Linton Radios.
 

So I need to get a radio. Linton radios seem to fit the bill. LT-6288s are not as easy to find as what they once were it would seem. I think that THIS should be very similar and is readily available.

But do I need something with all those capabilities? Would THIS do the trick? Obviously it does not have all the buttons on the front, which probably means it is not as versatile in the field as frequencies change or are game specific.

I know very little about any radio, most of the language means nothing to me. I don't want to buy something that I am not happy with. I implore the help of those of you who are more experienced than me.

Thank you.

Those look very similar to the 6288 series, I've noticed that the 6288's are really hard to find now. perhaps the end of that product cycle. The 5500 that you linked is more powerful than the 6288's that most people are using more programable channels etc.

In Alberta Linton is the standard you may want to consider what other people are running Garmin, talk abouts etc before you make the decision.

Those are pretty good, but you are paying about twice as much as you need to. Check ebay for uhf radios. 50 bucks a radio (after shipping) should be doable.

The ones you linked did not say if they had a head set jack or not.

Found this one on e-bay but know not a thing about it.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Linton-LT-6100-Pl...d=p3286.c0.m14

Check eBay. I got my 6288 there for about $80 shipped. Best little radio ever IMO.

One thing about one of the models you listed, it only has 16 memory channels. Even with nothing else than the base channels (7 FRS channels + 7 shared FRS/GMRS + 8 GMRS) it means you'll always be short 6 slots to program all of them in.

Thanks for the input so far. More than 16 channels for sure then. I have been looking at the Puxing brand of radios as well... Too many options :confused:

Is there an actual DEALER for this Linton Line???

I have a PuXing PX-777+

Overall it's an excellent radio. I changed the stock antenna for a 68cm whip, but under most circumstances I think it probably wasn't even necessary.

Biggest gripe is with the slightly buggy programming software (you're supposed to be able to set "tags" for channels., i.e., FRS-1, ADMIN, SQUAD, etc instead of just Ch.001, Ch.002, etc) but for some reason the software isn't doing it so I have to set it manually on the radio which is tedious.

Other than that it's an excellent little unit.

The PLUS version (which I have) is overkill, btw... ANI and scrambling features are all but useless.

I have to second the recommendation for Puxing radios. I use the PX-888 (similar to the PX-777) and had it at Pine Plains. I had two 1200MAh batteries, and the first one lasted 12 hours with moderate use. I was the B4 squad leader so I was talking to command a lot on 4 watts. Either the 777 or 888 will perform well.

I bought my first one (UHF) from asiaradiosales. http://www.asiaradiosales.com/ I bought my second one (VHF) and my team mates bought theirs from 409shop. http://www.409shop.com/

Both are good retailers, but 409shop seems to be a little cheaper. Plus, they have a 1600 MAh spare battery for the PX777/888 radios. http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=101390

They take Kenwood two-pin headsets and lapel mics. I use a Cavalvy bowman headset with mine with a custom dual comm switch (so I can use two UHf's or a UHF and a VHF with the same headset.)

Another fan of the Puxing 777 here and I can also recommend 409shop.com. Out of interest, Drake - what is the 68cm whip antenna you are using?

Cheers

Hey, sorry it's 38cm not 68 (dunno where I pulled 68 from). It's a Nagoya one off eBay. I wanted something longer than the stock one that would clear my body/gear.

Cheers for the reply, Drake. Sounds like we've got the same 38cm antenna. I've found it makes a difference on the lower UHF freqs but no some much on the higher ones...

you could always get a motorola GP68 UHF

Avoid Linton/Puxing products like the plague. I speak from experience.

+1 for the Linton 6288...my first radio and it hasn't let me down!
Now if I could only get a wireless PTT Blu-comm for it!

I have to second that. The Puxing radios will work...but I do not believe they are all that great. Wilson, and the rest of us at HT have had numerous issues as a result of these radios. They are a cheap solution, but I would not say they are a good solution. It seems a lot of guys on here really like them...but I'm not overly fond of them. They have been nothing but hassle for us in the field, at times when we don't need the extra hassle of messing with our radios. If you intend on getting one anyways, I would recommend -NOT- using the PTT earbud/mike, as they are a big pain in the ass. I would recommend finding a better headset for it.

+1 to that. I am looking for something better right now. With gloves and a mask on it is very slow and tedious to use the PTT mic.

I got my pair of PX-777s in the mail on Thursday. My son and I tested them yesterday. On th low power setting we were approx 1.3km apart through dense bush and with hills. Very clear. You could hear the grass swishing as we walked and talked. For AirSoft application these should do just fine. I will let you know how the programming goes.

Thank you all for your info, input, and alternatives.

Let me know if you need help programming, either with the keypad or via the cable.

By the way, we have both the nicer Cavalvy and the EbayBanned knockoff Bowman headsets (with two pin Kenwood connector) and they both work fine with the Puxings. Some people have reported that the knockoff's U94 PTT switch is poorly wired, but mine is ok so far. Been using it for over a year, mostly outdoors, and it's gotten plenty wet.