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Message |
    
Cbblackbeard
Intermediate Member
Username: Cbblackbeard
Post Number: 196
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 12, 2007 - 9:44 pm: | 
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I'm looking for a good mobile CB radio with sideband for my friend. I have a TR296 and I love it, but they discontinued that model. I was thinking about a Cobra 148 GTL or a Uniden. I want to keep the price under $200. Any thoughts? |
Moderator120
Moderator
Username: Moderator120
Post Number: 55
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 9:03 am: |
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The Magnum 257 is the ticket. Right price, all the modes and freqs you could ask for. Small, so it's easy to mount in a car or truck. The best bang for the buck!
Mike
Moderator120
CEF#120/HAM #222
KB1NYD
CVC#041
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477
Intermediate Member
Username: 477
Post Number: 235
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 4:55 pm: |
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yea that would be the way to go for under $200.00 Magnum 257 10 meter mobile.
Geoege(Nobody#477)
CEF#227
CVC~036
lewistown,Pennsylvania. |
Dale
Advanced Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 631
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 6:53 pm: |
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yes the magnum 257 is a good one.
the superstar3900 is another its not as small
but has same channels/modes no memory and any amp will work with it |
Coolhunting
New member
Username: Coolhunting
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 9:21 pm: |
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Regarding the Magnum 257: Can one assume that an expand, align and tune will support the CB frequencies? Also, is this radio advisable (for CB band use)?
Thanks,
Ken
(My first post by the way - But I've been lurking for a while!) |
Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 2381
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 11:15 pm: |
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http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/checkitout/checkitout.cgi?catalogSTORE:CKIE:prodG10-01002+
or:
http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/checkitout/checkitout.cgi?catalogSTORE:CKIE:prodC90-05018+
either of these radios will do quite well for your friend.
i would recommend staying away from the 10 meter converted radios until you are very familiar with this hobby, and radios in general.
there is lot that those radios can do that may mean nothing to you, and vice versa, they may not include features that you find important.
seriously, go with a CB radio to start with, and those two are good ones.
the 148 is a better design in my eyes, but they are both reliable, and many would never notice the difference.
the galaxy has a bigger meter, which is a really nice feature for people like me who like to look at their radios alot.
the freq. counter is nice, but not really needed until you modify the radio for more channels.
the galaxy is easier to do this to also, but both can be converted.
now, all that being said:
it wont matter one single iota what kind of radio your friend chooses if he cheaps out on the antenna.
the antenna is far more important when it comes to RX and TX range than the radio.
there is much to know, and lots of misinformation out there, but in basic terms; it goes like this:
if you want to mount a big antenna to a truck or van, and want the best possible performance, not caring about aesthetics, and low bridges, then you want a 102" whip with a 6" spring on a ball mount, mounted up high on the vehicle.
for pretty much anyone else wanting good performance out of their mobile CB radio, the wilson 1000 is the tried and true answer.
i run one and love it.
if they dont want to drill a hole; get a magnet mount. if its a sedan with a trunk; get the trunk lip mount.
if its his car and the wife never sets foot in it, then buy the roof mount and put it smack dab in the center of the roof. (best performance of the wilson 1000 is had this way)
when shopping for a radio; look for one that has a built in SWR meter. that way, when you get the radio and antenna, you can tune the antenna and be on your way.
good luck to ya!
matt |
Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 2389
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 4:01 pm: |
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i agree with everyone here that the magnum 257 is a superior radio. i personally would rather have the 257 because i know how to use it, could and would use all the features, and would appreciate the lower noise floor.
however, i am not like all CB'ers, and actually kind of a minority among mobile users.
i am assuming from cbblackbeard's post that because he is the one selecting a radio for his friend that his friend is not an experienced radio operator and therefore might actually be a bit frustrated by the magnum 257 because of its lack of familiar features found on most cb radios.
it is better; i just dont think its better for him.
just my .02 worth,
good luck all,
matt |
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