Motorola T100 Review & Specs | walkie-talkie-guide.com

Are you planning a small family picnic in the park or a fun day at the beach? Do you want to keep track and make sure your family, especially the kids, are close and safe through a portable two-way radio that is easy to carry and not too complicated to use?

I think that the Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radio T100 might be just what you are looking for. Below is my review of this model.

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Specs

Brand: Motorola
Range: 16 miles
Power output: 0.5 watt
Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
Battery: 3 AAA Alkaline batteries
Size: 5.22 x 1.91 x 1.10 inches
Weight: 0.25 lb
Waterproof: no
License needed: yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)

Scope of Delivery

The Motorola T100 can come with two or three two-way radios handsets per package, depending on the seller. The package also includes belt clips for each handset, a user’s guide manual, and a one-year warranty card.

Setup

While using the Motorola T100 to talk to someone is simple enough, configuring it may not be as easy and may be confusing given its few buttons. Reading the manual on the initial configuration will help simplify the process.

Once you have installed the batteries and turned the handset on successfully, you will have to set the handsets to the same channel. A list of channels and frequencies is included in the enclosed user’s manual. After that, the handsets are ready for use.

Waterproof

The Motorola T100 is not waterproof, so be careful when you are using it near open waters or in activities that involve getting wet.

Power Source

The Motorola T100 has only one power option. You can only use alkaline batteries, which are not included in the package, to power it.

Operating the handsets on 3 AAA Alkaline Batteries will make it last up to 18 hours. It does not have a rechargeable feature, so when the alkaline batteries run out, you will have to replace them with new ones.

Range

According to the manufacturer, the maximum range for the Motorola T100 can reach up to 16 miles. This is given if the walkie-talkies are used in ideal conditions. Ideal conditions include several factors, such as the walkie-talkies being used within a clear line of sight or with the least amount of obstructions, and in the best weather conditions. Compared to other more advanced models, the Motorola T100 can easily be limited by these non-ideal conditions and works best in open and wide areas.

Frequencies

The Motorola T100 can be used within the Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequency ranges, which are from 462 to 467 MHz. This range covers 22 channels. However, unlike other more updated models, these channels do not have Privacy Codes.

If the walkie-talkies are to be used within the FRS channels, then you do not need to obtain a license to operate it in the US. The channels that are exclusive to FRS operations are channels 8 to 14.

Channels 1 to 7, as well as channels 15 to 22, are shared with the GMRS system. If you plan to transmit through these channels in the US, you are required to get a license before using the equipment by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

To know more about the FCC rules and regulations that cover FRS operation, you can read it here.

Features

The Motorola T100 has only a few buttons and knobs. These include a power and menu button, a Push-To-Talk (PTT) button, a call tone and lock button, and a volume button. You might think that it is simple enough to use because of this. However, it actually made it a little less easy to figure out and you might need to consult the user manual the first time you configure it. Another downside to this walkie-talkie is that it doesn’t have a backlit LCD so you cannot use it in dark or dimly-lit areas. Its antenna type is external.

The Motorola T100 has only one default call alert so this sound cannot be customized. It allows you to scan for channels and monitor communications. It also has an auto squelch feature so you can reduce the background noise when no one is transmitting or speaking into the radio. It has a keypad lock to ensure that you do not accidentally change your personalized settings. The keypad lock will require you to key in a passcode before you can make changes to the existing settings.

If the batteries are running low, the Motorola T100 will flash an alert for low battery levels. However, users will have to monitor the battery level closely. This is because if the batteries reach levels that are much too low, the handset will just stop transmitting.

Price

Compared to other walkie-talkies, the price for the Motorola T100 falls within the low to medium range. Looking at its price to performance ratio, it is cheap and good enough for its price given that its performance is average at best.

Pros

compact and lightweight
cheap
does not require a license if used within FRS channels
simple to use
sturdy belt clips

Cons

range may easily be limited and hampered if not used within the ideal conditions
not waterproof
cannot be used at night or in dimly-lit areas because it does not have a backlit LCD
cannot be recharged or used with rechargeable batteries

Conclusion – Motorola T100

The Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radio T100 does not offer a lot in terms of features and range. One would think that the fewer the buttons on a device, the better.

However, these few buttons and the lack of knobs is what contributed to the slightly confusing configuration of this device. The range when the walkie-talkies are used in the best conditions is already limited as it is. However, this is further hampered — and quite quickly, too — by the presence of obstructions.

These handsets do not work on rechargeable batteries, so this might not be economical in the long run because you will have to buy new ones to replace the ones that have run out. Also, these walkie-talkies will be hard to use at night or in dimly-lit areas because these do not have a backlit LCD. Plus, these handsets are also not very durable and are not waterproof.

However, if you are not looking for a heavy-duty radio for business use, the Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radio T100 does have some good points. Once you get past the slightly confusing initial configuration, it is simple enough to use that even kids will not have trouble using it.

It is light and compact, so it is convenient to carry around. If you need it for short-range activities, then the Motorola T100 will give a good enough performance, given its affordable price.

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FAQ

Where can I get a copy of the manual for the Motorola Talkabout T100?

You can find a copy of the user’s manual for the Motorola Talkabout T100 online in this link: https://www.motorolasolutions.com/content/dam/msi/docs/products/two-way-radios/consumer/t100/T100-T107_UserGuide_EN.pdf.

Which accessories for the Motorola Talkabout T100 are useful?

Some accessories that you can use with the Motorola Talkabout T100 are the Motorola earphones that have PTT microphones and the Motorola Earpiece with Boom Microphone.