A Detailed Comparison For Motorola R2 and DEP450

A Detailed Comparison For Motorola R2 and DEP450

DEP450, as well, know as XIR P3688, CP200D and DP1400. And R2 is the newer Mototrbo line products of Motorola. You may have a question, which one should I choose for my usage? Which one is better?

Here’s a more detailed and specific comparison of the MOTOTRBO DEP450 and MOTOTRBO R2 based on the provided specifications:

1. Build and Durability

• DEP450:

• IP Rating: IP54 (Splashproof and dustproof). Suitable for most standard work environments, but not as resilient to water exposure as the R2.

• Mil-Std Compliance: No detailed military standards compliance mentioned, but the radio is designed for  everyday rugged use.

• Weight:

• NiMH 1400mAh: 14.3 oz (406 g)

• Li-Ion 1600mAh: 12.1 oz (341 g)

• Li-Ion 2200mAh: 12.2 oz (346 g)

• R2:

• IP Rating: IP55 (More robust against dust and water exposure than IP54). It's designed to       handle exposure to water jets, making it more suited for harsher environments.

• Mil-Std Compliance: Meets Mil-Std-810 across 11 environmental conditions (e.g., high/low temperature,  humidity, shock, vibration, dust, salt fog, etc.).

• Weight: Less than 11 oz  (approx. 311 g) with a high-capacity battery. The R2 is lighter and       more compact than the DEP450, which is a significant factor in mobility and comfort, especially in active environments.

2. Audio and Communication Features

• DEP450:

• Audio: Standard audio output with 0.5 W internal speaker.

• Noise Cancellation: No advanced noise cancellation features, but it includes basic features like X-Pand (audio expansion) and digital scrambler for privacy.

• Signaling:

• MDC-1200 Signaling: Includes PTT-ID (encode), Radio Check (decode), and Selective Radio Inhibit  (decode).

• Quik-Call II: Call Alert and  Voice Selective Call (decode).

• VOX (Voice Operated Transmission):  Internal VOX functionality for hands-free operation.

• Channel Capacity: 16 channels with programmable buttons for customization.

• R2:

• Audio: The R2 features superior audio with a high-output speaker. It provides loud and clear communication, and includes SINC+ Noise Cancellation  (advanced algorithm to filter out disruptive background noise, crucial for noisy environments).

• Noise Cancellation: SINC+ Noise Suppression uses advanced algorithms to eliminate background noise,  enhancing clarity, especially near industrial machinery.

• Audio Profiles: The R2 offers selectable audio profiles to customize sound based on the user's environment,  amplifying low, middle, or high frequencies as needed.

• VOX: Similar VOX functionality, designed for hands-free use.

• Channel Capacity: Also has 16 channels, but with more flexibility in managing worksite       communication.

3. Battery Life and Power

• DEP450:

• Battery Life (based on 5/5/90 duty cycle):

• NiMH 1400 mAh (Analog: 9 hrs, Digital: 11.5 hrs).

• Li-Ion 1600 mAh (Analog: 10.5 hrs, Digital: 13.5 hrs).

• Li-Ion 2200 mAh (Analog: 14.5 hrs, Digital: 18.5 hrs).

• Battery Power: The Li-ion 2200 mAh offers the longest battery life, providing extended usage in       high-power operations.

• R2:

• Battery Life: The R2 is designed for full-shift usage with high-density battery that lasts through an entire workday.

• The battery is compact and lightweight, helping to reduce overall weight, while still providing long-lasting power.

• It includes an LED indicator to signal low battery status, so users are always aware when the radio is running low.

4. Performance and Coverage

• DEP450:

• Frequency Range:

• VHF (136-174 MHz), UHF (403-470 MHz), and UHF Band 2 (450-527 MHz).

• Output Power:

• Low Power: 1W.

• High Power: 4W (UHF), 5W (VHF).

• Receiver Sensitivity:

• Analog: 0.3 µV.

• Digital: 0.25 µV.

• Intermodulation: 70 dB.

• Adjacent Channel Selectivity: 45 dB @ 12.5 kHz.

• R2:

• Frequency Range: Similar frequency bands as DEP450, offering VHF and UHF options.

• Output Power:

• Low Power: 1W.

• High Power: 4W (UHF), 5W (VHF).

• Receiver Sensitivity:

• Analog: 0.22 µV.

• Digital: 0.19 µV.

• Intermodulation: 70 dB (same as DEP450).

• Adjacent Channel Selectivity: 45 dB @ 12.5 kHz (similar performance to DEP450).

• Superior Coverage: The R2 features  better receiver sensitivity and higher efficiency antennas       for longer range and clearer audio, especially in challenging environments with high interference.

5. Durability and Environmental Ratings

• DEP450:

• Operating Temperature: -30°C to +60°C.

• Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C.

• Rated IP54 for dust and water protection, suitable for general industrial use.

• R2:

• Operating Temperature: -30°C to  +60°C (similar to DEP450).

• Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C.

• IP55 Rating: Slightly better than DEP450, offering protection against water jets in addition to dust.

• Meets Mil-Std 810 for environmental durability (rain,  shock, vibration, salt fog, humidity, etc.), making it more suited to extreme conditions like construction sites, factories, and outdoor       environments.

6. Usability Features

• DEP450:

• Programmable Buttons: 2 programmable side buttons for quick access to frequently used features       (e.g., PTT, Channel Switch).

• Busy Channel Lockout: Ensures that the radio cannot transmit on a busy channel.

• Dedicated RX Channel: Ensures a clear reception without interference.

• Time-Out Timer: To avoid blocking the channel.

• R2:

• Ergonomics: Slim, lightweight design with a curved PTT button for easy, quick activation.

• Remote Speaker Microphone (RSM): A  purpose-built accessory for communication without reaching for the radio.

• Selectable Audio Profiles: Offers the ability to fine-tune audio for the user's specific work environment.

7. System Compatibility and Integration

• DEP450:

• Compatible with Motorola's Radio Management Suite for fleet management.

• Supports Analog Scrambling and Basic Digital Privacy  for secure communication.

• R2:

• Compatible with MOTOTRBO chargers and accessories for seamless integration with existing equipment (such as CP200d).

• Supports similar Radio Management capabilities but with an emphasis on low-cost migration for mixed fleets.

8. Special Features

• DEP450:

• Analog and Digital Mode for  versatile communication.

• Dual Capacity Direct Mode (DCDM) to double the capacity of a 12.5 kHz channel.

• MDC-1200 and Quik-Call II Signaling for enhanced communication functionality.

• R2:

• SINC+ Noise Cancellation and Selectable Audio Profiles for superior clarity in loud environments.

• Remote Speaker Microphone (RSM), Loud Audio, and Slim Ergonomic Design for ease of use.

• LED Battery Indicator and Full-Shift  Battery Life to ensure reliability throughout a workday.

Summary of Differences

1. Durability: The R2 has a higher IP rating (IP55) and meets Mil-Std-810 compliance, making it more rugged than the DEP450 (IP54).

2. Audio: The R2 features advanced SINC+ noise cancellation, superior loudness, and audio profile      customization, while the DEP450 has more basic audio functionality with limited noise filtering.

3. Battery Life: The R2 provides a full-shift battery life with LED low-battery indication, while the DEP450 offers variable battery life based on the battery type (up to 18.5 hours).

4. Usability: The R2 is more ergonomic with a larger curved PTT button and optional Remote      Speaker Microphone for hands-free use. The DEP450 is more utilitarian with programmable buttons and basic features.

5. Range and Coverage: The R2 has superior receiver sensitivity and antenna design,  ensuring better range and audio clarity, especially in noisy environments.

6. Environmental Suitability: The R2  is better suited for harsh outdoor environments, offering more      robust protection against water, dust, and extreme temperatures.

The R2 is generally designed for more demanding environments (construction, large factories, etc.), whereas the DEP450 serves as a more affordable, basic solution for everyday industrial use.