Customer Reviews

Motorola T5100 AA 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radios (Pair)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have owned 1 motorola Talkabout Distance for about a month and a half. Two weeks ago I recieved my Talkabout 5100's. I brought all three radios on vacation to Sandestin, Florida with me last week. It is a huge place, and a lot of people were using FRS there. My channel choices were limited, but interference was a problem only 2 or 3 times. The choices were limted by both the Distance radio, which does have the 38 interference eliminator codes but only channels 1-7. And the choices were limted by the 5100's which have all 14 available channels, but no interference eliminator codes. Therefore, I had only 7 channels to chose from. My point is that interference elimator codes would have been appreciated by me on this trip. On the other hand, there have been a couple of times I got to communicate with parties not originally intended to be in my talkgroup. Had I had Interfernce codes available to me and in use, I would not have been able to communicate with other people who I just happened upon, and sometimes it is fun to do so. So, I think that the codes can be a nice feature but definately are not necessary, even in places where FRS is in moderate to heavy use by others. The range of the 5100's is noticably shorter than that of the Distance radios. These are the only two models of FRS radios I have ever used, so I cannot compare the 5100 to other radios very much. But I will say that if you're contemplating on getting some radios with extra features, I say, for what? Who needs a compass, or a thermometer or barometer on a radio. There was no instance in which I thought, "Man, I really wish that my two way radio had an altimeter." If you pay more for a two-mile range FRS radio (Unless you are getting a rechargeable battery), that is probably all you are paying for--useless features. If you want to know what time it is, look at your watch. The only feature that some of the more expensive radios may have that I can imagine using would be the FM radio to allow you to listen to music. But what is that going to do but undermind your original intension of having effective two-way radio communications by running down the battery in your communications device. Stick to the basics. Spend more money on a two way radio only for two reasons. Number one--a rechargable battery. Rechargeable batteries for two-way radios are almost necessary. I use standard AA rechargeable batteries and a battery charger from Radio Shack for my Talkabout 5100's. Reason number 2 to spend more, for a radio--for a longer range. For example, the Motorola Talkabout Distance.

This compact, stylish and catchy item is very lightweight and attractive, but seems to have very short frequency. I tried it from home to outdoor and could only get a block or 2 of frequency. So unless both parties are really outdoors (beach or park) your frequency is really a little more than a mile.

I traveled to Italy in 1999 with a family group of 25, we used 5 of these radios. The family would split up in groups of 5 at each sight seeing location and each group would have a Motorola TalkaAbout, we were able to keep in touch with one another no matter where we were. When it came time to meet for lunch or in the parking lot for the next journey, the Motorola TalkAbouts brought everyone back together. We love them.

For the money, these radios are great. good sound, range and form factor. However, everyone on the east coast must have been waiting for these cheaper radios to come out. I was riding at Sunday River this weekend, and there were some many other skiiers with this version, that every one of the 14 channels had a dozen people on it - with so many people asking where each other was, the radios were next to useless. if you're going to use these radios skiing, save up and buy the ones with private channels.

I love these walkie talkies. My family has a set of 4. We have the old one's which are discontinued and we just got these ones. My friend and I take them on the slopes with us while we are snowboarding so we can talk to our parents while we're out on different runs. Before we had them we would always have to meet somewhere at a certain time, which was a big hassle. Once we got the talkabouts we didn't have to meet as often. It's funny to hear the other peoples code names and hear them talk. Theres enough channels to have a private talk with your parents. The only problem is you don't know if another person is on the channel with you. Unless they are talking.

Overall, I like this product. I have tried it both inside and outside of the house and on the road. I guess I was hoping for a little more range out of it. They are pretty lightweight and the looks arn't bad. I couldn't quite get the 2 miles range that it says it has. I just wish Motorola would have spent a little more time on this. It could have been great.

I've used these in the US: great for tying together a car caravan, for keeping track of folks at the amusement park, or for use in those out-o-sight projects requiring someone on the roof and someone in the basement .

Don't expect -clear- communication under many circumstances.

Don't expect -any- communication in some: 'ran a marathon in Washington DC where the Fed radio interference made these useless save as running ballast! :(

The other reviewer may have checked with the Italian equivalent of the FCC, or may have been an Ugly American ignoring foreign laws. I'm currently trying to contact the Netherlands and Dutch consolates on the legality of these as I've been told they aren't legal in Europe -- or I'll take them next week.

If You are planning to take them to WDW forget it, seems like every one, has of these Radios all Over the Park's it is very dificult to get to your Party with out talk to many others before you can talk to them. And for that reason your radio is always beeping, and the batteries run out very fast (one pair a day).

I was having fun with my radios, until I went skiing with some friends and they had the talkabout 5200 with privacy codes. I hadn't realized the value of those ... they basically increase the number of channels a huge amount. Probably worth the extra money to get them.

I bough 3 pair of radios for travelling with my family, we went in acruise to south america and we were always in contact. The radios are perfect the transmission is clear, it is very easy to use for childrens.
The price is great for what you get.