| Author |
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Hammunition
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2001 - 6:45 pm: | 
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Have you ever asked yourself what is the best radio? I came to a final realization that I live on the basic 40 (11 meter) with side band usage. AM chat is where the fun is. All the extra channels are useless to me because I have no intentions of erecting an antenna farm in my yard or truck bed. With all this in mind, I have to admit that the Cobra series basically kicks some serious tush. These radios will weather accidents, rain, cold, severe heat and keep on truckin. Its nice to have a dual final export radio but alot of them just wont go the distance and will need repairs. Especially the beloved Galaxy series. GREAT sounding radios but every owner has had his or hers opened for repair. The Export models arent well built because the manufacture knows it is cost prohibitive for consumers to return them from other countries for warranty repairs. Sure techs love and rave about them. Thats because they have TONS of experience and practice at fixing them which means $$$ in their pockets. Ive been assured that most Galaxy models look like a nightmare in the soldering department right out of the factory. Ranger series? Great radios, but you need a darn degree to work the buttons on the newer models because the instructions wont help. I refuse to pay for tons of options I will NEVER use (CW, FM, extra channels).
The winner? Cobra 148f GTL DX. Tune it, drop in the echo and talk back, add a nice pair of shoes and it will sound incredible and run FOREVER!! Now I just need to find one!! |
vernonott
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2001 - 7:57 pm: |
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No doubt ,to each his own.I will savour my five year old Galaxy 99 (which hasn't been into since it was peaked five years ago).I am estatic with my Voyage from Copper last year,and even with some problems I love to talk on my General Grant driving my faithful Nitro amp.Certainly never taking anything away from any Cobra as long as it sports a uniden board.73's |
FirebirdTN
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2001 - 7:39 am: |
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Hmmmmm...
Have to say my 2510 is fast approaching 10 years old, and does fine in the mobile sitting in the extremes....
Have to admit, though....since I bought it new, it has needed two things:
A new speaker, and a new mic, both of which I don't consider "major" repairs... |
bruce
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2001 - 10:37 am: |
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Icom makes good stuff too i ran a IC-230 for 25 years untill i junked the last car it was in it never failed to work and still does. The only radio i can realy tell anyone to stay away from is a KDK and they are not made anymore junk real junk. |
307 (307)
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2001 - 1:51 pm: |
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Sounds like you want a real radio..Get a Kenwood TS-850SAT..Awesome...Ever heard of a Yaesu FT-847? |
Hammunition
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2001 - 5:26 pm: |
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Yeah, Ive drooled over the Yaesu FT-100D, Icom IC-706, and Kenwood boxes. But then my common sense intervened. Why would I spend $800 plus for a unit that I will modify to talk on 11 meter and never use for what it was truly designed to do? I can buy units for a fraction of that price that will run for years. It would just be an overpriced AM radio that would be real nice to look at.
Why buy a Lambourgini when a Mustang will do the same job? |
vernonott
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2001 - 8:59 pm: |
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Hammuntion : Our local shop will sell drooled on radios for 15% off. |
bruce
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2001 - 9:10 pm: |
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at the moment i have a ts-830, ts-700, ft-747, ft-840 and a alinoc dx-70 all are good radios The kenwoods have with age solder joint problems the ft-747 after 12 years has a stabilty problem but nothing last forever |
HONKY TONK MAN 593 OUTTA NC!!
| | Posted on Saturday, August 18, 2001 - 4:42 pm: |
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EMPEROR 5010 AND MY 2510 ARE FOR ME THE BEST CLEAREST RADIOS EVER AND MY GENERAL LEE RADIO IS PRETTY CLOSE!! |
WALTERB
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2001 - 2:43 pm: |
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You can't get more bang for the buck than a Uniden
PC68XL or a Cobra 25 LTD Classic but if SSB is your game The Texas Ranger 296 is a very nice performer that has great transmit & recieve and won't break! |
Copper_Fan
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2001 - 7:21 pm: |
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Quote from Vernonott
"Hammuntion : Our local shop will sell drooled on radios for 15% off."
15% off????? i would love a Yaesu Ft-817 whats the price???
OR Copper could put that on the Auction LMAO |
vernonott
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2001 - 7:46 pm: |
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$769.99 |
Hammunition
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2001 - 1:42 pm: |
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Copper Fan: I just looked at a used FT-817 in immaculate condition for $525.00. New ones here are on sale for $689.00. |
Metro
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2001 - 7:08 pm: |
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I looked up that radio, sweet! can it be tuned?
Metro 446 |
FlaGator66
| | Posted on Friday, September 21, 2001 - 12:33 am: |
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I would Have to say that after taking on a part time at a CB shop and learning to fix and install CB radios as well as having the oppurtunity to use most brands, I have to agree with Hammunition the Galaxy radios are great.. to work on and I have been getting plenty of experience at it The Ranger line of radios seem to work very well and last a long time Good Radio Of the Exports I would have to say my favorite is the Connex's Nice Radios not alot of extras and Great sounding However My Favorite is MY Uniden PC76 its about 10 years old I bought it used and Have added echo and talkback and a few other things to boost power (2 watt deadkey swings to over 45 watts) I have been told several times that it is LOUD and clear and have talked 10 to 15 miles away in the miday sun on channel 19 with it
So Yes Hammunition I agree with you The OLDER domestics are the Butt kickers My radio has been nicknamed the Galaxy Killer AMEN to Uniden and Cobra |
highlander
| | Posted on Friday, September 21, 2001 - 7:44 am: |
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Galaxy--- The only way to fly!!! My DX2517 is a sweet performer. Nothing but flowers on ssb contacts--If I can hear 'em, I can work 'em. I have a President Lincoln on order right now. Don't really need it, but I want one before they become too hard to find. |
SD911
| | Posted on Friday, September 21, 2001 - 12:47 pm: |
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highlander where did you order your Lincoln from? I hope it wasn't the same place I got a bum radio from. |
sandbagger #106
| | Posted on Friday, September 21, 2001 - 3:57 pm: |
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I know it's not the best radio in the world, but I do like my Yaesu FT-101ZD an awful lot. Bought it used 2 years ago and use it daily and have only needed to replace 2 diodes in the power supply. Of coarse it didn't have the 11 meter band and AM mode, so that could be the reason it's still alive after 20 plus years. No overdriving on AM, that's what killed a lot of good radios in inexperienced hands. Eagle Sidwinder I have is a great radio for the money and still going strong after 4 years. I do have to mention the Grant XL in the truck, that's another solid radio for basic 40 channel work. 73's all. |
Long Bow
| | Posted on Friday, September 21, 2001 - 5:19 pm: |
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Cobras: the best radios.
I have to disagree. My 148 years ago still works, but man they do not have any power. I still have a Cobra 29 from the Phillipines(some of you know what that means), and it still works great. However, I wouldn't give you a penny for a new Cobra. Have you been to a local CB shop in the past two years. All they ever have in their used radio case is Cobras. However, I do not hear very many complaints about Galaxy's, Connex's, and Super Stars. Rangers are a little difficult, but this back woods misfit can figure them out. I have owned probably 200 different radios in the past 10 years. I hang around truck stops and buy radios for pennies on the dollar. However, the longest lasting radios are probably the Connex's. If I see a Galaxy all beat up, I steer away. But I know that the Connex in the same condition will last longer. Yet, I don't understand this because Ranger, Galaxy, Super Star, Connex, Texas Ranger, Voyage, and others are all made by RCI. I also never see Rangers with problems. Well, I take that back. I have read how the new 6900F series have echo problems, but I have never seen one. Either way, Ranger makes a good quality radio. My favorite of all time?? Probably a Galaxy 77 or Connex 3300HP. I have one of each and they both perform great. |
RJ
| | Posted on Friday, September 21, 2001 - 7:19 pm: |
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Can't be any worse than buying a used General Grant for $300 and DOA. Tech at a CB shop said they would fix it for $150. The amp wasn't working and had loose wires inside. Plus it wasn't packed right when it was shipped to me. The radio was loose in side the box. I'll never buy anything used again. $300 + $150+ = $450. could have bought a new one that worked. Just had to get that off my chest. RJ |
Long Bow
| | Posted on Saturday, September 22, 2001 - 2:53 pm: |
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Where did you buy the radio? Ebay? |
doctor bleedover
| | Posted on Sunday, September 23, 2001 - 10:57 am: |
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hasn't any of you you young whippersnappers heard of the cobra "2000". having owned or even now own
most of the radio's mentioned here ,the cobra 2000 is the best "cb" i have ever run.
if you are too cheap to spend the bucks , by all meand buy a cheap mobile! its hard to beat a pc122. |
RJ
| | Posted on Monday, September 24, 2001 - 10:05 pm: |
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The Grant came out of Texas. Not from e-bay RJ |
david_v13021
| | Posted on Friday, September 28, 2001 - 10:33 am: |
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i bought a mountgomery ward 702 at a hamfest and it works great i also have a uniden pc68xl that works good too and i'am still waiting on my midland 79290 to come in!!!!! |
Harpoonman
| | Posted on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 11:22 am: |
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Well, I've certainly heard of a Cobra 2000, as there is one sitting here on my desk! Yes, I think the 2000 is a remarkable radio both in terms of performance and appearance.
I also tend to agree with Hammunition that the older models of CBs tend to be better as far as quality and ability goes. Note that I said "tend", because there are certainly fine quality radios being produced these days, too. So far, after the little adjustment I made per 307, my Voyage VR9000 has been performing wonderfully in my car. Not one hint of oscillation or carrier on SSB, and I've had contacts to Luxembourg, Hawaii, Jamaica, Turkey, Texas, and Brazil over the past few days just on 25 watts PEP!!!
Also, I've heard some Yaesus on the ham bands that have the smoothest, sweetest audio quality that I think I've ever heard on a private, "non-braodcast" transmitter. But, since I've never actually used one, I can't speak for their overall quality. Same goes for the other big name ham rigs and for most of the "import" rigs like RCI and Galaxy, too. And I agree that the $800 - $3,000 price tags I've seen for the big ham rigs is nonsensical for those of us who operate mainly (or just) on 11 and 10 meters. However, when I finally get that Ham Ticket, such a radio, which could ALSO work on 11 meters with some modification, might be well worth the price.
In any case, I'm sure that many of the RCI, Galaxy, Connex, etc. radios are great products (especially for the price). And which radio is the best is largely subjective since what is "BEST" depends so much on the preceptions, expectations and desires that each of us has about the radio hobby. A radio that foots the bill for me may not for someone else because what they want and expect out of a given radio may be much different from what I want and expect.
73s
Harpoonman |
rob
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 3:25 am: |
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I dont know if this will ever get posted because of the host but here goes. It just does not make sence to me to spend the money of what I call those "eye candy radios" when for just a little more you can get just about brodcast level in a ham raido. Those xport raidos just cut to many corners parts etc. to make a biger profit.When it comes to raido if you don't do your home work, you dont't ge what you pay for!!!!! By the way you dont need a ticket to buy one or talk on 11 meters. |
Vernonott
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 10:28 am: |
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rob:The reason there are so many different radios,amps,automobiles,boats,tv's and a multitude of other items in our country is because nearly everyone has a different need or want when it comes to such items.For what I do in the radio world I love the Galaxy export radios.They are simple to operate with a minimum of push buttons and perform up to if not surpassing my expectations for the job I ask of them.73's |
307
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 12:26 pm: |
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Ya but a Yaesu FT-847 is not all that expensive PLUS you can use it for 11 meter , 2 meter , 70 Cm , 6 meter , Cordless Phones , 800 Mhz RX and so on and so on and so on. The radio is awesome...
307 |
Vernonott
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 4:26 pm: |
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307:Is that the little toy I keep seeing in the AES catalog? |
715 Rhode Island
| | Posted on Saturday, October 27, 2001 - 2:10 pm: |
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I love the RCI 2950, I am looking for a used one converted for 11 meter channels. |
Jim
| | Posted on Thursday, November 29, 2001 - 5:22 pm: |
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As far as 11 meter radios are concerned, I have owned both a President Washington and Cobra 2000 but the best of the lot was a CPI 2000 (Communications Power Inc) I bought mine new in 1978 at a pricey $600.00 with no regrets. These radios were built and assembled in Sunnyvale California using American parts and labor. At that time before I became a amateur, just about everyone in my neighborhood had a CB radio and the bleed over factor was just unbelievable. The CPI 2000 had great rejection and was even better than my old Yaesu FT 101 B. Unfortunatly, CPI went out of business in the mid 80's not due to poor sales but by FCC who wanted them to completely redesign their radios. It seems that these radios could be easily modified and were doing almost 50 watts out the back end in box stock form. In addition to the 2000, I also owned a CPI 300 mobile which was a 23 channel rig and a CPI 400 40 channel mobile. My biggest regret was selling them to a friend who still uses them today. I am sure many of you have your favorites as well but my CPI rigs remain my favorites even to this day as far as 11 meter applications are concerned.
Jim Max Wedge 2 |
707
| | Posted on Saturday, December 01, 2001 - 5:58 pm: |
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The Yaesu 817 is a neat little rig, except for some lack of features for the bands it covers. No duplex operation means no satellite use, which is a real bummer, and no crossband repeat function. Also, I've yet to find any frequency mods at all, much less 11m mods. I guess for 600 or 700 bucks, you can't expect to get everything. The 847, on the other hand, is pretty well decked out, however I have heard some users on the air complaining about the lack of stock filtering.
As far as 11m radios go.. I'm pretty happy with my old Superbase. I'd put it up against any new CB base on the market and most old ones, with the possible exclusion of the CPI 2000, which was really an amateur radio disguised as a CB ;-) |
619
| | Posted on Monday, December 10, 2001 - 5:20 pm: |
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if you ever get the chance to buy an old royce 639 for cheap ....do it!!!! it does not have alot of power but the receive on ssb is crystal clear. |
Hurricane
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 - 5:28 am: |
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I don't know alot about 10 meter radios, but I know a few people with rci 2950s that are converted to 11 meter. I'm thinking of buying one myself after the holidays(from copper). I currently have a Uniden GrantXL(I purchased from copper) connected to a Wilson 2000(love that radio). I also have a Uniden Washington base connected to a A99. Love that radio too. Lots of channels. I don't use them all but their there, clarifier is open too. |
Rob
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 - 11:59 am: |
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Super Star 3900: I have a virgin 3900, never used or opened. Want to set it up for competition use. If I added a "swing"-type module but left the limiter diode intact, is this a good idea? |
Vernonott
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 - 7:36 pm: |
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Hurricane : All of your equipment is good CB gear. |
Highlander
| | Posted on Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 7:56 am: |
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307, I agree with you about the Ft-847--"Ham radio in a box, nothing to add." Only thing is it does not do AM transmitting very well at all. But SSB and FM are outstanding. And the DSP stuff is really terrific. I like to tune in AM signals in SSB mode, tune off about 500 hz until I hear the carrier beat and then hit the auto-notch....then move the dial to each side and listen to the filter notch out all the beat notes one by one....too much fun.... |
Jdchet
| | Posted on Saturday, December 15, 2001 - 7:32 pm: |
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I had a Superstar 120fm About 12 years ago.I bought it used and it had been modified by unknown hacks!Roger beep switch,Super Double-Talk Echo, mod limiter cut I think,but while it lasted that radio would talk! I only paid fifty bucks for it! It might be still around today if I hadn't transmitted into a shorted antenna wire! I do really love my new Galaxy 77! Get lots of compliments on the sound, we'll see how long it lives in the KW! Can't seem to kill my Cobra29LTD Classic that's about 10 years old! Is this one of the good ones? It's been peaked, tuned, bigger final(1969),talkback and I added an echo mike. Folks say it sounds almost as good as the Galaxy |
Taz
| | Posted on Sunday, December 16, 2001 - 2:13 am: |
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well for the best radio you cant beat a trc-502 or a uniden pro 510xl or a cobra 19dx with the cellular look alike antenna with a dx1600 amp come on
Taz |
Stringbender
| | Posted on Sunday, December 16, 2001 - 12:52 pm: |
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I am looking for a Cobra 2000 with the ext spkr.
any out there??? |
Stringbender
| | Posted on Sunday, December 16, 2001 - 1:02 pm: |
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Still looking for a Cobra 2000 |
JD_dog_13
| | Posted on Monday, December 17, 2001 - 7:54 pm: |
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I like the cobras but the real deal for me is my super star 3900 gold. i am on my 4th year with it and no problems with it yet. I have it set at 4 watts and am running a texas shoting star 225 lin with a wilson 1000 and have a favorite spot on a hill here in western New York and have talked all over the US and the world. The only thing i have done to it was to get it peaked and tuned and I had a turbo 2018 echo board instaled in the radio with a astatic hand held power mike. She is loud and has set on the dash of my 1997 nissan for 97,848 miles of trouble free radio. as for my home base i have had good luck with my Galaxy DX 2517.I am useing a avanti AV150 beam seems to do the trick. but i am looking for some comments on what to put up for a multi directional ant dont like antron 99 looking for the best alum ant. any sugestions |
B1kshad0w
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2001 - 2:53 pm: |
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Yeah, get the maco 5/8 wave antenna. |
707
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2001 - 6:30 pm: |
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stringbender- check EBAY often. There are usually at least two there a week. |
doc holiday
| | Posted on Monday, December 31, 2001 - 10:25 am: |
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Does anybody have anything good to say about the general grant radios/ Since I have just ordered one . I would like to hear at least something positive. |
Vernonott
| | Posted on Monday, December 31, 2001 - 6:47 pm: |
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I own a General Grant and it has done a great job of driving my Nitro amp by itself .I normally use a driver but I have the Grant setup to dead key between 2 and 12 watts and swing to 65 watts which works just fine.My Grant was for sale for several weeks with no takers so I boxed it up and put in the closet as I have semi retired from CB.73 |
Len
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 01, 2002 - 11:31 am: |
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The best radio I have ever ran was a RCI 2950 DX.My 2970 old style is OK but the DX modle just fly's right by it. And no extra help either. Just what the radio does. And I have talked alot of skip with the DX. I tryed it with the palomar 250 I got from copper auction I did not like it I guess I am from the old school just what the radio has will do me fine. 73's Len So Minnesota
Land of 10.000 lakes. |
bruce
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2002 - 12:02 am: |
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My only problem with the ranger is my rad shack ( all 3 of them ) were better sets i will give the ranger 5054 a a+ it has been a great radio i love it. My vote rad shack htx-10 with a 3 year warntee hard to beat. |
bruce
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2002 - 8:16 pm: |
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Popular commumnications on page 50 of the feb 02 issue has a story about cobra and a tour of there plant |
BlackDog
| | Posted on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 6:37 am: |
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Excluding the Yaesu, Kenwood and Icom it's a tie....Cobra 2000gtl and the Uniden HR-2510. The Galaxy, Connex, Mirage and Superstar are all the same basic radio(they all share the ept3600 series of boards) so when I hear people claming that one is better than the other I have to laugh. The RCI 2950/2970's are a step above the galaxy etc., but not in the same league with the 2510 on am or ssb. The Cobra is a good talker and an even better looking radio, hence the tie. 73's (P.S. As for construction....the Uniden and Cobra(you know which ones) mobiles are better built and more durable(due to the much thicker board) than the Galaxy and it's clones...with the Northstar being the worst by far! |
Magnum410
| | Posted on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 3:38 pm: |
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I think for a base radio the 2510/lincoln are great but in a mobile I always run a Cobra 148 GTL, The Cobra's are super loud and super durable. I also run a Galaxy DX99V as a base, the Galaxy 99 is an awesome radio comes with a ton extra's like Roger beep, Variable power, Echo, Talk back, and a 10k switch. Most of these need to be added to most other radio's, plus this baby goes from 25.169 to 28.760 my 2510 only goes down to 26.000 and the Galaxy channel conversion is super easy there is just one wire to cut and a plug that just needs to be pluged in and then you get all those channels. The 2510 is a hell of alot more durable then the DX99V but for a base radio the DX99V cant be beat. |
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