| Author |
Message |
    
747
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 4:04 pm: | 
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I am in the market for a new radio. I have a budget of around $300.. Here's the requirements:
1) Easily modded for 10/11 meter use.
2) Has memory presets.
3) Built in variable power.
4) Built in roger beep (that can be turned off).
5) Freq counter or display.
6) Must be able to do AM/USB/LSB (FM optional)
7) Must sound GOOD on the air (clear and LOUD!)
8) Doesn't require me taking it to a tech for tuning up right out of the box.
9) Max wattage possible without going to a built in amp.
10) A radio that is going to stand up to the test of time!
11) With the variable power (without modifying the radio!), must be able to be turned down low enough so that I can use it with an amp if I so desire in the future (not a high drive amp!)
12) Must be of a mobile configuration.
I have been looking at the RCI2950dx and the Magnum series radios, as well as the Midland 79-290, but I'd love to hear arguments on the good, bad and ugly of the radios that are out there so in the end I get the best I can with the money that I have. I already have a D104-M6B to use, and a good antenna setup in my car... I am just tired of buying used crud that has been golden screwdrivered/butchered by god-knows-who and figured it's time to bite the bullet and get a brand new radio..
So talk to me! 
Thanks guys,
747
Cocoa Beach, FL |
Taz
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 6:00 pm: |
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I think the deltaforce would be a good choice. |
747
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 7:01 pm: |
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Taz,
I've read that the freq mod is as simple as moving a jumper from one position to another on the board - is this true? Or does it require soldering? At least, this is what I read about the 2002 model. Nice radio! I wish it were a little more subdued in appearance, it's a little flashy, but hell looks arent everything! |
Tech808
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 7:41 pm: |
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747,
Check out the VOYAGE VR9000
http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/checkitout/checkitout.cgi?catalogSTORE:CKIE:prodE50-00021+
This Radio meet's all of your requirments (with the exception of memory pre-sets)
and you will still have a good Piece of change leftover for other things.
I have a Ranger 2970DX (with Memory Pre-sets) and two of the VR9000's without.
I like the Ranger, and have it about 4 years now, but I love the VR9000's and do not mind turning the dial.
And you will have a little over $100.00 left of your budget for other things.
Just my Thoughts!
Lon
tech808 |
747
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 11:53 pm: |
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808,
What kind of wattage (dead key and modulation) do those VR9000s do right out of the box without opening the radio up? Also, I saw on the customer service section that the mod was being changed for those radios - any ideas how it has changed? I am looking for a radio that I can mod myself without a lot of radio-tech skills, I have shell out enough money over the past 2 years on those used radios I have bought to pay for 2 or 3 of those voyage radios - I think I am done paying a tech to do my work (just as long as I dont risk messing the radio up too bad!)
Also, does that radio have a variable power knob on it?
Thanks!
747 |
Tech808
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 1:10 am: |
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747,
The "STOCK" VR9000 I have will Dead Key right a 4 watts and Swing 10.
As for the Mention of them being changed there was a small problem but "nothing has changed" it was a problem with them not being set right at the Factory and they corrected them.
Yes it does have a Adjustable RF Power Control Knob.
Hope this helps!
Lon
tech808 |
Tech671
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 5:50 am: |
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The Delta Force does everything you describe. They sound very good right out of the box, and with the right "hands" in them they are incredible. You can run it stock or ask Copper to roll one to me then I'll send to you when I'm done. |
Taz
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 10:42 am: |
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VOYAGE VR 9000 10 METER MOBILE
Modes, AM/FM/USB/LSB/CW
5 digit frequency counter
Dual Finals for high power
Dual Control Echo
Built in SWR Meter
Variable wattage
Course clarifier slides on TX
10 KC switch
Roger Beep
Standard 4 pin mic
Same circuit board as Galaxy 88 |
Tech808
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 9:03 pm: |
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747,
Just a NOTE on the DELTA FORCE.
Right now COPPER is out of stock on the Delta Force Radios.
They have been waiting for awhile for the last order they placed to come in.
SORRY EVERYONE!
Lon
tech808 |
747
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 10:11 pm: |
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I think for my wallet's sake, as well as my sanity, I may end up leaning towards the VR9000...
I think I would go nuts waiting for something to come into stock, especially if I am going to shell out good money for it!!
Any ideas how the stock is looking on the VR9000s?? It will be Monday at the earliest that I will be placing an order..
Thanks!
747 |
Tech808
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 3:08 am: |
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747,
As far as I know they do have plenty of them in Stock.
I feel you will be very happy with one.
Lon
tech808 |
747
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 9:19 am: |
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The galaxy 959 - yes, I realize that it doesn't convert easily to 10 meter coverage, but here's the question - using the variable power on it, how far down can the dead-key be set at (once again, stock - straight out of the box!)? when it's set down at it's lowest point, how much swing am I looking at?
Thanks!
747 |
Triplecguy
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 4:02 pm: |
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I love my 79-290, but you won't hear a lot of good about them here. They are not quite as fancy as the the others listed, but you can do the mod for the 10 meter/240 channel mode in about 10 minutes. It also has a detachable face and everything else you asked for EXCEPT the roger beep and variable power. Also when in 240 channel mode/10 meter mode you go to the higher power of about 25 watts PEP as compared to the regular 40 channel mode. I think it's the best bang for the buck and I wouldn't trade mine for anything. They run between $159 and &179. Copper could probably order you one.
DAN |
Moderator558
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 10:36 pm: |
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I am shocked noone has mentioned the 2950DX thats the way to go .
http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/checkitout/checkitout.cgi?catalogSTORE:CKIE:prodR10-10003+ |
747
| | Posted on Saturday, October 12, 2002 - 10:30 am: |
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I think I have it narrowed down to the 2950DX and the DeltaForce. I have $320 to play with - just a hair more than I thought, and there is a local guy who has sells brand new 2950DXs already converted and tuned/tweaked for $300, and I found another guy online who has a new DeltaForce for $259 plus $15 to convert and $10 to setup however I want it.. then shipping, which brings it to about the same price as the 2950DX... Of these two, which one would you guys pick? The local guy isn't exactly local, he's about 60 miles away, but I wouldnt have to wait, nor would I have to pay shipping or sales tax.
Which one guys?
Forummaster Note : I am bit amazed at this post. Why would you not consider buying either of these from us? |
747
| | Posted on Saturday, October 12, 2002 - 3:03 pm: |
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Well, I considered the Delta Force from Copper, but #1 reason I can't do that is the fact that they are out of stock!!!!!! DOH!!!!!
The reason for the 2950DX is the fact that after buying the radio, paying for conversion and then shipping, it would end up costing more than buying it locally! I am not 100% set on not buying from copper, in fact it would probably be the better bet to get either radio from copper and have the work done because I know you guys actually know what you're doing - I don't know the credentials of any of these other guys!
I havent made any rash decisions yet, so, in no way have I ruled out copper!!
747
freebander@cfl.rr.com
Forumaster Note : We have a Low Price Guarantee. Ranger(RCI) makes us advertise their radios at suggested retail but that doesn't mean we can't beat a competitors price. I know we are out of stock on the Delta Forces but that might be because our price is $30.00 lower than your local dealers.
One of the purposes of this forum is to help you make informed purchases. All we ask in return is that you give us a shot at your business.
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747
| | Posted on Saturday, October 12, 2002 - 3:32 pm: |
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HMMMMM, here's an idea... I could go with the Mirage 2950... I had a 2950 a while back, and quite frankly I loved the thing!! I could have the same functionality again, with a lower tag than a 2950DX, and still have money to have it modded, plus probably have it UPS next dayed to me... hmmmm...
Can't ya tell, I have a hard time making decisions!!
747 |
bruce
| | Posted on Saturday, October 12, 2002 - 8:37 pm: |
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For what my 2 cents is worth I have in the last 3 years bought a number of radios from copper and at least here in tampa bay copper is FAR cheaper than anyone else they are cheaper on small things too Radio shack is DISCONTINUNING most small parts in out seminole radio shack i cannot even buy a UG-176 copper will sell me all i want at about 30 cents each. My 2950 and 2950dx as well as a dx-959 all came from copper all were FAR cheaper than any local dealer ..... ofcourse i dont need them converted. I buy lots of small things antenna tunners preamps, mikes and antennas
and no one comes close price wise not AES but R&L did equal one price on one thing .... but i bought from copper anyway. Just my opinion
BRUCE
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Tech671
| | Posted on Saturday, October 12, 2002 - 9:39 pm: |
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If you choose a Delta Force be very careful how you have it tuned. Unless you personally know the tech tuning, have heard the results of the Delta specifically, a very nice radio can be really screwed up. Don't let them...change parts, remove parts, clip parts, or add "jumper wires". |
Highlander
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 7:46 am: |
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You would probably be happier with the 2950dx versus the older 2950. I had the older 2950 for years, and loved it--it is a great little radio for the money, but the 2950dx is quite a bit nicer--it got more than a facelift, it has much better selectivity on the RX end, and is more stable and reliable due to the new surface mount circuit board. If the Delto performs as well as the magnum 257, then it would be a great choice as well. |
Barefoot
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 9:40 am: |
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Both are good radios I have owned three of each and have had good luck with them all. The 2950DX is easier to operate but the Delta Force is more fun the Delta Force has a great scanning feature also echo if you get the urge. If you are going to use for a mobile I would go with the RCI |
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