Which SSB, 11m or export?

[gunner57]

I have been weighing on the pros and cons of an SSB radio. I am looking at standard 11m like the 949 or 979 galaxy with an amp, or an export type like a Magnum S-9. I have a non SSB Galaxy that I like alot and it looks good. I like to have a more modern looking radio with the big meter. I started to consider exports but don't know much about them. I know they can be modded to put out large amounts of power which cuts out the need for an amp. I hear good things about both the Galaxy and the Magnum. I like that the export will be less money and hassle. I can get a modified radio pumping out high wattage and a (6 digit) internal freq counter for much less than buying a radio, an amp, an external counter, etc. I am poor so money savings is big. But if I am talking to someone that is close, there is no need to polute the channel for 30 miles with excessive power. I can turn an amp off when I don't need the extra power. Is there a potentiometer to vary the power output on the export so it doesn't have to be 100W or 150W all the time? Also, what can I expect for longevity from an export with an internal amp? Is it as long a standard 11m?

[Ohio_359]

Of the 2 brands mentioned,the Magnum will out perform the Galaxy on SSB IMO. I wouldn't worry about running a mere 100 watts all the time, we're not talking about a kilowatt or more here, but yes, the variable will drop output on SSB and the carrier on AM.

As for reliability, it's all about the tune on the radio. HAM radios do 100 watts or more very reliably, CB/Exports however are plagued by the "Golden Screwdriver".

[231]

If you are already familiar with the Galaxy, no reason not to seriously consider that. On sideband they sound great...that is, if you cut down on the mic gain you normally run on AM. On sideband it's all about good audio, and unlike AM nasty loud doesn't usually help you make friends...it makes their ears bleed. With that said, you can count on a little bit of drifting, but most of the guys I've heard running Galaxy's have them dialed in well for sideband.

Honestly short of an actual amateur HF rig there are few exports I like on SSB. The 2510, 2950, and Magnum 257 are among the tops in my book for the export line up. For 11m, almost all of the non-Chinese made 148's/Uniden Grant's, and Galaxy's are right up there as well, but have great receivers to boot. I personally prefer lower wattage and running an amp. It usually gives me more selection and options in the cleaner class AB amps vs. the higher drive exports (at least some of them).

Just my thoughts...and SSB is pretty much all I run. Best of luck.

[gunner57]

If you are already familiar with the Galaxy, no reason not to seriously consider that. On sideband they sound great...that is, if you cut down on the mic gain you normally run on AM. On sideband it's all about good audio, and unlike AM nasty loud doesn't usually help you make friends...it makes their ears bleed. With that said, you can count on a little bit of drifting, but most of the guys I've heard running Galaxy's have them dialed in well for sideband.

Honestly short of an actual amateur HF rig there are few exports I like on SSB. The 2510, 2950, and Magnum 257 are among the tops in my book for the export line up. For 11m, almost all of the non-Chinese made 148's/Uniden Grant's, and Galaxy's are right up there as well, but have great receivers to boot. I personally prefer lower wattage and running an amp. It usually gives me more selection and options in the cleaner class AB amps vs. the higher drive exports (at least some of them).

Just my thoughts...and SSB is pretty much all I run. Best of luck.

All I have is 11m right now. I don't know how much I will use the SSB until my wife gets hers. I use my radio for safety, alternative to cell phone, and entertainment. Many times if my wife and I have to head to Bangor (70 miles away) in separate car/truck, it works great for chatting on our way to/from there. Some times we are 1/4 to 1/2 mile away, which is why I figured it would be easier with an amp I can turn off. Then if skip is rolling good one day, or if I am out on a multi-truck hunting trip and need extra distance I can flip on the amp and get the extra umph I need. Money is a big reason why I was considering an export. I had thought of a Uniden Grant but I want something a little more modern for the truck it is going in. I still am considering and arguing with myself over what direction to take.

[721HACKSAW]

All CBs are 11m.... AM, and SSB are modes of operating on 11m.
I agree with 231, get you a decent SSB capable radio, get familiar with the differences between operating on AM and SSB, then get an amp to go with your radio. Good luck and enjoy.

[gunner57]

All CBs are 11m.... AM, and SSB are modes of operating on 11m.
I agree with 231, get you a decent SSB capable radio, get familiar with the differences between operating on AM and SSB, then get an amp to go with your radio. Good luck and enjoy.

I know, I was referring to the thought of possibly getting an export which is technically 10m. I think it is just more ecconomical to just run a standard SSB 11m with an amp and call it a day.

['Doc]

Considering how you say you'll be using the radio, I think you'd probably be better off with a regular CB capable of SSB. You can find'em almost anywhere, they're fairly cheap, and who says you need power anyway? If you do, then a typical 'smaller' CB amplifier is fairly easy to find too. Why complicate things if you don't have to?
- 'Doc

[dime196604]

Considering how you say you'll be using the radio, I think you'd probably be better off with a regular CB capable of SSB. You can find'em almost anywhere, they're fairly cheap, and who says you need power anyway? If you do, then a typical 'smaller' CB amplifier is fairly easy to find too. Why complicate things if you don't have to?
- 'Doc

I agree i run a 959 in the mobile and i just sold my 2 pill, it did not seem to help a whole lot in the TX. It seems just as easy to make local and DX contacts without the amp

[gunner57]

Considering how you say you'll be using the radio, I think you'd probably be better off with a regular CB capable of SSB. You can find'em almost anywhere, they're fairly cheap, and who says you need power anyway? If you do, then a typical 'smaller' CB amplifier is fairly easy to find too. Why complicate things if you don't have to?
- 'Doc

I agree i run a 959 in the mobile and i just sold my 2 pill, it did not seem to help a whole lot in the TX. It seems just as easy to make local and DX contacts without the amp

I think I decided to go with a simple 11m ssb radio instead of an export. It'll probably be a 949 or 979 Galaxy, and I'll pick up a 6 digit counter, and an amp. It might not have the punchy audio of the magnum on AM, but they still hold their own.

[1 ADAM 12]

I have a Galaxy 979 in the mobile with a 4' Firestik FSII and I absolutely love it. I live in South Central KY and I was able to make a DX contact one day on SSB to Connecticut (be advised that I was at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level). My 979 has been peaked and tuned but I have not added an amp. I replaced the stock mic with an Astatic 636L. The 636 is much better and clearer in my opinion and it works better with the talkback. I also added a roger beep...but thats besides the point.

[yamaha]

I would look into the RCI2950DX. I use one daily and love it. I like the versatility and reliability of the product. I sound like Im getting paid to say this, but Im not. Its the truth. If you want more power you always got the RCI2970DX (its big brother)! Anyways 73s and good luck!

[231]

This thread is like 1-1/2 years old guys. LOL

Just letting you know.

[North Texas Mudduck]

Now they have the 2950 and the 2970n2
Just because a radio has a ssb knob does not mean it can perform on ssb
if one is wanting to do ssb then get either a 2510,,2600,,2950,,2970n2
I like the receive of the newer 2950 and the 2970n2
also like the display ,its alot easier to see

for someone that can use a External ssb amp then get the 2950
if for other reasons cant use a external amp then go with the 2970n2

[yamaha]

This thread is like 1-1/2 years old guys. LOL

Just letting you know.

Im always late! lol,,, I didn't even notice!

[MDYoungblood]

You didn't revive the thread but I like your answers yamaha, now a days I would go with the same thing.

3's

Greg

[dime196604]

This thread is like 1-1/2 years old guys. LOL

Just letting you know.

Im always late! lol,,, I didn't even notice!

And now I'm highjacking this old thread

Yamaha you should send me a pic of that galaxy Sirius you got listed in your signature

[G-Golly Wally]

I use an old school RCI 2950 I think thir the best for SSB , so 2950DX