Motorola T6300 AA 2-Way Radio (Smoke Black)

Other products by Motorola

Product Details

Product Manual [1.54mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 2.3 x 1.4 x 6.8 inches ; 6.7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004ZAM0
• Item model number: T6300
• Batteries: 3 AA batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #88,573 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)

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  Electronics > Portable Audio & Video > Two-Way Radios > FRS Two-Way Radios

• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1973

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Finally, a product for those of us who like to lag behind on hikes and snowshoe outings. Thanks to the Motorola TalkAbout T6300, we felt securely in contact with rest of our weekend expedition group, instead of stressing about missing the car ride home.

The TalkAbout T6300 is a power-packed two-way radio, providing the full FRS spectrum--14 channels and 38 privacy codes--plus some high-end features such as a clock with alarm and stopwatch. And that led to our first problem--trying to figure out what all the bells and whistles did. Don't make the mistake that we did and attempt to set things up in the field. This is one gadget that really does require a glance at the instruction manual.

The T6300 comes with five modes--two-way, time, stopwatch, weather, and settings--and countless choices to make within those modes. Changing the settings wasn't exactly intuitive or quick. Finding and entering settings also involved a "key sequence" of no fewer than six strokes--not suited for actions on the fly. Another annoyance was the flimsy back battery cover with its plastic spring that just didn't want to stay closed. Luckily, the batteries stayed secure in their slots with or without the door.

Once we got past the menu system, the TalkAbout T6300 provided an impressive suite of communication options, including voice activation and scramble settings to reduce eavesdropping by others. One especially useful option in the back country was the weather-alert function, which cut into our transmissions with broadcast emergency weather bulletins. Other cool options include a scan mode that searches for active channels, an alarm with a vibrate mode, and an automatic shut-off setting to save battery power. Motorola states that the T6300 gets 35 hours of battery life out of three AA batteries.

The TalkAbout T6300's range is advertised at two miles, but obstacles like trees, buildings, and mountains cut into that significantly. Even so, this radio is a great tool for outdoors enthusiasts. And the stylish design--with a contoured shape for easy gripping--makes it clear this is not your grandfather's walkie-talkie. --L.E. Klein

Pros:

• Light and packed full of features
• 8 weather bands and weather alert great for long hikes
• Energy-saver feature helps extend batteries

Cons:

• Not easy to set up
• Flimsy back cover

Product Description

Happy campers. Because when someone tells you to take a hike, you do. Even if your afternoon hike is a day at the mall or when your family outing involves roller coasters and Ferris wheels. The Talkabout T6300 is the perfect two-way for active families who are always on the move.The Motorola Talkabout T6300 radios are durable two-way radios that allow you to stay connected to family, friends, and companions. They operate on Family Radio Service (FRS) frequencies, require no service fee or license. But these radios offer more than just a way of keeping in touch. They also help you and your group stay on schedule because a clock, alarm, and stopwatch are built into each model. And they will even alert you with emergency weather broadcasts. The weather won't ever surprise you again! The T6300 radios are also easy to use. Just take a few minutes to read this user's guide and you're ready to share your adventure.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I Like The Motorola T-6300 Very Much, February 1, 2002

By	Joseph T. Trevathan (Chicopee, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

Since I already owned a cheaper pair of two way radios, I had a hard time justifying the purchase of these. But the $25 rebates convinced me that this was the time to do it. I have used my older ones while working on the house. In my case, I was on the roof and just wanted to be in contact with someone in case I needed help. Have also used them when traveling as a group, staying in contact with someone in a car ahead and perhaps clarifying directions or upcoming turns, etc. Have also used them while shopping at the mall.

I anticipate using the T-6300 for the same things as well as staying in touch with the shore while kayaking. One of the features which was also a selling point was the inclusion of the weather channel. I could have lived without the clock and stop watch functions (since I have them on my watch). I would like to have had the added features of the T6320, but when would I really need an altimeter and barometer? The compass would have been useful though. Regarding the 6310 with its FM radio, I really would not want to be using up my batteries if I were on an extended hiking trip. The perfect combination for me would be to include the compass and drop the stopwatch. However I think I will be pretty happy with my new units and even happier when the rebate checks come in.

Trying to figure out how to operate all of the features does seem a little formidable, initially, but it gets easier as you practice. It does have some great features such as the vibrating alert, changes in call tones, voice activation etc. I am a little nervous depending upon the built in swivel beltclip but for relatively passive activities like going to the mall it should be fine. I am having a hard time finding a holster for it probably because Motorola felt there was no need to supply one since it comes with the built in detachable clip. They do make a holster which also is an armband holder, but it is a little pricey.

Regarding the reception, I have not found them to be any stronger than my older units but I have not had the opportunity to test them very much yet.

All in all, I think it is an excellent unit. It looks nice, has a lot of features, is ergonomically designed, and has several accessories. I think my favorite will the the headset with microphone which can be used with the voice activation feature.
Overall it was the features, rebates and Motorola reputation that led me to buy this unit.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars FCC license has nothing to do with range, December 5, 2004

By	Dusdaddy - See all my reviews

Everyone please understands that getting the FCC license for any GMRS radio does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to increase the range of the radio. The license is a piece of paper so the FCC may track who is using GMRS frequencies, nothing more. They used to do the same for CB users in the 70's. They do not track FRS freqs because of the low output power of FRS radios. Range is affected by output power of the radio but mostly by obstacles between you and the other radio. Trees, walls, buildings, hills, etc. reduce the range considerably. A true test of range is on open water or unobstructed Line-Of-Sight from one hilltop to another. (Not everyone has a boat) Buy three different sets from different brands and try them near a lake to test, return the ones that are not to your liking.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars High value for great price, January 11, 2002

By	Jon Turner (Oregon City, OR USA) - See all my reviews

I think my wife was skeptical that we really needed these radios, but it didn't take long to convince her they were well worth it. We were remodeling our bathroom shortly after purchasing two of these radios, and it came time to install the piping under the tub. I was going under the house and needed her to help line things up from above. Aha! We can use the radios to talk it through, and there won't be nearly as much cursing as one would expect from a normal home plumbing job. Instead of trying to yell through the floor, we were able to have clear and productive communication. Admittedly it was a simple test of these devices, but they worked beautifully for even the most mundane of tasks.

I am really looking forward to putting them through more rugged tests during hunting season. I expect the privacy codes will also come in handy for events like fairs, gun shows, motorcycle rallies and other places where you can expect a lot of other radio traffic. The form factor is great - I have large hands and find these much more comfortable than the 6200 or 289 models.

Easy to use and loaded with features. Great engineering!