Motorola T6400 AA 2-Way Radio
From Motorola
Go the distance with this combination GMRS/FRS two-way radio. The T6400 two-way radio provides one watt of power on its GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels enabling communications at a range of up to 5 miles (range will vary based on terrain and conditions). Power is automatically stepped down to 0.5 watt across its FRS only (Family Radio Service) channels enabling it to talk to all existing FRS two-way radios. FRS channels provide a range of up to 2 miles (range will vary based on terrain and conditions).
Amazon Sales Rank: #84132 in Consumer Electronics Size: AA Amazon Green Brand: Motorola Model: T6400 Dimensions: 6.82" h x 1.36" w x 2.30" l, .42 pounds
Motorola brings together the power of General Mobile radio service (GMRS) with the convenience of Family Radio Service (FRS) in the TalkAbout T6400 two-way radio. Built rugged with a cobalt-blue finish, this radio is designed to be used indoors and outdoors and has a range of up to five miles on GMRS channels and one mile on FRS channels. The TalkAbout T6400 has 22 channels with 38 privacy codes and features Motorola's Eavesdrop Reducer scrambling technology and QuieT6000 noise minimizer. Other features include voice compression for better sound at longer distances, plus clock, alarm, and stopwatch. The TalkAbout T6400 operates on AA alkaline batteries. Important note to customers: All two-way radios that use GMRS frequencies require an FCC license. For licensing information and applications (form Nos. 605 and 159), call the FCC forms hotline at (800) 418-FORM or check online at www.fcc.gov. For questions concerning the license application, contact the FCC at (800) CALL-FCC (225-5322).
A Scam I bought a pair of these T6400's because of the hope that one watt of power would yield range at least approaching the range advertised for the 1/2 watt family radios (2 miles). What I found is that the whole radio range concept has been turned into one of the biggest marketing scams around. I can't believe it is legal for them to print "up to 5 mile range" on the box, even with all the fine print. I live in a flat section of Austin, Texas, which is not especially dense but does have some foliage and a reasonable number of houses. I tested the radios using a GPS so that I would know the exact distance to the other radio. I could not believe the result. The radios had very clear voice quality to .25 miles. Voices were 80% intelligible at .35 miles. After that, the radios were useless. There are some nice features on these radios, but give me a break. I'm returning them. Not pleased After getting in my car with a pair of the 6400's as well as a pair of the older talkabout 200's, I drove 1.2 miles and tested both of them individually. To my astonishment, using the GMRS frequency at 1 watt added no improvement over my older family frequency radios. In fact, I believe my older radios with the ALLEGED 2 mile range using FF, out performed the new ones using the 5 mile frequency (GMRS). The clarity seemed better. Aside from the bells and whistles on the 6400 series, the range and clarity improvements are unremarkable and frankly, I think Motorola should be sued for false advertising. Neither the 2 mile FF or the 5 mile GMRS even remotely live up to Motorola's claims even in good conditions. Finally, I have to say, I am disappointed with Motorola because they have changed the ports to which the audio accessories (I. E. microphones.) connect. This is a nasty move that forces consumers to buy different $40.00 microphones just because we chose to get a new model radio. Pretty unethical if you ask me. I am considering different brands due to my disappointment in Motorola's ethics. The only perk to the new 6400 series is that they have some convenient features although, I am not sure the newer FF models didn't have these features as well. If it's distance you want or bang for your buck, save your FCC licencing $$ and stick with FF or take the leap and get the Distance series radios. At the least, dont pay full price for this radio. The current rebates definitely make the Motorola's more reasonable. Also, consider the option of other manufacturers that don't charge the premiums that Motorola does. Bottom line,,, can I get the features and performance I enjoy from a different manufacturer for much less money? That remains to be seen but, I have a feeling the answer is yes. $75 FCC fee, No NOAA Weather, 1 watt output I ordered 2 T6400s, but am returning them for a couple of reasons. - This model does NOT support NOAA weather radio channels. - The FCC license fee is $75 per call sign (per FCC web site). - The power output is 1 watt maximum (GMRS radios can be up to 5 watts). I already have an ICOM M3A handheld marine radio for kayaking, and I will buy a second instead of using the Motorola radios. The Marine radios have a 5 watt output, but are about twice the size. If you are looking for a small 2 way radio, look at the T6300 1/2 watt FRS instead. They currently have a $25 rebate, and you'll save the FCC fee.
