The Motorola CDM Mobile Radio Index page

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Mobile Radio Index Page
Compiled by Robert Meister WA1MIK
from information provided by several people
including Mike Morris WA6ILQ.
Maintained by Mike Morris WA6ILQ

DONATIONS OF INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY PDFs OF MANUALS WE DON'T HAVE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Comments / critiques / suggestions / corrections to this page are welcome.

The CDM-series of mobile radios are great radios... they were introduced in 1999 and were the follow-on series to the MaxTrac / Radius / GM300 product line. The CDMs were the mobile radios in the "Professional Series" product line which also included the HT750, the HT1250, and the HT1550 handhelds and used the same CPS. The code name used in the development of the Professional Series was "Waris" and you will find references to the Waris Series on other web pages.

Unfortunately all CDM support has been discontinued as of June 2015. Parts are limited. Somewhere around 2001-2003 the CDMs were replaced in the sales book by the XPR series and the CM200, CM300 and PR400 series of mobile radios (anybody know the actual XPR or CM introduction date?).

If anyone has additional hints / tricks / gotcha's, manuals or documents on the CDM or Waris radios we'd be happy to post them... You can be credited or anonymous, your choice - please contact the page maintainer listed above.
For example, a step-by-step article on how to recover from the "EEPRM CS ERROR" situation would be useful.
Yet another example would be a step-by-step procedure to stretch the lower limit of the 450-512 MHz "S" range radios down to 440 MHz. without losing receiver sensitivity or transmitter power.
Another would be a step-by-step conversion of the 217-222 MHz CDM to cover 219-225 MHz.

Anybody have any Service / Repair Notes or Field Service Bulletins to share?

Programming the CDM series:

	The CDM radios are programmed by HVN9025 Professional Radio CPS which runs under Windows 95, 98, XP, 7 and 10. That CPS also programs these: CDM750, CDM1250, CDM1550, HT750, HT1250, HT1550, MTX, EX500, EX600, EX600XLS, PRO5150, PRO7150, PRO9150, GP320, GP340, GP360, GP380, GP318, GP338, GP640, GP680, GP1280. Revision R06.12.05 (released in December 2011) is the one to look for as it is the last one that allows wide or narrow selection on a per-channel basis (it also fixed a number of problems including the 64 bit Windows USB problems (it can use COM1-16), and it can be found "out there". We have the 6.12.05 Release Note (25 KB PDF, opens in a new window). I was told that revision 6.12.08 and later locks you to the 12.5 KHz unless you have a wideband entitlement key from Motorola. This "feature" will bite you in the behind if you purchase a radio that was last programmed with 6.12.08 or later - you can't back up on CPS revisions. The last one was Revision R06.12.09. I have been told that the only difference between revisions 6.12.05 and the later revisions is the forced narrowband, the addition of a few newer model numbers into the internal tables and into the directory that has the sample codeplug files. Unless you really need something in a later release there is no need to go anything newer then 6.12.05. While Motorola wants you to purchase their RIB-less programming cable (model RKN4081C) you don't need to. Your existing Maxtrac / Radius LRA / GM300 cable will work just fine for everything except firmware upgrades. If you don't have a cable then get this one. FTDI based cables don't need any funny drivers, they just plain work.
	When programming a CDM mobile or a Waris handheld do NOT touch anything until you get the second set of beeps after loading a codeplug. The radio will beep when the programming load is complete, then the radio will reset itself and restart. That restart concludes with another beep. WAIT for that second / post-restart beep! If you start unplugging cables or shut off the power in-between the beeps you stand a good chance of corrupting the radio... This is the voice of experience. One caution: Do not let the power fail while programming the radio, ESPECIALLY while loading firmware. The author programs radios with a laptop (that has a good battery) and runs the radio off of a battery. Second caution: If you have a remote head or dual head environment Moto recommends that you disconnect any dual head kits or remote kits while programming. They say to use a local head only while programming and ESPECIALLY while loading firmware.
	The front panel microphone connector (photo) on a CDM is a 10 pin, not the normal 8 pin (but your 8-pin programming cable will work just fine). The 10 pin connector plug body (photo) is the same size / width as the standard 8 pin and at first glance you won't realize that it's a 10 pin connector. The additional 2 pins are only used by the DTMF microphone for the CDM (but it's only a 12 button microphone).

Articles, Modifications and Other Information:

Some CDM notes from Mike WA6ILQ

The CDM-series rear panel Accessory Connector by Robert W. Meister WA1MIK
Note that the pin numbering is NOT what you would expect... they added 2 pins on each side of the Maxtrac / GM300 16 pin connector...

How to Remove a Motorola UHF CDM 1250/1550 Password By Dennis Rogers N5VRP 107 KB PDF
Dennis's radio group bought a CDM on eBay that was passworded... they got around it. While this prodedure was written about his experience with a CDM this process will work on any Waris family radio... your page maintainer has successfully used it on a 10 meter HT750 handheld.

Making the CDM-series Radios Operate Out Of Band by Joel Huntley WA1ZYX (offsite link)
This method requires just some simple hex-editing.

Additional information regarding the above out of band mods 35 kB PDF by James Lawrence NA5RC
Especially important if you are running CPS Revision 6.12.05, which you should be...

Invalid Region Code error? 82 kB PDF by James Lawrence NA5RC
Some CDMs sold on popular auction sites often come from foreign markets and can't be programmed with the standard software distributed in North America. The CPS throws up a big error message. Here's a simple fix using RegEdit (which comes with Windows).

Manuals, Brochures, Guides, and Other Printed Material:

Motorola CDM Series Product Overview 3.3 MB PDF
This is a sales document produced to go along with the introduction of the CDM mobiles in 1999.

CDM series brochure 1.8 MB PDF
Covers the CDM750, CDM1250, CDM1550, CDM1550LS+ models on low band, VHF, UHF, 200, 700 MHz. 2014 vintage.

CDM Series "MotoTurbo" Product Brochure 542KB PDF
This is the official "Professional Series" mobiles product brochure. Not shown is the CDR700 update to the dual-GM300-based tabletop repeater (the GR300) or the dual-CDM CDR500 replacement for the wall-mount GR500. CDR500 External Photo CDR500 Internal Photo CDR700 photo 1 and CDR700 photo 2. Both could be configured as in-band repeat, one-way-crossband-repeat or bidirectional-crossband-repeat. The available acccessory modules that fit into the CDR500 or the top slot of the CDR700 are the same as offered in the GR300.

CDM Product Line Model Number Decoder 473 KB PDF
This was extracted from the Basic and Detailed service manuals listed below and compiled by Mike WA6ILQ.
If anyone has any of the other region codes he'd appreciate an email.

Standardized Display Nomenclature on the CDM1250 and CDM1550 series radios By Matt Lechliter W6XC 560 KB PDF
The CDM1250 and CDM1550 have a 14 character LCD display. Here's how one system uses it on their repeater and link radios.

CDM and PRO-series Basic Service Manual 3.8 MB PDF
This basic manual covers all CDM and PRO series mobile radios. 6881091C62-E 2012 vintage.

CDM and PRO-series Detailed Service Manual 30.1 MB PDF
This manual covers the Low band, VHF and UHF CDM and PRO series mobile radios. 6881091C63-C 2007 vintage.

CDR500 Wall Mount Repeater & CDR700 Desktop Repeater Service/Programming Manual 1.84 MB PDF 6864110R66-O 2001 vintage.
Moto used dual CDMs to replace the dual GM300s in the GR500 and renamed the box as the CDR500.
Likewise the GR300 became the CDR700. This manual was the guide to the field upgrade kits.
It has a lot of info on the interfacing to the CDMs, plus info on the various add-in controllers: the RICK (HLN3333), ZR310, i20R, ZR340,
HPN9005, HKPN4000, HKPN4001 and the HKN9033. It has almost nothing on the internals of the CDM radios.

CDM-series Remote Mount Kit RLN4801 & RLN4802 400 kB PDF 6864110B51-A 2002 vintage.
These kits are the control head extension kits for all CDM-series and some CDM-based GM-series mobile radios.
The RLN4801 is for the CDM750, the RLN4802 is for the CDM1250 and CDM1550 models.
The kits DO NOT include the cable between the head and the radio - that must be ordered separately.
The available cables are 3, 5 and 7 meters long (9.8 feet, 16.4 feet, and 22.9 feet. Page 3 of the PDF has the information.

CDM750 User Guide 1 MB PDF
Not band specific. 6881091C54-A 2003 vintage.

CDM750 Specification Sheet 145 kB PDF
Low Band, VHF and UHF. 2012 vintage.

CDM1250 User Guide 1.3 MB PDF
Not band specific. 6881091C55-B 2003 vintage.

CDM1250 Specification Sheet 60 kB PDF
Low Band, VHF and UHF. 2006 vintage.

CDM1550 Brochure 607 kB PDF
VHF, UHF, 200 and 700 MHz. 2003 vintage.

CDM1550 User Guide 1.3 MB PDF
Not band specific.

CDM Series Control Station Service and Installation Manual 3.99 MB PDF
This manual covers the Control Station (commercial base station) - a CDM in a box with a power supply. Not band specific. 6880309N15-A

Low Band CDM1550 Specification Sheet 90 kB PDF

CDM Basic Service manual 6881091C62-E 3.8 MB PDF

CDM Detailed Service manual 6881091C63-C 30.1 MB PDF

"200" MHz CDM1550LS+ User Manual 2.85 MB PDF

CDM1550LS+ 200 and 700 MHz Basic Service Manual (we don't have a copy yet)
This manual covers both the 200 MHz (model AAM25MHF4DP5AN) and 700 MHz CDM1550 LS+ (model AAM255HF4DP5AN) radios. 6864110R16.
The "200" MHz model was the 25 watt 217-222 MHz CDM1550LS+ (model AAM25MHF4DP5AN) radio that was made only in narrowband and 12.5 KHz channel spacing.
They didn't even install the wideband receive parts. It CAN be moved to the 219-225 MHz amateur band, but you will need to acquire wideband surface mount IF filters and swap them, and then do some software / firmware tweaks to move the band edges and enable 20 KHz spacing. Note that Motorola no longer stocks that exact wideband filter but it can be scavenged from a dead VHF or UHF hulk, or a differently packaged but electrically similar unit can be used.
More info in the "Notes" article above.

CDM1550LS+ 200 & 700 MHz Detailed Service Manual 55.8 MB PDF
This manual covers the 200 MHz (model AAM25MHF4DP5AN) and 700 MHz CDM1550 LS+ (model AAM255HF4DP5AN) radios. 6864110R14-O.

CDM Accessories:
This is what the spec sheets recommend:

	AARMN4025 Standard Compact Microphone (but your existing Maxtrac / Radius / GM300 microphone will work just fine)
	AARMN4026 Enhanced DTMF Keypad Microphone This 12-button DTMF mic has a 10 pin plug and will not work correctly on anything but a CDM.
	AARMN4038 Heavy Duty Microphone
	AAREX4617 Telephone Style Handset with Hang-Up Cup
	HMN3000B Desk Mike for control stations 3 MB PDF Of course this has been discontinued but was replaced by the RMN5068A.
	RSN4001 13 Watt External Loudspeaker
	HSN8145 7.5 Watt External Speaker
	GLN7324 Standard Low Profile Bracket (VHF/UHF) This will not work on a low band CDM.
	GLN7317 High Profile Mounting Bracket (VHF/UHF) This will not work on a low band CDM.
	RLN4779 Key Lock Mounting Bracket (VHF/UHF) This will not work on a low band CDM.
	CDR500 and CDR700 Accessories 93 kB PDF The wallmount CDR500 and desktop/tabletop CDR700 prepackaged repeaters were based on dual CDMs. The various items listed in this document are relevant to both the CDM radio and for the CDR500 and the CDR700.
	CDM750, CDM1250, CDM1550 Parts Lists and Accessories 381 kB PDF

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The combined CDM / CM page was created 07-Oct-2016 from material on the main Motorola page.
The CM series material was moved to its own page in October of 2021

This web page, this web site, the information presented in and on its pages and in these modifications and conversions is © Copyrighted 1995 and (date of last update) by Kevin Custer W3KKC and multiple originating authors. All Rights Reserved, including that of paper and web publication elsewhere.

	Some CDM notes from Mike WA6ILQ
	The CDM-series rear panel Accessory Connector by Robert W. Meister WA1MIK Note that the pin numbering is NOT what you would expect... they added 2 pins on each side of the Maxtrac / GM300 16 pin connector...
	How to Remove a Motorola UHF CDM 1250/1550 Password By Dennis Rogers N5VRP 107 KB PDF Dennis's radio group bought a CDM on eBay that was passworded... they got around it. While this prodedure was written about his experience with a CDM this process will work on any Waris family radio... your page maintainer has successfully used it on a 10 meter HT750 handheld.
	Making the CDM-series Radios Operate Out Of Band by Joel Huntley WA1ZYX (offsite link) This method requires just some simple hex-editing.
	Additional information regarding the above out of band mods 35 kB PDF by James Lawrence NA5RC Especially important if you are running CPS Revision 6.12.05, which you should be...
	Invalid Region Code error? 82 kB PDF by James Lawrence NA5RC Some CDMs sold on popular auction sites often come from foreign markets and can't be programmed with the standard software distributed in North America. The CPS throws up a big error message. Here's a simple fix using RegEdit (which comes with Windows).

	Motorola CDM Series Product Overview 3.3 MB PDF This is a sales document produced to go along with the introduction of the CDM mobiles in 1999.
	CDM series brochure 1.8 MB PDF Covers the CDM750, CDM1250, CDM1550, CDM1550LS+ models on low band, VHF, UHF, 200, 700 MHz. 2014 vintage.
	CDM Series "MotoTurbo" Product Brochure 542KB PDF This is the official "Professional Series" mobiles product brochure. Not shown is the CDR700 update to the dual-GM300-based tabletop repeater (the GR300) or the dual-CDM CDR500 replacement for the wall-mount GR500. CDR500 External Photo CDR500 Internal Photo CDR700 photo 1 and CDR700 photo 2. Both could be configured as in-band repeat, one-way-crossband-repeat or bidirectional-crossband-repeat. The available acccessory modules that fit into the CDR500 or the top slot of the CDR700 are the same as offered in the GR300.
	CDM Product Line Model Number Decoder 473 KB PDF This was extracted from the Basic and Detailed service manuals listed below and compiled by Mike WA6ILQ. If anyone has any of the other region codes he'd appreciate an email.
	Standardized Display Nomenclature on the CDM1250 and CDM1550 series radios By Matt Lechliter W6XC 560 KB PDF The CDM1250 and CDM1550 have a 14 character LCD display. Here's how one system uses it on their repeater and link radios.
	CDM and PRO-series Basic Service Manual 3.8 MB PDF This basic manual covers all CDM and PRO series mobile radios. 6881091C62-E 2012 vintage.
	CDM and PRO-series Detailed Service Manual 30.1 MB PDF This manual covers the Low band, VHF and UHF CDM and PRO series mobile radios. 6881091C63-C 2007 vintage.
	CDR500 Wall Mount Repeater & CDR700 Desktop Repeater Service/Programming Manual 1.84 MB PDF 6864110R66-O 2001 vintage. Moto used dual CDMs to replace the dual GM300s in the GR500 and renamed the box as the CDR500. Likewise the GR300 became the CDR700. This manual was the guide to the field upgrade kits. It has a lot of info on the interfacing to the CDMs, plus info on the various add-in controllers: the RICK (HLN3333), ZR310, i20R, ZR340, HPN9005, HKPN4000, HKPN4001 and the HKN9033. It has almost nothing on the internals of the CDM radios.
	CDM-series Remote Mount Kit RLN4801 & RLN4802 400 kB PDF 6864110B51-A 2002 vintage. These kits are the control head extension kits for all CDM-series and some CDM-based GM-series mobile radios. The RLN4801 is for the CDM750, the RLN4802 is for the CDM1250 and CDM1550 models. The kits DO NOT include the cable between the head and the radio - that must be ordered separately. The available cables are 3, 5 and 7 meters long (9.8 feet, 16.4 feet, and 22.9 feet. Page 3 of the PDF has the information.
	CDM750 User Guide 1 MB PDF Not band specific. 6881091C54-A 2003 vintage.
	CDM750 Specification Sheet 145 kB PDF Low Band, VHF and UHF. 2012 vintage.
	CDM1250 User Guide 1.3 MB PDF Not band specific. 6881091C55-B 2003 vintage.
	CDM1250 Specification Sheet 60 kB PDF Low Band, VHF and UHF. 2006 vintage.
	CDM1550 Brochure 607 kB PDF VHF, UHF, 200 and 700 MHz. 2003 vintage.
	CDM1550 User Guide 1.3 MB PDF Not band specific.
	CDM Series Control Station Service and Installation Manual 3.99 MB PDF This manual covers the Control Station (commercial base station) - a CDM in a box with a power supply. Not band specific. 6880309N15-A
	Low Band CDM1550 Specification Sheet 90 kB PDF
	CDM Basic Service manual 6881091C62-E 3.8 MB PDF
	CDM Detailed Service manual 6881091C63-C 30.1 MB PDF
	"200" MHz CDM1550LS+ User Manual 2.85 MB PDF
	CDM1550LS+ 200 and 700 MHz Basic Service Manual (we don't have a copy yet) This manual covers both the 200 MHz (model AAM25MHF4DP5AN) and 700 MHz CDM1550 LS+ (model AAM255HF4DP5AN) radios. 6864110R16. The "200" MHz model was the 25 watt 217-222 MHz CDM1550LS+ (model AAM25MHF4DP5AN) radio that was made only in narrowband and 12.5 KHz channel spacing. They didn't even install the wideband receive parts. It CAN be moved to the 219-225 MHz amateur band, but you will need to acquire wideband surface mount IF filters and swap them, and then do some software / firmware tweaks to move the band edges and enable 20 KHz spacing. Note that Motorola no longer stocks that exact wideband filter but it can be scavenged from a dead VHF or UHF hulk, or a differently packaged but electrically similar unit can be used. More info in the "Notes" article above.
	CDM1550LS+ 200 & 700 MHz Detailed Service Manual 55.8 MB PDF This manual covers the 200 MHz (model AAM25MHF4DP5AN) and 700 MHz CDM1550 LS+ (model AAM255HF4DP5AN) radios. 6864110R14-O.