Any Suggestions On A Reasonably (Cheap) Price High Power SSB Rig?

Whether you're new to using single sideband (SSB) or have years of experience, this forum is the perfect place to ask your questions or provide assistance to those who are new.
Post Reply
User avatar
Hard-Times
Mud-Duck Sr.
Mud-Duck Sr.
Posts: 7
Joined: February 15th, 2018, 9:07 pm
Handle: Hardtimes
Real Name: Jeff Alessi
Antenna: Coat Hanger
Radio: D201
Contact:

Any Suggestions On A Reasonably (Cheap) Price High Power SSB Rig?

#407710

Post by Hard-Times »

Any Suggestions On A Reasonably (Cheap) Priced High Power SSB Rig?
Thanks In Advance & Have A Most Awesome Evening!
User avatar
MDYoungblood
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 10781
Joined: June 12th, 2010, 8:05 pm
Handle: MDYoungblood
Real Name: Gregory
Antenna: HyGain AV-6160
Radio: Icom IC-746 (non pro)
Contact:

Re: Any Suggestions On A Reasonably (Cheap) Price High Power SSB Rig?

#407711

Post by MDYoungblood »

Right now the radio market is drying up both CB and ham equipment is scarce. As for your question, in what price range is "Cheap"?

3's

Greg
"321, West Manchester Township, PA"

Official Moderator - CBRT Complaint Department
User avatar
jessejamesdallas
Donor
Donor
Posts: 6287
Joined: October 10th, 2004, 7:02 pm
Handle: Jesse James Dallas
Real Name: Jesse
Radio: working
Contact:

Re: Any Suggestions On A Reasonably (Cheap) Price High Power SSB Rig?

#407714

Post by jessejamesdallas »

President McKinley, and a small amp would be best bang for the buck...
Image
Image
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
User avatar
443 Arizona
Mod Duck
Mod Duck
Posts: 896
Joined: April 29th, 2010, 2:22 pm
Handle: Double R
Real Name: Steve
Radio: madison on 5/8 wave
Contact:

Re: Any Suggestions On A Reasonably (Cheap) Price High Power SSB Rig?

#407721

Post by 443 Arizona »

older base radios seem to be "cheap", mobile radios are best to stick to the classics and just have them tweaked, keep in mind the antenna is the most important part,
new radios are pretty much untouchable, you just add a amp,
you didnt say which you preffered, a base or mobile unit,????
Qwerty16
NEW DUCK
NEW DUCK
Posts: 1
Joined: June 7th, 2023, 10:26 am
Handle: Running Bare
Real Name: Billy Dean
Contact:

Re: Any Suggestions On A Reasonably (Cheap) Price High Power SSB Rig?

#410328

Post by Qwerty16 »

I'm glad somebody recommended the McKinley SSB radio. It still gets good reviews (2023) but I need to determine if the price for SSB is worth the extra $ over an AM radio.
User avatar
Bozo
Owner
Owner
Posts: 9420
Joined: August 31st, 2004, 1:06 pm
Handle: Bozo The Clown
Real Name: James Wadsworth
Antenna: Monkey Made MM9
Radio: General Lee Radio
Contact:

Re: Any Suggestions On A Reasonably (Cheap) Price High Power SSB Rig?

#410355

Post by Bozo »

  • Yaesu FT-450D: OMG! The Yaesu FT-450D is, like, totally awesome! It's an entry-level HF transceiver that offers 100 watts of power output. It has a built-in automatic antenna tuner, which is super convenient. You can use it for SSB, CW, and AM modes. It's not the cheapest option out there, but it delivers great performance and features. 🤩
  • Icom IC-718: So, the Icom IC-718 is like a budget-friendly HF transceiver that covers all HF bands. It gives you 100 watts of power output, which is pretty cool. The interface is straightforward, and it's known for being reliable. It may not have all the fancy advanced features, but hey, it's a great value for the price! 🙌

  • Kenwood TS-480SAT: Okay, check out the Kenwood TS-480SAT! It's this compact HF transceiver that's got a max power output of 100 watts. It supports SSB, CW, AM, and FM modes, so you've got options. It even has a built-in antenna tuner, which is pretty slick. Plus, the detachable front panel makes remote operation a breeze. How cool is that? 😎

  • AnyTone AT-6666: Alright, folks, listen up! The AnyTone AT-6666 is here, and it's perfect for those on a budget. It's a total bargain and offers 60 watts of power output. It covers both the HF and CB frequency bands, so you've got flexibility. You can use it for AM, FM, USB, LSB, and CW modes. It may not have all the fancy features, but hey, it gets the job done! 👍

😄
Image

Donate here


User avatar
Windwalker
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 421
Joined: February 19th, 2011, 9:03 pm
Handle: Windwalker
Real Name: Clifford Stewart
Call Sign: KD8QHS
Antenna: K-40// Hustler MagMnt
Radio: Cherida S890
Contact:

Re: Any Suggestions On A Reasonably (Cheap) Price High Power SSB Rig?

#410356

Post by Windwalker »

Qwerty16 wrote: June 7th, 2023, 3:40 pm I'm glad somebody recommended the McKinley SSB radio. It still gets good reviews (2023) but I need to determine if the price for SSB is worth the extra $ over an AM radio.
Yes SSB is worth it for sure.
On AM you need lots of power to talk skip and beat out other stations to be heard... On SSB you can talk to other countries with a much smaller amount of power.
A 300 watt linear on SSB could talk worldwide but 300 watts on A
M would be much harder if not impossible.
That said the antenna is a super important part of the system. A large or long antenna is best but you have to have a good SWR as well.
I talked to Germany and Ireland on CB band SSB with 12 watts. You couldnt do that on AM !!
Also with SSB you often times can go in between channels like to 27.380. That is a big help in getting the skip you want.
Post Reply