Motorola T6500R GMRS / FRS Rechargeable Two-Way Radios, Black (2 Pack)

Other products by Motorola

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.3 x 2.3 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001YFW94
• Item model number: T6500R
• Average Customer Review: 2.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,011 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)

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

• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 9, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
One of Motorola's rugged Sports Series two-way radios, this model--which offers a range of up to 12 miles--is designed specifically for serious outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Combining General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) technology with Motorola engineering, the radio is ideal for active outdoor communications. The Talkabout T6500 features rugged rubber grips to protect the radio, making it suitable for any activity. It also comes in an eye-catching khaki color that fits with most outdoor equipment.

For the latest weather conditions, tune into the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) channel, which provides continuous weather broadcasting. The Talkabout T6500 also offers full 22-frequency capacity with 99 Motorola-exclusive codes, so there are more channel combinations than ever. The Priority Scan feature helps users quickly find the most private channel in crowded environments to give them a chatter-free environment. And when users enable the Talkabout's exclusive QT noise filter, radios from other manufacturers can't be heard on your channel.

The VibraCall silent vibrating ringer is especially useful for sportsmen--and for locations where ringing can be intrusive. This feature is also great when the roar of the crowd drowns out your ring tone. The Talkabout T6500 also includes a special feature called Companding. It's a sophisticated digital technology that filters out the static hiss between words. This not only extends the effective range of the radio but also delivers a noticeably clearer transmission quality. The T6500's accessory connector allows for headset operation, as well as hands-free operation that lets you use your radio speakerphone-style. Just charge up the rechargeable ni-cad power units and you're ready to start communicating.

Product Description
This is the new Motorola 10 Mile GMRS/FRS rechargeable two-way radio designed for demading outdoor use. It is rubberized to give it durability and weather resistence. Each hanset contains NOAA weather channels in addition to 22 GMRS/FRS channels and 121 privacy codes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

102 of 112 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars BEWARE of this Motorola model T5950 IMPOSTER!, December 27, 2004

By	HippoRadio "TOO BIG--a 60s-70s fan" (Charleston, SC) - See all my reviews

As an outdoor enthusiast, I placed the "regarded" Motorola T5950R FRS/GMRS 2-way radio pair on my Christmas list. While attempting to acquire this set in a "big box" chain sporting goods store, my father was "steered" to the alleged Motorola model T6500 by a store associate who said that model was a new replacement for the T5950. Subsequently, he placed an order (for $40 less) on Amazon. After being informed of this, I decided to do some web research, and interestingly found that the model T6500 was NOT to be found ANYWHERE on the Motorola web site. A second order was placed here a few days later for the "trusty" T5950 set.

Seems the T6500 is "licensed knockoff" of the T5950 by Motorola's mainland-Chinese electronics manufacturer. The units look the same (except for the khaki face plate cover). The features are identical--as is the packaging. Only a small indication on the rear of the T6500 package discloses that the product is "Manufactured and sold by Giant International, Ltd., official licensee for this product." Furthermore, it is warranted and supported EXCLUSIVELY by the MANUFACTURER-NOT MOTOROLA! `Just ask a world-band shortwave radio hobbyist about "warranty service and support" from ANY Chinese OEM producer selling "direct" here in the states, and you'll run away...FAST!

Now...To the "differences"...and there ARE some-ALL performance related. While Motorola may license their name, logo, and design to an offshore OEM producer, you can be sure that they reserve their customer support AND several technical enhancements for models THEY specifically brand and market.

A side by side comparison between the genuine Motorola T5950 and its T6500 "imposter" reveals several performance issues. The T5950 has relatively good coverage (considering the communications class); audio loudness and clarity that are sufficient for reliable reception on a congested and "spotty" broadcast service; and NOAA Weather Station reception that is fairly good...even 30-50 miles from the desired station. I did not compare the T6500s transmit-receive coverage, but its audio quality and "punch" are WELL BELOW that of the "genuine" T5950. Furthermore, Weather Band reception on my T6500 sample (both units in the set) was very nearly NONFUNCTIONAL.

In conclusion: It is well worth spending a few bucks more for the "Real McCoy" genuine Motorola T5950 (I actually spent $4 LESS with a rebate here on Amazon). You'll appreciate the "domestic support", improved transmit audio quality, and a weather receiver that actually may save your life when you're out on the water!

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't beleive the negative hype, these radios are fine., March 21, 2006

By	maxmyles (Pacific Northwest) - See all my reviews

I don't know what the fuss from other reviewers is all about. These radios work fine. Like the rest of life, have realistic expectations. They sell for $43.69. Why do people expect the performance of a short wave radio? That is a recipe for disappointment. If you want the performance of $1000 2 way radios, buy that flavor and do not buy the inexpensive one.

I use them for skiing. So far, nothing else. They've been perfect. Compact size fits neatly into a pocket. Battery life is sufficient for a weekend trip. No- the signal doesn't wrap around mountains or curve into valleys. But anyone who actually reads about the declared range should have noted that the proclamation is based on "line of sight". I can't see how this should be a surprise to anyone. So far they've kept me in touch with my party mates on big mountains without any letdowns. No, they don't reach from the summit to the pub at the bottom, but again that is a line of sight issue - have realistic expectations for a $45 radio. They did however reach between the summits of Whistler and of Blackcomb. That seems like a reasonable range to me. Check out a map and see if you agree.

There's a comment in another review about them not seating well in the charger. This is true, but there is a super-simple remedy. There's a cradle for the handset that nests into the charger. If you remove the cradle, fit it on the handset, and then slide the two into the charger - presto, problem solved.

One feature I really like that isn't made obvious in the description is that the rechargeable battery is the same size and shape if three AA batteries. This is a nice option if your battery dies on the road, and your charger is at home.

All in all, I am 100% satisfied with this purchase. So far, the quality has been exactly what I expected from inexpensive electronics. The Chinese manufacturer that licensed these from Motorola put together a solid product.

48 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars YOU'LL BE SORRY IF YOU BUY THIS!, May 23, 2005

By	David Jay Gillmore - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I use my radios for back country hiking, cycling, paintballing, kayaking, amusement parks, car to car communications, and hunting.

I own four Motorola T4900 "3 mile" radios, four Motorola T5000 "5 mile" radios, and two Motorola T6500 "10 mile" radios. I have also owned earlier versions of Motorola radios. I am returning ALL of them. I have replaced them with four Midland GXT550 "14 mile" radios. Why? Because I was a dink and believed that Motorola would perform as advertised. NOT!

Because I was disappointed with the reception of the T4900s before I bought the "5 mile" Motorola's I called Motorola and asked, "If both the T4900 and the T5000 have the same wattage how can you double the distance with the T5000?" They said because of improved circuitry. I believed them and bought the radios. I was very disappointed with the T5000 so I looked for a better radio. I found the T6500 units and bought a pair two days ago. I have tested all three units for distance and clarity on the same route. All three units had the exact same distance. They all lost reception after 3/4 of a mile. I was using channel 16 which is GMRS 1 watt. I did not have a straight line of sight for this test. I re-tested the T6500 "10 mile" units on a 1 mile clear line of sight road on level elevation and got the same results. No matter how you cut it 1 watt is 1 watt. I have read several reviews about the Midland GXT400 where the users complianed about getting only 4 miles of reception while hunting in wooded and hilly terrain. If I get 2-4 miles with the Midland with a clear line of sight I will be very happy. I don't expect 14 miles, but 3/4 of a mile, to me, is just a joke.