What is the Motorola 56531?
The Motorola 56531 is a 6-slot multi-unit charging tray designed for Motorola CLS and DLR series two-way radios. It charges up to six radios or CLS batteries simultaneously from a single AC outlet and includes a radio-cloning function that copies channel and programming settings from a source CLS radio to a target radio using paired charging pockets. The charger requires 120 VAC power, weighs 2.0 lbs, and carries a 1-year Motorola manufacturer warranty.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 56531 |
| Type | Multi-unit charging tray with cloning |
| Charging Slots | 6 |
| Power Source | 120 VAC, single outlet |
| Plug Type | U.S. standard |
| Dimensions | 30.0 in. (W) × 6.0 in. (H) × 6.0 in. (L) |
| Weight | 2.0 lbs |
| Display | LED status indicators per slot (no screen) |
| Warranty | 1-year Motorola manufacturer warranty |
Compatibility
The 56531 is compatible with the following Motorola radio models for charging. Cloning is supported on CLS series radios only.
| Series | Models | Charging | Cloning |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLS | CLS1110, CLS1410, CLS1450CB, CLS1450CH, VL50 | Yes | Yes |
| DLR | DLR1020, DLR1060 | Yes (6–8 hrs) | No |
What's in the Box
- Motorola 56531 6-unit multi-unit charging tray
- AC power adapter
Radios and batteries are not included.
Who This Product Is For
The 56531 is suited for any organization operating a fleet of 6 or more CLS or DLR series radios that needs centralized, end-of-shift charging. Common deployments include:
- Retail and hospitality: Stores, restaurants, and hotels where radios are checked out and returned each shift. A single tray at a manager's station or back-of-house eliminates the problem of misplaced radios and dead batteries at the start of a shift.
- Warehousing and distribution: Operations with shift workers where radio accountability matters. The tray creates a defined return point at the end of each shift and ensures radios are ready for the next crew.
- Healthcare facilities: Clinics and outpatient facilities using CLS or DLR radios for non-clinical staff coordination, where a shared charging station is managed centrally.
- Education: Schools and universities where radios are assigned to security, facilities, or administrative staff during the day and returned to charge overnight.
- Event venues and entertainment: Theaters, arenas, and event centers that need all radios charged and ready before doors open.
- Fleet operators adding radios: The cloning function makes this particularly useful for businesses scaling their CLS fleet, since programming settings can be pushed from one source radio to new units without manual configuration.
Key Features
- Charges up to 6 CLS or DLR radios from a single AC outlet
- Charges 6 CLS batteries (on or off radio) in approximately 3 hours
- 6 paired charging pockets arranged in 3 pairs for cloning operations
- Per-slot LED indicators display charging status for each device
- Cloning function copies all channel and programming settings from a source CLS radio to a target CLS radio without a computer or software
- Cloning does not require the charger to be plugged in — both radios need charged batteries
- Reduces outlet usage compared to individual drop-in chargers
- Creates a centralized radio return and storage point
- Weighs 2.0 lbs; tray form factor keeps radios upright in a row
- 1-year Motorola manufacturer warranty
About the Cloning Function
The 56531's cloning function lets administrators copy all programming and user menu settings from one CLS radio (the source) to another (the target) without a computer. The charger has three pairs of charging pockets; cloning operates between the two radios in each paired set.
To clone, the source radio is placed in clone/programming mode (pressing and holding Push-to-Talk and MON while powering on), placed into one pocket of a pair, and the target radio is placed into the adjacent pocket. The MUC does not need to be connected to AC power for cloning — but both radios must have charged batteries.
Cloning is limited to CLS series radios. DLR radios can charge in the 56531 but cloning is not supported between DLR units. A multi-channel CLS radio can clone to a single-channel radio, but only the first channel transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What radios is the Motorola 56531 compatible with?
- The Motorola 56531 charges CLS series radios including the CLS1110, CLS1410, CLS1450CB, CLS1450CH, and VL50, as well as DLR series radios including the DLR1020 and DLR1060. Cloning is supported on CLS series radios only — the DLR series can charge in the 56531 but cannot be cloned radio-to-radio using this unit.
- Can the 56531 charge both radios and loose batteries at the same time?
- No. The 56531 charges either six CLS radios or six CLS batteries in a single session — not a mix of both simultaneously. If you need to charge radios and bare batteries at the same time, the Motorola PMLN7136 12-unit charger supports that configuration. DLR batteries cannot be charged outside the radio in the 56531.
- How long does it take to fully charge CLS radios in the 56531?
- CLS series radios charge in approximately 3 hours in the 56531. DLR series radios take 6 to 8 hours. The LED indicator for each slot shows charging status, turning from charging to charged when the battery reaches full capacity.
- How does the cloning function work, and do I need software or a computer?
- No computer or software is required. The 56531 clones CLS radio settings directly between two radios placed in a paired set of charging pockets. The source radio is put into programming mode (hold Push-to-Talk and MON while powering on until the radio beeps and displays PROG), placed in one pocket, and the target radio is placed in the adjacent pocket. The charger does not need to be plugged into AC power for cloning, but both radios must have charged batteries. Settings that transfer include channels, frequencies, and user menu options. Cloning is one radio at a time.
- Is the Motorola 56531 discontinued?
- The Motorola 56531 has been noted as discontinued by some distributors, but units remain available through authorized dealers including techwholesale.com. The part number is also sold under Motorola part numbers HCTN4002A and PMPN4530A. Check current stock availability before ordering.
- Does the 56531 work with DLR batteries charged outside the radio?
- No. The 56531 does not support charging DLR batteries outside of the radio. DLR radios must be in the charger for the battery to charge. If you need to charge DLR batteries separately, the Motorola PMLN7136 12-unit charger supports that capability.
- What is included with the Motorola 56531?
- The 56531 ships with the multi-unit charging tray and an AC power adapter. Radios and batteries are sold separately. The unit carries a 1-year Motorola manufacturer warranty.
Related Products
- Motorola PMLN7136 12-Unit Charger — charges radios and batteries simultaneously; supports DLR battery charging outside the radio
- Motorola CLS Series Two-Way Radios — CLS1110, CLS1410, and related models compatible with the 56531
- Motorola DLR Series Two-Way Radios — DLR1020 and DLR1060, compatible for charging (not cloning) in the 56531
- CLS Radio Accessories — batteries, holsters, earpieces, and other accessories for the CLS series
- DLR Radio Accessories — accessories for the DLR series
For help choosing between the 56531 and other multi-unit chargers, contact techwholesale.com support. As an authorized Motorola dealer since 1997, we can confirm current stock and compatibility before you order.