Features:
- 14 channels
- 2-mile range
- Clock/stopwatch/alarm
- 8 NOAA weather channels
- Digital compass w/ barometer/altimeter
Description:
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
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