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Dave123
New member
Username: Dave123

Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 10:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Heres a toughie for the gerus! I need a SMALL SSB mobile with uppers to fit in the dash of my 01 GMC Sierra. Theres really no room under the dash and I really dont want to drill holes in the console ..sooo..I figure use the tape rack in the console (like Ive seen here in the pics)for a nice clean install. I have seen some rave reviews on the Magnum 257. Also been looking at the Midland 79-290 which also looks pretty kewl. I am a pretty good middle of the road e-tech and I wondering if any of you guys could make a recomendation on a radio for my situation and if I should tackle the mod myself or not. I dont really have anything but a wattmeter and a Fluke DMM here at home. Any help is appreciated! Thanks, Dave123 Dayton Oh davemiest1@netscape.net
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 4872
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 11:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dave,

Below are the size specs for the Magnum 257.

Dimensions 6" x 2" x 9.5" in (WxHxD)

Sorry, I have never used a Midland 79-290 so I cannot offer any advice or help on the size or performance of it.

I might be wrong but I think Tech291 mentioned he has one and can offer you some help/advice.

The Magnum 257 is one GREAT little radio.

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce

Post Number: 2218
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 11:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

NO DOUBT THE MAG-257!
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Dave123
New member
Username: Dave123

Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 12:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks Lon! Appreciate it.

Is this something I can mod myself with basic equipment?

Take care, Dave
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 4878
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 6:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dave123,

If you are talking about Modifications to the Magnum 257, YES you can do it.

Personally I would suggest No tune up modifications until after your warranty has expired.

I have found that I have had to do NOTHING to the new one I have as everything works GREAT with the Factory settings.

I cover the Frequency Modification as well as Tune up in my Review on the MAGNUM 257.

CLICK on the Link below.

MAGNUM 257 MODEL

Hope this helps,

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
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Troublemaker
Member
Username: Troublemaker

Post Number: 84
Registered: 2-2004
Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 7:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dave123, hey neighbor!! I have the NEW Magnum 257, it's an awsome talker, and great size for indash, I think, (still using mine in the house), great on ssb too!!
Whats your skip # & handle?
Troublemaker-CEF-303-Unit-265
Lebanon Ohio
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Tech291
Moderator
Username: Tech291

Post Number: 86
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 7:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dave,
I'd say your 2 choices would be either the 257 or the 79-290.the 290 is 1 inch shorter at 8.5 inches,dual 1969 final,easy to mod and tri-color floresent display.be aware while mine doesn't suffer ,others seem to have a bleed or static problem with the 290.the magnum has features not available in the midland which gives it one more star.but the two are comparable in price if you can find the 290,while Copper does have the 257.
my 2 pennies worth.

tech291
CEF#291
kc8zpj
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Wendy
Member
Username: Wendy

Post Number: 94
Registered: 6-2004


Posted on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 6:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The magnum 257 Rocks! You won't be sorry if you get it.
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Mikefromms
Intermediate Member
Username: Mikefromms

Post Number: 469
Registered: 6-2003
Posted on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 10:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeap, 257 is the best bang for the buck. I don't see how they can do it so cheaply. A real radio at a poor man's cost.

mikefromms
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Dave123
New member
Username: Dave123

Post Number: 5
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2005 - 10:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks all. Have the 257 in hand.Let you know how it works out. Thanks for all your input!

Dave
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Chad
Intermediate Member
Username: Chad

Post Number: 189
Registered: 11-2004


Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 9:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Good Man! You will like it!
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Itatorro
Junior Member
Username: Itatorro

Post Number: 10
Registered: 6-2005
Posted on Sunday, June 12, 2005 - 9:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dave123 any reports yet. I am lookin at this 257 as well.
j

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