| Range
Criteria: Flat land sending and
receiving, suburb setting. |
| Clear |
1.5 miles |
| Faint/Static yet usable |
1.5 miles |
| Signals lost |
<1.5 miles |
|
| Clarity |
Sounds a little tinny, but
you'd expect it from a tiny speaker. |
| Features |
Boy this is a little cutie.
It stands only 3" high (4" with antennae). Radio is advertised as a
FRS/GMRS hybrid with a total of 22 channels. Channels 1-7 and 15-22 are 1 Watt. Channels 8-14
are 0.5 Watt (FRS). It does scan the 22 channels, but you have to hit 3 buttons to turn it
on, then 3 to turn it off. Has 1 call tone. You change volume
simply by hitting up or down. Only uses 3 AAA batteries, however, I
believe this is a factor that affects it's range. |
| Ergonomics
Ease of use, and general feel |
The belt clip attachment rests
tight against the meter so it doesn't get in the way when holding it. Radio is slightly
rectangular. If you have smaller hands (kids?) it would fit
perfectly. For larger hands, you'll probably not get all 4 fingers
on it. Buttons are easily and logically placed. The Push to talk
(PTT) button seems a bit harder to press and lacks solid tactile feedback
that you're holding it in. |
| Quality |
Motorola is well known for
designing and manufacturing a very solid and quality radio. This is
no exception. Antennae is stubby and inflexible plastic. |
| Overall Impressions |
One of Motorola's entry line
radios with minimal features. It's small, but has very limited
range. A lower end line performer for someone who
basically wants to push and talk. Probably ideal for use with
smaller kids or for someone who wants a smaller radio, and isn't
necessarily interested in maximum ranges. Easily kept
in pocket or the smallest purse. |
| Rating (1 worst, 10 best) |
4 |
