SSB CB recommendations?

[Amish_Bill]

I just dumped a fair bit of Gatoraide in my el-cheapo CB that I keep in the truck. Since I likely have to replace it anyway, I'm thinking of upgrading.

Can anyone suggest a preferred 40ch SSB radio?
Model Numbers and Why It's Good please.

[00Buckshot]

I have a Ranger 2970 DX and I love it. It's not a "CB" it's 10 & 12 meter, but I hear it can be baught modifed with 11 meter. 24.000 Mhz-32.000Mhz AM, FM, SSB, CM. And variable output. On AM this means little because your modulation is non-variable. But in FM I turn it way down to only a few watts for close commo (better securety). If I do it again though I'll get the 2950 and use a seperate linier for more flexibility. The 2970 has built in linier.

GI Joe's CB & Export radio

Buckshot Out!

(fixed link - AB)

[ 21. August 2003, 10:47: Message edited by: Amish_Bill ]

[Ringsider]

The Ranger RCI 2950's and 2970's can be opened up. Bill's 2-way Communications has a decent price on the 2950's, but you had better hurry. The FCC is relly clamping down hard on the sale of modifiable equipment (so called "import" radios).

[ 22. August 2003, 13:42: Message edited by: Ringsider ]

[00Buckshot]

Ringsider!!!
Several on online shops I visit have changed catalog listings.
Has there been a rule change?

[chickrepelent]

If your talking about putting it in a BIG truck, I wouldn't buy an RCI. My KW killed a 2950 in about a week. A smoother riding pick up would probably be okay. I myself prefer the Uniden 2510 but like the RCI, it too has to be converted.

[Amish_Bill]

This is in a Bronco... BIG by daily commuter standards, but not even the same game as a KW...

I'll probably have it next to an Icom 706mkIIg, so I'm not really sure that the converted gear would be needed. (The 706 is still in box - maybe I can open it for the range?)

I'm mainly interested in a good, solid unit that does sideband. The other 'extras' are not deal makers, but I will not complain if I get them.

[Ringsider]

Here are Icom mods for your rig. Most 11Mtr stuff isn't designed with die cast frames to handle "the stresses of life", but your Icom should do better. FT-100's by Yaesu do SSB fine on 11Mtrs. Am splatters.

[QUOTE]Has there been a rule change?[QUOTE]
Elmer Fed has been breathing down the necks of established mainline manufacturers to stop producing products that could be "opened up". The elmers are also been working on stopping "import radios", due to the ease by which they can be "modded". There is a big push at the FCC to move communications to a universal transceiver, with a software platform that can be loaded to configure the rig.

[Amish_Bill]

Any thoughts on this Midland radio?

http://www.bills2way.com/equip/79-290.html

It reminds me of the way a decent HAM radio is setup...

I was set to find a good price on a Cobra 148 NWST, but then I found a review that said the sidebands would not hold freq. Can anyone share real experience with the sidebands on this radio?

I also recall that a friend suggested a Galaxy DX949 or 959. Good, Bad or Ugly?

Thanks again...

.... then again....

The whole reason I was looking for a SSB CB was to have extended range... but I don't see anyone else I know spending the money for a SSB CB when a regular CB is about $35 in a pawn shop. There's also the bit where I'll have a HAM radio next to it... Hmmm....

I'm still interested in your thoughts on the products above and any alternative ideas you have. For now, I think I'll just plug the Gatorade-smelling radio back up.

[ 25. October 2003, 02:15: Message edited by: Amish_Bill ]

[chickrepelent]

If I may ask, why do you want sideband if your freinds don't have it. I hate sideband my self. It's hard to tune in while driving down the road and three way conversations don't work well. If you have one person tuned in, the other is off freq.
That Midland looks an lot like the RCI. I'm sure the same factory in China makes both. I had a Galaxy 99 for a while and the freq counter died but other than that it still worked when I got rid of it. Kenworths have a lot of computer noise and the Galaxy picked up all of it.
I went back to good old Uniden made in the Phillipines and gave up on the China built crap. Back in the days when Cobra was a good radio, they were made by Uniden in the Phillipines but now China is stamping them out.
If you really need sideband, I'd get the Uniden Grant or 2510 and a good antenna like a Wilson or K40. You have to double your power to gain an S unit so a few extra watts don't mean much. The antenna is about 90% of how much range you have.

[Ineptwizard]

I have rebuilt several radios for friends that did not have electronic experience.connex,rci,
superstar,uniden radios all seem to share the same
structure and board layouts.These older radios can be repaired and altered to deliver extra power and freq's.I have been able to talk across the world.The signal bounces and long distance contacts rely of the upper lay of the ionoshpere to reflect the signals.It is an inexpensive way to begin and refine your radio skills.
A linear amplifier is recommended.A true 100w amp will be more than enought.

[Ringsider]

...I hate sideband my self.

Yep! Sideband is an "acquired taste"; just like beer, caviar, or oysters.

The Uniden Grant is an excellent rig. I know several people that run/love them. So is the 2510.

Chickrepellant, did you by any chance have a line filter on your rig? RatShack used to sell line noise filters that could quiet down the igntion and computer noises. I don't believe they carry them any more, but you could easily make your own choke from a foot of 12ga enameled wire (used for winding electrical motors) wrapped around a piece of 2" PVC pipe. Should be able to get it at any electrical repair shop.

Bill, those Wilsons and K-40's are nice antennas. However, if you want the " mucho macho" look for your Bronco, use the 102" stainless whip. Nothing says "I put up with no crap, and will whip you with this antenna if you screw with me...!" like a stainless whip. But seriously, I have held QSO's from TN to upper NY state on a RatShack HTX-10 (25 watt/10Mtr rig on USB) using a stainless whip.

[chickrepelent]

Ringsider- KW draws their CB power from the same place they draw their AM/FM power and according to KW, it's already filtered there. To get rid of the computer noise I had to pitch the China radio for the Uniden.

[Amish_Bill]

I just had a talk with my friends and it looks like we're all willing to put th emoney out for a sideband CB.

After the FRS problems we had I think they're willing to put the time into getting their Technician's tickets too. Except for getting stuck, screwing up the brakes and ripping off a mirror, it was a good weekend.

[Floyd]

I saw this from a search I did on CBs. What SSB did you get?

I had to compromise due to space limitations for an under-the-dash mount in a Jeep YJ. Ended up with a regular 40 ch CB (Uniden PRO520XL) with a 3' Wilson Silverload on the spare tire stop. Started with a 4' Wilson, but parking garages are murder.

[Amish_Bill]

Sorry - never did get the friends to agree on the sideband thing. :-(