Customer Reviews

Motorola TalkAbout T5200 AA 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

FRS radios such as this one are now so popular that it is very difficult to find a "private line" to talk on. With only 14 channels to choose from, the cheaper 5100 model is better described as a "chat room" walkie talkie. The key difference between the 5100 and the 5200 is the so called "privacy code" feature.

In reality, privacy codes are simply smaller frequency steps between the standard 14 channels. Call it what you will, privacy codes work. Instead of 14 channels, the 5100 effectively has hundreds of channels.

To test the range, I drove to the mall while my wife stayed at home. The effective urban range (in my informal test) was about one third to one half mile. Perhaps the 2 mile range was achieved in a wide open field.

Let me start out by saying that I am a ham radio operator and know a thing or two about radios.
I first picked up a pair of Uniden FRS-420's, looked nice(bit toylike however), loved the carabiner clip idea and th price was right ($40). Nice form, poor function however. Steady static fron 0.1 to 1.5 miles, button placement was problematic and the audio was inadequate (not loud enough and the radio would break up at full volume). Back to the store thay went.
My next purchase was set of Motorola T6620's (many nice features)which added up to $35 a piece with the rebate (not bad). Audio problems were evident (muddy sound, need for more mic gain even with menu gain adjustment) and I could only attribute it to the mic placement UNDER a button. Bad idea, the mic location should be evident and it should be open to the audio source (ie: your mouth). Second problem was the battery cover. Poor fit and finish here with a 1/8" gap after the cover is secured (and I use that term loosely since the cover becomes UNsecured very easily and will likely lead to many lost battery covers). Not very weatherproof construction and just plain cheesy. Cmon' Motorola, get it together! Back to the store they went.
Finally picked up a pair of T5200's for $50 and am very satisfied. Good audio (at FULL volume) and mic placement, good range with minimal static at 1.75 miles line of sight transmissions, basic functions with CTCSS codes only (which is good for me since I will be using a "special" radio with these two 0.5 watt models-can't use scramble or QuieT6000 feature of T6220 anyway and it is no guarantee of secure transmissions anyway so ALWAYS use these radios as if someone is always listening to you), lock function is good, no scan or button beep on/off -too bad but no biggie, CTCSS automatically stores on all channels making programming easier, cheesy belt clip (I use a split ring and plastic key hook attached to the radio lanyard hookup to secure the things to belt hoops, diaper bags, strollers etc), simple to operate (good for XYL), like the conventional on/off volume control (no probs with this at all re: unwanted changes in volume).
This is an inexpensive FRS radio that performs as well as it should with the necessary CTCSS functions - no fluff, and it doesn't look like a toy. If you want other functions, buy another radio, but beware that even the "better" models may not be the better choice. Nice job Motorola.
PL

I just purchased these radios for my family and they work really well! The ergonomics are well thought out, they fit into our kids' hands easily, and they are completely simple to operate and fun to use. I'd recommend this pair for any family. The clarity of the transmission is exceptional. They also have eliminator codes that help keep out other spurious conversations. The kids especially like the different call tones to signal the other radio. No complaints on this end! Enjoy!

I wanted to get a combo FRS for my nieces to use. I've been waiting for these to drop in price at a local electronics store. Finally did...

Why I decided on the T5200, it has 14/38 channels. Also, you can lock the settings you have, it also has 5 call sounds. Very simple to use, I have my 2 1/2 yr old easily learning how to use it. The sound is very clear, the screen is easily seen. Size is perfect, fits the hand nicely. Actually, it's a bit wider than the other Motorola FRS I own. Since I own a T6320, T6210, & a pair of T6200's, everyone in my family has no problem w/ the call button being in the middle. All they have to do is press the talk button & release to listen.

Another nice feature the T5200 has that I wish the 6200 series has, it's minor, but the mic is on the left side. It is not under any button & being on the right side, like the 6200 series. The kids can easily see where the mic is on the T5200, & know that's where you speak into. The problem w/ the T6200 w/ the mic, it's under the squelch button on the right/middle of the radio. This does have a tendency to be covered up when my daughters are using them.

I have added a split ring on the top, so I can attach a lanyard w/clip. I don't trust the kids on having the radio attached to the belt clip. I figure that's inviting for the radio to get lost or for them to accidentally drop the radio while trying to clip it back on. Now the radio hangs around their neck, they can hear & answer calls w/o a problem.

One thing I wish this radio has, that the upper line Motorola FRS has, would be a volume control +/- button, instead of the volume dial on top of the radio. It's minor, I knew that this would be something to consider, but since my nieces are older, they will leave the volume preset.

Haven't had a chance to check the distance, but we're going to Knott's Berry Farm this weekend. I'll see if the T5200 have the same great range that the other Motorola radios I own.

If you're looking for a great combo FRS, this is the one. The price is great, Motorola quality, ease of use, & it takes 3 AA batteries w/ 30-35 hrs of use. Not 4 AAA like the Audiovox or Cobra brands. I only have to buy one style of batteries. It's a great basic 14/38 channel FRS. I'm giving these 4 stars, since I want to check the distance clarity. but I'm sure they're a 5 star!

UPDATE: We had a chance to use all our two ways plus the new ones at Knott's this past Saturday. The T5200 worked wonderfully, no problems at all. The volume dial was never touched, so my nieces heard all calls & answered. They were thrilled to have their own radios to communicate. The range was pretty good. From most of the park, we could talk to one another. I changed my rating to 5 stars, for the price, quality, brand name, this is great. A must buy this Christmas season.

I did notice a few 2 way radios, mostly the older Motorola 250 & some Cobras at the park. Wow, two ways are really starting to be popular keeping in touch w/ family or groups. I wonder what it would be like up in the slopes, I wonder if many more people are using them???

I'm very pleased with the T5200, So much so the day I recieved my shippment after testing them with my kids, I ordered another set. I like the design, the quality of construction, and the sound quality. Big radio features in compact afordable package.

I purchased the Cobra FRS-225-2 radios and when I got home, one of them didn't work and the other only worked sometimes. I returned them to the store and purchased the Motorola 5200's. I should have just purchased the Motorola's to start with. The quality of the Motorola's is great, far better than the Cobra's. Both radios work great and have the features I need. I used them in the Mall today and didn't have any problems. Even when my wife was at the other end of the mall in a store, I could still get a signal, it was degraded a bit, but still understandable. I recommend these radios for family communication.

I've only owned my T5200 Talkabouts for a week so don't have lots of use yet. We did a distance test and lost effective communication at 9/10 mile. One was in a car and the other was in the top of a 2-story house. We used them between cars as well when we took two cars home from Christmas and that worked fine as long as you can see the other car. The only reason I didn't rate them 5 stars is because of the 2 mile claim. I think if they claim 2 miles then typical users should get 2 miles.

just got it off from the package and we tested it immediately. after testing it for about 15-20 minutes, we noticed that battery indicator decreased 1 bar even though batteries are new. same thing happened with the other units (we bought 2 pairs). according to the manual, batteries lasts for 3hrs (talk time) and 27hrs (standby). after more than 45-60 min of usage, low battery alert started to beep. we plan to put new batteries after the former one runs out and see if it still the same.
if same thing happens, i will suggest to use rechargable batteries. other than that, this is product is competitively priced, has a decent range, crystal clear audio and
better than uniden's frs 400 echo series which we immediately dispose of...

We got a pair of these for work (tech support at a University) and we ordered another pair the same day we got the first two. These things are really cool! It is great to be able to contact your coworker instantlly and tell them, quickly, what needs to be done, or to find out some bit of information. It is a great way for us to stay in contact while running around. The range is good, buildings greatly reduce the 2 mile range though. To get 2 miles there has to be nothing in between you and the other person.
If you are going to use these a lot, you may want to look for a model with rechargeable batteries, or else buy rechargeable ones.

Great investment for traveling with more than one vehicle. We took these radios on vacation and communicated between two cars. It really helped when we got separated by traffic lights or wanted to take a pit stop. We found the reception clear and used "ultra" batteries which lasted for the whole trip. Well worth the purchase!