Entry Level Radio

[mjackson92rs]

Just got in the 10 meter radio about a year ago and I think I am ready to upgrade to a radio with SSB. Right now I am running a Uniden 68. My question is what is a good entry level SSB radio for someone who has never used the sidebands before? Looking for a user friendly radio. Thanks.

[T Rodd]

If you are familiar with 10 meter (and 11 meter) radios you will easily handle SSB. Just a "little" bit more to learn.. A lot of people recommend a Ranger SS-158 if you are a serious AM user and would like to have a "Good" SSB radio. However if you are Serious SSB operator and need "good" AM performance a Ranger 2950dx or 2970 depending upon how much you want to put into it.

Sparky's has them


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[Night Crawler]

My question is what is a good entry level SSB radio for someone who has never used the sidebands before? Looking for a user friendly radio. Thanks.

Very easy to use entry level SSB radio and inexpensive.

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[linx]

Those SuperStar's are nice, but my favorite is the RCI 29XX series of radios. The 2950 and 2970's are legendary in the SSB audio quality fields. I ran 2 2950's for a long time. 1 on the base, and a newer SWP 2950DX on the mobile. I wish I had kept that 2950DX, but we all make mistakes and sell stuff we don't want to sometimes.

[55builtit4me]

Those SuperStar's are nice, but my favorite is the RCI 29XX series of radios. The 2950 and 2970's are legendary in the SSB audio quality fields. I ran 2 2950's for a long time. 1 on the base, and a newer SWP 2950DX on the mobile. I wish I had kept that 2950DX, but we all make mistakes and sell stuff we don't want to sometimes.

[55builtit4me]

that was supposed to say...

what exactly is a swp?

also, the superstars are good radios, i'll second that motion. they work great on ssb, and still have that "punch" on AM. but i would get a variable dead key added if u ever plan to run an amp...

[linx]

The SWP is a Radio Active modded radio. It's the first radio I bought from him and I ran it for a year or so. It's just what he calls his modification. Everyone has their own "super tune" or whatever.

[camino kid]

I also am looking for a 11 meter ssb.I was looking at a few of them but don't know which one to choose from.GALAXY DX979-OR 959-or a texas ranger966ffc or a cobra 148gtl.What do you guys think would be the best bang for your buck.

[va236]

I also am looking for a 11 meter ssb.I was looking at a few of them but don't know which one to choose from.GALAXY DX979-OR 959-or a texas ranger966ffc or a cobra 148gtl.What do you guys think would be the best bang for your buck.

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents worth in here. I have a Galaxy DX959 feeding a Wilson 1000 magnet mount antenna in my truck. This system does me a great job (I did have the clarifier unlocked, because I use it on sideband). I bought this setup from Sparky's (who I personally recommend), however I'm sure any of the other sponsors on this site would give you a good deal. I mentioned Sparky's because he has a Galaxy DX959 Refurbished available for $119.95, plus shipping.

I agree with what everyone says about the Ranger 2950DX/2970DX radios. I'm planning on purchasing a 2950DX myself (the only difference in the 2950DX & 2970DX is the 2970DX has the amp built in, and costs more). As I said, the Galaxy DX959 is doing me a fine job, but I operate mainly SSB and the 2950DX has features which make operating sideband a pleasure. I can't really say about any of the others. My radio previously to these was a Yaesu FT-101E (which I wish I still had).

Later,
John

[Turbo-T]

I also am looking for a 11 meter ssb.I was looking at a few of them but don't know which one to choose from.GALAXY DX979-OR 959-or a texas ranger966ffc or a cobra 148gtl.What do you guys think would be the best bang for your buck.

I'd say an older 148 GTL.

[camino kid]

Thanks guys I went with the dx959 and a wilson 1000 I think this will do the job for me.I'll add my palomar tube mobile power and I'll be cruzin.Thanks again I'll be findin ya on the flip side.

[Capndave]

Top gun mods for that 959 would be a fine addition for that radio,I have one with these mods and a I could not believe the result.Clarity I could not believe.My first choice would have been th e148GTL but I got this one for eighty bucks In great shape.

[camino kid]

Got the 959 installed swr with a 1000 wilson mag mount is 1-1.5 ch1 and 40.Hope to try it out tonight listen for the kid if ya get a chance.You guys are the best bunch a person could run into.Now on to my base unit.Thanks again.

[alpha]

got a rci 3900hp loud on AM and clear on SSB no drift on this radio , it got lo ,medium ,hi good for ad a amp this one of the best radio for your money

[[byuslim09]]

It's nice to hear good reports on the rci2950dx,I spoke with ra yesterday as I am interested in a new radio but couldn't decide between the galaxy 94vhp or the 2950dx,he recommends the 2950dx hands down.

[Capndave]

If you can find one,a good base is the GE Super Base.That was the best one I have ever used,but to get one on your bench will cost you quite a sum.

[Mobile 25]

Since you stated you had a primary interest in ssb I'd recommend a 2950/2970 ,either unit is a tri bander and I always get top shelf reports on my 50(nondx) for 15 years now.

[rbodenbender]

if you are wanting a serious SSB rig, you need to get a Uniden President HR2510 or the Lincoln HR2600. those were probably 2 of the best sideband radios built without dumping serious cash for a Yaesu or an ICOM rig.

from my years around CBs, the "export radios" (galaxy, superstar, northstar etc) had lackluster performance on sideband. they talk ok on there, but the quality of the radio just does not compare to the 2510. that is an honest user opinion, and dont get me wrong, i love my Pluto. it is am AM audio monster, but on SSB, it isnt that fabulous.

[De_Wildfire]

Icom 718. You wouldn't believe the price if you can get one new. Same price as the 2995DX but you get all the shortwave bands and more.

[goatboy]

I would go with the early 148GTL, 1990-1995 models are rock steddy units and stay on freq, my with no mods dose 6.5W AM/ 16.5W SSB. Iget it retuned evey year but it needs little if any adjustment.

[12 gage]

If you want a good SSB radio and 10 meter the RCI2950DX or 2970DX are both great radios. Get the SWP/SRX from Radio Active Radio and you have a great radio that is clear and loud.

[goofy]

I'm liking my 257HP, a good little radio. The controls take a little time to use, but its not rocket surgery. Very small so that means they had to cram alot in a small shape

[19dt2120]

Very Soon there will be a new radio on the market called Maas DX5000 aka CRT SS6900/AnyTone AT5888/comtex cs-1000dx/hannover br9000 and maybe under some other names .

Maybe not really a starter Radio Price +/- €200,- but this is one of the first CB radio's who can also be programmed by pc .

[mat_me]

I am glad to hear such good reports about the cobra 148GTL. I am going to pick one up tomorrow moring.... I dont think i will sleep well tonight

[Bigpimp347 [UK]]

i've bought one of those Anytone AX-5555 just over $200
not arrived yet, but when it does i'll post up my findings..