agreement for writers and event sponsors. I wanted to test
them in the field at the Second Annual Big Hog Outing (BHO#2)
held at the Reed Ranch in Texas and at our Second Annual
Single Shot Rifle Shoot. Normally the loan is only for a
period of 10 days but since these two events were scheduled
for March and April of 2001 I needed them longer. Motorola
graciously worked with me on this getting them to me on March
16 and allowing me to keep them unti April 30. For that
special consideration I'd like to thank Motorola.
Now the Distance DPS was no stranger to me as I have one of
them of my own and have used it some in the woods of Alabama
for communication with my fellow hunters in my party in the
past. Results have been mixed due to the many steep hills in
the area where we hunted. The T6320 was new to me but found
much favor with me due to the variety of features it has and
the clarity and range it has.
Of the T6320 Motorola has this to say:
Serious communication for the serious outdoor enthusiast.
*Digital compass
*Altimeter
*Barometer
*8 weather channels
*Eavesdrop reducer
*QuieT6000™ technology
Highlighted Features
*Up to 2 Miles Range
*14 FRS channels
*38 Codes
*Keypad Lock - with LockPlus
*10 selectable call tones
*Channel Scan - with programmable scan list
*Hands-free use - with selectable sensitivity
*Rechargable ready with CommPort™ compatibility
*Auto Power Off
*Eavesdrop Reducer - with three scramble settings.
*VibraCall® alert - to discreetly notify you of incoming
calls.
*Talk Confirmation Tone option ("over" or "roger")
*Clock with Alarm and Stopwatch
*Weather - with 8 channels & alert
*Digital Compass
*Weather resistant
*Scramble Option with 3 settings
*Altimeter
*Barometer
*QuieT6000™ Talk Group Filter
*Thermometer
*Indicators/ Alert Features
*Signal Strength Indicator
I say if you can live within the lesser power range of this
little radio it is one big package of features in a small
package and if they would make it in the same power range as
my Distance DPS then I'd consider no other. I really liked
the Time, Temperature, Weather, Altimeter and Barometer
features of it not to mention the Digital Compass if you
happen to have left yours at home or lost it.
During testing on the Reed Ranch we were able to easily talk
between this radio and the Test Distance DPS for about two
miles even with the hill between the camp and the hunting
location. That's pretty darn good performance in my opinion
and as I write this you can order it online from the Motorola
website for $129.99.
TALKABOUT® DISTANCE DPS
This one is really the top of the Motorola line up of FRS two
way radios. Of it Motorola says:
Everybody can stay in touch, even when they're up to 5 miles
apart instantly, with the push of a button. The Distance DPS
uses a rechargeable NiCd battery that is included with the
radio or 6 AA alkaline batteries. A GMRS license, issued by
the FCC, is required for use of this radio. No monthly fees
or service contracts required.
Quick User Guide
*11.7 ounces
*9.75"H x 2.5"W x 1.25"D (6.25" without antenna)
*Up to 5 miles range
*Approximately 2 watts of power
*Dual Power Source - uses NiCd rechargeable battery or
*6 AA alkaline batteries (alkaline batteries sold
separately)
Highlighted Features
*Operates on 7 FRS and 3 GMRS UHF Frequencies
*38 Interference Eliminator Codes
*Channel Scan
Voice-assisted Programming
*12.5/25.0 KHz Bandwidth Selectable
*VOX Hands-Free (with optional accessory)
Talk Time Features
*Up to 8 hours with NiCd battery (when used for 5%
transmit, 5% receive, and 90% standby)
*Up to 25 hours with AA alkaline batteries (when used for 5%
transmit, 5% receive, and 90% standby)
Now this latter one, the Distance DPS really got a work out
on both trips. On the way to the shoot in MS we had one in
one vehicle and the other in the second vehicle and we talked
between vehicles with no problems. These two radios allowed
us to stay in constant touch as we rode down the highway and
needed to relate information between vehicles. Once at the
shoot I used one of the Distance DPS and the T6320 to
communicate distances to the target setters as they went down
range to set targets at 25, 50, 100, 250 and 400 yards as
determined by the Bushnell YP-1000 range finder also under
test at the shoot. In Texas on the Reed Range I was able to
talk to camp from way back down in the bottoms about 4.5 or
more miles away. Jim, the ranch owner said these were the
only radios ever used on his ranch that allowed communication
at that distance. They are now seriously considering buying
enough of the Distance DPS radios to allow communications
between camp and the hunters on stand so someone doesn't have
to drive way down into the bottoms to talk with the hunters
at set intervals.
I like them both. I think if Motorola can and would combine
the power of the Distance DPS with the compact size and
features of the T6320 they'd have a radio I couldn't live
without. Both get the Graybeard Seal of Approval
for sure.
Visit Motorola on the internet by clicking their name to find
out more about the radios in this review. Or visit the
Motorola Home Page here.
Motorola Cunsumer Products Division
1125 Satellite Road, Suite 101
Suwanee, GA. 30024-2880
Motorola is too big and has too many phones for me to provide
you a single phone number for contact. Check the website for
the phone number of the part of the Corporation you might
wish to speak.