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In one of our previous posts, we went over the benefits of the license-free range pmr-446. Now we’ll try to introduce you to an inexpensive but high-quality transceiver that works in this frequency range. If you are looking for a low-cost walkie-talkie for work, hobbies, sports, or games with children, this is an excellent choice. For less than 40 euros, you receive two transceivers made in a professional manner with a full set of accessories.
Basic info
Luiton LT-458 radio is produced for quite a long time. It is produced by a major Chinese OEM (white label) manufacturer, and its modifications (clones) are known under different names: Baofeng C5, Arcshell AR-5 and AR-6, GA-2S, SED-8. However, we prefer to deal with the product, which is produced under the original manufacturer’s brand. This allows us to be sure that we get the most versatile and quality product in its latest version.
Benefits and advantages
LT 458 is made in the form factor of professional radios and adapted to work in the license-free band PMR446. Therefore, modern radio electronics are used here and it is reliably sheltered from trouble in a cast aluminum chassis and housing made of impact-resistant polycarbonate. There is no display. Channel selection is done by a mechanical selector (valcoder). All this makes the device much more reliable and easy to use, especially compared to other popular ” consumer” PMR radios, which have the usual case made of thin plastic and vulnerable display.
The above means that the LT-458 is ideal for use in difficult circumstances (such as a construction site, softair / airsoft / paintball / lasertag polygon, or a playground for youngsters ?), where a more delicate gadget might not keep up.
Other benefits:
✔ Operation without a license: One of the main benefits of PMR446 radios, including the Luiton LT-458, is that they don’t need one to function. Due to the lack of a license fee for radio use, they are a cost-effective option for individual and small group communication.
✔ Long range: The LT-458 can communicate effectively over a large area. This can be especially helpful when participating in outdoor activities like camping, trekking, and fishing because you might need to speak with people who are far away: the LT-458 can offer up to 5km of range in an open field, allowing for effective communication.
✔ User-friendly: The LT-458 has been designed to be as simple to operate as possible, with simple button controls and no screen. As a result, even people who are unfamiliar with two-way radios may utilize it.
✔ Affordability: The LT-458 is an excellent value for the money, making it a popular option for consumers on a tight budget. Two professional-style radios with Li-Ion batteries and various equipment are yours for less than 40 euros.
Despite its low cost, the radio nevertheless has a number of features and capabilities that make it a dependable and useful tool for one-on-one and small-group communication.
✔ Compatibility. The radio is compatible with a wide range of accessories (hands-free, etc.) made for Baofeng or Kenwood transceivers.
✔ Flexibility: The radio is provided to the European market with PMR-446 frequencies for use without a license. It may, however, be quickly reprogrammed to amateur radio or professional band frequencies if necessary; to do this, use a standard programmer with a K-connector. A desktop AC charger is included with the radio and can be used to charge either the assembled radio or a replacement battery. Additionally, the LT-458 has a normal mini-USB connector, allowing you to utilize a power bank or even a phone car charger to offer a supply in an emergency.
The last feature is especially useful – it allows you to not only charge the radio battery with any suitable charging cable from mobile devices (including in a car), but also use a regular Power Bank right on the go. Compact Power Bank Midland can be easily held in one hand with a walkie-talkie, thanks to its low weight and built-in Mini-USB connector.
Modifications and versions
1. The standard version of the Luiton LT-458 is suitable for most typical applications. The radio is already programmed for all 16 permitted channels in the PMR band (see table). The desired channel can be selected simply by turning the selector knob (valcoder). Channel selection is confirmed by a voice announcement.
2. Luiton LT-458 PRO (special edition) – has all the advantages of the ordinary one, plus some distinctive features:
? Radio power on several channels (see frequency grid) is set to HIGH*, this allows you to expand the operating range (coverage). On the other channels, the radio power is set to LOW to extend battery life under normal conditions;
? CTCSS and DCS coding is programmed on channels 9-12 (see frequency grid) to get rid of major interference;
? We have double-checked all radio specifications with instruments and can guarantee full compliance.
? some channels have “channel busy” PTT protection.
Conclusion
The Luiton LT-458 is a perfect operational radio solution for professionals, security services, farmers, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, hunting, and outdoor sports at a super-low price of fewer than 50 euros (for a pair of radios with all the necessary attachments).
Purchasing this radio for professional use will be very convenient and beneficial, especially if the company expects to obtain dedicated frequencies and professional licenses in the future. It takes a long time to register “own” frequencies. Right now, the LT458 can be used in the unlicensed PMR 446 band. When you acquire your own frequencies, you may easily change the frequencies to personal, raise the power, and set the coding (with a cable programmer) in the same radios.
Where to buy?
You can buy the Luiton LT-458 transceiver in the ProMarket online store.
Why exactly here? ProMarket is an official representative of Luiton in Europe, so we can maintain the lowest prices. Each walkie-talkie undergoes instrumental control for proper operation and performance before shipment to the consumer.
Want to know more about 446 MHz PMR walkie-talkies? This article will be helpful:
PMR-446 radios: purpose, use without a license, frequency grid, features, choice, frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Luiton LT-458 Technical Specifications
Frequency Range 400- 470
MHz (16 pre-defined license-free channels PMR446)
Operating
Voltage 3.7 V
Channel Spacing 25 KHz
Battery Capacity 1500
mAh
Frequency Stability ±2.5 ppm
Work Temperature -20 °C to
+50°C
Antenna Impedance 50 Ω
Transmitter
Output Power ≤5
W
Modulation Sensitivity 8-12 mV
Modulation Limit ≤5
KHz
Adjacent channel power < 65 dB
Receiver
Sensitivity
<-122 dBm (12 dB SINAD)
Co-channel rejection ≥55 dB
Spurious
Response Rejection ≥65 dB
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