Copper Talk » Open Forum » Archived Messages » 2002 » Archived Messages 07/01/2002 to 07/31/2002 » Ranger 296 « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dcobb
Posted on Sunday, July 07, 2002 - 7:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm considering getting a 296 for mobile use. For a unit that's "properly adjusted", what tx power output can I expect on AM?

Any other thoughts on the 296 by anybody who has one?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Tech671
Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 5:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It's a good AM/SSB rig, similar to the old 148 Cobras, should do about 16w or so peak or SSB.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dcobb
Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 1:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What's the 'extended' frequency range of the 296?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dcobb
Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 3:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

After reading many of the posts on the forums, picking the 'optimum' mobile radio seems awfully confusing. I've seen good things about the 296, but then I see Magnum 257s and VR9000s and think "well, gee, it's only a few more dollars". I guess you have to draw a line on features/capabilities and go with something.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dcobb
Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 8:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

In line with my last post, what are your general opinions on the subject of buying a nice CB like the Ranger 296 vs buying a 10-meter radio that costs $50 to $100 more, like the vr9000 and Galaxy radios?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Tech671
Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 10:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If you don't care for echo, the Magnum 257 is an excellent choice of features vs value. If you do like echo, look at the Delta Force.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dcobb
Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 9:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A question on the 296 (or similar radio): Since these units don't have freq counters or A/B/C/D switches, how do you tell which exact channel you're on?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Tech671
Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 9:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Add on freq ctr after you modify it or use a channel "road map".
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dcobb
Posted on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 10:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Also, from reading the frequency conversion procedures on these 148-type boards, it seems a bit complicated. Some radios allow conversion by doing ultra-simple things.

Any feedback from "non-experts" who have done conversions on these boards?

P.S A TR-296 went on e-bay for $100 tonite. Supposedly a 'new' unit.