| Author |
Message |
    
Sinker
Intermediate Member
Username: Sinker
Post Number: 408
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 12:23 pm: | 
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Well, I am completely unsatisfied with both my Galaxy DX 99V radios as the meters never work, receive is poor and well I'm just not happy with them.
So I need at least one new mobile radio, maybe two. Originally I heard all the hype about the Magnum S-9 and was convinced that was how I should go, then the rumor of the S-9 175 came out so I waited.
Well I have been thinking about the dollar side of things. I have been told that the regular S-9 needs to only be used with the Texas Star 500 or something like that. So I am not even sure what the 175 would use but probably something requiring an additional battery and perhaps alternator upgrade - just to much money.
So here is where I am at.
1) Vehicle 1 = Dodge Caravan with a Wilson 1000 mag anent mount antenna and a Silver streak 200 amp
2) Vehicle 2 = Dodge Ram 2500 Truck with hard mount Wilson 1000 antenna and a Boomer 600 amp
I am looking to buy a radio with a removable power plug (this way I can buy an extra and switch the radio between the two vehicles as I only use one vehicle at a time).
Things I would like in this radio:
- Great Receive
- Great Transmit
- AM / SSB
- Meter that will work (receive, transmit, SWR)
- Will work with both amps
- Solid alignment - no drifting
- Talk Back
- A solid tried and trued radio
And of course reasonably priced as I do have some budget concerns now days, otherwise I would go with the regular S-9 and the Texas Star amps but that is out of my price range now.
OK guys, lets hear your input and opinions. You all know more than I do about this stuff and I am looking for a new radio and every used one I have purchased has had problems.
I am sure you will be asking:
What is your budget / How much do you want to spend?
Hopefully a little as possible, maybe in the 200 dollar range for just a radio as I have everything else already wired and in place.
One other option is to sell my:
- KLV-1000
- Cobra 2000GTL
- Galaxy Saturn Turbo
- 2 each Galaxy DX 99V
- Boomer 500 with built in 35amp power supply
along with and maybe
- the Boomer 600
- Silver Streak 200
BUT I would need to get:
- RCI 2995DX
- Plus New Mobile Radio (S-9) and appropriate amp with the funds from the above sales.
eBay has disallowed all these items, even the Cobra 2000 as it has extra channels. So where can I sell these items since the auction sites won't let me sell them.
OK enough, now for your HELP, PLEASE
Tim
Sinker
CEF-634 |
Navyrebel782003
Intermediate Member
Username: Navyrebel782003
Post Number: 208
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 2:11 pm: |
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Have you thought about the Magnum 257, I have one and I love it, it's a different from every other radio I have the way it's designed but I must say I do like it, and works great with the wilson 1000 mag mounts, just a thought, it is a 10 meter that will cover 11 meters, and I have never had anyone say anything bad about the audio.
James
CEF#590
CVC#49
Va Beach |
Vanillagorilla
Advanced Member
Username: Vanillagorilla
Post Number: 638
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 2:35 pm: |
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Why not hit the Boomer600 with the 40w S9?
Drop that in your Dodge Ram where the 99 was.
Try a Delta or Mag257 in the Caravan.
No "modulator" will work great with your current 2pill. Turn DK variable down to 3-4w and let her swing.
Hank  |
Yankee
Senior Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 1250
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 3:13 pm: |
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Sorry to say Tim, but what you're discription calls for is none other than the first model Cobra 148-GTL or the Uniden Grant-XL/LT. Yes, hard to find NIB, but well worth the hunting.
I've owned several first model 148s and the one Grant XL I have now.
Just my own honest opinion, for the what it's worth department.
Carl |
1861
Advanced Member
Username: 1861
Post Number: 523
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 3:42 pm: |
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get you an old grant or 148 |
Sinker
Intermediate Member
Username: Sinker
Post Number: 409
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 3:54 pm: |
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I thought the S-9 would not work with the Boomer 600. I have no idea what the pill configuration of it is. If it won't blow it up I might be interested in spending some more money and going that route.
Anyone no for sure if this would work? |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 3033
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 4:27 pm: |
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both mobile amps you have are 'low drive', & require PEP to be lowered as well as dead key, if not already variable, so...
lincoln, if you can find 1, less then the S9, but more then you wanted to spend
omega force, less cost still, output in line with the S9
delta force, cheaper yet, no topgun-though i found the omega/delta better for base/parked rather then driving & changing freqs, settings, etc....they do both have 5 channel memory that also remembers mode....
locating NIB xl/lt/296 will still require cost for mods & could put you back up where you don't wanna be.
257 may be the way to go....
in anticipation of more available funds months or years down the road, or even the 'bug' (that you KNOW will be) biting you, you will have to choose between the 'cheap' way out-the 257-or spending a bit more for the 'radio' you'd actually prefer.....
fun, ain't it?  |
Dale
Advanced Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 525
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 5:19 pm: |
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I'd say with what you stated i'd check out the magnum 257 or deltaforce.i've heard the stories about these radios and driving but truthfully put 5 of your favorite freq. in your good 2 go. i do this with a 2950 when i take it mobile,very simple .just become familar with radio on base before installing mobile |
Sinker
Intermediate Member
Username: Sinker
Post Number: 410
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 5:36 pm: |
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OK Pat you make a good point.
So lets see the Top Dog from folks here appears to be the S-9 so what amp will I need if I purchase:
~ S-9
~ S-9 80 watt
~ S-9 175 watt
I also imagine that with the 80 and 175 watt versions we are talking about additional batteries and upgraded alternator and maybe antenna as well, if so then I am definitely looking at just the regular S-9 |
Yankee
Senior Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 1251
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 8:51 pm: |
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Tim, If it's the export radio route you wish to go, then sure wait for the  Magnum S9-175, 175 watts most of the time is more than enough power in the mobile.
But if more power is what you are looking for, that's another story.
A single 850 cold cranking amp battery and a 100 amp alternator should be more than enough to handle the 175 watt output.
Many cars, trucks and SUVs have this size battery and alternator, some even larger. |
Sinker
Intermediate Member
Username: Sinker
Post Number: 411
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 9:14 pm: |
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Yankee, I hear ya. I meant if I was to add an appropriate amp with those units then the upgrades would be needed.
Right now I am running a Galaxy DX 99V with a Boomer 600 when I key up with everything on the lights dim just a bit but that is all with everything direct wired to the battery for power & frame for ground.
Hey Pat if you don't mind what are you running in that Long Island mobile of yours? |
Yankee
Senior Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 1252
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 9:25 pm: |
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Almost forgot.
The mobile antenna system has to have a high enough rating to handle a lot of power output.
I have a friend who lives about 35 miles from me, that burned up at least two costly wire wound mobile antennas, with a 500 watt amp.
Also the SWR has to be closely monitored when running a lot of power to the antenna system. |
Vanillagorilla
Advanced Member
Username: Vanillagorilla
Post Number: 640
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 5:47 am: |
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Sinker,
Comp 4 pill (Dave or Xforce @ $350+) would compliment that 175 S-9 nice! Most call for that size driver give or take. You'd see around 1200w out of that Dodge while she sucked up to 125+amps.
Upgrade your single alt...or put a smaller pulley on it. Like Carl said..you'd be very surprised how FAAAAAAR that 175 (200+pep) will take you in the mobile!
My local buddy has a 95T with a Wilson 5000 and talks skip anytime I do with more than twice the output. Of course there will be times I will be heard when he will not but you get my point!
Unless your parked and idling I'd be willing to bet you could get away with the above setup.
"IF" you are parked and idling then you'd throttle up to 2000rpm to keep you voltage supply up to run the heat!
My 2 cents
Hank |
Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 1481
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 10:24 am: |
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Sinker, If your looking for a good radio in a good price range I suggest the Magnum 257. Well since nobody can get one yet my other suggestion is the Connex 4800. The 4800 is tried and true very solid radio. It has the features you desire and plenty of channels if channels is what you like. The 4800 has two 2sc2312c final transistors and mine is getting 38 watts of good clean power! Good for any 4 transistor amp. SSB is stable as well and my opinion one of the best sidebanders around! For the money you can't beat the features. Right now I'm running it in the mobile with a Texas Star DX 500 with 100 amp alternator. Yesterday I was getting my named called on channel 6! And it was a mess! Have a look I promise you will love it! 73 |
Dale
Advanced Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 530
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 12:15 pm: |
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well if ya like the features of tha mag257 the mag.delta force has same features a little more money though but it gets great reviews from people here and will work well with that boomer 600 ya already got |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 3041
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 5:54 pm: |
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tim, just saw your post but am heading out the door. will post some specifics for you friday that differ from above. if the boomer dims the lights now, a 4 pill comp box will make 'em almost 'flash'.
95% of the time i use my grant XL-which is probably the ONLY radio you have ever heard in my mobile. davemades of various outputs....depending on state of my alternator  |
Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 1849
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 9:51 pm: |
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hey tim, long time no CB.
i have been reading the posts suggesting radios for your mobile, and while all the radios suggested are good solid radios; they do not have any better receive than your galaxy.
yes, the meters working is also important.
remember, ANY properly working radio can be made to sound great on transmit, and most dont require any mods to to that these days.
the key is the receiver, and i think you are smart for looking for an upgrade in this area.
i agree with pat, that if you want a NEW radio, you want the president lincoln.
its the same radio as the HR2510, which anyone on here who's operated one can tell you is about the best receiver design around.
it will put out enough power to make that boomer 600 do its thing proud.
remember that the difference between 175 watts and 700 watts is only one S-unit on the receive end.
really no point in putting out more than that 600 does. copper sells the lincoln, and here's a link:
http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/checkitout/checkitout.cgi?bargainsSTORE:CKIE:prodE50-10002+
not sure if there is any in stock at this time, but the site says there is.
this is a great radio!
finding a NIB grant XL, 148GTL (side mic mount), or grant LT would be a great option.
they are out there if you keep looking.
as for selling your stuff on ebay; you have to word things the right way so you dont break any of their rules.
if its in the CB category, just say that it works, and show pics of the radio on, and then take close ups of the extra switches, the people that will be bidding on the radio will know what they are for. and dont mention anything about the radio being "peaked and tweaked". while that may interest a few new guys, most will look at this as a bad thing since others work can not be trusted.
i personally would NEVER buy a used radio from someone who used that term to describe it.
look at some of the other ads and see how they do it.
playing dumb is also a good option.
as for the amps; you have to sell these in the ham radio category. any amp that is put in the CB category will be flat refused.
and put in the ad this statement, "this amp is illegal for 11 meters. it is intended for use by a licensed amateur radio operator only. by buying this amp you are certifying that you have the legal authorization to use it. seller assumes no responsibility for its use after the sale."
its all about politics and 2000GTL's and KLV boxes get sold everyday on the auction site.
just gotta be a good politician.
good luck in your searches,
matt |
Sinker
Intermediate Member
Username: Sinker
Post Number: 413
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 10:11 pm: |
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I am upgrading the alternator in my truck.
Got an email from Sam Lewis he said basically
S-9 = a straight 4x 2SC2879's amp running push pull parallel
S-9/80 = a straight 8x 2Sc2879's amp running push pull parallel
S-9/175 = commercial grade amp using transmitting tubes
Put up a post in the AMPS section as well
My hope is for an S-9/80 with an 8x 2SC2879 amp for the truck and just run it barefoot in the van.
So an S-9/80, an 8x 2SC2879's amp, new alternator, new antenna along with any other advice you can give me Pat and then I will be a working mobile machine again |
Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 1852
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 11:11 pm: |
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well, if you get the 8x2879 amp, then i would upgrade that wilson 1000 to a wilson 5000, or one of those big coil antennas that pat00 and others on here just rave about.
fatboy offers an 8x2879 amp that is in push pull parallel, so i'll use it as an example. others built the same way should be similar.
This is a straight eight pill, 1,700 watt, mobile linear amplifier. This amplifier requires an external driver, not included.
- 8 x 2SC2879 transistors
- NO variable Power
- Automatic Fan to keep amp cool during long key downs
- Dimensions are H 8 x L 16 x W 10
- Weight is 10 pounds
- Remote Jack (remote sold separately)
- Class C: Works perfect on FM, AM, and CW (not for use on SSB)
- Continuous Amp Draw of 60
- Maximum Amp Draw of 170
- 12 - 16 volts power
- On/off Switch
- LED on/off Indicator Light
now if someone offers an amp that big that can be used on SSB, i've never heard of it.
of course, pat will tell you that he runs his davemade on SSB all the time and it is the same design as this amp, so, go figure.
also, make sure that ALL the coax in the car can handle 3000 watts or more.
im not sure what kind of coax comes on the wilson 5000, but looking at it, i cant believe that it will handle 5000 watts.
good luck,
matt |
Dale
Advanced Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 538
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 9:41 am: |
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magna force are great amps and work very well on ssb |
