Motorola T600 Series - User Manual

The Motorola Talkabout T600 Series Two-Way Radio is a robust communication device designed for general population use, offering a range of features for both recreational and emergency situations. This user guide outlines its functionality, usage, and maintenance.

Function Description

The T600 series radio primarily functions as a two-way radio for communication between users on the same channel and sub-code settings. It operates in two main modes: Two-Way Mode and Weather Mode.

In Two-Way Mode, users can transmit and receive radio calls. The radio supports 22 channels with varying power outputs (0.5 W to 2.0 W), allowing for communication over different distances. To facilitate clear communication, the radio incorporates sub-codes, which help mute unwanted voices from other radio users transmitting on the same channel. When the sub-code is set to zero, the radio does not block any signals, allowing all transmissions on the channel to be heard.

The Weather Mode allows users to listen to weather broadcasts from NOAA or Environment Canada. This mode is crucial for staying informed about weather conditions and potential emergencies. The radio can also be set to respond to NOAA Weather Radio emergency messages through its Weather Alert feature. When activated, a special alarm tone sounds, and the weather receiver turns on to provide immediate weather and emergency information. The radio's controls and buttons are locked during the 30-second Emergency Alert mode to maximize reception of the emergency message.

The radio also includes an Emergency Alert Mode for signaling urgent help to group members. Pressing the Emergency button emits a warbling alert tone from the radio, which is transmitted to other radios in the group. During this mode, the speaker volume automatically increases to maximum, and the radio enters a hands-free mode for 22 seconds, allowing the user to speak without pressing the PTT button.

Usage Features

The T600 series radio is designed for ease of use with several intuitive features:

Radio Controls: The device features a PTT High/Low button for transmitting, a Mode Switch/Power button for toggling between modes and powering the device, and a Menu/Lock button for navigating menus and locking controls. Volume/Adjust buttons allow for adjusting speaker volume and changing menu settings. A dedicated Call Tone button sends a ring tone to other radios.
Easy Pairing: This feature simplifies setting up communication within a group. Users can copy channel and sub-code settings from one radio (Radio A) to another (Radio B) or multiple radios simultaneously. This is achieved by pressing and holding the Easy Pairing button on Radio B until a beep is heard, then broadcasting the settings from Radio A by pressing and holding its Easy Pairing button until a double beep is heard.
VOX/iVOX (Voice Operated Transmission): This hands-free feature allows the radio to automatically trigger transmission when it detects the user's voice. When a VOX headset is connected, the headset microphone is used. Without a headset, the built-in microphone is used (iVOX). The sensitivity level of VOX/iVOX can be adjusted from L1 (low sensitivity for noisy environments) to L3 (high sensitivity for quiet environments).
Scan Feature: The scan function allows the radio to cycle through all channels, detecting voice activity. When a signal is detected, it is sent to the speaker, and the radio displays the channel in use. This helps users find active channels and avoid busy ones.
Monitor Feature: This feature allows users to listen to everything on their current radio channel, including noise, to detect weak signals.
Headset Usage: When a headset is connected, the radio's internal speaker is disabled, and messages are received through the headset. If the headset has a PTT button, it can be used for transmission, or the PTT button on the radio can still be used with the radio's microphone.
Flashlight: The radio includes a flashlight button that turns on/off the flashlight and changes its color between red and white. The red light helps preserve night vision. The flashlight automatically turns off after 30 minutes of inactivity or if the battery level drops below 50%.
Push-to-Talk Time-Out Timer: To prevent airwave congestion, transmissions automatically end after one minute, even if the PTT button is still pressed. The timer can be reset by briefly releasing the PTT button.
Keypad Tone Setting: Users can turn on or off the click sound produced when a key or button is pressed.
Talk Confirmation Tone Setting: This feature allows users to turn on or off a tone transmitted when the PTT button is released, signaling to others that the user has finished talking.
Vibrate Alert Setting: When activated, the radio vibrates when a call is received. Vibration is paused for 30 seconds after each vibration.
Dual Watch Channel Setting: In Dual Scan mode, the radio toggles between the main Channel/Sub Code setting and a second Dual Scan Channel/Sub Code setting.

Maintenance Features

The T600 series radio is designed with durability and user convenience in mind:

IP-67 Waterproof Rating: The radio is waterproof to IP-67 standards, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This rating is valid only when the battery cover and headset accessory port are properly sealed.
Water Sensor: If the radio comes into contact with water, a white LED will flash until the battery is depleted. This flashing LED can be turned off by pressing the Flashlight button.
Battery Information: The radio uses NiMH rechargeable batteries. Motorola Solutions recommends charging these batteries once every three months when not in use and removing them for storage. The radio should not be left connected to a charger permanently.
Cleaning: To maintain audio quality after submersion, the radio should be briskly shaken to remove water trapped in the speaker grille and microphone port. If exposed to salt water, rinsing the radio with fresh water is recommended to preserve its life.
Battery Installation: Users can install and charge batteries using a standard USB power source. The battery icon on the radio stops blinking when charging is complete (up to 8 hours). The radio also supports Alkaline AA batteries.
Belt Clips: The radio comes with belt clips that can be easily attached to a belt or pocket and removed by pulling a release tab and pushing the clip towards the top of the radio.

The Motorola Talkabout T600 Series Two-Way Radio offers a comprehensive set of features for reliable communication, weather monitoring, and emergency alerting, making it a versatile tool for various outdoor activities and general use.

Motorola T600 Series Specifications

General

Range	Up to 35 miles
Waterproof Rating	IP67
Emergency Alert Button	Yes
Built-in Flashlight	Yes
VOX	Yes
Floatable	Yes
Frequency Range	FRS/GMRS
Weather Alerts	NOAA Weather Alerts
Power Source	Rechargeable NiMH battery or 3 AA batteries
Channels	22 Channels (121 Privacy Codes)