Amateur radio
Motorola Remote Speaker Microphone 53724 — Black Hands-Free PTT
Product description
Compatibility and connection:
This remote speaker microphone is built for Motorola Talkabout series radios that accept a 2.5mm single-pin accessory plug. It lists compatibility with several Talkabout models and is intended to work alongside radios that offer VOX capability, though how VOX interacts with the accessory depends on the radio.
What you get and the build:
The package contains a single remote speaker with an integrated push-to-talk (PTT) button and a metal clip for attaching to a lapel, collar, backpack strap or similar. The housing is molded plastic with a front-mounted speaker grille, and a sturdy metal clip is attached to the rear. A coiled cord joins the microphone to the 2.5mm single-pin connector that plugs into the radio.
Size and use:
The connector uses the single 2.5mm pin common to Talkabout accessories. The coiled cable is designed to retract between the radio and the mic clip; some users find the factory coil quite tight and prefer to stretch it for extra reach. To operate, clip the mic in place, plug the single-pin plug into the radio, press the PTT to speak, and listen through the mic’s speaker. The unit is intended for lapel or strap mounting so the radio can remain stowed in a pocket or pack.
Field performance:
Audio tends toward clear, sometimes with slightly brighter treble compared with the radio’s built-in speaker. The microphone and speaker make routine communications easier when skiing, snowboarding, hiking or doing volunteer work where you need hands free. The plastic shell is lightweight and serviceable for recreational and light-duty environments; the clip and connectors are the primary wear points to monitor if used frequently in demanding conditions.
Pros
- Hands-free lapel/strap mounting with PTT
- 2.5mm single-pin compatibility with Talkabout models
- Durable metal clip and clear audio for casual use
Cons
- Coiled cord can be too short or tightly coiled
- Not reliably sound-activated on all VOX radios
- Thin plastic housing compared with heavy-duty mics
VerdictA practical accessory for outdoor and recreational two-way radio use: the 53724 provides convenient hands-free communication via a lapel clip, integrated push-to-talk, and a 2.5mm single-pin connection. It delivers solid audio for casual users and holds up well in cold weather, though the plastic housing and tight coiled cord can feel less robust than professional-grade mics. Be aware that behavio
Reviews
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As anticipated, this product soothes & stimulates the plant cuttings. 5/5
Reliable push-to-talk operation
No issues with the on/off PTT function; it works consistently. Thank you.
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Daniel salazar 5/5
Excellent PTT
High-quality PTT performance — I'd purchase it again.
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cherry 1/5
Underwhelming
Not quite up to expectations.
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O&S 5/5
Excellent for outdoor activities
Picked one up for a ski trip and it made communication easy without reaching into jackets. Exposed to wind, rain and cold and performed well; the rotating clip helps keep it accessible. Highly recommended for hands-free outdoor needs.
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H Davis 5/5
Works great for skiing and biking
Paired with T460 radios and it performs well. Ideal for situations where you don’t want to dig the radio out of a pocket on a ski lift or bike ride. Sound is acceptable; occasionally you must aim your voice directly at the mic to register, but otherwise no complaints. Highly recommended.
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Duncan 5/5
Dependable in cold weather
Quality exceeded expectations for a unit like this. Used while snowboarding in near-freezing temps and it continued to work. Sound similar to my MS350R speaker and the metal clip stays secure. Expected only limited use initially, but it has held up through repeated weekend outings.
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Shawna H 1/5
Stopped working after a month
Purchased four to pair with T460 radios and each lasted about a month before failing. Replacements under warranty also failed after roughly 30 days. Dealing with warranty support was frustrating; replacements were denied for being used in a work environment. I expected longer life even in a clean shop; I won’t buy these again.
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Stefan Schindler 5/5
Very good
Easy to operate and a solid handset.
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Shoptimus Prime 3/5
Not truly VOX hands-free
Bought two for T460 radios based on claims of VOX compatibility, but the accessory does not trigger transmission by sound alone. VOX still required speaking into the radio mic, and pressing the accessory PTT disables VOX. In short, you must use the external PTT to transmit, so it isn’t a fully sound-activated hands-free solution.
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JH 5/5
Well built but lower volume
Fits my T260 and looks professionally made. The helical cord can pull the plug out if stretched — measure roughly 17 inches from radio to mic when extended. Output seems about 85% of the radio’s built-in speaker. Not advertised as waterproof; I’d avoid submersion and consider protecting the capsule in wet conditions. Overall a useful add-on I bought for myself and later gave one to my brother.
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chewy 5/5
Useful PTT for volunteer duties
Bought to help hear transmissions during volunteer work; it delivers clear audio even with the radio set low. This is a 1-pin remote speaker — your radio must accept the single-pin connector. Build is solid and the PTT is integrated. I used a safety pin to secure the mic to my uniform until the wires loosened. The back clip exists but I often preferred another fastening method. Overall very good and I recommend it.
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Stanley Jou 5/5
Solid remote speaker microphone
Speaker clarity is good provided the person on the other end speaks into their mic properly. Compared with my waterproof MR350R the unit is close in clarity but a touch brighter in the treble. The plastic casing isn’t very thick but feels sturdy enough for everyday use. Main complaint is the short, tightly coiled cord — it pulls tight from waist to lapel until stretched. UPDATE: I used this mic for five days while snowboarding and clipped it to my backpack strap where it was
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Electronicbuff 4/5
Practical mics for crew work
These worked well with our GMRS radios; crew members prefer them when crawling through attics rather than pulling radios from belts. When plugged in, speaker audio comes from the mic and the PTT on the mic controls transmit. Sound is pleasant and volume is set on the radio. The coiled cord is tight at first but eases when stretched. The clip is fixed to the top; a swivel would be nicer to position the mic in front.
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