Here is the text of the bulletin:
Training Bulletin 13–11:
Possible Radio Interference
TR-FORM-BUL-014 Rev: A September 7, 2007 Page: 1 of 1
Subject: Notification from Motorola regarding possible interference generated by police
radio transmissions that can adversely affect other electronic equipment including TASER
devices.
A police department recently notified TASER International of a possible interference issue between
their 400 MHz Motorola police radio and a TASER® X26 device that was located directly adjacent to
the radio. The interference from the Motorola police radio caused the TASER X26 device to
unexpectedly discharge when the TASER X26 device was within approximately 1 inch of the radio
antenna and the TASER device safety switch was in the up (ARMED) position. TASER
International immediately started an investigation into this issue to determine the probable cause of
the interference. As part of our investigation, we contacted Motorola, Inc. to obtain additional
information about all models of their police radios, including antennas, microphones, radio
accessories, power output and any interference issues they were aware of.
Motorola informed us that the Motorola police radio antenna transmits enough energy that any
electronic device (e.g., cell phone, walkie-talkie, or TASER device) that is within approximately 1
inch of the radio antenna is subject to possible interference up to and including permanent damage
to components in the other electronic device.
Motorola advised TASER International that all electronic devices, including TASER devices, should
be kept at least 1 inch away from the radio antenna, especially during radio transmission, in order to
avoid harmful interference and possible permanent damage to these electronic devices.
Based on this caution received from Motorola, and a complete analysis of the TASER X26 device in
question, TASER International has determined that the TASER X26 device was operating
according to factory specifications and in compliance with FCC requirements. The probable cause
of the interference was the transmission of the Motorola radio when the radio antenna was in close
proximity to the TASER X26 device and the TASER device safety is in the up (ARMED) position.
The only known incidences of this type of interference involve 400 MHz radios. TASER
International was able to duplicate the interference with a 400 MHz Motorola radio, but we were
unable to duplicate it with an 800 MHz Motorola radio. Motorola discontinued production of
400 MHz radios in 2004.
TASER International recommends that all departments advise their officers of this notification from
Motorola. As a precaution, all Motorola police radios should be kept several inches aware from any
electronic device, including a TASER device, and that the safety on a TASER device should be
placed in the down (SAFE) position whenever it is immediately adjacent to a Motorola police radio.
TASER International also recommends that if a department is using a radio manufactured by any
other company, that department should contact the radio manufacturer for recommended distances
for protection of other electronic devices.
