Motorola T605 Review & Specs | walkie-talkie-guide.com

Are you a watersport enthusiast who needs a walkie-talkie that is extremely durable and fully waterproof? Maybe you are planning to explore an underwater cave, and you need a walkie-talkie that is not only waterproof but has emergency features to make you feel safer in your adventure?

I think that the Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radio T605 might be just what you are looking for. Below is my review of this model.

View on Amazon*

Contents show

Specs

Brand: Motorola
Range: 35 miles
Power output: no information
Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
Size: 7.8 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 0.4 lb (without battery) / 0.54 lb (with battery)
Waterproof: yes (IP67)
License needed: yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)

Scope of Delivery

The Motorola T605 is sold as two radio handsets per package. The package includes one PSU with a Y-cable charging adapter with dual micro-USB connectors, two NiMH rechargeable batteries, two whistle belt clips, one car charger, a user manual, an accessory brochure, a one-year warranty card, and a carry case.

Setup

Once you have installed the batteries and turned the handset on successfully, you will have to set the handsets to the same channel and interference elimination code. You can find a list of channels and frequencies in the enclosed user’s manual. After that, the handsets are ready for use.

Waterproof

The Motorola T605 is fully waterproof as well as weatherproof. In fact, this model has an IP67 rating according to the Ingress Protection (IP) Code. This means the T605 can be submerged in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes, and it will still work just fine.

Power Source

The Motorola T605 has two power options. This means that you can use either rechargeable batteries or alkaline batteries to power it. The package includes NiMH rechargeable batteries, and operating the handsets on these batteries will make it last up to 9 hours.

The package also includes a micro USB Battery Charging Adapter that you can use to recharge the NiMH batteries. Another battery option is to use 3 AA alkaline batteries that will make handset use last up to 23 hours but are not included in the package.

Range

According to the manufacturer, the maximum range for the Motorola T605 can reach up to 35 miles. This is 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 obstructions and in the best weather conditions.

Unfortunately, as with most of the Motorola Talkabout series, the Motorola T605 covers a much less range than what the manufacturer guarantees. This happens even if you use it in generally good conditions. Also, using it over water, as in during watersports, seems to limit its range significantly. This clearly defeats the purpose of this model being built with waterproof and water-activated features.

Frequencies

The Motorola T605 can be used within the 462 to 467 MHz frequency range. This covers 22 Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) channels, each with 121 Privacy Codes.

Using these walkie-talkies within FRS channels in the US is license-free. Just take note that FRS-exclusive channels are from channel 8 to 14. Transmitting over channels 1 to 7 and channels 15 to 22 will require a license as per the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) since these are shared with the GMRS system. To know more about the process of getting a license and about the FCC rules and regulations, you can read it here.

Features

The main pull of the Motorola T605 is that it is fully waterproof. This model’s physical design has an IP67 rating. So, even if the handset falls in the water and stays submerged for even up to 30 minutes, it will still work just fine after. In fact, it will float in water rather than sink, making it easy for you to fish it out. The built-in LED flashlight that can flash red and white is also water-activated. This means it will light up once it hits the water, so you can easily find it.

Among its safety features is the Emergency Alert Button. Pressing this button will transmit a distress signal and alert others of your predicament. It also gives you access to 11 NOAA weather channels so you can keep track of weather-related updates and alerts such as flash floods, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and emergency evacuations.

Aside from the NOAA weather channels, the Motorola T605 has a built-in FM radio so you can tune in to local FM broadcasts. It is compatible even with non-Motorola FRS/GMRS radios as long as both the transmitting and receiving radios are on the same channel and privacy codes.

The Motorola T605 has iVOX/VOX hands-free feature that allows you to use voice command to operate the radio. It also has the brand’s signature Quiet Talk (QT) feature to filter out noise from other sources while transmitting messages to compatible Motorola radios. It also has a VibraCall Alert, which alerts you for incoming calls by vibrating rather than using a ringtone.

Even though the Motorola T605 is loaded with features, its battery life still holds well enough and can last close to the manufacturer’s guarantee. One battery-related problem, though, is that it is difficult to open the battery panel. You might need to use other tools like a flathead screwdriver to pry it open.

The Motorola T605 is not pocket-sized, so if you need to carry this along with you without using your hands, you might need to purchase additional accessories like a lanyard or belt carrier. This is because the belt clip included in the package is a bit problematic since it is not flexible and does not hang on well.

Price

The Motorola T605 is not as cheap as other two-way radios in the market. However, given its many built-in features and its dependability, this walkie-talkie is still a good deal for its price.

Pros

fully waterproof and weatherproof
has an emergency alert button and flashlight
has access to NOAA weather channels and reports
has silent features like VibraCall and QT
has VOX/iVOX hands-free
has FM radio
compatible with any radio within the same channel and privacy codes
extremely durable

Cons

the range is significantly limited over water
not as cheap as other similar or more simple radios
belt clip does not hold very well

Conclusion – Motorola T605 Review

The top feature of the Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radio T605 is that it is fully waterproof — definitely a major plus if you want to engage in outdoor activities that will involve getting wet or being in open waters like kayaking and other water sports. It has advanced and dependable features such as silent features and hands-free features. It has access to NOAA weather channels and reports so you can better plan your outdoor trips and so you can be alerted when natural disasters are imminent. On top of that, it is also very useful for emergencies due to its emergency features.

However, one glaring flaw is that using it over water, as in watersports, seems to limit its range significantly. This clearly defeats the purpose of this model being built with waterproof and water-activated features. Otherwise, its range is reasonable enough. Still, this might be too pricey for a radio built to float on water but cannot communicate well over water.

View on Amazon*