Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

by Motorola

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.1 x 1.2 x 6.2 inches ; 1.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 20 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001UE6MIO
• Item model number: MH230R
• Batteries: 2 Nonstandard Battery batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (245 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #1 in Electronics > Portable Audio & Video > CB & Two-Way Radios

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Motorola Talkabout MH230 is a great choice for nearly any outdoor enthusiast. With a powerful range of up to 23 miles, this radio is perfect for family and friends to stay in touch, whether you're tackling a back country trail or trying to brave a crowded shopping mall. The MH230 has more than exceptional range. Tune into one of 7 NOAA channels (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) on your MH230 for continuous local and regional weather broadcasting, and get real-time weather alerts to protect you from the danger of a sudden storm. The MH230 has full 22-frequency capacity with 121 privacy codes to reduce interruptions. Motorola's QT (Quiet talk) functionality allows the radios to be set so they can communicate with other compatible Motorola products.

A great choice for nearly any outdoor enthusiast. Click to enlarge.

The MH230R radio features flexible charging options for ultimate mobility. Users can choose to charge in the included dual drop-in charger, or use the mini-USB port in the radio to charge in the car or connect to a PC. For remote adventures standard alkaline batteries can be used when no power is available. Additionally, hands-free communication is available by using the iVOX speech-activated feature, which provides active families the freedom of mobility in even the most remote settings.

MH230R Features

Keypad Lock
Lock your keypad to avoid accidentally changing your radio settings.

Channel Scan
Use scan to search the 22 channels for transmissions from unknown parties, to find someone in your group who has accidentally changed channels, or to quickly find unused channels for your own use.

Charging Options
You can charge the MH230 using the Motorola standard charging port (with the included charging adapter), the Drop-in cradle charger (also included), or purchase a mini-USB cable for use with the Mini-USB charging port, especially useful when traveling.

121 Privacy Codes
Interference Eliminator Codes help minimize interference by blocking transmissions from unknown sources. The MH230 features 121 codes for superior interference protection.

Includes drop-in dual charger for easy charging.

Brilliant LCD with battery indicator, channel, and other info.

Ten Call Tones
The MH230 can transmit different call tones to other radios in your group so you can alert them that you want to talk. Choose from ten different tones.

Hands-Free Communication
Use the iVOX feature to transmit hands-free without the need for any headset accessories. Once iVOX is turned on, the radio detects your voice and transmits when you speak into the internal microphone.

QT (Quiet Talk) Noise Filtering
The QT noise-filtering feature helps to ensure uninterrupted communication with other Motorola radios, filtering out unwanted transmissions from other radios. This is useful in places where there is heavy radio traffic, such as amusement parks or ski resorts.

Talk Confirmation (Roger Beep) Alert
You can set your radio to transmit a unique tone when you finish transmitting. It is like saying "Roger" or "Over" to let others know you are finished talking.

Weather Receiver
Tune in to broadcasts by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and Environment Canada Weatheradio. Both NOAA and Environment Canada have transmitters located throughout the United States and Canada, respectively. These transmitters broadcast watches, forecasts, and other information 24 hours a day.

Weather Alerts
A special alarm tone sounds an alert and turns on the weather receiver to give you immediate weather and emergency information.

What's in the Box
Two MH230 Radios with Removable Belt Clips, Dual Drop-in Charger, Charging Adapter, Two 2 NiMH rechargeable battery packs

Product Description

- Up to 23-mile range- iVOX hands-free communication- 11 NOAA weather channels with alerts-Quiet talk(TM) filter-10 call tones- Rechargeable- Battery save feature- Mini-USB charging port. Item is water resistant.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

489 of 494 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great 2-way radios!, August 4, 2009

By 

Victor "Are you absolutely sure there are no ... (Lubbock, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Electronics)

IMPRESSION BASED ON EXPERIENCE:
This is my second pair of Motorola 2-Way radios. I have tried other bands like Midland and been very disappointed, but Motorola has never let me down. I needed two extra radios for a fishing trip to Colorado so that my father, my brother, my son and I could stay in touch. I was amazed at how good these radios did in the mountains. At one point I was over three miles away from my father on the other side of a mountain and we could still talk clearly. Now I know 3 miles in not as far as the 23 miles range that is claimed these radios can reach, but if you know anything about how these radios transmit, then you know that for it to transmit clearly through 3 miles of solid mountain is close to a miracle. I have a pair of Midland G-300 Two Way Radios that claim a 10 mild range that cannot even reach 1/2 a mile through forest on straight level ground. I was also impressed with the battery life. Even after a long day of heavy use these units had plenty of power left. One was left on over night after being used all day and it still had power the next day.

Since I want this review to be helpful to people people wanting to buy these, I want to make something clear. The range claim that any 2-way radio manufacturer makes, is base on optimum conditions with no structural or atmospheric interference. In real life you can never expect to get those kinds of ranges out of any unit. Due to the curvature of the earth I would not expect that any radio could reach farther then 10 miles under normal conditions unless each radio is located in an elevated position with a valley in between, such as on either side of the Grand Canyon. So when you buy a 2-way radio, don't pay much attention to the range claims that are made. Just make sure that they will do what you need them to and don't expect a miracle that deifies the laws of physics.

PROS:
Motorola quality, great range and battery life.

CONS:
None that I can find.

THE BOTTOM LINE:
If you are looking for a good pair of 2-way radios for hiking, camping, fishing or similar, look no farther. If you are looking for 2-way radios for some sort of specialized professional use or something else these may or may not be what you are looking for.

183 of 186 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good budget buy, but you're better off spending the extra $20 for the MR355s., July 7, 2010

By 

M. Carlos III (Bay Area) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Electronics)

I bought 2 pair of these radios as well as 3 pair of the MR355s. They cost $20 less, so I could get about 3 pair of these for 2 pair of the MR355s. I distributed them to my supervisors, vehicle operators and field engineers in our open area shipyard.

The reception is fine, although you do notice the clearer sound and slightly longer range of the MR355s (I'm talking only a couple hundred yards longer).

The unit uses the supplied NiMH battery pack or 3 AAA's. Of course, AA's batteries like the ones used in the MR355 would have more power and last longer, but then, the MR355 has more features (like vibrate and an LED flashlight) that use up more power. Anyway, I knew the compromises when I got the units.

However, I wasn't ready for the MH230 to show 2 bars on the battery icon and yet the display wasn't functioning clearly. Some of the LCD lines were very faint or could only be seen at an extreme angle. For instance, the 8 looked like a 9 bcs the left lower LCD bar wouldn't light up. After trying out the features, I fully charged the battery. Wouldn't you know it, at full charge, all the LCD's work. At partial charge (or discharge, as you like it) some of the LCD bars would fade out. This happened with all 4 MH230 radios and didn't happen with any of the MR355s, even as the more expensive radio's would run out of juice. NOTE to Giant Electronics, fix this issue! You're ruining Motorola's rep.

Anyway, we use the MH230 in thick steel crane and payloader cabins, talking to people in the office 700 yards away with a couple 30 foot tall cargo ships and a few dozen welders doing their thing in between. The sound is mostly clear and everyone gets heard. The users wish they had the PTT earbuds that come with the more expensive units, but hey, you get the bright yellow ones, be happy!

The guys who crawl around inside the steel hulls get the MR355s with the PTT, vibra and lights. They're happy too.

4 stars for the unit performance, minus 1 star bcs of the LCD problems at half batt.

Can't complain I'm not getting the 23 mile range, or they would owe me stars. BTW, many 25 Watt vehicle or base station radios with 36 inch antennas won't get 23 miles, so don't expect these reach that far.

90 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars very satisfied, November 5, 2009

By 

Tricia K. Brown - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Electronics)

I've never written a review before - but was motivated to write this one. This is a great product. My fly fishing buddy and i use these in the mountains - and they are great. Very clear. My friend even fell into the river, and after drying out, the radio came back to life.