Motorola T6320 AA 2-Way Radio

Rating:
Summary: The radio you need is right here!
Review: FRS radios are greatly enhanced walkie talkies of ten or fifteen years ago. While walkie talkies were for the most part short range kids toys, most FRS radios have about a two mile range, and actual practical uses. There are presently 3 major distinctions (price ranges) in FRS radios.

1) The bottom of the barrel cost around 20-40 bucks. They have 14 different channels, and as long as there aren't more than 14 groups of people trying to communicate within a given two-mile radius they will serve your communication needs. If you are going camping where there aren't going to be a whole lot of people around, this category will work just fine without getting mixed up in other peoples' conversations.

2) The next step up offers 14 channels and 38 privacy codes, which in layman's term results in the equivalent of 532 different channels. They can be used in a more crowded area without much interference from other people's radios. They are good for keeping in touch on the ski slopes or the beach on a moderately crowded day.

3) The Motorola 6300 series is the top of the line. It's got 14 channels, 38 privacy codes, and three scramble settings. The scramble settings enable as close to a private conversation as can be achieved on a public radio band. Unless two (or more) radios are set to the exact same channel, privacy code, and scramble setting, clear communication is not possible. You and your group armed with Motorola T6300 series radios all set to the exact same channel, privacy, and scramble settings will have virtually uninterrupted communication, in even the most crowded of venues. The 6300 series is backward compatible with older less sophisticated radios. Simply turn off the scramble settings, and you will be able to communicate with older models.

This particular model, the T6320, comes with extra features including a compass, barometer, alarm clock, and other bells and whistles may be more than you need. Such extras may come in handy for the outdoor enthusiast. For those just looking for the best communication device possible, these features may simply add unneeded complexity to the user interface, in which case the basic (Motorola) 6300 model may be more desirable and a little bit cheaper.

I've used this radio during many jam-packed days on the (ski) slopes and it has never let me down. Though it is not waterproof, a little snow here and there has never hindered it's function.

Bottom line:

If you are a gadget freak, and do not need a radio that may get submersed in water, snap this one up without hesitation. Don't need the added features, but still want the best pure radio out there, go for the (Motorola) 6300. If you are just looking for something for the kids to play with around the house, one of the lower priced radios ought to do the trick just fine.

Rating:
Summary: The radio you need is right here!
Review: FRS radios are greatly enhanced walkie talkies of ten or fifteen years ago. While walkie talkies were for the most part short range kids toys, most FRS radios have about a two mile range, and actual practical uses. There are presently 3 major distinctions (price ranges) in FRS radios.

1) The bottom of the barrel cost around 20-40 bucks. They have 14 different channels, and as long as there aren't more than 14 groups of people trying to communicate within a given two-mile radius they will serve your communication needs. If you are going camping where there aren't going to be a whole lot of people around, this category will work just fine without getting mixed up in other peoples' conversations.

2) The next step up offers 14 channels and 38 privacy codes, which in layman's term results in the equivalent of 532 different channels. They can be used in a more crowded area without much interference from other people's radios. They are good for keeping in touch on the ski slopes or the beach on a moderately crowded day.

3) The Motorola 6300 series is the top of the line. It's got 14 channels, 38 privacy codes, and three scramble settings. The scramble settings enable as close to a private conversation as can be achieved on a public radio band. Unless two (or more) radios are set to the exact same channel, privacy code, and scramble setting, clear communication is not possible. You and your group armed with Motorola T6300 series radios all set to the exact same channel, privacy, and scramble settings will have virtually uninterrupted communication, in even the most crowded of venues. The 6300 series is backward compatible with older less sophisticated radios. Simply turn off the scramble settings, and you will be able to communicate with older models.

This particular model, the T6320, comes with extra features including a compass, barometer, alarm clock, and other bells and whistles may be more than you need. Such extras may come in handy for the outdoor enthusiast. For those just looking for the best communication device possible, these features may simply add unneeded complexity to the user interface, in which case the basic (Motorola) 6300 model may be more desirable and a little bit cheaper.

I've used this radio during many jam-packed days on the (ski) slopes and it has never let me down. Though it is not waterproof, a little snow here and there has never hindered it's function.

Bottom line:

If you are a gadget freak, and do not need a radio that may get submersed in water, snap this one up without hesitation. Don't need the added features, but still want the best pure radio out there, go for the (Motorola) 6300. If you are just looking for something for the kids to play with around the house, one of the lower priced radios ought to do the trick just fine.

Rating:
Summary: Barometer is ok
Review: Purchased two t6320's. Both worked well. Used rechargable AA NiMH batteries without any problem...the battery meter will underread with these batteries because NiMH batteries are 1.2 volts and not 1.5 like the standard alkalines.

Tested the barometers at sea level and they were within 0.01" (on the sea in downeast Maine). These do not have an adjustment to bring you back to sea level if you are above the latter. You will have to interpolate for your altitude. In use, however, it is the relevent rise of and fall of the barometer that counts weatherwise, and not the absolute number. The altimeter also works off the barometer and good for 20 foot intervals. You should set it each time you go out...read the instructions....it is all there.

Compasses were very accurate assuming you know the magnetic declination in your area (-18 degrees in my case). These radios were also a good deal quieter than the t250's that my kids use.

Would definitely buy again.

Rating:
Summary: Barometer is ok
Review: Purchased two t6320's. Both worked well. Used rechargable AA NiMH batteries without any problem...the battery meter will underread with these batteries because NiMH batteries are 1.2 volts and not 1.5 like the standard alkalines.

Tested the barometers at sea level and they were within 0.01" (on the sea in downeast Maine). These do not have an adjustment to bring you back to sea level if you are above the latter. You will have to interpolate for your altitude. In use, however, it is the relevent rise of and fall of the barometer that counts weatherwise, and not the absolute number. The altimeter also works off the barometer and good for 20 foot intervals. You should set it each time you go out...read the instructions....it is all there.

Compasses were very accurate assuming you know the magnetic declination in your area (-18 degrees in my case). These radios were also a good deal quieter than the t250's that my kids use.

Would definitely buy again.