Motorola TalkAbout T6320 AA 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio

by Motorola

Product Details

Product Manual [1.54mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 2.3 x 1.4 x 6.8 inches ; 7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004ZAO8
• Item model number: T6320LL
• Batteries: 3 AA batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

The Motorola TalkAbout T6320 has the features that every personal two-way radio needs: it's compact and sets up common channels quickly with a minimum of fuss (and interference). The radio also builds in a number of nice extras, including voice-activated communication.

The compact unit fits snugly in the hand, with rubberized padding to help. Initial setup is simple: choose a channel (a large frequency division), a code (a smaller tuning setting), and add scrambling for mild security. Then start jabbering to your buddies (they can have TalkAbouts or other FRS radios that use the same band).

Motorola carefully avoids promising specific distances, as obstacles, other users, and terrain can affect reception. In a flat desert, the radios could span two miles; in all other conditions, expect hundreds to thousands of feet, and be pleased when the latter is true.

The TalkAbout can scan for other active frequencies requiring less coordination. Scrambling has to be chosen in advance, but with only three scramble settings, it doesn't take long to "break the code" (as long as you're using another TalkAbout).

The radios offer clear sound and a sensitive microphone, as well as a cleverly designed VOX or voice-operated feature. In VOX mode, pressing the Push to Talk (PTT) button briefly enables voice operation, while holding the button down for a second turns it off temporarily. Older users might find the unit's incessant need to beep for feedback slightly annoying, but a single setting option turns off the confirmation beeps; another lets the unit vibrate instead of (or in addition to) beeping when a fellow radio holder "calls."

The radio keeps time, acts as a stopwatch, and has presets for the major U.S. NOAA weather channel broadcasts. It also has several features designed to assist in hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities: a compass, barometer, and altimeter.

Setting the compass can be slightly tricky, requiring some practice in swinging the unit through a 360-degree arc to get it to register magnetic north. But it's easy to get the hang of it. The altimeter can be set to absolute height above sea level (which helps if you know your current elevation precisely). Or, it can be set to zero, and changes in altitude are counted from that baseline rather than from sea level.

The TalkAbout uses three standard AA batteries, but Motorola also offers an optional rechargeable battery pack. The rechargeable battery offers only a dozen hours of average use, while alkalines can work for over 30 hours. Consider this when planning a hike into the outback far from outlets. --Glenn Fleishman

Pros:

• Easy to hold
• Frequency setting is simple
• Lots of settings to customize use
• Outdoor wayfinding features could save the day

Cons:

• Scrambling offers little protection from users of the same radio
• Beeps, tones, and voice volume are set by the same control, resulting in loud beeps at normal voice levels

Amazon.com Product Description

The Motorola TalkAbout T6320 features an outdoor gear package with built-in altimeter, barometer, and digital compass. This Amazon green Family Radio Service radio has 14 channels with 38 privacy codes and up to a 2-mile range. Eight weather channels provide up-to-the-minute reports and alerts of weather conditions.

Other features include Eavesdrop Reducer with three scramble settings; channel scan with a programmable scan list; and a clock, alarm, and stopwatch with a lap timer. This radio has an accessory-ready single-pin jack and is compatible with CommPort.

The T6320 runs on three AA alkaline batteries (not included). This radio also comes with a belt clip and user manual.

It is covered by a one-year warranty.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The radio you need is right here!, March 3, 2001

By 

Adam F. Jewell (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Motorola TalkAbout T6320 AA 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio (Electronics)

FRS radios are greatly enhanced walkie talkies of ten or fifteen years ago. While walkie talkies were for the most part short range kids toys, most FRS radios have about a two mile range, and actual practical uses. There are presently 3 major distinctions (price ranges) in FRS radios.

1) The bottom of the barrel cost around 20-40 bucks. They have 14 different channels, and as long as there aren't more than 14 groups of people trying to communicate within a given two-mile radius they will serve your communication needs. If you are going camping where there aren't going to be a whole lot of people around, this category will work just fine without getting mixed up in other peoples' conversations.

2) The next step up offers 14 channels and 38 privacy codes, which in layman's term results in the equivalent of 532 different channels. They can be used in a more crowded area without much interference from other people's radios. They are good for keeping in touch on the ski slopes or the beach on a moderately crowded day.

3) The Motorola 6300 series is the top of the line. It's got 14 channels, 38 privacy codes, and three scramble settings. The scramble settings enable as close to a private conversation as can be achieved on a public radio band. Unless two (or more) radios are set to the exact same channel, privacy code, and scramble setting, clear communication is not possible. You and your group armed with Motorola T6300 series radios all set to the exact same channel, privacy, and scramble settings will have virtually uninterrupted communication, in even the most crowded of venues. The 6300 series is backward compatible with older less sophisticated radios. Simply turn off the scramble settings, and you will be able to communicate with older models.

This particular model, the T6320, comes with extra features including a compass, barometer, alarm clock, and other bells and whistles may be more than you need. Such extras may come in handy for the outdoor enthusiast. For those just looking for the best communication device possible, these features may simply add unneeded complexity to the user interface, in which case the basic (Motorola) 6300 model may be more desirable and a little bit cheaper.

I've used this radio during many jam-packed days on the (ski) slopes and it has never let me down. Though it is not waterproof, a little snow here and there has never hindered it's function.

Bottom line:

If you are a gadget freak, and do not need a radio that may get submersed in water, snap this one up without hesitation. Don't need the added features, but still want the best pure radio out there, go for the (Motorola) 6300. If you are just looking for something for the kids to play with around the house, one of the lower priced radios ought to do the trick just fine.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hands Down, Da best FRS Available!, June 17, 2001

By 

"gino_g" (Anaheim, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motorola TalkAbout T6320 AA 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio (Electronics)

I received mine the other day. I've tried a few FRS, all or most have pretty much the same features. I read a few reviews & researched the T6320 & found that this model has all the bells & whistles, whether you need them or not!

I've had a chance to do a mini field test at Downtown Disney on Friday. It works great, great reception, able to send & receive from other FRS. All the extra features, Digi compass, thermometer, weather channels, etc are great to have available. I don't know if I will have a need to use them all, but the digi compass is one great feature, I think it's pretty accurate. Signal strength seems pretty good, I would like to field test to see if 2 miles is possible w/ the T6320. The volume is good, seems pretty clear & crisp. But the reception does get a bit garbled if the volume is set too high. Haven't tried the VOX feature yet.

Ergonomics, it's a bit bigger & bulkier than the T289 & T6220, but it is easy to hold. But it's thinner than the T250 or

FR 50/60 models. The "push to talk" button in the middle & not a problem, easily reachable. Actually it's a good idea, you will not accidentally press it like other models w/ the "push to talk" on the side of the FRS. The call, mode, & power button on top are also easy to get to. But I did on a couple occasions press the call & mode buttons accidentally. When you have it clipped on the belt clip, this can happen. A mere annoyance, I just have to get used to where the buttons are. But when it is clipped to my backpack, no problems of accidentally pressing these buttons. It also has a "lock" feature, only a few buttons can be pressed, the call & talk buttons.

The menu is easy to understand & work with. But the mode button, if you want to get to a particular item, say the weather channel, you have to scroll through a few screens. I wish it had a way to set what you would use most often, instead of scrolling to get to it.

The looks of the T6320 are rugged. It seems that it can take drops & work like a champ! The rubber coating makes it easy to hold on to, also the finger grooves on the sides give you a good hold. The screen is big to see what's going on, you can see all the icons that you have set for use also. A nice feature on the T6320 is you can have the clock showing the time when it is on standby mode. The battery cover fits snugly, no openings for moisture or dirt to get in. The T6220, the battery cover would push up just a bit. I've secured the battery cover w/ electrical tape. This is more of an insurance that the cover stays in place, also the tape covers the charging points, if you use Motorolas recharable kit. Doing this, those points will not corrod w/ time.

The manual claims that battery life is 30-35 hrs for alkaline batteries. What I don't understand is, if you use NIHM batteries, the battery life is only 12 hrs, why? Motorola's reputation would suggest that this is pretty accurate. I carry a second set of alkalines just in case it runs out of juice.

I suggest buying a Motorola arm/belt ( model 56323) carry case. I made a little hole on top of the carry case, so I can clip (using a mini link) it to my backpack. On the bottom part of the antenna, there is a hole that you can attach a lanyard through. I don't think that this is all that secure, it looks to me that eventually it will tear off, after hanging on the lanyard. The Motorola carry case hold the T6320 secure, it also adds a bit of protection if you happen to drop it. You then have the option to carry the T6320 on your arm, belt, around your neck or backpack. The belt clip that is included works great. It has a secure hold when the T6320 is clipped to it. I can use the belt clip for work use.

The T6320 is pricey, but IMHO worth the money. This FRS is defintely made for outdoor use. I suggest to buy a one T289 or T6220 or T250 or T6300, & one T6320, if you are in the market. This would make a great combo. The other person can communicate w/ you w/ the other FRS & you can carry the T6320 & know exactly your direction, weather, or temperature at all times. Whether this is necessary is up to you, but having these features will come in handy at some time. Now I'm my families mobile communications dude!

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Crown Prince of FRS Radios, January 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Motorola TalkAbout T6320 AA 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio (Electronics)

My review will be somewhat brief and to the point .... I've had several FRS radios ... and the Motorola T6320 surpasses all of them. I highly recommend this radio for its range, clarity, thoughtful features, durability, and design. I've used this radio in shopping malls and while scaling a rockside. The T6320 is a true performer and it will not let you down.

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