification Emissions Applicable Rules
700 MHz: 764-776 MHz 794-806 MHz 800 MHz: 806-824 MHz 851-870 MHz 700 MHz: 3.5 - 30 Watts 800 MHz: 3.5 - 35 Watts AZ492FT5858 8K10F1D, 8K10F1E, 8K10F1W,11K0F3E, 16K0F3E, 20K0F1E 22 (800 MHz Band ONLY), 90
VHF: 136 - 174 MHz 10 – 50 Watts AZ492FT3824 8K10F1D, 8K10F1E, 8K10F1W,11K0F3E, 16K0F3E, 20K0F1E 22, 80, 90
25 – 100 Watts AZ492FT3821
UHF R1: 380 - 470 MHz 10 - 40 Watts AZ492FT4894 8K10F1D, 8K10F1E, 8K10F1W,11K0F3E, 16K0F3E, 20K0F1E 22,74, 90, 90.210
25 - 110 Watts AZ492FT4897
UHF R2: 450 - 520 MHz 15 - 45 Watts AZ495FT4896 8K10F1D, 8K10F1E, 8K10F1W,11K0F3E, 16K0F3E, 20K0F1E 22,74, 90, 90.210

 

Except for Itinerant and low-power incident channels.

** Itinerant & Low-Power Incident Channels (Old Band Plan)

Channel Number Frequency Range (MHz)
1 - 2 764 - 764.075
949 - 960 775.925 - 776
961 - 972 794 - 794.075
1909 - 1920 805.925 - 806

 

ALL ITEMS REQUIRE AN EXPORT LICENSE TO BE EXPORTED FROM THE UNITED STATES/CANADA

General Information

Operating Modes

ASTRO Digital APX 6500 Radio Models are capable of operating in four different voice communication modes:

  • 3.6KB ASTRO Digital (both clear and coded voice)
  • 9.6 KB ASTRO 25 Digital  (both Clear and Coded voice)
  • 9.6KB 12.5kHz 2 slot digital TDMA (both clear and coded voice).
  • Will be capable of APCO25 Phase 2 functionality in future software releases.
  • Normal Analog (clear voice)

TDMA

FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access) is a proven technology that is widely used today in radio systems and is part of APCO 25 Project 25 Phase 1 standard. FDMA carries one call per channel. TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) will be part of P25 Phase 2 standard and provides double the voice capacity as 2 calls can share 1 channel. Customers can add more users to their systems without the need of additional frequencies or infrastructure. The APX radios support both P25 Phase 1 and TDMA technologies seamlessly. Using Motorola's unique Dynamic Dual Mode (DDM) capability, the radios dynamically switch between FDMA and TDMA without the user having to change channels. This provides interoperability on demand with existing and future networks.

FLASHport AFTERMARKET UPGRADES

The ASTRO Digital APX 6500 Mobile Series Radios are part of the FLASHport Program.  This means that ASTRO Digital APX 6500 hardware models can be loaded with different software packages that provide the features and functionalities that our customers require. 

System Enhancement Options can be loaded at the time of radio purchase or at a later date through the use of software field upgrades (a USB cable is required for all software upgrades.)  The ASTRO Digital APX 6500 Mobile can be upgraded electronically in the field with new features in the current system or to new systems operation (contingent upon remaining within the same RF sub-band) by ordering upgrade kits.

Ordering Requirements

Here is an example of a Mid Power APCO P25 Trunking Equipped Radio (Dash Mount w/ O5 control head)

1 M25URS9PW1 N ASTRO APX 6500 SINGLE BAND 7/800 Comments
1A G806 SOFTWARE ASTRO DIGITAL CAI OPERATION Select Operation Mode
1B G51 SMARTZONE OPERATION Select System Enhancement Software
1C G361 ASTRO PROJECT 25 TRUNKING SOFTWARE Select an Optional System Enhancement Software
1D QA01749 ADVANCED SYSTEM KEY - SOFTWARE Select and Advanced System Key Option
1E G442 O5 CONTROL HEAD Select Control Head Hardware
1F G444 CONTROL HEAD SOFTWARE Select Control Head Software
1G G66 DASH MOUNT Select Mounting Type
1H G174 ANTENNA 3DB LOW-PROFILE 764-870MHZ Select Antenna
1I W22 PALM MICROPHONE Select Microphone
1J B18 AUXILARY SPKR SPECTRA 7.5 WATT Select Speaker

 

Order the APX 6500 Mobile Series as the main line item.

  • You must choose an Operation Mode
  • You  must choose an System Enhancement Software package
  • You must choose an Advanced System Key option if Smartzone Operation is selected.
  • A control head must be selected or no control head needed must be selected.
  • Control Head Software must be selected
  • All Mid Power radios must choose mounting type.  High Power radios include a quick release remote mount trunion.
  • A antenna selection is required for all radios.  G89, no antenna needed, is a valid antenna selection.
  • You must choose a microphone selection.  G90, no microphone needed, is a valid microphone selection.
  • You must choose a speaker selection.  G142, no speaker needed, is a valid speaker selection.
  • Note - APX Radios ship with 12 month standard warranty.

Software & Services

Common Software Features Supported By

G51 "SmartZone"

RADIO WIDE FEATURES
Maximum Modes
ASTRO Digital APX 6500 870 870 870 870
Analog and Digital Operation Yes Yes Yes Yes
12.5/20/25 KHz Programmable Channels Yes Yes Yes Yes
Secure Capable Yes Yes (Digital Only) Yes (Digital Only) Yes (Digital Only)
One Touch Operation Yes Yes Yes Yes
Real Time Clock Yes Yes Yes Yes
Surveillance Mode Yes Yes Yes Yes
Radio Lock Yes Yes Yes Yes
Smart Battery Yes Yes Yes Yes
Radio Wide Transmit Inhibit Yes Yes Yes Yes
Time Out Timer Yes Yes Yes Yes
FLASHport Yes Yes Yes Yes
ANALOG CONVENTIONAL FEATURES
Conventional Features are additional radio wide features beyond those specified above.
CSQ/PL/DPL Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dual Priority Channel Scan Yes Yes Yes Yes
Adaptive Power Control No Yes Yes Yes
Repeater/Talkaround Operation Yes Yes Yes Yes
Scan (Auto, Pre-programmed, Operator Selectable) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Smart PTT Yes Yes Yes Yes
Monitor Yes Yes Yes Yes
DTMF Tone Generation Yes Yes Yes Yes
DTMF Signaling Future Future Future Future
Quick-Call Signaling Future Future Future Future
DIGITAL CONVENTIONAL SIGNALING FEATURES
These features are APCO Project 25 Conventional Interoperable Features when used in the ASTRO Digital CAI Mode (G806).
Unaddressed Voice Call (Dispatch Call) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Talk Group Call Yes Yes Yes Yes
Group Call Alert™ Yes Yes Yes Yes
Talk Group Identification (TGID) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Selective Call (Individual Voice Call) MDC-1200 Only Yes Yes Yes
Selective Call Decode (Individual Voice Call) MDC-1200 Only Yes Yes Yes
PTT ID (Individual Identification) MDC-1200 Only Yes Yes Yes
Call Alert Encode/Decode MDC-1200 Only Yes Yes Yes
Emergency Alarm w/Channel Revert & Acknowledgement MDC-1200 Only Yes Yes Yes
Telephone Interconnect Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manual Phone Number Entry Dual Display Only Yes Yes Yes
Selective Radio Inhibit MDC-1200 Only Yes Yes Yes
Radio Check MDC-1200 Only Yes Yes Yes
Status/Message MDC-1200 Only Yes Yes Yes
Trunking Type II Only Features
Maximum Number of Trunked Systems-20 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Talkgroup Calls Yes Yes Yes Yes
PTT ID *Included Yes Yes Yes Yes
Call Alert Encode/Decode Yes Yes Yes Yes
Analog/Digital Dual Mode Scan No Yes Yes Yes
Failsoft by Talkgroup Yes Yes Yes Yes
Telephone Interconnect Encode/Decode Yes Yes Yes Yes
System Wide Call (Receive Only) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Selective Radio Inhibit Yes Yes Yes Yes
Priority Monitor Scan Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dynamic Regrouping Yes Yes Yes Yes
Status/Message Yes Yes Status Only Status Only
Private/Enhanced Conversation Encode/Decode Yes Yes Yes Yes
Remote Monitor/Radio Trace Yes Yes Future Future
Reprogram Request Yes Yes Yes Yes
G51 "SmartZone"
Trunking Type II Only Features
SmartZone Automatic Site Registration Yes Yes Yes Yes
SmartZone RSSI Operation Yes Yes Yes Yes
SmartZone Preferred Site Yes Yes Yes Yes
SmartZone Forced Site Search Yes Yes Yes Yes
SmartZone Site Lock/Unlock Yes Yes Yes Yes
SmartZone Adjacent Control Channel OSW Yes Yes Yes Yes
Emergency Alarm Call Receive Indication Yes Yes Yes Yes

 

CHANNEL SPACING
There are no maximum frequency separation conditions that must be adhered to on the APX 6500 Mobile series. Separation of frequencies can be as wide as the allowable band per radio model with no degradation of any performance specifications. If an incorrect antenna is used, degraded performance may be experienced.

PROJECT 25 ENCRYPTION
The mode of operation is programmed on a channel-by-channel basis. With the coded/clear switch set to the clear mode, the ASTRO Digital APX6500 radio is capable of transmitting clear analog voice or clear (unencrypted) ASTRO Digital voice, depending on the channel programming. With the coded/clear switch set to the coded mode, the ASTRO Digital APX 6500 radio will transmit ASTRO Digital encryption depending on the channel programming. ASTRO Digital encryption provides secure communications. ASTRO Digital Encryption (operation in encrypted mode while also operation in 3.6KB or 9.6KB and TDMA ASTRO mode) is capable of XL type encryptions; ASTRO Digital Encryptions does not operate with non-XL encryptions.

An encryption option is not required for either clear analog operation or clear ASTRO Digital operation. ASTRO Digital APX 6500 radio functions include selected ASTRO digital signaling and digital speech coding. 

When ordering any of the Encryption Algorithms:

  • The DES-OFB and AES encryption algorithms offered are compliant with digital Project 25 standards and does not support analog encryption operation.
  • Requires the ASTRO Digital CAI (G806) to operate the DES-OFB and AES encryption. 

If ordering a Dual Encryption:

  • The non-OFB encryption (XL versions) can be operated in either analog, or CAI digital mode, but will not be Project 25 compliant. 
  • Requires the Multikey (W969). 

When used in CAI mode, the non-OFB Encryption will not be Project 25 compliant. 

  • Encryption Algorithms can be ordered later via Flash Port.

FIPS 140-2 Compliance
Encryption Modules equipped with AES are FIPS 140-2 compliant. Details regarding the certification, and copies of the relevant certificates, can be obtained on the NIST website at:  http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/validation.html.
Further information regarding FIPS 140-2 certification may be found using  the following link - FIPS 140-2 Crypto Module Validation Program (CMVP) http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/index.html

ASTRO Text Messaging Service
ASTRO Text Messaging Service is available on the ASTRO 25 APX 6500 mobile radios with the O5 control head (single and dual-control head) and O3 control head. Text Messaging Service (TMS) allows subscriber users to send and receive text messages to other subscribers or dispatch operators. Users can select messages and addresses from a predefined list or enter freeform text messages and addresses via the keypad. Text Messaging Service is available on ASTRO Trunked IV&D Systems and Subscribers. 

For full Text Messaging functionality, including freeform text messaging and addressing, must order O3 Control Head or O5 Control Head with Keypad Microphone.  O5 Control Head without the Keypad Microphone supports Limited Text Messaging functionality such as selecting predefined messages or addresses from a list programmed in the radio. 

Ordering requirements for APX 6500 Mobile:

  • Requires O5 Control Head (G442) or O3 Control Head (G72)
  • Full functionality including free form messaging requires the Keypad Microphone (W20) for O5 Control Head
  • ASTRO Digital CAI Operation (G806)
  • SmartZone Operation (G51)
  • ASTRO Project 25 Trunking 9600 Software (G361)
  • Packet Data Interface (W947)

NOTE:  There is no specific option to order for the Text Messaging Service on the subscribers as the functionality is included in the Packet Data option.

Outdoor Personnel Location Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Feature
The personnel outdoor location tracking GPS feature enables a dispatcher the ability to locate on-foot patrols and out of the vehicle officers who are involved in life threatening situations. The radio user’s GPS position information is sent over the ASTRO 25 Integrated Voice & Data (IV&D) network and is delivered to the dispatch operator using a third party mapping display application at the dispatch center (Mapping Application is not yet available through Motorola at this time, however an Application Developers Tool Kit is available for 3rd party vendors to use to modify existing applications.  See link below for more details.)   It is possible to the user to determine their own location (latitude/longitude) through the use of the location menu.

Ordering GPS for APX 6500 Mobile Requires:

  • Enable Internal GPS Operation (GA00782)
  • Packet Data Interface (W947)

NOTE:
The GPS feature uses radio signals from earth orbiting satellites, to establish the location co-ordinates maximizing your view of clear.  Unobstructed sky is essential for optimum performance. When adequate signals from multiple satellites are not available, (usually because you cannot establish a wide area view of the sky), the GPS feature WILL NOT WORK.   Such situations include but are not limited to: 

  • Underground locations
  • Inside of buildings, trains, or other covered vehicles
  • Under any other metal or concrete roof or structure
  • Between tall buildings or under dense tree-cover

VHF SELF-QUIETING SPURS

Frequencies (MHz)
168.000MHz

Note: There are no self-quieting spurs for 700/800 MHz.

CPS INFORMATION

****Please note that a NEW version of CPS (RVN5224) is required for initial customer orders for this product. This new version of CPS is required for the APX radio shipments. ****

MOTOROLA, MOTO, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2019 Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.