Radio suggestions? AM with SSB for $150-200

#353574

Thinking of upgrading and getting into sideband. I'd like suggestions for a good SSB radio for a mobile rig. If it costs over $150-200, I'm not interested!!! There's a reason I chose my handle.

Also, any starter tips for getting into SSB?

#353576

Uniden 980SSB around 140.00

Monday, 03 February 2014, 21:05 PM

#353579

Check your inbox mtypockets

#353585

mty pocketz wrote:Thinking of upgrading and getting into sideband. I'd like suggestions for a good SSB radio for a mobile rig. If it costs over $150-200, I'm not interested!!! There's a reason I chose my handle.

Also, any starter tips for getting into SSB?

dont be a tightwad in buying a ssb radio
and things to look for an not to have in a ssb radio
1st off and only rule
if it has a echo knob its not a true ssb radio

#353588

Maybe try and find an old cobra 148 side mic, or an uniden pc122, preferably the xl. JMO.
If new is what you want, the uniden 980 is about the only new radio that's in your price range. There are a couple others that may be out there for the price you are looking for, but don't expect them to be very good IMO.

'Doc · #353592

All things considered, for the price range you've specified there's not 20 cents worth of difference between any SSB CB radio. (Oh, that'll hurt some feelings.) They all have to meet some basic specs and it is a very rare rarity when they exceed those minimums.
- 'Doc

#353595

Opinions on a realistic trc453??

#353599

'Doc wrote:All things considered, for the price range you've specified there's not 20 cents worth of difference between any SSB CB radio. (Oh, that'll hurt some feelings.) They all have to meet some basic specs and it is a very rare rarity when they exceed those minimums.
- 'Doc

True - they all have similar specs.

#353602

I have a Voyage VR9000. I like real well, lots of channels, freq counter. Can find them brand new real close to your price range. Check it out.
Mark

#353603

mty pocketz wrote:Opinions on a realistic trc453??

Very good radio , same curcuitry as the Uniden , others should chime in about it.

#353606

The trc453, shares same chassis as the uniden PC122, good little radios man. Should be good for about 20 watts on ssb, around 10-12 watts am. I know my PC122XL Isn't an audio monster on am, but ssb is where it shines at IMO. Clean clear natural voice sounding audio. Looks like a solid little radio. Small and easy to operate as well. Have a good tune and alignment done on it, if not already done and it Should work fine. By all reviews I looked at, they were made by uniden for radio shack, same chassis as the PC122. IMO if the price is right, grab it, you will have a good little ssb radio.

#353608

The price on it seems good, but I'd also like a little more AM power than I have, if possible. I'm an OTR truck driver so channel 19 is very important. A little xtra power helps

Decisions, decisions..........

#353610

As always, 'Doc says it, in that price range, they all are about the same.
In the radio world a "little" xtra power does not really help, it takes X4 xtra power to make any noticeable difference on the receiving end..
'

#353611

721hacksaw, when i said a little xtra power, i meant like 50 watts or more vs my 17 that i have now. For most of you in this forum, that's probably not even considered "a liittle xtra". I know some of you are running 1000s of watts.

I'll clarify. I'm looking for suggestions of a radio in my pricerange that has a good bit of power on AM and sideband, with decent quality.

I enjoy my 25 and like hearing that my little barefoot radio sounds better than alot of these juiced radios, but I just want to get out further and possibly get into talking skip while rolling in my diesel wagon.

I'm not trying to be a cheapskate, but like i said, i chose my handle for a reason.

#353614

Rabbitears, i'm not familiar with those. What kind of specs and power are we talking?

#353617

Send pics

#353620

Working on it now.

#353621

If you want 50 watts or so I'd save up and get the Stryker 955. Quality radio and looks goid too. Yes it is a little pricy but well worth the money. Never heard anything bad about the 955. Surface mount board too.

Tuesday, 04 February 2014, 11:49 AM

Sorry rabbit ears I didn't see your posts. I was writing and not reading. Oops!

#353624

I understand mty, that "first step" when it comes to adding extra power is the most bang for your buck. Just add a 300-500w amp to your 25 and that's incredible power multiplication... but it wouldn't have SSB.
My advice would be to stay with a standard CB radio with SSB, another Cobra, Galaxy, etc...not a high powered "Export" and get the amp also...

#353629

Man those old grants have a nice receive!! Just gave one to my brother in law for Christmas, almost kept it for myself lol. But seriously, nice radios.

#353676

first its not more than 200$$$$
now you want more power for AM
You cant have a sit down at the table Steak Dinner on a driving down the road eating a ham sandwich budget

#353797

North Texas Mudduck wrote:You cant have a sit down at the table Steak Dinner on a driving down the road eating a ham sandwich budget

Hey...

This is a very TRUE statement.

Also..

Bombero

#353821

980 plus a 203 is about as close to the 200 dollar budget you can get and still have ssb with a little power. kind of a compromise between the ham sandwich and steak dinner.

231 · #353827

mty pocketz wrote:Opinions on a realistic trc453??

Most likely you can find allot nicer rig in your price range. Realistic radios were almost always private labeled by someone else. If I recall that was either a PC-122 or most likely a Midland radio. But unlike the others, I think you have some better options open to you.

My first choice would be to pick up an older Cobra 148GTL or Uniden Grant (Philippine or Taiwan made). You should be able to pick one up well within your price range. Hands down they are one of the best AM/SSB radios made. Great receiver, excellent TX audio, and highly sought after. Down the road pick up an amp (preferably non-class C) and enjoy yourself.

Second choice would be the 980SSB by Uniden. I have one and it works pretty well. Modern, easy to operate, and allot of fun. It also falls into your price range. But you can't add funny channels to it (yet). The older units (listed above) have several frequency mods available for them. I have all 3 by the way.

As far as SSB operation, just talk like you would on the phone. Not allot of the CB jargon used, more rag chewing and fun discussions. DX is easier too. It's really just informal chatter and gabbing which I find nice. And audio quality is everything. Anyone can sound bad, but few can sound great there. It's not hard to tell those who've focused more on what their watt meter displays than their transmit audio.

Best of luck.

231

#353848

Surprised no one asked this but, what antenna are you using? That is a big part of the overall package.

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