Motorola TalkAbout T6320 R 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 ; 5.9 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004ZAP7
• Item model number: T6320NiMH
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 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 a NiMH rechargeable battery and comes with a battery charger. The rechargeable battery offers only a dozen hours of average use, which makes it a little less than optimal for extended outdoor adventures far from outlets. However, you can simply take out the rechargeable battery and use alkaline batteries, which offer up to 30 hours of average use. --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 one rechargeable NiMH battery, which is included along with a four-hour charger. This radio also comes with a belt clip and user manual. The radio is covered by a one-year warranty.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Its a great radio, but theres no FM on this one!, March 22, 2001

By 

Techtoy (Virginia) - See all my reviews

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

I think somebody made a boo-boo. The T6310 sports the FM radio, not the T6320. Within the last year I have owned every Motorola FRS radio out there, and I have had the T6310 for six months (at the time I wrote this) and wear it everywhere I go. I bought it for use at work and just cant seem to leave home without it (sound familiar). The radio has been dropped, smacked around and just plain abused, but it still works great. Some people dont care for the swivel clip, but I think it was a great idea. If you ever sat down with anything hooked to you belt and felt that auwful jam in your side, you will appreciate the swivel clip. But anyway, any of the T6300's are great. Just remember if you want listen to some jams while your yacking away, the T6310 is what your gonna need..........:)

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars motorola t6320, February 12, 2001

By A Customer

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

Awesome product! From the quality construction to the technical features, this is the best 2-way radio for outdoor activities that one can buy! Worth the price!

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 2 miles ... NOT!, June 12, 2002

By A Customer

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

I own two of these. We live in a fairly flat area. They are out of range in about a mile, contrary to the claims of a 2 mile range. Otherwise, very nice & sturdy piece of equipment.