
MOTOROLA CP185 Portable Radio
The Motorola CP185 has been discontinued by Motorola (formal cancellation notice). Its recommended replacement is the Motorola CP100d Non-Display Radio — the same analog/digital commercial platform...
The Motorola CP185 has been discontinued by Motorola (formal cancellation notice). Its recommended replacement is the Motorola CP100d Non-Display Radio — the same analog/digital commercial platform.

Motorola CP185 Portable Radio: 16-Channel Analog Two-Way for On-Site Teams
16 channels · UHF & VHF · 5 W (VHF) / 4 W (UHF) · up to 11 hrs Li-Ion · VOX-ready · repeater capable
The Motorola CP185 is a lightweight, 16-channel analog two-way radio built for schools, retail, hospitality, service and manufacturing teams that need reliable on-site communication. It is available in both UHF and VHF bands, with Basic Capacity and High Capacity options, and supports VOX hands-free operation, repeater use and Talkaround. Browse the full lineup of Motorola Radios.
Who it's for
The CP185 is a commercial business radio designed for everyday workplace communication. It is well suited to schools, retailers, hospitality venues, golf courses and service and manufacturing environments where staff need to stay in contact across a site, and its 16 channels give larger teams room to organize separate talk groups. If you want a similar entry-level commercial handheld, compare it with the Motorola BPR40.
Key features
- 16 channels: support communication across all your employees, even for larger sites and separate talk groups.
- VOX hands-free: voice-activated operation so users can focus on the task at hand.
- Programmable buttons: five on the LKP model and two on the NKP model for one-touch access to up to 10 user-selected features.
- Repeater capable + Talkaround: extend coverage with a repeater, or communicate directly when one is not in use.
- Built-in privacy: simple voice scrambling plus a Remote Inhibit feature to deactivate lost or stolen radios.
- Signaling support: MDC, DTMF and QC-II enable features such as caller ID and call alert.
Battery life and interference
A Li-Ion battery provides up to 11 hours at high power on a 5/5/90 duty cycle, enough to meet the demands of a full work shift, with a high-capacity battery option and adjustable power levels to help extend run time. Tighter audio specifications, including -70 dB adjacent channel selectivity, provide enhanced rejection of interference from strong signals on adjacent channels so your message gets through clearly.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Motorola CP185 |
| Type | Analog portable two-way radio |
| Frequency bands | UHF and VHF |
| Channels | 16 |
| RF power output | 5 W (VHF) / 4 W (UHF), adjustable |
| Battery | Li-Ion; up to 11 hrs at high power (5/5/90 duty cycle); high-capacity option available |
| Hands-free | VOX ready |
| Programmable buttons | 5 (LKP model) / 2 (NKP model) |
| Signaling | MDC1200, DTMF, QC-II |
| Privacy / security | Voice scrambling; Remote Inhibit (MDC1200) |
| Range extension | Repeater capable; Talkaround |
| Adjacent channel selectivity | -70 dB |
| Configurations | 1 Pack; Basic Capacity or High Capacity |
Resources
Review the full CP185 spec sheet and user guide, or browse CP185 accessories. Not sure which band or capacity you need? Contact us and our team will help you spec the right configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the UHF and VHF Motorola CP185?
Both are 16-channel analog versions of the CP185; the difference is the radio frequency band. VHF generally suits open outdoor sites while UHF works better in and around buildings. If you are unsure which band fits your environment, contact us and we will help you choose.
How many channels does the Motorola CP185 have?
The CP185 has 16 channels, giving larger teams room to organize separate talk groups for different departments or work areas.
How long does the CP185 battery last?
The standard Li-Ion battery delivers up to 11 hours at high power on a 5/5/90 duty cycle. A high-capacity battery option is also available, and adjustable power levels can help extend run time.
Does the CP185 work with a repeater?
Yes. The CP185 is repeater capable to extend coverage, and it also includes a Talkaround feature so radios can communicate directly when a repeater is not in use.
What is the difference between the LKP and NKP CP185 models?
The LKP model has five programmable buttons and the NKP model has two, each providing one-touch access to up to 10 user-selected features. Contact us to confirm which configuration is stocked for your order.
Detailed specifications are coming soon. In the meantime, here's the basics:
| Brand | 2Way Radio Solutions |
| Product Type | Radio |
| SKU | — |
Full spec sheet: contact us at 1-800-507-6002
Shipping
- Free shipping over $125 · on qualifying U.S. orders
- Calculated at checkout · many items ship at weight-based rates
- Delivery estimate at checkout · based on item availability & method
- Ships across the U.S. · some products have shipping restrictions
Returns & warranty
- 15-day returns · most new, unopened items for a full refund
- Return shipping covered · if the item arrived incorrect or defective
- Refunds · typically within ~2 weeks of us receiving your return
- Manufacturer warranty · per the manufacturer’s terms
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