Motorola TalkAbout T5420 (AA) 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio (Graphite Black)

by Motorola

Product Details

Product Manual [1.64mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005YXCT
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Motorola is a big name in FRS radios for a reason, and the TalkAbout T5420 radio exhibits the range, clarity, ease of operation, and build quality that the company's FRS designs are known for. The T5420 may not have all the extra features that more expensive products offer, but it does have all the options users are most likely to use, and at a very reasonable price.

The T5420 feels very solid and the three required AA batteries give the radio a nice heft without making it too heavy. A large knob on top performs double duty as a power switch and volume control, and the rubber-coated antenna flexes slightly so it is not likely to break off if the radio is dropped. The large Push To Talk (PTT) button on the side is also rubber-coated, providing good traction for your thumb. The button is recessed, making it difficult to push accidentally, and requires a fair amount of pressure to depress (although not so much that a 5-year-old we enlisted to help test it had any trouble).

Most features are accessed by pressing the Menu button on the front of the radio, which cycles through different modes on the LCD display (such as selecting a channel or subcode). Another button transmits one of five selectable call tones when pressed, which are useful for getting someone's attention before speaking. The Monitor button lets you listen in on an entire channel to make sure it's clear before transmitting (which is handy if you are using a subcode), and there is a covered jack on the side of the unit for attaching an optional voice-activated (VOX) headset for hands-free talking. The T5420 even lets you easily set the VOX sensitivity to adjust for unusually noisy or quiet environments.

The pair of T5420 radios we tested did very well, working at ranges of a half-mile or more in most outdoor tests. Range is cut a little when both radios are used in cars, and varies greatly when used indoors, but that is the case with every FRS radio. Audio clarity is good, but prepare for random interference if you use the units in a city.

We used the T5420s with a Motorola T5320, which doesn't have subcodes (also known as privacy or interference-eliminator codes), and it worked fine as long as both T5420s were set to subcode 0. Setting them to a different subcode on the same channel let the T5320 hear transmissions from the other radios, but the T5420s didn't pick up transmissions from the T5320.

All said, the T5420 is one of the best radios available for the money. It's good and rugged, has a decent battery life, and manages to be easy to use while making it difficult to accidentally change channels or open a transmission. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Easy to use without being prone to accidental transmissions or channel changes
• Good range and clarity
• Excellent build quality, with several optional accessories available

Cons:

• Must buy accessories to take advantage of VOX features
• Lacks a channel-scan button, which can make it easier to find a clear channel in a crowded area

Amazon.com Product Description

The compact, black Motorola TalkAbout T5420 two-way radio helps you keep in touch with family and friends within a range of up to two miles. With 14 Family Radio Service (FRS) channels and 38 privacy codes, you can communicate easily with minimal interference from other radios.

The T5420 has a number of useful features such as a backlit LED display with icons, a transmit LED indicator, and a single-pin audio accessory connector to connect a headset. Its audible call alert informs you of an incoming call for phone-like convenience. The T5420 is capable of VOX hands-free use with optional accessories.

This package comes with one TalkAbout T5420 radio, a user's manual, and quick user guide. The T5420 is powered by AA batteries, and is also rechargeable-capable with optional accessory upgrade kit. It is backed by a one-year limited warranty.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT TWO-WAY RADIO, July 13, 2003

By 

"marivicmodestoang" (Manila, Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motorola TalkAbout T5420 (AA) 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio (Graphite Black) (Electronics)

I bought two (2) of this Single Motorola Talkabout T5420 only last June, and I just got only few days about by a family friend who just arrived home and brought this units to me here in the Philipines. I was so excited to use it, so when I learned that our family friend is arriving by July 8, I bought already batteries for this. I tried it at the biggest mall (SM MEGAMALL) here in the Philippines, and I found out that the radio is very clear and my daughter, Keana Aedrielle, whose just turning 3 years old love to play on it at the mall, and even in our house. Its very useful to us who love to go malling every weekend. No need to use our mobile phone just to locate each of others.

So get this item now and you will be crazy about it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! ..., May 7, 2003

By 

James Cheim (Waterloo, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motorola TalkAbout T5420 (AA) 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio (Graphite Black) (Electronics)

Well-designed, (Push-to-talk button is well placed on the side) durable, good range, SUPERB RECEPTION - extremely clear (no static at all!), much better than my old T289's! The volume switch could be a little easy to accidentally change when the radio is in your pocket, though.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent value, September 22, 2003

By 

Mika (Auburn, AL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motorola TalkAbout T5420 (AA) 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio (Graphite Black) (Electronics)

Purchased two and they are working great! We use them to talk between cars on the road. Excellent value.