Motorola CLPe

What is the Motorola CLPe Two-Way Radio Series?

The Motorola CLPe Series is a line of compact, 1-watt UHF business two-way radios built for discreet, earpiece-only communication, currently offered in two models: the single-channel CLP1010e and the eight-channel CLP1080e. UHF (Ultra High Frequency) signals penetrate walls and floors well, which suits multi-story indoor sites.

The series solves a specific problem: on-site teams that need to coordinate without a visible handheld radio or an audible external speaker. Every model routes audio through a wired earpiece rather than a built-in speaker, so staff communication stays private in customer-facing spaces such as dining rooms, sales floors, and reception areas. There is no external speaker on any CLP radio, which means each unit must be paired with an audio accessory to be used.

What unifies the two models is the hardware: both share the same palm-sized body, 1-watt output, internal antenna, 1800 mAh lithium-ion battery rated up to 18 hours, IP54 and MIL-STD-810H durability, and an antimicrobial polycarbonate housing. The only functional difference between them is channel count. Specifications on this page reflect Motorola's published data for the CLP Series; see the manufacturer's official CLP Series page for reference.

Skip to:

• Models in the series
• Key capabilities of the series
• How does this compare to similar products?
• Who each model is for / common use cases
• Specifications
• Frequently asked questions

Models in the series

The two CLP Series models are built on an identical platform and differ only in the number of channels. The table below lists the differentiating and shared specifications side by side.

The CLP1010e fits small teams or single-department operations that need only one working channel. The CLP1080e fits businesses that need to separate conversations by department, role, or priority across its eight channels.

Key capabilities of the series

The following features are shared across both CLP models. Each is described in terms of what it does for the user.

• Earpiece-only audio. There is no external speaker; all audio routes through the included earpiece, keeping staff communication inaudible to customers and guests. The audio port is a single-pin connector specific to the CLPe series.
• 1-watt UHF coverage with an internal antenna. Unit-to-unit coverage reaches up to 100,000 sq ft or 10 floors indoors and up to about 1 mile outdoors, with no external antenna to catch or protrude.
• Repeater capable. Adding an external repeater (a device that receives and rebroadcasts signals to extend range) increases coverage to roughly 250,000 sq ft or 20 floors.
• Up to 18-hour battery life. The 1800 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated for up to 18 hours at a 5/5/90 duty cycle (5% transmit, 5% receive, 90% standby). The optional HKNN4013 high-capacity battery provides extended runtime for heavy-transmit or around-the-clock operations.
• Smart Status Glow Ring. An LED ring around the push-to-talk (PTT) button shows battery level, active channel, and transmit/receive status at a glance, so the radio needs no screen.
• Voice-guided navigation. Spoken prompts walk users through channel selection and settings, which shortens training time for staff who rotate or turn over frequently.
• VOX hands-free operation. VOX (voice-operated transmission) lets staff talk without pressing the PTT button, useful when both hands are occupied.
• 219 interference elimination codes. CTCSS and DPL privacy codes reduce cross-talk from nearby businesses sharing the same UHF frequencies.
• IP54 and MIL-STD-810H durability. IP54 is an ingress protection rating for dust and water splashes from any direction; MIL-STD-810H is a U.S. military standard covering shock, vibration, humidity, and temperature extremes. The radios are not submersible.
• Antimicrobial polycarbonate housing. The housing is treated to inhibit bacterial growth on the radio's surface. This is a surface treatment, not a sterilization rating, so facilities should still clean radios per their own protocols.
• CPS programmable. Channels, frequencies, privacy codes, and voice prompts are configured with Motorola's free Customer Programming Software (CPS) and the HKKN4027 programming cable (sold separately), or set by hand. See the full CLPe accessories catalog for earpieces, batteries, chargers, and carry options.

How does this compare to similar products?

The CLP Series is the most compact and discreet of Motorola's on-site business radios, but it is not the right choice for every environment. The table and notes below compare it against the two closest Motorola alternatives.

Against the Motorola CLS series, the CLP wins on size, weight, and discretion. The CLS is the better pick when staff cannot manage an earpiece, or when they work in loud environments where hearing the radio over ambient noise matters more than keeping it silent, because the CLS has a built-in external speaker.

Against the Motorola DLR series, the difference is the radio platform. The DLR runs on the 900 MHz band using frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) digital technology; it cannot interoperate with UHF business radios and is not repeater capable. Choose the CLP if you need to integrate with an existing UHF Motorola business fleet or scale coverage with a repeater. Choose the DLR if you specifically want the 900 MHz digital platform and do not need UHF interoperability.

The CLP Series is not the right fit for large outdoor sites, heavy industrial settings that demand a loud external speaker, or teams needing higher transmit power and range. For higher-capacity or encrypted requirements, a system such as the Motorola DTR series or a repeater-based system is the more appropriate choice.

Who each model is for / common use cases

The CLP Series fits customer-facing businesses where discretion, hygiene, and ease of use matter more than raw range or ruggedness. The CLP1010e suits single-channel teams; the CLP1080e suits operations that need to segment departments across its eight channels.

Hospitality and food service

Restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and event venues use earpiece-only audio to keep staff communication invisible to guests, and the 18-hour battery covers a double shift. See the restaurant two-way radio guide and the hotel radio guide.

Retail stores

Floor staff can answer product questions, check back-stock, and coordinate at the register without crossing the store. On the CLP1080e, eight channels let a single location separate floor, stockroom, and management traffic. See the retail store radio guide.

Medical, dental, and assisted living facilities

The antimicrobial housing is directly relevant to hygiene-sensitive spaces where radios pass between staff during a shift, and earpiece-only audio keeps patient-status conversations out of waiting rooms. See the dental office radio guide.

Spas and wellness

Front desk, treatment rooms, and housekeeping stay coordinated quietly, without speaker noise carrying into relaxation areas. See the spa two-way radio guide.

Multi-department facilities

Schools, event centers, and mixed-use sites with staff who need to split communication by role (security, facilities, front desk) benefit most from the eight-channel CLP1080e. The PMLN8190 surveillance earpiece suits security and concierge roles, and a 6-unit charging dock keeps a fleet ready overnight. If you are unsure which model fits, the Find My Radio tool can help narrow the choice.

Specifications

The figures below are verified against Motorola's published CLP Series data and apply to both models except where channel count differs. A downloadable CLPe Series spec sheet (PDF) and the CLPe user guide (PDF) are also available.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the CLP1010e and CLP1080e?

The two radios use the same body, battery, audio system, and durability ratings. The only functional difference is channel count: the CLP1010e has one channel, and the CLP1080e has eight.

How far do CLP Series radios reach?

Unit to unit, they cover up to 100,000 sq ft or 10 floors indoors and up to about 1 mile outdoors. Adding a repeater extends coverage to roughly 250,000 sq ft or 20 floors.

How long does the battery last?

The standard 1800 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated for up to 18 hours at a 5/5/90 duty cycle. Heavy-transmit use runs shorter; the optional HKNN4013 high-capacity battery is a drop-in replacement that extends runtime.

Do CLP Series radios have a speaker?

No. There is no external speaker; all audio routes through the included earpiece, which keeps communication private. Each radio must be used with an audio accessory.

Are the CLP1010e and CLP1080e durable enough for kitchens or outdoor events?

They are rated IP54 for dust and water splashes and certified to MIL-STD-810H for shock, vibration, humidity, and temperature extremes. They are not submersible and are not rated for hazardous or intrinsically safe environments.

Can CLP Series radios talk to other Motorola business radios?

They operate on UHF business-exclusive frequencies that overlap with several Motorola UHF business radios, including the CLS series, and can interoperate when both radios are set to the same frequency and privacy code. They cannot talk to 900 MHz radios (such as the DLR or DTR) or to digital-only models.

Do I need to program the radios before using them?

No. They ship with default frequencies pre-loaded. To customize channels, frequencies, or privacy codes, use the free Motorola CPS software with the HKKN4027 cable (sold separately), or program by hand using the voice-guided menu.

Which model should a multi-department business choose?

Choose the CLP1080e, whose eight channels let you separate departments such as front-of-house, kitchen, and management. The single-channel CLP1010e is the better value for a team that operates as one group.