Motorola T9500XLR 25-Mile 2-Way Radio Pair by Motorola
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Digital camera reviews of Motorola T9500XLR 25-Mile 2-Way Radio Pair
Digital camera Review: Motorola's worst ever radio!
Summary: 1 Stars
The audio quality is really poor compared to other manufacturers. You can't understand other users even over quite short distances and this not helped when the signal keeps dropping in and out.
Whatever you do . . . DON'T be beguiled by the MOTOROLA name and DON'T expect any support from Motorola regarding this problem.
THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THESE POOR QUALITY PRODUCTS.
I complained to the UK and USA offices of Motorola and both fobbed me off.
I have some really cheap Uniden radios which have a superb sound compared to these . . . you can expect better quality from two tin cans and a length of string than Motorola's T9500XLR radios.
Digital camera Review: Necessary for noisy environment
Summary: 5 Stars
Don't buy the Motorola handled radios without this or the ear phone based product if you plan to use the radio in a noisy environment (particularly if they are required to wear hearing protection). Even with the vibrate alarm, our employees were often missing talk requests. With the clip on speaker and microphone, the sound is placed closer to the ears and is heard much easier. The radio also need not be removed from the worn position to talk back...Digital camera Review: Newer isn't always better
Summary: 2 Stars
I purchased these to replace my aging T7200's, but there is no comparison. The 7200's are far better. The 9500XLR have very poor sound quality (very tinny, like talking in a can), the volume doesn't go high enough, and the reception is poor. I spent a few days using these two models side-by-side and the weaknesses in these radios jump out immediately. I am happy to say that Amazon accepted my return. Don't make the same mistake I did. Look for a different model.Digital camera Review: Not ideal for crowded resorts. Nice otherwise.
Summary: 4 Stars
I own both the TriSquare and Motorola Talkabout radios Those of you who like to take your kids outdoors or skiing, may find this of interest.
Motorola T9500XLR 25-Mile 2-Way Radio
This is a typical walkie talkie. It 22 channels in the 462 MHz range and has 2 watts of power using GMRS/FRS protocols. The "25-mile" range is the theoretical max (i.e. on the lunar surface).
The main problem with this technology is, well, other people. Imagine 1,000 people sharing 22 channels at Disney World. Motorola goes through great lengths to filter out other people. This is achieved by
(1) A special filter that blocks non-Motorola radios. A nice idea, but unfortunately 90% of walkie talkies are made by Motorola.
(2) A special privacy code which is assigned to each channel. Thus, all your Motorola radios have to be configured to the same privacy code in order to work with each other. Codes range from 1 to 121.
Nonetheless, even with filters and privacy encryption, if someone else is transmitting on your channel, there will be significant interference.
TriSquare TSX-300 eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radio
These use a completely different technology. They transmit on 900 MHz in a 100% digital protocol. They sort of work like cell phones, without the service provider. Each radio is assigned a unique 10-digit number. No matter how crowded the ski resort, you'll always have a private channel for your family. These radios use 1 watt of power. The manufacturer does not provide distance performace, but claim that the radios have a range equal to or better than the Motorola Talkabouts.
Comparison
I took both brands with me and drove around town - a typical suburban setting with residential and commercial areas. I rated voice quality on a scale of 0 to 3 as follows:
0 no reception
1 unintelligible
2 intelligible but noisy or garbled
3 intelligible and clear
I then plotted the average rating as a function of distance. The digital eXRS technology was superior to the GMRS/FRS model. The eXRS average rating was 25% better than the Motorola Talkabout. The max distance I could get in my area (having lots of trees and buildings) was .45 miles with either radio. The Motorola box claims "2 miles in an urban setting", which is just not true in my case.
The Motorol wins in overall voice quality. When the signal is strong, the voice quality of the Motorola was quite clear, whereas the eXRS unit always had a some background white noise.
Conclusion
The TriSquare eXRS radios lack a bit in overall voice quality. However, having great voice quality in a Motorola radio is worthless if you can't get through on a crowded channel. The benefits of the eXRS radios out way the one or two shortcomings, in my opinion. I tried the TriSquare units at a ski resort. They work just as advertised. No interference from other people whatsoever.
The TriSquare comes with two vox headsets, which work fairly well. The Motorola talkabout did not come with headsets, which cost $20 a piece at Radio Shack.
Niether the Motorola Talkabout nor the TriSquare eXRS seem particularly rugged or weather resistant, so I'd rate them the same in that regard.
The NOAA weather reception on the TriSquare was pretty bad. I have two other NOAA radios, which work just fine in my area. The Talkabout had very good NOAA reception.
Digital camera Review: POOR Quality For MOTOROLA Get your act together!!
Summary: 1 Stars
I got these radios because I own two talkabout t5950's. I figured that I would upgrade to a newer better model. Was I wrong!!! They do transmit farther than my prevous model, but you can't understand what is being said. I am a loyal Motorola fan, but they had better step up the qaulity. I will be returning these radios and I will go back to the old stand-by for another year.