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Ranger SS-158EDX MOBILE RADIO PRODUCT!...Dx_freak24 8-29-07  11:30 pm
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Pintail617
Junior Member
Username: Pintail617

Post Number: 13
Registered: 2-2004
Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 10:33 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What type of wattage were you seeing out of this during the review. This looks like a great radio.

Moderator Note!

40+
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Mayor513
Intermediate Member
Username: Mayor513

Post Number: 169
Registered: 3-2002
Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 2:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

--Too bad this radio does not have any low channels. I noticed that this radio has a HI/LO band switch and a 6/12 Position Band Selector, "A" through "L". I wonder why Ranger didn't add the other 6 bands of channels? Is it possible to enable the "G" through "L" bands? Even though there are no lows, for what you get, it seems like a good deal.
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 12412
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 8:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Pintail617,

With a 10 watt dead key out of the box 40+ on AM,FM/LSB/USB.

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero

Post Number: 3399
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 3:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

with the ept6900 board in it, doesn't this radio cover 24.265-29.655? does it mod the same as the connex 4800/rci6900? christmas IS coming.....

NOTE!

The Copper Tech says the mod is like the 4800.

The Frequency Coverage is listed in the Review for BEFORE and AFTER Conversion.
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Caledonia
Junior Member
Username: Caledonia

Post Number: 30
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 4:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Kind of unorthodox that it doesn't go below channel 1. That's a bit of a departure from tradition.
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Moderator120
Moderator
Username: Moderator120

Post Number: 4
Registered: 11-2006


Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 3:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes, Christmas is coming Pat. So please order mine and have it shipped to me before the 24tth!!!
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852
Intermediate Member
Username: 852

Post Number: 191
Registered: 3-2006


Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 5:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes Pat, I'm in agreement with Mod120.. If you got me one for Christmas, then maybe you could sway me away from the Galaxy's .......

Tommy 852
CEF750
Your friend on this end.
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Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero

Post Number: 3404
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 6:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

you guys..... caledonia, it HAS to go under 1, has 12 bands, so it obviously doesn't repeat 6 bands twice. & it is the same as the 4800, 148fgtldx, & 6900, & they go to 24.265. hoping 808 will chime in that maybe he just didn't check down that low because he doesn't use freqs under 1? also, it does need to have a variable power control added.

Moderator Note!

PLEASE Read the REVIEW and I have the Actual Frequency coverage listed for BEFORE and AFTER the Conversion.

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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Mrnobody
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Username: Mrnobody

Post Number: 76
Registered: 6-2003
Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 7:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

After Conversion Frequency Coverage:

G/A - Band - 26.965 ~ 27.405
H/B - Band - 27.415 ~ 27.855
I/C - Band - 27.865 ~ 28.305
J/D - Band - 28.315 ~ 28.755
K/E - Band - 28.765 ~ 29.205
L/F - Band - 29.215 ~ 29.655
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 12414
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 8:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mrnobody,

Thank You for taking the time to read my Review and posting the Information above for other's.

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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2ec837
Intermediate Member
Username: 2ec837

Post Number: 124
Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 1:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would think the 6900 series board it would have to go below CH 1 with the HI/LOW switch set to the LOW position like on the 4800 or the Ranger RCI RG-99.
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Wildchild
Junior Member
Username: Wildchild

Post Number: 39
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 2:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sounds like a good radio thinking about ordering one. Going below 1 don't make any difference to me I don't visit those frequencies anyways. The 40 + watts is the selling point to me. Just so it will dead key about 2/12 to 3 watts I'll be a happy camper
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 12418
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 6:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wildchild,

As I stated in the Review you will have a 4 watt Dead Key AFTER Adjustment or a 10 watt Dead Key STOCK factory set of the box.

The Copper Tech and myself have tried everything and 4 watts is as low as it goes and 10 watts is as high as it goes on dead key power.

Sorry but you will not get a 2-1/2 or 3 watt dead key.


Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero

Post Number: 3406
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 9:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

i read the review, lon. i thought that may have been a typo, or that you just didn't have any desire to use any channels below 1, & forgot to mention that it went there . so....anyway, it MUST go below 1, somehow. the ept6900 board goes to 24.265, & i assume the superstar still uses an mc145106? don't understand why they'd put a 12 position switch in it just to duplicate 6 bands....the 1st gen rci/ranger 6900's came with 6(or was it 3)position switches installed & after the mod YOU had to install the 12 position switch....& the 95t comes with 8 bands in it....gotta be a way to go under 1.
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Slim1
Intermediate Member
Username: Slim1

Post Number: 121
Registered: 4-2002
Posted on Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 1:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Then I suppose the Hi/Lo Band switch is a do-nothing function or rather a useless switch?
I,too,cannot believe this rig won't go below
channel 1.But,I have been wrong a time or two in my life.LOL!!!!
I would have no use for those freq.s anyways
either.I'm a SSB/DX nut.
Still sounds like another great rig.Sure would make a fantastic Base of some sort too!
Slim
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Caledonia
Junior Member
Username: Caledonia

Post Number: 32
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 7:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There is alot of SSB DX down around 26.285USB (a calling freq like 27.555USB.)

Hmmm, 6 out of 12 bands are unavailable, and no variable power?
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 12433
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 7:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

REVIEW UPDATED 12/03/06

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero

Post Number: 3411
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 8:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

regarding tech 808's note above of REVIEW UPDATED, & last nights voice chat discussion, all i can say, WHEEEE HAWWWWW! gotta grab 1 of these before they're all gone!
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Vanillagorilla
Advanced Member
Username: Vanillagorilla

Post Number: 908
Registered: 4-2005


Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 8:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

...any left AFTER Christmas I'd love to grab one!
Lon, were you seeing that PEP with the stock mic?
If so...that IS impressive! I wonder if the PEP will decrease when the DK is lowered.

Hank

Moderator Note!

Yes with the Stock Factory Mic saying FOURRRRRRR.

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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Jburner
Junior Member
Username: Jburner

Post Number: 21
Registered: 3-2002
Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 3:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What is the coverage of clarifiers both course and fine? Or are they receive transmit?
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Jburner
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Username: Jburner

Post Number: 22
Registered: 3-2002
Posted on Friday, December 08, 2006 - 12:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wow, guess I should have asked does clairfier work on extra channels if it does or does not have the (extra channels). But really is fine a receive only adjustment, and how far can the course claifier travel...5 or 7 kc both ways or what?
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 12473
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Friday, December 08, 2006 - 3:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes the Fine and Coarse Clarifier will work on all Frequencis/Channels.

You will only have the 10 meter band unless you do the Frequency Conversion.

EXAMPLE of Coverage using the FINE & COARSE CLARIFIERS:

On Channel 13 the coverage with just using BOTH the Fine and Coarse clarifiers will allow coverage from: 27.108 to: 27.125

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 12474
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Friday, December 08, 2006 - 7:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Copper Forum Member's,

If you would PLEASE take the time to read the REVIEW you will see:


Introduction:

The Ranger SS-158EDX is programed from the factory for the 10 Meter Amateur Band out of the box with coverage from: 28.245 to 29.655 MHz.

After Conversion it will have coverage From: 24.265 thru 29.655

Export / Converted Frequency Coverage:

After Conversion this mode will be pre-set to 12 Bands with coverage of the 10 & 11 Meter Bands from 24.265 MHz to 29.655 MHz.

After Conversion Frequency Coverage
Using H~L Switch/Button:


G/A - Band - 24.265 ~ 27.405
H/B - Band - 24.715 ~ 27.855
I/C - Band - 25.165 ~ 28.305
J/D - Band - 25.615 ~ 28.755
K/E - Band - 26.065 ~ 29.205
L/F - Band - 26.515 ~ 29.655


Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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Captian_radio
Intermediate Member
Username: Captian_radio

Post Number: 124
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Saturday, December 09, 2006 - 9:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

24.265 to 29.655 after mod , looks impressive, 12 , 11 and 10 meters, but is it broadbanded enough to cover this range without any problems?
Bob CEF451\PC451\CVC104
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 12481
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Saturday, December 09, 2006 - 9:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Captian_radio,

When having 4 or our Local Ham Club Members and CBers stop by over the last week to see it and use it on 10, 11 and 12 meters we all noticed no problems on transmit or receive and it was dead on frequency as reported by those we were talking with.

And everyone that we talked with and who used it and heard it on the air reported the audio as Very Clear & Good Sounding on both transmit and receive when using the Stock Mic and the JCD-201M Desk Misrophone.

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 12482
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Saturday, December 09, 2006 - 5:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Copper Forum Member's,

RANGER/SUPERSTAR SS-158EDX
CHANNEL CONVERSION


#1 ~ With Front of Radio Facing you REMOVE Top Cover.

#2 ~ Remove ONLY Resistor on the Board located by the Front RIGHT Board Screw

#3 ~ Replace Top Cover

#4 ~ Turn Radio Upside down and Remove Speaker Side Cover and disconnect Speaker wire 2-pin Connector/plug.

#5 ~ You will see a 2 PIN Connector located 3" back from the Front Control Panel in line between the MIC GAIN/RFGAIN and E-TONE control knobs marked J4

#6 ~ Remove this 2 pin connector fro J4 and re-locate it to the TOP RIGHT 2 male pin conector Located on the bottom of the Control Knobs board behing the VOL-SQ Control Knob.

#7 ~ Replace Speaker wire and replace Speaker side cover.

Thats It!

NOTE!

If the Copper Tech does the Conversion your Factory Warranty is 100% INTACT!

REMEMBER!

If you do the channel Conversion YOU can VOID your Factory Warranty.


Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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Doughboyx
Junior Member
Username: Doughboyx

Post Number: 26
Registered: 9-2005


Posted on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 - 9:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am wanting this radio more and more but will have to wait until next year sometime in January before I will be able to afford it. With the Christmas holiday around the corner. Hopeful and maybe it won't be sold out by that time. It is alot of Radio for the price. Unbeatable !!!!
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Im4jc
Intermediate Member
Username: Im4jc

Post Number: 209
Registered: 11-2005


Posted on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 3:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lon, you say that on channel 13 the coverage with just using BOTH the Fine and Coarse clarifiers will allow coverage from 27.108 to 27.125 , but you don't mention either here or in your review if the clarifier tracks both RX and TX. Is it set up so the coarse is unlocked and the fine is locked? Are both locked? Are both unlocked?

Thanks.

Moderator Note!

Yes it tracks both Transmit and Receive.
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Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero

Post Number: 3425
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 4:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

looks no different then 99% of the radios on the market today. hard to tell, but probably plastic pots & other cost-cutting features. i still say there's nothing wrong with the cost-cutting china-built newer radios, so i doubt there's anything wrong these ss158's. we'll just have to see how they differ from other versions of the ept6900 board.
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Captian_radio
Intermediate Member
Username: Captian_radio

Post Number: 139
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 5:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Has anyone bought one of the 158edx radios yet and if so maybe they could do their own review, after all everone has a different setup with antennas ,location , mobile , base etc. looking forward to maybe getting one very soon for my mobile setup.
Bob CEF451
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Paganville
Junior Member
Username: Paganville

Post Number: 17
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - 8:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hello everyone..It's been awhile since anyone said much about this radio..I am also curious like Captian Radio...but his post was almost 4 months ago, so I thought I would bring it to the top once again.
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Doughboyx
Member
Username: Doughboyx

Post Number: 56
Registered: 9-2005


Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 2:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The only thing about this radio thats questionable is the fact that the lowest dead key will be 4 watts most cbers would like for the radio to dead key lower than 4 watts.
Tell me just once more about isotropic antennas.....
Doughboy
CEF644
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Bigc73542
Member
Username: Bigc73542

Post Number: 64
Registered: 4-2007


Posted on Thursday, June 21, 2007 - 10:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have been useing one of these radios for a little over a week now and all I can say is that this radio rocks. And the power output is a bit more than 10/40 closer to 14/60. This radio is a DXing monster and the receive is absoluty excellent. The only complaint I have with the radio is not the radios fault. When I reveived it was a tad off frequency,to much trouble to ship it back for the alignment so I am going to have a shop in Moore OK do it. customer support at ranger said as long as he is a certified tech there would be no problem with the warranty. I would fully recomend this radio to anyone that wants a very powerful loud well built great receiving radio.
Curt in Oklahoma.
CEF# 896
CVC# 134
CEF Ham #251
KE5OQK
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Brewdirect
Intermediate Member
Username: Brewdirect

Post Number: 199
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Tuesday, October 02, 2007 - 5:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I just picked up one of these and went to do the conversion - I removed the resistor but when I went to find J4 the jumper was not there....I powered up the radio and have 26.965 - 29.655 but nothing below and the HI/LO switch only controls the tone not the hi/lo channels.

I was able to get a 2 watt deadkey by adjusting VR18 (AM High Power) down a bit from the stock 8 watt deadkey. With modulation adjusted up and deadkey lowered I see 28 watts peak on AM.

Very nice looking radio, seems to work well. Interesting to see if somehow my channel mod was done incorrectly or possibly my radio arrived slightly different from the factory.
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Brewdirect
Intermediate Member
Username: Brewdirect

Post Number: 200
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 3:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Whoops..sorry - I adjusted VR 14 to get the lower deadkey...my bad :-) Where the low and high power pots are located shoudl be right next to each other but on this radio only the high power pot is installed....(you will see that there is no pot installed in the spot where the low power pot would go.)
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Moderator120
Moderator
Username: Moderator120

Post Number: 171
Registered: 11-2006


Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 4:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well this version is the one I used:

On the foil side there is a 100ohm resistor located on one of the adder IC's for the PLL. If the radio faceplate is facing you, it will be in the bottom right hand corner. Remove this resistor. Flip the radio over to the component side and there is a wiring harness plugged into J4 located towards the front middle of the radio, just to the right of the carrier oscillator (X4). Remove this harness and place into J2 which is right below the echo control on the main PCB. Just below J2 is JP275, move the black jumper over one spot.
Mike
Moderator120
CEF#120/HAM #222
KB1NYD
CVC#041
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Brewdirect
Intermediate Member
Username: Brewdirect

Post Number: 201
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 7:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks 120 - yeah I figured out that JP275 is where the 2 pin jumper that needed to be moved from 1-2 to 2-3 was located (near the front edge of the main board just behind the band switch area). And J4 (about 2 " behind the echo control on the main board - three wires, black, blue and white) moves to J2 which is right behind JP275 :-) Same as the Ranger 6300 mod. Thank god I finally figured it out :-) Now I have full range....awesome radio right on frequency on SSB very little drift if any...people say it's loud and clear with the mod inside at max and the mic gain at 12 o'clock. I was able to lower the deadkey to 2 watts and still get 28 watts swing and it drives my MF350 nicely. So now that everyone know that YES it does all the channels and YES the deadkey can be lowered...GO BUY ONE! Great radio so far...no complaints.
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Captian_radio
Intermediate Member
Username: Captian_radio

Post Number: 269
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - 2:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well the 158 EDX was ordered today,but I have to wait till Christmas to play with it,thats the orders from Mrs Santa Claus,so I guess I'll be sneaking down to the tree very early Christmas morning.Can't wait to try it out in the mobile to see how it's going to work out.
Bob CEF451/VE1CZ
Robert L. Spicer The days of radio are just beginning!
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Tech858
Moderator
Username: Tech858

Post Number: 49
Registered: 10-2007


Posted on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - 8:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Bob , you will not be disappointed with the 158EDX as I have had my one for a few weeks now and I love it , had excellent reports both audio and signal on ALL modes and bands ie:10 , 11 & 12mtrs and have noticed no loss in RX sensitivity nor drop in TX power levels throughout the whole frequency range covered by it although I will recommend dropping the mic gain to around 10 o'clock if using on FM as it does tend to over deviate if any higher than mid way , on SSB you can crank the gain all the way up with no distortion in audio same on AM too , all in all this is about one of the best radios I have used in a long time apart from my ham rigs but hey look at what they cost $$$$$$ the 158EDX is an excellent radio for not a lot of $$$
Tech858/Jim
MM0TXO
CEF#858
HAM#230
CVC#116

Wavin' a hand at ya' fae Scotland

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Captian_radio
Intermediate Member
Username: Captian_radio

Post Number: 271
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 9:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hopefully the new 158edx will be here next week,I was wondering if it will have the blue display as I have see some with the red display with 2166 driver and 2312 finals as I don't care for those , only want the 1969 dual finals, easier to replace if need be.Anyone have any info?
Robert L. Spicer The days of radio are just beginning!
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Captian_radio
Intermediate Member
Username: Captian_radio

Post Number: 273
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 6:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yessss!!! the new ss158 edx was delivered today.It is a nice looking radio,I really like the clarifier setup ,power was 10 watts am peaking about 20+ peaking 30 ssb,I haven't done the mod yet because it's back in the box till Christmas,its only a little over a month away ,I waited a year so an extra month won't hurt.The blue display looks like it will be easier to see during night time .I was nailed an extra amount of $ to have it come across the border but thats ok.Any way I will do a personal review when I have it up and running after Christmas.Tnx Copper
Bob CEF451/VE1CZ
Robert L. Spicer The days of radio are just beginning!
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Captian_radio
Intermediate Member
Username: Captian_radio

Post Number: 275
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Friday, November 23, 2007 - 11:44 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Just a question pertaining to the built in swr bridge,I did not notice any way to calibrate the swr meter, now does the meter do a self calibrate, as I have also noted that it shows a cal. at the end of the meter? If it is a self calibrating meter , all I can say is Excellent,anyone of the user's have any input
Tnx Bob CEF451/VE1CZ
Robert L. Spicer The days of radio are just beginning!
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Tech858
Moderator
Username: Tech858

Post Number: 65
Registered: 10-2007


Posted on Friday, November 23, 2007 - 1:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Bob
It does have a self calibrating swr meter which in my opinion is pretty accurate all the way through the radios freq coverage .
Now remember PATIENCE is a virtue , it ain't long till Christmas .
Hope you get as much enjoyment out of your 158 as I have with mine , it is an excellent radio and very nice to look at too .
Tech858/Jim
MM0TXO
CEF#858
HAM#230
CVC#116

Wavin' a hand at ya' fae Scotland

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Captian_radio
Intermediate Member
Username: Captian_radio

Post Number: 276
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Friday, November 23, 2007 - 10:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well Jim can't wait to put it through its paces , even better cant wait till the next cycle peak lol
Bob CEF451/VE1CZ
Robert L. Spicer The days of radio are just beginning!
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Captian_radio
Intermediate Member
Username: Captian_radio

Post Number: 297
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - 9:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well the SS158EDX is in the car thanks to Mrs Santa.I am getting great reports from the locals,one thought that I was on my base and also stated that its the best sounding mobile in the county.I am using a 68 inch Everhart mag antenna which shows a 2.0 swr even down on 12 meters and also usable on the high end of 10 meters.I haven't connected it to the amp yet as I have to turn down the am carrier to about 8 watts .The modification was easy.I do notice that the frequency display seems to change a bit but not enough of a problem to be concerned about. I'll have the amp going soon and will post the results later.
Bob CEF451/VE1CZ
Robert L. Spicer The days of radio are just beginning!
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Bert
Member
Username: Bert

Post Number: 87
Registered: 12-2005
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 8:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hey Captain Radio, glad you are liking the new Superstar.
Do you mind me asking why you were charged extra having the radio coming across the border? Amateur radio products are duty free; the only charge should be provincial and federal sales tax. If however, it was sent by a courier, they do charge a brokerage fee. If delivered by United States Postal Service, there's no brokerage fee.Just a point of interest.
Enjoy the radio, I'm looking forward to hearing more about!
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Captian_radio
Intermediate Member
Username: Captian_radio

Post Number: 323
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Saturday, January 12, 2008 - 1:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes they stuck me with brokerage fees,and GST,HST but it was still worth it,$342 CND shipped to the door.It works not to bad but does drift during the cold weather,must be some cheap caps in around the VCO section and when I find them I will swap them out for some more temperature stable ones.It can use an alignment which I will do later when I can borrow the proper gear.It has the 1969 finals instead of the 2312,s.I did not like the TX audio on AM so I put on a Road Devil noise canceling mic to sharpen things up.From what I am hearing from a friend of mine in the UK they are not making them anymore and he has bought up the last of the stock from Ranger.My next plans are to get a good high drive amp(one that will take the full output from the radio)and possibly one of the new Z180 antennas that Copper is selling.I have made a few contacts on 10 meters and was told that it sounded like a big rig .Now that the start of the next cycle is official I will be looking forward to some activity on 12 meters.It puts out close to 40 watts peak on SSB and Carrier 10 watts peaking to 30 on AM.I like the built in SWR meter but not to sure how accurate it really is so I always use an outboard meter to keep an eye on things.I have no real use for the noise toys so I may disable them in favor of possibly using the controls to make it a variable RF output.All in all it is a nice radio but I think first and foremost it is basically a hopped up CB radio which works just fine for me
Bob CEF451/VE1CZ
Robert L. Spicer The days of radio are just beginning!
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Bert
Member
Username: Bert

Post Number: 89
Registered: 12-2005
Posted on Saturday, January 12, 2008 - 7:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for the reply Captain Radio. too badabout the brokerage fees........ Try asking for it to be sent by USPS next time. I've always had good luck with the post office. No brokerage fees, just the taxes, which you have to expect anyway.
:}
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00worldchamp
New member
Username: 00worldchamp

Post Number: 3
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Monday, February 11, 2008 - 6:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well it’s probably time for me to call the fine folks at Copper and order one of these up before there gone. I have been debating between this radio and the Magnum DeltaForce but with the 40+ swing even on AM I suppose the debate is over.

The only thing I can think of that the Magnum may have on this radio is possibly a little tighter audio with it’s compressor but I have yet to hear both radios back to back.

Is there any other radio out there that will perform with this one from 10 to 12 meters for under $250 that I haven’t considered?

Do us Forum Members get a better deal on radios or large orders? I need to order up a couple antennas, one base, one mobile, and possibly a few other goodies with it. {After you fifth radio from Copper, next one free would work well for me this time!}.

Thank's for any input, and I’ll probably be reporting back in a little while with my observations on this rig.

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