Amazon.com Review Feature-packed and amazingly versatile, Motorola's T9500XLR 2-way radios blur the line between professional and consumer models. With an astounding maximum range of 25 miles, weather alerts, digital privacy codes, hands-free transmission, and more, these little yellow wonders pack a lot under the hood. But how do they perform in the real world? To find out, we put the radios to the test in the urban jungle.
Design Compact and easy to hold, the T9500XLR's are also rugged and up to the task of any outdoor adventure. While they aren't completely waterproof, the ports and buttons have rubberized covers for keeping the elements out. The controls are relatively simple to figure out, and after a brief glance at the user's manual, you'll be up and running. The antenna on the radios is rather large--necessary for boosting range, but it might be stretch to tuck one into a small coat or pants pocket.
The all-important transmit button is easy to depress and hold. Pressing on the top portion of the button places the radio in "Power Boost" mode, which maximizes the transmission range. You'll save battery by using the lower power mode when talking to parties that you know are closeby. The radios are powered by included NiMH battery packs, which are rechargeable (a charger comes with the radios, too). You can also opt to use old fashioned AA batteries (three of them per radio) if you're on an extended expedition without AC power.
Features The T9500XLR supports up to 22 channels across the GMRS and FRS spectrum. GMRS channels offer high range and power for longer distance communication. There are also 121 interference elimination codes, also known as privacy codes. Codes 39-121 are digital, and they offer superior interference blocking when both radios are set to the same code. There's also an additional noise filter that filters out unwanted transmissions from other radios, something that's especially useful in places where there is a lot of radio traffic, such as a ski resort.
You can also take advantage of the T9500XLR's unique "iVox" feature, which allows you to transmit without pressing a button. The radio detects the sound of your voice and automatically sends the transmission. No other accessories or headsets are required. You can also use the traditional "Vox" mode which does require a headset. The "VibraCall Alert" vibrates the radio when you receive a transmission--great for use in noisy environments, or when you want to keep things discreet.
The radio can even scan its 22 channels for transmissions from other parties. Not only is this fun and often entertaining, it also also allows you to scan for members of your party who may have changed channels inadvertantly. Another handy feature is NOAA weather reception, which lets you listen to weather reports and bulletins right on your radio.
Real World Testing Motorola claims a 25-mile range for the T9500XLR, but they add that this is really only attainable under ideal conditions, such as transmitting from the top of a mountain down into a wide open valley. Moto says a range of 10 miles is more feasible in day-to-day use, while two miles is the maximum range in dense urban areas.
In downtown Seattle, that turned out to be pretty much true. Reception was good throughout the urban core, but when one tester ventured beyond that magical 2-mile radius reception started to fade. The radios did a good job filtering out unwanted transmissions, thanks to the privacy codes, and the number of available channels. Finding an unused channel in a busy city is a challenge, though. When in range, transmissions were clear and distortion-free.
All in all, the T9500XLR is a top-notch radio with features one would expect on a product twice or three times the price. It earns our praise as a top performer for those who need the most out of a two way radio.
Pros
Excellent range
Good interference elimination
Rugged
Cons
A bit big for small pockets
What's in the Box 2 T9500XLR radios, 2 battery packs, charging stand, black faceplates, AC adapter, 2 belt clips, and user's manual.
Product Description Included Accessories: 2 belt clips, 1 dual charger, 1 charging adapter, 2 NiMH rechargeable battery packs, 2 black faceplates (removable)
Motorola's T9500R 25-mile 2-way Radios makes certain that you're never alone, no matter where you go. It gives you a range of up to 25 miles and up to 27 hours of talk time -- meaning you can wander far from camp for a long time, while staying in touch. These radios also have 11 NOAA weather channels, giving you up-to-date weather information and keeping you prepared. The Backlit display makes it easier to use even in the dark. Great for hiking and camping with friends. 11 NOAA weather channels with Alert feature VibraCall vibrating alert Backlit LCD display with LCD battery meter Battery Save & audible Low Battery Alert Talk time - 27 hours with AA alkaline; 9 hours on NiMH Keypad lock Priority scan
MotorolaNovember 26, 2008 Despacho eficiente y en los tiempos de entrega considerados. En cuanto al producto, es un buen juguete para los ninos, tiene sus limitaciones en alcance.
Good radioNovember 3, 2008 Pros: Used with other motorolla and non motorolla radios and the sound quality was good. Battery holds charge for several days in normal use. Cons: 25 mile range is bizarre because the most that I got was about a mile and a half.
"25-Mile" can be misleadingOctober 23, 2008 Although I am pretty tech savvy, this is definitely one of those products where you really need to read the manual (but don't worry, it's not that big) to understand all the menus and functions.
If you're not familiar with radios like me, the whole 22 channels can also be confusing. Whatever you do, you don't want to be on the default channel 0 because that's pretty much where anyone can interfere.
The 25-mile* can definitely be misleading. If you're in a urban area, the most you can get is actually 2 miles.
By holding the + (with the cloud image next to it) for 3 seconds, you can tune into the NOAA weather service.
One thing I wish it had is if both parties end up pressing the talk button at the same time, it should make some sort of special beep/notification to tell that they're both being cut off. With radios, unlike cellphones, you can't talk simultaneously. However, the good thing is that you don't have to say "Roger" after you finish talking because the other party will hear a beep after you let go of the talk button.
These radios aren't anything revolutionary, but for what it is and the price, it is decent. The battery charger is definitely a plus.
Pros: - Fits in pocket. - Comes with rechargeable batteries and charging dock for changing both radios simultaneously. - Vibration - Scan for channels - Hands free operation (iVOX)
Cons: - 2 miles max in urban areas.
Great product for priceOctober 20, 2008 It is a great product especially for the price amazon offers it for. Stores sell the same two way radio for the same price but does not have the 25 mile capability. It was a great deal.
Pretty good for the priceSeptember 20, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I haven't tested these for their full 25 mile range, but they seem to work well enough around the office complex and at the park. The 2 mile range for urban areas that other reviewers have stated seems to be about right. I might have actually gotten more than two miles, but I also live in Los Angeles where we don't have very many tall buildings.
Overall, they work well enough for casual use, but I wouldn't consider them for more critical applications.
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