So what’s so special about this radio? If you’re an outdoors person and constantly go out on a hike or camping, you’re probably familiar with how useful two-way radios are in the field. You might as well be familiar with some problems radio users encounter in the wilds.
It’s no secret nature can be harsh, not just with you but your equipment as well. Radios in particular are designed to withstand impacts (such as fall damage) from your travels and the weather (such as rain). So if radios are already built to be heavy duty, what can the Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O offer to you?
Simply put, it offers the features you can find on some of the best radios out there, and in a water proof case! No, it’s not water resistant, it’s waterproof. So what’s the difference? Well most radios are in fact water resistant, meaning they can survive in the rain or dense fog. However take it for a quick swim in a river and you’ll quickly find yourself without a radio in the wilderness!
Waterproof radios are specially designed to survive a chance meeting with water in case you accidentally drop them. If you are into fishing, kayaking, or any other activity close to the water, this radio is probably going to be one of your top options. We’ll be discussing the details of this feature later on, but let’s start from the top.
Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O Features
As one of the best radios in the market, you can expect to see some staple features such as a flashlight or weather radio. We’ll talk about how the Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O expands on these expected features further down the line. This device offers you the following:
- Built-in red and white LED flashlight
- 22 channels and up to 121 privacy codes for each
- NOAA weather radio and alerts
- FRS/GMRS radios compatibility
- Whistle and emergency alert
- Two power options
- Waterproof heavy-duty case
Besides the waterproof feature, you probably think these features are pretty standard for a radio. So what makes this device great? Let’s go over each feature and explore how the Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O stands out.
Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O Built-in Led Flashlight
How can a flashlight be different from any other? Let’s start with the reason it has two colors. The flashlight is operated with a single button to toggle the lights and the power. This mean by pressing the button multiple times, you switch to red, white, and off respectively.
So why is this color toggle so relevant? Simple, you can turn your flashlight into and improvised beacon! By constantly toggling the light, you can signal for SOS during an emergency.
Furthermore, you’ll realize this same light is tied to some of the other features of the radio. But we’ll get to that as we talk about them.
Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O Channel Options
You’ll find that this radio offers multiple channel options, while still granting you privacy options for you and yours. Not only that but this handheld radio boasts quite the range with up to miles!
You should keep in mind; the range tends to be reduced depending on the area you’re using them in. For example, if you’re trying to use them on your neighborhood, you can expect them to have up to 2 miles of range.
It won’t be uncommon for you to find good reviews about the sound quality of this radio. Besides, it only seems to show some white noise on long distances.
It also offers you a hands free option with several sensibility levels. Say you are rowing a boat and receive a call. You can talk relatively close to the microphone (like on your shoulder) and the radio will pick up your voice. Very convenient!
The radio of course offers you access to the NOAA weather stations. However you have the option to enable a NOAA alert. What is a NOAA alert? Whenever there is an emergency forecast, such as a thunderstorm or a tornado; an alert will let you know! This way you can plan accordingly to keep you and your loves ones safe.
Lastly, you’ll find the radios have access to both FRS/GMRS frequencies. This means you can connect to other radios that also use these frequencies. Surprisingly enough, this same feature offers you a power saving option! The radio includes two push-to-talk buttons. Why two buttons? Well, one of them you use for high frequencies and the other for low ones.
This is relevant if you are on a high channel and wish to communicate with someone nearby. Rather than using the regular button, you can choose the low frequency, which uses less energy!
If you’re on a low channel, using the regular button will automatically change it to the low channel button!
Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O Emergency Tools
You’ll find an orange button at the top of the radio. If you hold it down for three seconds, you will trigger the alert mode. This will make the radio emit a siren and cause the flashlight to blink.
This can prove very helpful on an emergency situation, to give out your location to rescuers. You can turn off this mode by holding the down the same button.
Additionally, the radio has a belt clip in the back which can be removed. Once removed, this clip functions as a whistle! No energy left on the radio? No problem! During emergencies, it really pays to be prepared.
Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O Power Options
Speaking about running out of power, let’s talk about this devices energy source. As mentioned before, this device offers you 2 power options. You can use its rechargeable battery, for up to 9 hours of power.
Alternatively, you can use 3 AA alkaline batteries for up to 23 hours! As for recharging its batteries, it is very simple. The radio includes a micro-USB port for charging. The device will alert you whenever it’s running low on power.
Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O Water Proof Feature
Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O Water Proof FeatureThis is the feature that makes this radio really standout from the competition. We’ve already mentioned the device can survive on water, but what are the specifics?
The Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O can survive up to 1 meter underwater, for up to thirty minutes. You’re probably thinking 1 meter isn’t much, well here’s the kicker: it floats!
That’s right, if you happen to drop this device on water, you won’t have to go scuba diving looking for it. On top of that, you’ll find that retrieving this device is easy, even in the dark! When it comes in contact into water, the flashlight automatically turns on and begins blinking. Combined with the case’s bright color, it’s not hard to find it.
Is the Motorola Talkabout T600 H2O the Best Choice for You?
As we’ve talked about it before, this device takes seemingly simple features, and turns them into something great. From making use of the flashlight for multiple ways, to something as simple as a color choice, this radio has really proven itself to be a jack of all trades.
While the waterproof feature truly shines for users that spend a lot of time near the water; the features it offers really turn this small 0.25 kilograms device into a giant.
One of the few drawbacks of the device is getting to the batteries. Given it is a waterproof device, it’s understandable the batteries are tightly sealed. The back cover of the batteries is held in place with two large screws. These can be a bit difficult to turn without the proper screw driver.
However, the great features greatly out-weight minor inconveniences such as this and make the device a solid choice, even if you don’t make full use of the waterproof feature.
