Copper Talk » Open Forum » Archived Messages » 2004 » 05/01/2004 to 05/31/2004 » Which radio should I buy if I get in to CB? Beware!- I am very picky. « Previous Next »

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Tech833
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Username: Tech833

Post Number: 663
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 10:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

O.K. friends, let's see about getting me on the air. I would like to know if any of you experts can tell me if my 'dream radio' even exists. Price is not a consideration. This is serious, so please, real radios only. Here's what I am looking for-

1. MOST IMPORTANT! The radio must be a type accepted CB radio. No export or modified ham radios allowed! It MUST have an FCC part 95 certification or I am not interested.

2. Radio must have 40 channels. (the US 40 channels!)

3. Radio must have AM and SSB (so I can join the CEF channel 13 LSB nets).

4. Radio must be tube type. What did he say? I like tubes. No, wait.. I love tubes. This obviously also limits this to a base station.

I have a restored Teaberry 40 channel tube type radio now, but it is AM only. If I modify it to operate on SSB, then I will void the type acceptance (even though I am a GROL licensed tech) and it will be illegal.

Does my 'ideal radio' exist? Was there anything made that will fit my requirements? If so, please tell me so I can begin my search.

Thank you!

833
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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce

Post Number: 1211
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 11:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

833

TUBE? hummmmm Its not illeagal to make a tube cb set as long as it complys with the new rules. Buy WHY? Im the most old fashion guy on this forum but even I have got away from tubes. Well ..... if you must how about a nice HEATH CB-1 ? or a polycomm ...... NOW THATS A RADIO ive even seen one with a 455 kc if can removed and a collins 4khz machanal filter inserted. Im shure you can find a MINT one on E-Bay ..... well almost. Good luck with your search i like your standards.
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Tech548
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Username: Tech548

Post Number: 2
Registered: 5-2004
Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 4:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ok Paul.

LOL. No more tower erecting or climbing for you for awhile. Personally I think you should be grounded until that little bump on the head you received from that 200 foot fall you must have taken. I think some of those backwards 3rd world countries you have been working in have also done a number on you.

A legal FCC Type Excepted tube radio huh? Send me the pillow that you dream on so I can dream on it too. Its got to be a doozy of a pillow.

Jeff.
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Tech833
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Username: Tech833

Post Number: 665
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 9:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ha ha Jeff! Nope, I am serious.

Yes, there are tube type CB radios that are still part 95 type accepted. In private email, I have been told about Tram radios and apparently there is a model of Tram that would meet my needs. Anyone know which model it is?
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Tech833
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Username: Tech833

Post Number: 666
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 9:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Bruce,

If I home brew a set, it will not be part 95 type accepted. I do not want to kill my self esteem trying to obtain type acceptance on my own.

If I remove an I.F. coil in exchange for a Collins filter, how does the receiver continue to work? I assume you meant that a Collins filter was installed between the I.F. stages, right? I have installed a Kiwa mechanical filter between the I.F. stages of my SW radios before. Using tight mechanical filters really improves the selectivity.
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Tech808
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Username: Tech808

Post Number: 2321
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 10:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

833,

Sorry but when the 40 channels came along the TRAM Rasdio's were the ONLY Brand of radio's that the FCC did not Approve.

They can legally only be sold as Part's radios.

No type acceptence.

Sorry,

Lon
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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce

Post Number: 1213
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 10:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

833
I ment for a company to make the set but thats ok if anyone on this forum could make one it would be your self. Gosh machanical filters are tight very steep slope....As for adding on its easy you if you have back to back cans put it there or ive seen people even choke feed the plate of the mixer tube using a small cap to tune the choke i saw one filter on a poly 6 back in the mid 60's and it was TIGHT! As good as anything today.
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Grumpy8220
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Username: Grumpy8220

Post Number: 100
Registered: 3-2002
Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 10:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Tram D201A

Great tube radio with sideband. I would stay away from Browning radios when it comes to sideband, but they are great AM radios!

Don't feel bad Tech833, I love those tubes also!!!
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Dindin
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Username: Dindin

Post Number: 93
Registered: 2-2004


Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 7:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I may be wrong but I believe the only tube/40channel/ssb/type accepted would be the Dak MK 10.but the only tube is a 6bq5a final.the rest of the rig is solid state.
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Lowpowerhal
Intermediate Member
Username: Lowpowerhal

Post Number: 218
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 9:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hehehe There is no radio that i now of that was tube type on 40 channel. That was accepted by the FCC that i know of. SSB and AM. On 27 mhz or the cb band. Do i get a prize????
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Mdiver
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Username: Mdiver

Post Number: 86
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 9:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Did Hallicrafters make one ???
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Tech833
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Username: Tech833

Post Number: 671
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 10:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well... I didn't know it was going to be this difficult. I am sorry for all the head scratching. I am holding on to hope that someone will know which radio I should get that would meet my specs.

Like I said, I have an all tube 40 channel radio now, but it does not have SSB. There just HAS to be something out there!
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Kwick_73
Junior Member
Username: Kwick_73

Post Number: 49
Registered: 6-2003
Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 10:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If it were me, I would go with a Golden Eagle Mark IV, or IVA. It is FCC compliant, 40 channel plus upper and lower side band. I also love those tubes. If it don't light up It's not worth talking on.

Kevin
Golden Eagle BT-073
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Sinner
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Username: Sinner

Post Number: 6
Registered: 2-2004
Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 5:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Perhaps if You leave out the FCC compliant,You would have a few more choices.Good luck.
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Tech808
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Username: Tech808

Post Number: 2329
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 5:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sinner,

As Tech833 stated in his post,

1. MOST IMPORTANT! The radio must be a type accepted CB radio. No export or modified ham radios allowed! It MUST have an FCC part 95 certification or I am not interested.

This is a must in his line of work and is a Requirment NOT an Option that Must be met for all of his equipment.


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Sinner
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Username: Sinner

Post Number: 7
Registered: 2-2004
Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 7:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ok,well I will be interested in what you all come up with.
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Lowpowerhal
Intermediate Member
Username: Lowpowerhal

Post Number: 219
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 9:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Tech 833 I looked up most of the radios that i new of that was part 95 certified.all come up am only.Im sorry i came off with that snotty answer, i thought it was a trick question. forgive me.I spent some time looking, i found nothing yet. You might have open some thoughts on this.The FCC was real tight on ssb trasmission on 27 mhz,In the late 1960's and early 70's. I understood the the question, And belive me , i didnt mean too come off like that.There was a lot of good am radios in the tube era. But im sorry most of ssb was older Ham equipiment at the time.
Hal
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Tech833
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Username: Tech833

Post Number: 674
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 11:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hal,

When were you 'snotty'? You are a friend here, I would not be offended by a post of yours. Thank you for trying to help!

I have looked up the Browning G.E. Mark IV. It looks like it might be O.K., but I have to do a little more research before I make the plunge.

Tech 808 has a friend with a bunch of tube radios and 808 is going to ask him what the best choice would be to fit my needs. I am waiting for 808's response before I make any firm decisions.

I wish there was something 1 piece, but I am not going to be picky about that! The Browning might be just fine.
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Sitm
Intermediate Member
Username: Sitm

Post Number: 137
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 10:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Robyn T240D base is a 40 channel tube transmit radio. Transister receive.
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Waverider
Junior Member
Username: Waverider

Post Number: 11
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 11:10 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hey now all the Brownings I have are part 95 compliant. The MarkIV and IVA were Brownings best SSB radios. However they are not the easiest radios to use on SSB. Sorry but all of my favorite SSB radios are solid state.
Barry
CEF 335
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Tech833
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Username: Tech833

Post Number: 675
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 11:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I just found out the Browning Mark 4 has a nuvistor based receiver. That is a strong negative. Not enough to make me say NO to the Browning, but enough to make me keep up the search for the hopes of something better. I will settle for a mark 4 if that is all there is.

Barry, I am curious what makes the Browning less than easy to use on SSB. Does yours drift around or something?
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Dindin
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Username: Dindin

Post Number: 99
Registered: 2-2004


Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 7:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sitm,the t240d is tube but am only.ssb capability was one of his requirements.
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Waverider
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Username: Waverider

Post Number: 12
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 8:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Paul I'm afraid you do not have a lot to pick from and you have a lot of information given on this topic which is good. Just that very few radio's will meet your needs. No the Browning is not hard to operate on SSB. It is a tube set so it needs to be on for a while for freq. stability. The fact that it has a seperate transmitter & receiver means you have to do a little xtra to make sure they are are on the same freq. Really though it is not a big deal, kinda of fun in fact. Like I said earlier I LOVE my Brownings but for serious SSB work I LOVE my RCI's and RF Limited radios.
CEF335
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Nlmadog
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Username: Nlmadog

Post Number: 39
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 8:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What about General Radio,they had a tube SSB,was it 95 Certified ? One piece ,excellent quailty. Problem is not always on Ebay.
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Tech833
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Username: Tech833

Post Number: 678
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 9:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

General Radio? Never heard of it. Was their AM/SSB radio a 40 channel type?
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Bruce
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Username: Bruce

Post Number: 1223
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 10:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

All i remember was a MC-5 and that was 40 years ago!
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Nlmadog
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Username: Nlmadog

Post Number: 41
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 9:33 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Okay,I thought some of you were really old timers,General Radio model SB 72,part 95 accepted but I did miss one parameter,only 23 channel not the required 40 for this excerise.Sorry about that but still one heck of a good rig.Pics and specs on the net.
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747
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Username: 747

Post Number: 67
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 5:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

DAK Mark X - not sure if it's type accepted, but a wonderful old 40 channel SSB radio.
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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce

Post Number: 1228
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 7:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I looked to see if i could find if it was leagal but i could not find anything on it a non working one with many chip mods was sold on e-bay for $175
..............Buy a grant LT................
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Cm3885
Intermediate Member
Username: Cm3885

Post Number: 403
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 1:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Im afraid you are out of luck there pal... LOL
Especially in the tube and type accepted categories....
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Tech833
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Username: Tech833

Post Number: 684
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 8:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It looks like I am down to Browning Mark 4 or nothing. I have to simmer on this for a while. I don't like nuvistors at all.

The Browning receiver has a nuvistor in it. Here is what I am thinking right now... See, if I redesign the receiver then I am still O.K., as long as the transmitter does not get modified since the transmitter must meet part 95. The receiver only has to meet part 15. If I get in to the receiver, I may as well make it triple conversion and add some mechanical filters to the I.F. stages, especially for the SSB modes. I would basically be building a receiver from scratch on a new chassis and mount it in the old box (so it at least looks original on the outside). Then, I could design it around some metal type octal tubes like 6SA7, 6SK7, 6SQ7, and use a 6K6 for audio. That is an easy circuit to design and build, and would be maybe a day's worth of work, tops.

I must simmer on this some more. I am thankful to all you CB gurus who helped, Thank you!
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Waverider
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Username: Waverider

Post Number: 17
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 9:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Tech 883, don't be put off by the nuvistor receiver in the MarkIV & IVA's. All of my Birds have great ears, but they have been serviced by someone who really knows these radios! Geez I can hear a fly fa** three states away on my R27/S23. I know, that is an AM radio. Like I said earlier my solid state radios are the best SSB rigs.
CEF335
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Cm3885
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Username: Cm3885

Post Number: 404
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 1:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There ya go if you are part 95 concerned then i wouldnt worry 'bout the receiver.. you can do what ya want with that!
I myself like the mark 2. I dunno why but i guess because it was my very first set of Brownings i had.. It had ears that rivaled any of my other radios and TX audio out the dairy air! Sold it along with a home made crystal box to get the radio to TX from CH 23 to 40 channels. Oh well. I found another set of 2's that my tech has that he worked on and rebuilt. Maybe ill get them!!!! :-)
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Tech833
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Username: Tech833

Post Number: 687
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 3:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

After a conversation today with the gentleman building the Brownings, I may not be quite as bad off as I thought.

BTW, for those of you who may not know, you can still buy a NEW Browning Mark 4A. I had no idea, but apparently, the Browning is still made today, and right here in the USA to top it all! With a pricetag beginning around $800, it is probably not going to replace the popular base stations available today. For those of us who love tubes, the thought of a brand new tube ANYTHING is just way too appealing to pass up.

I also found out that there ARE Tram D201A radios that still have their type acceptance on them. The FCC rescinded the type acceptance on the 201A long after production of type accepted units began, but this only means that no more could be sold (legally). It does not affect the equipment that was already built and sold under the previous type acceptance. The equipment made falling under the part 95 type acceptance is still type accepted and legal today. Naturally, this would mean that there is no such thing as a NEW Tram D201A. There are refurbished units available.

So... I am waiting for the kind gentleman to fax over the tube payouts of the Tram and the Browning so I can make up my mind. Do I want a brand new 2004 model Browning Mark 4A (two piece, has nuvistor), or a refurbished used Tram D201A (1 piece, no nuvistor)? This would be a simple choice for Tram if it were not for the fact that the Browning is absolutely brand new, from the Browning 'factory'. Please offer me your strength to help make this tough decision.

Friends, soon I hope to be on the air with either a brand new Browning or a used rebuilt Tram. Believe it or not, I am actually a little excited.
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Tech808
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Username: Tech808

Post Number: 2374
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 3:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well I always loved the Trams for Performance & being a Single Unit over the Browning's.

BUT! A BRAND NEW 2004 Browning Mark 4A

Nothing to think about here.

Go for the NEW 2004 Browning Mark 4A.

Lon
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Tech833
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Username: Tech833

Post Number: 689
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 3:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I had the price tag on my mind when I typed that post apparently. Instead of tube 'payout' , that sentence should read: "I am waiting for the kind gentleman to fax over the tube LAYOUTS of the Tram and the Browning so I can make up my mind. "

Dropping a grand on a silly tube toy is stressing the left side of my brain too much.
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Kirk
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Username: Kirk

Post Number: 200
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 5:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well 833, once you get your rig, just let some of the RF soooooth the brain. And for those of us curious, can you post the person your contacting at Browning? Have fun and good luck in your choice!--Kirk
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Sinner
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Username: Sinner

Post Number: 12
Registered: 2-2004
Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 6:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It kinda makes me wish I had an extra $1000 laying around.I am glad to have learned of this Tech 833.
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Tech833
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Username: Tech833

Post Number: 692
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 10:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It's one of Lon's Friends and he bought the rights and the old tooling and components to continue building new Brownings. Unreal! Super nice guy too. Ask Lon for his info. All I have is an email and a phone number. Lon may have more.
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Applejack
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Username: Applejack

Post Number: 164
Registered: 8-2003
Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 12:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

you said you could rebuild the receiver for the browning to get rid of the nuvistor. why fool with a brand new receiver to change to what you want? go with the refurb tram, if you have trouble later i reckon you can fix it...aj
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Tech548
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Username: Tech548

Post Number: 44
Registered: 5-2004
Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 3:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I second Applejacks' motion.

A thousand bucks for a new tube radio whose design hasn't changed much since the '70s?

Looking inside any tube Browning remindes me of looking into an old 5 tube super hetrodyne A/M broadcast radio. All hand wired and not much of a circuit board to speak of.

New or not, personally I would opt for the referb Tram D201-A. At least it has a circuit board in it and is far more user friendly and easier to work on/in than the Browning.

Another FCC Type Accepted tube radio was one that Sam Lewis and his dad put together back in the early days--the Siltronix 1011-D. A/M, USB and LSB. It was a derivative of the Swan 260 Cygnet and designed strickly for 10 and 11 Meters. I guess you could call it the birth of the 10 meter radio.

But no matter which way you go, personally, I would NEVER lay out a thousand bucks for ANY CB radio. Keep in mind Paul when you're writing out the check that you are forking out $1000.00 for a has-been "CB radio".

Or, try this one out on yourself. (The thousand dollars I am giving some man for a CB radio could be better spent on a multi-band, multi-mode real Ham radio). Oh, here's one!! (The thousand dollars that I'm going to give some man for a CB radio could be better spent on a doctor that could relieve the stress I have on the left side of my brain).

A $1000.00 for a CB radio that receives 40 channels at once? For that kind of money it better have solid gold knobs on it and a diamond studded VFO.

You've been spending too much time up on those thousand plus foot towers hitting the under-belly of airplanes with your slingshot. LOL. The air gets pretty thin up there and I've heard that it can put unneccesary stresses on the left side of a persons' brain. Have you ever heard of such a thing?

I hope you know that I'm only playing with ya Paul.

Later my friend.

Jeff.
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Tech833
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Username: Tech833

Post Number: 694
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 10:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi Jeff,

I already own a Kenwood TS-440 (it was brand new once upon a time) I already have a full mode amateur radio. I want a radio that I can use on CB with sideband that is type accepted for CB use. I do not break rules, not in my line of work!

All the things you mention about the Browning are exactly what I like- Hand wired (point to point), no circuit board, etc. If you look in my house at the radios in the living room, bedroom, office, etc., you will see nothing newer than 1940 vintage. In my home, something from the 1970's is pretty modern!

I deal with high tech, high power electronics all day (and night) at work. When I am at home, I like the comfort I feel from something older and more reliable. You can't imagine the comfort there is in coming home from a hard day at work, plopping into bed, and turning on the 1937 Crosley console (that works as good or better than the day it was made) and listening to the big bands on the local 'Music of Your Life' station. Or, I pop a Glen Miller CD in and transmit it from my service monitor myself.

My 'comfort zone' is probably different from yours, that is all.
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Waverider
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Username: Waverider

Post Number: 19
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 5:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Very interesting post. "New Brownings"?? Huh. Let's sea now I know the gentleman that owns the rights to the Browning name. I also know the gentleman that bought all the Browning parts inventory and unfortunately they are two different people. Darn shame. I didn't know you could get a new Eagle that was part 95 compliant. Hey 833 I know what you mean about coming home to your "low tech radios". I have a bunch of radios, some are very new however I get the most enjoyment out of operating my flock of Eagles. They are all in like new operating condition even if they don't look new. Even though I am a big Browning fan there is nothing wrong with a D201A and you can find 'em that are part 95 compliant. Several of my friends use them and they sound great. Darn shame you can't use one of the exports (I understand why) cause there are some real smokers out there.
73's all
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Sparkomatic
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Username: Sparkomatic

Post Number: 301
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 7:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I really can't see the reason to get a 40 channel tube type radio unless you love the continuous hobby of repairing it. A good modern base radio will be every bit as loud as a Browning or Tram.
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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce

Post Number: 1242
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 8:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Spark but people who like tube CB sets are not the only ones us radio hobbiest have to wonder about ........

http://www.midnightscience.com/
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Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833

Post Number: 695
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 3:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sparkomatic,

You are incorrect. The most reliable radios I have are over 60 years old. Remember, this is equipment that was designed and made in the days before there was such a thing as 'planned obsolecense'. They were designed and built to last someone's lifetime. Once recapped, a well designed tube radio will outlast me and whoever gets it next. Tubes are socketed because they are a possible failure point. However, I have NEVER had a tube just 'STOP'. They go slowly (over several months) so you have plenty of notice. However, you also need to keep in mind, these tubes are being run very conservatively and not like the tubes in a linear amplifier being pushed to the limit and beyond! I have one eleven tube radio that was made in 1937 that has all its original tubes, they all test strong (over 90%) and I use it at least twice a week , sometimes more.


Now that I am done explaining that...

I want a tube radio because I want it. Plain and simple. Yes, I could buy a solid state radio, or just use the Radio Shack mobile AM/SSB radio I have now. However... I like tubes, it is a comfort zone for me that I will never be able to explain. Besides, who would it hurt if I did get a tube radio?
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Sitm
Intermediate Member
Username: Sitm

Post Number: 143
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 2:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would love to have one the brownings, I will start saving.
I love the nastalgia of it.
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Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833

Post Number: 696
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 12:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It's not just the nostalgia... Oh, that smooth tube sound! How sweet it is.. No solid state device can duplicate it. Sheer loudness with smoothness.
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Lowpowerhal
Intermediate Member
Username: Lowpowerhal

Post Number: 229
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2004 - 1:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I love the sound of the old tube radios. When i was i kid granddad and grandma had a old radio which had a green tuneing eye tube in front of the radio.Cant remember what brand it was, but i spent a lot of time in front of that radio.I wish i could go back in time. Hope you find the radio you want , And get on the CEF net.
Hal
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Tech8541
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Username: Tech8541

Post Number: 193
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2004 - 1:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

since you have made it clear that you do not break any rules, i would not put $800 in a radio that by the 'rules' i could only communicate 150 miles or less with.

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Cm3885
Intermediate Member
Username: Cm3885

Post Number: 417
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 1:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

LOL you wont be breaking any rules if you just talk 150 miles and listen the rest of the way!! LOL!!
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Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833

Post Number: 699
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 8:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You know what, 8541? I was just thinking about that the other night. How foolish! I completely forgot about 95.413 subpart (9) when I began this thread. So, I would have to limit my transmissions to Karatebutcher and a few others near me.

To be honest, I sort of abandoned this thread hoping nobody would bring it up.

FYI, I have decided that I do not want the Browning since I cannot make myself accept the nuvistor idea. I have never liked nuvistors. I am examining the Tram idea right now.

Decisions soon.
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Dindin
Intermediate Member
Username: Dindin

Post Number: 119
Registered: 2-2004


Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 9:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

FYI,just found out a local here has a DAK mkX and says it IS "type accepted"(tag on back)
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Tech8541
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Username: Tech8541

Post Number: 200
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 10:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

instead of abadoning this post would abandon 95.413, the fcc has. i am in a very similar boat as the one you are in, and feel that you are a tad paranoid. lighten up and grab life (or in this case radio) by the horns.
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Sinner
Junior Member
Username: Sinner

Post Number: 15
Registered: 2-2004
Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 12:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I been thinking the same thing.
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Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833

Post Number: 711
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 9:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am not paranoid. I do not want a hobby to interfere with the future of my income.

I do not want to go into details, you just have to trust me.