Ham/CB/SSB radio

[Tim]

Alright, so, I'm talking to a few guys at work about getting an Amateur radio license. I believe both have General class licenses. I fully intend on taking the test rather soon, to get one myself.



So anyway I ordered Bigbob's mount and I want to buy a radio. I understand that Ham radios don't necessarily recieve AM as well as a dedicated CB but I don't really mind. I have CB radios and I don't need to buy another radio to simply have a CB.



Therefore, I want to buy the most versitile radio that I can find. I would prefer for it to transmit on both 10 and 11 meter bands. Is that really illegal? It seems to be a fine line. I don't see how if you have a license to transmit on 10 meter and obviously CB is fair game to everyone, how having one unit that transmits on both is illegal. Is this really correct?



Either way I want the most versitile setup possible, capable of transmitting on any band I may be interested in transmitting on after I get my license. Can anyone out there make a suggestion as to exactly which models I should be looking at?



Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[MJaynes]

in order to transmit on 10 m you will need a general ticket... uncle charlie dont like a radio that transmits on both 10 and 11 meters... but he will never know. get an icom 706

mk2g or the yaesu equiv. then a simple mod will open the entire frequency spectrum for transmit from right above am radio(160 meters) thru 440... the equiv. of about a half million c. b. frequencies . next will be the antenna... one of the better screwdriver antennas will be the best. total system cost... about 800-900 for the radio and about 500 for the antenna and control box for the antenna.

 

[Tim]

That's definitely out of the budget. This is for recreation only. I don't need a $1000 radio. $300 or so is the budget for the radio and even that may be stretching it.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

That's definitely out of the budget. This is for recreation only. I don't need a $1000 radio. $300 or so is the budget for the radio and even that may be stretching it.

Then, other than locating an EXCEPTIONAL buy in used gear, you're pretty much dead in the water, and should probably focus upon a good CB setup!



With the help of a decently knowledgeable local ham - and most hams fit that description, you MIGHT get a good used Icom 706 or similar, and something like single band Hamstick or an Outbacker multi-band antenna for around $500 or so - but that $300 range might be tough!



And yes, the Icom radios are easily modded for CB operation, and DO work quite well on SSB, AM, and FM modes - they cover all ham bands from 160-440, except for the 220 mhz band. Those higher frequency bands include the capability for a vast number of relatively local repeaters that offer local contacts for when traveling in unfamiliar territory and needing assistance of some sort.



Here's a pic of my mobile setup - what you can see of it - only the Icom removeable faceplate is visible with a homebrew field strength meter seen behind it (used for monitoring output power.



#ad




There are more pics to be seen in my readers rigs section, if interested.

 

[Tim]

What would I be looking for in an excellent quality CB radio? There's so many models that cost several hundred dollars it seems hard to choose. I've always had $50-100 CB radios and I'm ready to step up. I don't really need a ham radio at this time as I don't have my license yet, I suppose I can buy a good CB and if I get more into 10 meter I can buy a 10 meter radio and have two.

 

[TheBigSgt]

Ttry a Uniden 2510, some of them can be modified. :--)

 

[Tim]

All radios can be modified.



Anyone that can make suggestions as to how to get the coax in the cab? I brought it in through the firewall and it's about 3' too short. I'd hate to have to make a 3' "extension" cord for my radio if I don't have to. Anyone have any luck coming in under the center counsole of a 3rd gen truck?

 

[RDusch]

Tim,

Try a RCI 2950 DX i've been using one for about 4 years now with no problems, it will cover all of the 10,11 and 12 meter bands and will swing 40+ watts with a mega tune, or you could go with a 2970 DX with a built in linear.



Rick

 

[BWillard]

I second the RCI 2950/2970! Very nice radio and I believe you can change the backlight on the 2970 from orange to green. Built in roger beep and all.

 

[TheBigSgt]

All radios can be modified.



Anyone that can make suggestions as to how to get the coax in the cab? I brought it in through the firewall and it's about 3' too short. I'd hate to have to make a 3' "extension" cord for my radio if I don't have to. Anyone have any luck coming in under the center counsole of a 3rd gen truck?

OK, some more easily then others.

 

[Tim]

Well my job of sorts is to mess with electronics so if I feel the need to mess with a radio, it's not outside the possibilities.



Any tips on the coax question?

 

[TheBigSgt]

Well my job of sorts is to mess with electronics so if I feel the need to mess with a radio, it's not outside the possibilities.



Any tips on the coax question?

Well 12 ft needs to be the length I believe. I'd look at anything with a rubber gormit and then if you can't drill a hole and use a gromit Oo.

 

[Tim]

Drilling a hole, lol, that was a good one, yeah right... . I just couldn't bring myself to do such a thing.



I'm researching coming in under the counsole, I'll report tomorrow.

 

[Walt-L]

I once had the older version of this radio. I think this is what you want. Just do your self a favor and go the $50 for the full tune , 50 watts peak side band is a jem in the truck! http://www.exportradios.com/prodpag...up_Selected=0&Product_Selected=795&Search=Yes *OR* http://www.exportradios.com/prodpag...p_Selected=0&Product_Selected=1182&Search=Yes

 

[Walt-L]

Oh by the way, My next project will be to gut the drop down cup holders and fit the Super Star in the fold up cup tray so it will be a "hide away" fit.

 

[Kissfan113]

I have a Connex 3300 High Power model, it is registered as a 10 meter radio, says that on the box, but 4 resistors makes it cover the CB 11 meter band as well. I love it so far, using twin 5' firestick antennas. You can even get em with american or confederate flag faceplates