Motorola Talkabout T5512 8-channel PMR

RANGE OF FEATURES
You have 8 channels which is plenty for most people. Just select one and start using it. If you find that someone else is already using another set of PMR’s nearby on the same frequency then just change channels. (That is the only problem with a PMR radio is that it’s un-licenced which means anyone can listen in, however I’ve never really had a problem with this). You have the lock feature so that you can put the radio in your pocket and not change the channel in error and you also have the headphone/microphone socket for using the headset for handsfree use (great for doormen (or door people I should say)). The headset functions will vary with headsets but you can have either PTT (push to talk) or VOX (voice activated) depending upon which you require. These radios use a single stereo jack rather than the two pin that some units use, so depending on the headset you get you may need an adapter, adding about £5-£10 to the cost on this, with headsets costing anything from £15-£30 each.

EASE OF USE
Extremely easy to use, you simply set both units to the same channel using the up and down buttons then press the talk button and talk. It doesn’t get much easier than that does it.

LOOK AND FEEL
At first glance they don’t look as pretty as some units I’ve seen. However the design is one that is very practical. All the buttons are designed so that you can hold it in one hand and change any functions with the other very easily. It feels very comfortable in your hand with the plastic centre area and the rubber surround.

DURABILITY AND ROBUSTNESS
I’ve used them when I’ve been paintballing. For that they need to be very strong. If you drop theses they will generally just bounce (exceptional circumstances may destroy this theory and the units) but still be in perfect working order and probably won’t even turn off from the shock of the impact.

RECEPTION QUALITY
Some radio’s I’ve used give a very scratchy reception but I find that these give a very good clear reception. When batteries are very low you may find a bit of drop off as your power goes down and the distance drops a bit but generally you will find the reception is excellent. As per most manufacturer’s Motorola claim around the 2 to 3 km mark for usable distance. In realistic terms you may get this if you have direct line of sight in the middle of nowhere, however for the general population who live in a town or city and that is where they will use them you will find the range is down to around half a mile to a mile. It’s still plenty for most people, either when you take the kids shopping or getting them home from a friends up the road for tea or if your in shop or club using them for security.

BATTERY STANDBY TIME
The units come complete with a rechargeable battery for each handset (although they will run on three AAA batteries if you need them too) and a base unit charger for easy charging. Typically I would recommend just putting them in the charger overnight when not in use. Constant standby I’d say is around a couple of days easily maybe even three or four.

BATTERY TALKTIME
Constant talk time your looking around about four or five hours. That’s plenty for most people, especially one days use and you can recharge at the end of the day. Remember each message you speak may only be about say half a minute. Which at four hours would give you around 480 half minute messages.

RANGE OF COVERAGE
The range of coverage will vary depending where you are. If you are somewhere with lots of electrical equipment you may find you will get some interference that will decrease the distance of coverage. Things such as over head power lines for instance. Other than that as already said a built up area will drop the range but still very usable.

VALUE FOR MONEY
The units are going to set you back around the £80 or so mark. But that’s not bad considering you won’t have to buy any batteries and chargers. Even if you get two £30 headsets you’re still only looking at £140. (If you bought 6 AAA batteries and a charger you’d be looking about £25 or so and you have to take the batteries out of the handsets – so these are great value for money).

MY OVERALL OPINION
It’s a brand name at a great price, with a great performance. They are going to be a unit to last you even if you chuck them around. I would recommend these for sure.