trooper_cobb's Full Review: Motorola Talkabout® T5500 (7 Channels) Two Wa...
Motorola is known for commercial quality radios. These are not as durable but better than similar radios in the same class. After setup, they are easy to use.
I'm a Ham (Amateur Radio Operator). Use of an FRS/GMRS radio is not a preferred activity, but needed when communication to non-hams is needed. I had very specific requirements in mind when looking for consumer radios. Foremost was the ability to use standard batteries if needed. The Motorola comes with a stock battery and charger. The provided power will offer about six hours of light use, and two hours of heavy use. If you're just monitoring, it may last longer than eight hours.
As with all integrated radio systems, the T5500 uses a fixed antenna, and power-output is limited to under 2 watts. For the power-source, this is reasonable. Keeping in mind that all handheld simplex radios are LOS (Line of Sight) - Don't expect to get more than a mile on the open road, and about a half mile between pedestrian stations.
What makes a small radio is not transmit power, but recieve sensitivity. You don't want to hear broken squelch and parts of a transmission - you want to hear all of a call, and as clear as possible. Even without PL Tones enabled, the radios do very well at noise reduction and recieve sensitivity. This, in it self, increases the "effective range" of the product.
I would suggest these radios for those who will be using them frequently, and are willing to pay more for added durability. With any GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), you need an FCC License. These cost fifty dollars, and are good for ten-year periods. The FCC website has an online license system where you can obtain your license with electronic funds. If you're not willing to pay the additional fifty dollars for a license (That can be used by basically anyone in your group) - then stick with FRS-Only radios.
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