Motorola TalkAbout T5420 (AA) Graphite Black 2-Way Radio (Pair)

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Title : Motorola TalkAbout T5420 (AA) Graphite Black 2-Way Radio (Pair)
Author : Motorola
Release Date : 20020414
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $69.99
Amazon.com Price : $57.26 (18 %)
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Editorial Reviews :
Motorola is a big name in FRS radios for a reason, and the TalkAbout T5420 radio exhibits the range, clarity, ease of operation, and build quality that the company's FRS designs are known for. The T5420 may not have all the extra features that more expensive products offer, but it does have all the options users are most likely to use, and at a very reasonable price.
The T5420 feels very solid and the three AA batteries each unit requires give the radio a nice heft without making it too heavy. A large knob on top performs double duty as a power switch and volume control, and the rubber-coated antenna flexes slightly so it is not likely to break off if the radio is dropped. The large Push To Talk (PTT) button on the side also is rubber-coated, providing good traction for your thumb. The button is recessed, making it difficult to push accidentally, and requires a fair amount of pressure to depress (although not so much that a 5-year-old we enlisted to help test it had any trouble).

Most features are accessed by pressing the Menu button on the front of the radio, which cycles through different modes on the LCD display (such as selecting a channel or subcode). Another button transmits one of five selectable call tones when pressed, which are useful for getting someone's attention before speaking. The Monitor button lets you listen in on an entire channel to make sure it's clear before transmitting (which is handy if you are using a subcode), and there is a covered jack on the side of the unit for attaching an optional voice-activated (VOX) headset for hands-free talking. The T5420 even lets you easily set the VOX sensitivity to adjust for unusually noisy or quiet environments.

The pair of T5420 radios we tested did very well, working at ranges of a half-mile or more in most outdoor tests. Range is cut a little when both radios are used in cars, and varies greatly when used indoors, but that is the case with every FRS radio. Audio clarity is good, but prepare for random interference if you use the units in a city.

We used the T5420s with a Motorola T5320, which doesn't have subcodes (also known as privacy or interference-eliminator codes), and it worked fine as long as both T5420s were set to subcode 0. Setting them to a different subcode on the same channel let the T5320 hear transmissions from the other radios, but the T5420s didn't pick up transmissions from the T5320.

All said, the T5420 is one of the best radios available for the money. It's good and rugged, has a decent battery life, and manages to be easy to use while making it difficult to accidentally change channels or open a transmission. The fact that you can get two of these terrific radios for what a single similar unit cost a short time ago makes them even easier to recommend.

Buyer Reviews :
All I can say this is a great product. It is well designed, looks great, easy to use, has great features, great reception. I am a student studying to become an engineer and I often look at products and find flaw after flaw. I often look at a product and find dozens of things they could change or improve. However, in this case I am completely satisfied. Not only do the two way radios work well but they are a very resonable price. Also, these radios have subcodes which give you all the channels you would ever need. I took them on a 6 day backpacking trip in yosemite national park, and they preformed very well. My groups at times split into two groups, and they were very useful to keep us in contact at all times for safety and comfort. They were also useful at keeping the people in front in contact with the people in back. Saved a lot of yelling, miscommunication and stopping. My buddy and I in front were able to radio back how to cross a stream, where the downed tree was etc. Great for someone scouting ahead. Once again 5 stars!

(by An electronics fan)

Features/Technical Specs :
* 14-channel FRS 2-way radio and up to 2-mile range
* 38 CTCSS subcodes per channel for communicating with less interference from other users
* 5 audible call tones; talk confirmation tone; backlit LCD
* Removeable swivel belt clip; single-pin audio accessory connector
* Rechargeable capable with optional accessory upgrade kit; VOX hands-free use with optional accessories

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