Motorola XPR 5550e VHF MOTOTRBO DMR Vehicle-Mounted Mobile Radio (136–174 MHz)
The XPR 5550e VHF is a vehicle-mounted mobile MOTOTRBO DMR radio operating on 136–174 MHz. It runs 45W high power, carries an IP54 rating, and is MIL-STD-810 C/D/E/F/G certified.
The platform weighs 1.8 kg and includes integrated GPS, Bluetooth 2.1, and Wi-Fi. It supports 1,000-channel capacity, AES256 encryption, and a 4-line color display.
VHF propagation makes it the standard choice for outdoor fleets, seaports, airports, and construction operations where coverage range across open terrain is the operating priority
Why Professionals Choose the Motorola XPR 5550e VHF
The XPR 5550e VHF is a vehicle-mounted mobile radio - 53.3×175.3×205.7 mm, 1.8 kg. It's built for fleet and site vehicles operating in outdoor environments where VHF at 136–174 MHz delivers coverage range that UHF cannot match across open terrain.
Core deployments include transportation fleets, seaport ground crews, construction site vehicles, airport perimeter operations, and campus security patrols.
High-power output reaches 45W (Capable and Enabled models). The radio runs MOTOTRBO DMR Tier II/III on a 12.5 kHz channel plan - the only configuration legal under FCC narrowbanding rules for Part 90 VHF/UHF in the USA. TDMA dual-slot doubles channel capacity on the same spectrum. Capacity Plus, Linked Capacity Plus, IP Site Connect, and Capacity Max trunking are all supported, with Connect Plus and Capacity Max Std pre-activated on Enabled models. Conventional analog and dual-mode mixed operation keep the XPR 5550e VHF compatible with legacy analog VHF systems during phased migration.
IP54 confirms splash and dust protection. MIL-STD-810 C/D/E/F/G covers the full range of vehicle-environment testing - temperature, shock, vibration, humidity, rain, salt fog, dust - verified in the Motorola Solutions official datasheet. The 4-line color display with day/night mode handles work order tickets and text messages from the driver's seat. Four programmable buttons provide one-touch access to frequently used functions.
Integrated GPS delivers cold-start TTFF under 1 minute and horizontal accuracy under 5 meters. Bluetooth 2.1 (HSP, SPP) connects wireless headsets and data accessories. Integrated Wi-Fi enables over-the-air software updates and WAVE PTX connectivity when outside MOTOTRBO system range. The 3W internal speaker handles vehicle cab audio; external speakers up to 13W (4Ω) are supported for high-noise environments.
AES256 encryption, lone worker, transmit interrupt, remote monitor, and radio disable/enable are standard safety features. The XPR 5550e VHF carries a 5-year Essential Repair and Software warranty — significantly longer than the industry standard. FCC Part 90 licensed.
Specification
General
| Frequency Range | VHF: 136–174 MHz |
| Operating Modes | DMR Tier II/III (ETSI TS 102 361-1/-2/-3), Conventional, IP Site Connect, Capacity Plus, Linked Capacity Plus, Capacity Max, Analog FM |
| Channel Capacity | Up to 1,000 |
| Channel Spacing | 12.5 kHz (25 kHz not available USA per FCC narrowbanding) |
| Power Supply | 12V DC (vehicle) |
| Current Drain — Standby | 0.81A |
| Current Drain — Receive (rated audio) | 2.0A |
| Current Drain — Transmit (1–25W) | 11.0A |
| Current Drain — Transmit (25–40W) | 14.5A |
| Dimensions (H×W×L) | 2.1 × 6.9 × 8.1 in / 53.3 × 175.3 × 205.7 mm |
| Weight | 3.9 lbs / 1.8 kg |
| Display | 4-line color alphanumeric, day/night mode |
| Programmable Buttons | 4 |
| Operating Temperature | –30°C to +60°C |
| Storage Temperature | –40°C to +85°C |
| Digital Vocoder | AMBE+2™ |
| Digital Protocol | ETSI TS 102 361-1, -2, -3 |
Transmitter
| RF Power Output — Low Power | 1–25W |
| RF Power Output — High Power | 25–45W |
| Channel Spacing | 12.5 kHz |
| Frequency Stability | ±0.5 ppm |
| FM Modulation | 11K0F3E @ 12.5 kHz |
Receiver
| Analog Sensitivity | 0.3μV (12dB SINAD) / 0.22μV typical / 0.4μV (20dB SINAD) |
| Digital Sensitivity | 5% BER @ 0.25μV (0.19μV typical) |
Compliance
| FCC Certification | FCC Part 90 (Land Mobile) |
| IP Rating | IP54 (splash-proof, dust-resistant) |
| Military Standard | MIL-STD-810 C/D/E/F/G |
| ESD | IEC 61000-4-2 Level 3 |
| Digital Standard | ETSI TS 102 361-1, -2, -3 |
| Encryption | AES256 (included) |
FCC Licensing and Compliance Support
The Motorola XPR 5550e VHF operates on licensed Land Mobile Radio frequencies under FCC Part 90. A valid FCC Business Radio License is required for each VHF frequency used in commercial vehicle operations in the United States. FCC narrowbanding rules apply — 25 kHz channel operation is not permitted on Part 90 VHF/UHF frequencies in the USA.
VHF frequencies in the 136–174 MHz range are commonly allocated for outdoor fleet, transportation, port, construction, and campus operations. Frequency coordination with existing licensees in your service area is required as part of the licensing process.
AXDIGITAL supplies the XPR 5550e VHF as a genuine, factory-sealed Motorola unit, with radio programming to your specifications and guidance on frequency coordination and FCC Part 90 requirements for MOTOTRBO deployments.
Contact our team to confirm frequency availability and bulk pricing for your vehicle fleet.
FAQ
What is the difference between the XPR 5550e VHF Capable and Enabled models?
Both Capable and Enabled models include the same hardware — VHF 136–174 MHz radio, integrated GPS, Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi, and AES256 encryption. The difference is software activation. Capable models have GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi activated but Connect Plus and Capacity Max Std are not included. Enabled models have all features pre-activated, including Connect Plus and Capacity Max Std trunking systems. Capable features can be upgraded via software licence purchase after initial purchase if your system requirements change.
Why choose VHF over UHF for the XPR 5550e?
VHF (136–174 MHz) propagates farther across open outdoor terrain and performs better through foliage and over water. It is the standard choice for transportation fleets, seaport grounds, airports, construction sites, and campuses where vehicles cover large outdoor areas. UHF (403–470 MHz) outperforms VHF inside buildings and urban structures. If your fleet operates in both environments, confirm the dominant use case before selecting the frequency band.
Can the XPR 5550e VHF work as a desktop base station?
Yes. With an optional desk tray (RSN4005 or GLN7318) and a compatible power supply (GPN6145 or HPN4007), the XPR 5550e VHF operates as a desktop or fixed base station from AC mains power. This is used in dispatch offices, site command posts, and reception desks. An appropriate VHF external antenna is also required. Contact AXDIGITAL for a complete base station configuration quote.