Walkie-talkies are two-way communication devices used in various fields. Due to its portability and easy utility, even in the most extreme circumstance, it’s highly essential when you want to stay connected. But with more choices to choose from, it’s easy to get confused about which model with relatively different features is best suited for your needs.
Motorola Talkabout T503 H2O is a walkie-talkie not to miss if you’re up for an impeccable outdoor activity. Here I will give you a review regarding its specs, utility, longevity, and many more.
Specs
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 35 miles
- Power output: no information
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS), 162.000-162.550 MHz (Emergency Alarm)
- Battery: NiMH Rechargeable Batteries or 3 AA Alkaline Batteries
- Size: 7.8 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 0.54 lb
- Waterproof: yes (IP67)
- License needed: yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Scope of Delivery
The package comes with the 2 Motorola T503 H2O two-way radios, 1 Y cable with dual micro-USB chargers, 2 belt-clips, 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries, and a user manual.
Setup
Setting up the device is very easy. The batteries need to be installed first and then press the MODE button a few seconds for it to turn on. To turn it off, long-press the MODE button just the same. When using the charger, make sure the device is turned off, then plug in the cable to the charging port, respectively. There are other buttons to adjust volume and sounds, menu, channels, not to mention, Push-To-Talk (PTT). You can go through the user manual for more information regarding certain actions that you want to try.
Waterproof
Motorola Talkabout T503 H2O is made for outdoors, especially in wet environments, hence the name H2O, the chemical formula for water. Its optimized waterproof built is stupendous due to its characteristic to float whenever it falls into water, e.g., lake, pond, seashore, etc.. In contrast, other models tend to submerge and inevitably lose their functionality right away. It is also perfect for unexpected weather conditions like sudden cloudbursts and rainstorms.
Power Source
You can have 10 hours of usage using NiMH Rechargeable batteries that come along with the pack. On the other hand, though it’s not included, you can also use 3AA Alkaline batteries, which last up to 29 hours. It is advised to charge NiMH batteries once every 3 months when inactive. Moreover, most batteries will be fully-charged in 8 hours. It’s best not to store the device while connected to the charger to have optimal battery life.
Range
This model spans up to 35 miles of communication range in normal conditions. However, it still depends on topographical location and other physical factors like tall buildings, which may interfere with its signal.
Frequencies
NOAA/ Emergency Frequency range is 162.000MHz to 162.550MHz. Otherwise, the frequency range is from 462 MHz to 467 MHz (FRS/GMRS).
It has 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, all in all, totals to a combination of 2,662, which makes it easy to find available channels. Like most of Motorola models, it is compatible with other FRS/GMRS devices regardless of brand. You may also need to obtain a license depending on the circumstance.
Features
You can’t miss the real-time weather condition using Motorola Talkabout T503 as it comes along with 11 weather channels (including 7 NOAA) that may be useful for you. It has a built-in emergency alert feature, and whenever activated, it blares a loud sound, which is then followed by a transmission. Not only that, but it also has a backlit display, keypad lock, 20 call tones to choose from, including talk confirmation tone and low battery alert.
If you want to opt for a hands-free experience, you can utilize iVOX/VOX functionality, which permits the usage of audio auxiliary headsets.
Its Eco-smart design makes it more efficient, and for that matter, it consumes less power when it’s in the idle mode, which results in reduced energy waste.
This model’s duality in terms of power is a real game-changer since it gives you two options for the battery. If you wish to be connected and want to use the device for longer periods of time, you can reside in both options. NiMH Rechargeable batteries last up to 10 hours, while 3AA Alkaline batteries provide you 29 hours of usage. All in all, that’s more than a day. Please keep track of your families and friends in your fun outdoor activities without the hassle of losing power in the middle of it.
Price
The Motorola Talkabout T503 is relatively cheap compared to other models. It is available for $59.99 on Amazon, while other models of the same brand otherwise go for up to $30+ more.
If you want a cheaper radio with efficient utility and quality key features, you have a good offer here.
Pros
- Waterproof (one of the best out there when it comes to this feature as it floats on water)
- Easy to use
- High quality with a fair price
- Battery duality
- Plenty of channels available
- Considerable communication range
Cons
- Physical factors may influence the signal
- Bulky (which you may have a hard time handling it)
- Only one color available
Conclusion – Motorola T503 Review
Every product in existence has its ups and downs. Truly, you can’t have it all. You may want something of a certain product, but you don’t like, let’s say, how it looks or its user-interface. Still, it has these array of key features that you want, but then there’s this another product that you like in terms of the physical design, but it doesn’t have those specific features that you want. And then you’re stuck in the middle zone, spiraling into doubt whether you should buy either of them. I’m pretty sure we’ve all experienced that at some point in our lives.
The Motorola Talkabout T503 may not be perfect, but it offers you high-quality attributes that will optimize your life one way or another. With its great range and accessibility, you can practically use it anywhere and whenever you want. Not to mention its reasonable price in contrast with other models and brands, it’s perfect if you’re saving up money.
If you want a walkie-talkie, that’s waterproof, affordable, and with a good range, the Motorola Talkabout T503 might be right for you.
View on Amazon*FAQ
Where can I find a copy of the manual for the Motorola T503?
You can find the manual here: https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/support/consumer-radios-user-guides.html
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