What's the Cadillac of SSB CB Radios?
Shortwave Dave
Greetings!
I understand that there is no practical difference (electronically)
between most of the SSB rigs out there, but regardless of this
observation, some radios (cars, clothes, stereos, tires, etc) just
have a reputation of being "better" than the others... it MUST be the
same with SSB CB radios as well.
Which SSB radio would give you bragging rights, allowing you to hook
your thumbs behind your suspenders and swagger around, thus garnering
the jealousy of your peers?
I'm tempted to just go with a Cobra and call it good.
Thanks for your $.02!
- Shortwave Dave
mail...@pop.net
>
> Which SSB radio would give you bragging rights, allowing you to hook
> your thumbs behind your suspenders and swagger around, thus garnering
> the jealousy of your peers?
>
> I'm tempted to just go with a Cobra and call it good.
Uniden large chassis (Grant, 148, etc.) is an excellent radio. The difference
is mostly in the receiver quality (XMTRs are ridiculously simple). I don't think
there are very many true manufacturers left (Uniden, Maxon, Cybernet?). I'd
like to have a Tram Diamond 60 (?). They were supposed to be exceptionally
hot radios. Thoughts?
Bryan
ken...@erinet.com
> Shortwave Dave,
>
> Cobra is king of SSB's. Although Uniden's have the same guts. The only
> diff. is a few knobs in different places. If you're going Cobra, stick
> with an original 148 GTL. The 148 FGTL's are shit I hear.
>
>
>
> Jeremy
> hurs...@tc.umn.edu
>
>
>>>>
Whats the difference between the 148gtl and the 146gtl?
Jeremy
The2X4
These are legal , over the counter, units that are unfortunately
no longer in production.
They are:
RATED #1 Cobra 2000GTL
Out of the box this unit performs
as well as many modified radios.
This radio was the state of the
art for many years. Because so
many were sold it became the standard of the industry.
For normal 40 channel use, this rig
can't be beat.
A few other radios used the
same PCBoard but looks and
operating convenience made this one the winner.
RATED #1.25 Radio Shack's TRC-458
Many other brands used this
'858' chassis. The TRC versions
looked better than any
others.
Required two receiver mods to
increase reception quality for
demanding operators.
**************************************************************************
There is no legal radio on the market comparable to the above units.
Cobra's new 2010 radio is no slouch either but they have placed it out of
reach of most users in todays CB market. The price is two times more than
it is worth if you consider the size, the appearance and the features.
The price must be a joke. Everything in it costs less than the case of a
2000. I think Cobra really hurt their position as the leader in the
business.
I use the TRC-458 and have several. To me they look like a CB radio
instead of
a NASA instrument panel which the 2000 reminds me of.
I also have a Cobra 2000 but do not use it. Because the Cobra 2000 has a
frequency display it was also very much in demand for out of band
operation.
Most newer SSB radios lack the selectivity provided by the older units.
Notice the crystal filter in the new units. It is half the size of the
older ones. Recovered audio seems to sound 'TINNY' from the newer modern
radios.
I repair all brands of CB's on a daily basis and right now the most
frequent radios to fail are:
RCI 2950/70
Galaxy mobiles - all models
Cobra 25/29
Uniden HR2510
We must expect the Galaxy and Cobra units to be listed because of the
sheer number of units in operation.
The HR-2510 radios are becoming less frequent "DUT's" here. I believe it
is because of a lack of technician expertise with such models. Repeating
failures are causing the owners of these units to consider other brands
and storing the 2510's. Since the microprocessor governs all operations(
RCI models included), we can expect to see this unit shelved when it
fails.
I recently traded for a 2970 and still think the recovered audio sounds
awful. I'm gonna fix that on this one and use it for a 10 meter mobile.
The ALC circuit needs some work too.
The NEW export base radios are having their problems with mechanical
failures.
Right now is a perfect time for a new brand of CB's. A decent good lookin'
SSB legal base radio for under $300 would sell very well. I believe a
good attractive AM base for under $200 would capture 90% of all sales.
CB manufacturers are trying to increase profits and stay competitive in
price. To do this they must cut corners somewhere and it usually means the
quality of their product is compromised. This is very evident in the newer
big name brand mobiles.
Carried on didn't I?
That's my $.75 worth.
Carl
The2x4
Barz
DICENSODJ%D...@pcmail.usafa.af.mil (Shortwave Dave) wrote:
>
>Greetings!
>
>I understand that there is no practical difference (electronically)
>between most of the SSB rigs out there, but regardless of this
>observation, some radios (cars, clothes, stereos, tires, etc) just
>have a reputation of being "better" than the others... it MUST be the
>same with SSB CB radios as well.
>
>your thumbs behind your suspenders and swagger around, thus garnering
>the jealousy of your peers?
>
>I'm tempted to just go with a Cobra and call it good.
>
>>
Well MY $.02 would have to go with the Ranger 2950/2970 or the HR2510
These are the radios of choice (at least around here)
In my hometown, I CLEARLY have the bragging rights! :-)
Enno Groen
Just Take an HR2510 or President Lincoln. I had two and worked with them
for years all around the world. Microprocessor never failed. Personally I
can't see how people get this radio out of order..... (except for the MRF
ofcourse).
If something get broken you just bring them to the right HAM store and
they will fix it. Really people here in Europe like it even better then
the President George....
Anyway all modern radio's have a cpu controlling everything giving you
more channels and stable freq.
Good luck!
Enno
Dick Hughes
recommended it over the Cobra which was very similar extenally.
Dick Hughes
the...@aol.com (The2X4) wrote:
>There are two SSB radios I rate as the best
>These are legal , over the counter, units that are unfortunately
>no longer in production.
>
>The HR-2510 radios are becoming less frequent "DUT's" here. I believe it
>is because of a lack of technician expertise with such models. Repeating
>failures are causing the owners of these units to consider other brands
>and storing the 2510's. Since the microprocessor governs all operations(
>RCI models included), we can expect to see this unit shelved when it
>fails.
>
>
>Carl
>The2x4
The2X4
wba...@future.dreamscape.com (Barz) writes:
>
>Well MY $.02 would have to go with the Ranger 2950/2970 or the HR2510
>
>These are the radios of choice (at least around here)
>
>In my hometown, I CLEARLY have the bragging rights! :-)
>
>
Hi
The Rangers' and 2510's have many desirable features. Without these they
fare no better than a good ol' 148 Cobra or Grant. Because of the ability
to get between channels and above or below the band these units are
popular but most of my friends are not able to get there. I know its the
same throughout the country, Locally I find most friendly CBers to be
legal operators staying on the channel of their choice. I like talking to
these people. I must say most freebanders consider these persons about the
same way hams look at all of us. OMT, every freebander up or down the band
is one more piece of splatter I don't have to worry about.
Carl
Shortwave Dave
My original posting received lots of great info and responses, but
some that were troubling... like use of ham radios on CB for SSB...
using a Yaesu 757GX or a Uniden 10meter radio won't cut it... neither
is "FCC type accepted" for use on CB.
Sure, they'll technically do it with modification (Uniden chipswitch
or a flip of a tiny internal switch on the Yaesu) but it isn't legal.
Yes, I'm concerned about legality... I won't operate in violation,
regardless of how slim the chances of getting caught are. Call it
integrity, honor, or responsiblity (or call it silly if you want to).
:-)
Sounds like the over-the-counter, legal CB's to consider are the Cobra
148GTL/2000GTL, TRC 458, Uniden Lincoln, and maybe the Tram Diamond
60...
From chatting with folks since my original posting, and from these
responses, it sounds like I'd ought to lean toward the highly-regarded
Cobras.
Thanks for your inputs, folks! SSB here I come!
-- Dave
Brian Woodbury
D> From chatting with folks since my original posting, and from these
D> responses, it sounds like I'd ought to lean toward the highly-regarded
D> Cobras.
D> Thanks for your inputs, folks! SSB here I come!
D> -- Dave
Woody-
Keep in mind that many who hold Cobra as "highly regarded" are nostalgically
thinking of the older units which had the Uniden chassis. While they still use
the same "floorplan", the new Cobra's are made in China, and quality control
has been.....not to good in the last year or so. So, I would suggest either
buying and older used Cobra, or a new Uniden.
Regards,
Woody
PS- as far as the Tram goes, the Diamond 60 was a 23channel rig. You should
look for it's replacement (at that time) the Diamond 62 (I think). Also, as you
are interested in staying "legal" I believe the Uniden Lincoln to be an export
radio, not
"Type accepted").
Bill Nelson
: I understand that there is no practical difference (electronically)
: between most of the SSB rigs out there, but regardless of this
: observation, some radios (cars, clothes, stereos, tires, etc) just
: have a reputation of being "better" than the others... it MUST be the
: same with SSB CB radios as well.
: Which SSB radio would give you bragging rights, allowing you to hook
: your thumbs behind your suspenders and swagger around, thus garnering
: the jealousy of your peers?
I would suspect such rigs as the Yaesu FT757GX or other full featured
Ham rigs would qualify. An older tube style Drake, Swan, Kenwood etc
would also probably do.
Bill "I use a Rat Shack walkie-talkie, myself" Nelson
Chad Payne
> 148GTL/2000GTL, TRC 458, Uniden Lincoln, and maybe the Tram Diamond
> 60...
>
Actually, you shouldn't. The current crop of Cobras are made in
China which has far lower quality control than the older Corbras made by
Uniden. Cobra is still riding on its name even though the products are
not nearly what they used to be.
The 2000GTL isn't made anymore, but if you can pick one up used you'll
have a really nice radio. The current 148GTL fits into the previous
category of not being made like they used to be.
You mentioned a TRC 458, however Radio Shack no longer makes a base
station. In fact, they've stopped production of all their sideband
radios.
If you really want to stick with "type accepted" radios you really only
have once choice these days for new equipment, and that is the Uniden
Grant XL. It is a mobile unit, but will work as a base too with a power
supply. The Uniden Grant XL is the same radio as the old Cobra 148GTLs
used to be. The current 148GTLs look the same, but they aren't. The
Uniden Grant XL is simply the best CB still made today.
Chad
The 5 Mary Tango 127
drg...@kilrah.iii.net
>Carl
Well, you seem to leave out the fact that on the 2510 everything is
basically 1 increment better than the 148/grant XL- Double power
output, 10db more rejection, etc. The 2950, however, only increases
in power over a reg. CB; i.e., the reciever sucks, etc. Plus the QC
on 2510's is better than on the 2950.
-Dr. Grant