| Author |
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Bullseye
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 10:41 pm: | 
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Wondering what everyone thinks of the Magnum line of radios in general and the Delta Force in particular.I am thinking of upgrading from my DX55V and kinda like this radio. I was looking at them before I got my 55 but finances at the time made the choice for me but now that I have the base completely done I'm going to redo the mobile and just like the base this is going to be the last time so I want to change what I'm going to and get it done right. |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 12:28 am: |
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Bullseye,
I have heard nothing but good things about the 257. I do own and operate the Delta Force. It is a nice radio with many bells and whistles, and I really like it, but there are some things I'm not so crazy about.
Tech181 did a review on the 257 awhile back. He mentioned "looseness" in the knobs. Kind of some slop. Yep, the Delta Force is guilty as well. I don't prefer how it tunes SSB, mainly because it's a 1.5 KHZ, which makes it quite sensitive compared to my Lincolns 1 KHZ clarifier. The looseness adds some frustration, but it's not tragic. The receive I think is noisy. Yes you can pull the weaker stations out but it just seems to have excess static for my preference. It does have a few features that help solve that. Compared to many radios out there, it's probably better than many. I prefer a front mount mic whereas the Delta Force has a side mount. Just my preference only.
Now don't let me tell you it's junk, because it's definitly NOT. Just compared to my Lincoln, I think the Lincoln is a much more superior constructed radio. Now the Delta Force has some sweet features. Talkback is great, but start it on low volume and work up. Echo is superb! To modify it takes 5 minutes, no soldering and a Monkey could do it. Reversing it is just the same and easy, and it's not a permanent thing. Massive channel capability. Audio loudness and clarity is superb with the stock mic. I have yet to be able to convince myself to get a power mic for mine, and all my other radios have Astatics. And heck, I know those work great with the Delta Force as well. The stock speaker is fantastic! Best I've had ever for an internal speaker. Real nice and loud sound.
Well Bullseye, it's kind of like tatoo's. I'll critique my own hard, but never say another bad word about someone else's. Being I own and operate a Delta Force (it's on now scanning the band next to me), I'll critique it pretty hard. This is everything I can fault it for, and some is only preference, the rest compare it to my Lincoln which I am truly fond of, but lacks features.
Would I recommend the radio to you? Absolutely yes! If you do purchase one, ensure you get the 2002 receiver model. I know Copper has these, but if you shop elsewhere, get nothing but the 2002 model. Trust me on that point. All other "problems" were fixed and incorporated into this version. It's very easy to tell, as there is a big pink sticker on the box that says " 2002 Model Delta Force, Updated receiver and More!" Can't be any clearer than that.
I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. The "owners manual" is available on the web for specific features.
Alsworld |
Tech671
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 12:31 am: |
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The Delta is an excellent tx'ing radio. You will get plenty of compliments. The rx is a bit noisy but overall nice radio for the price. |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 12:40 am: |
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One correction, the Delta Force receive clarifier has a range of +/- 1 kHZ above and below the indicated frequency, not 1.5 as I stated above.
Alsworld |
RCI 2990
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 1:39 pm: |
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Alsworld. My AR Ranger 3500 has the same problem it is noisy on AM on receive but i can still make out the distante stations. TRhinking about sendint it to 307 to work on he knows a mod to make the AM side more bearable... |
Kc0gxz
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 5:52 pm: |
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Bullseye my friend.
I can guarentee you that you WILL NOT be disappointed with the Magnum DeltaForce. It has a few features that no other radios on todays market have.
73s
Jeff, kc0gxz.
PS: How did your power supply project work out. |
Bullseye
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 6:44 pm: |
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I'm still looking at these radios. It's going to be about 2 or 3 weeks or more until I get the mobile project under way the truck is having a nervous breakdown so I have to see what that's going to cost. Jeff,The power supply went great it already found a permanent home in the shack.If I need a bigger amp I will be able to paralell two of these. |
Kc0gxz
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 10:27 pm: |
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Bullseye
Glad to hear it. Just one Pyramid 52 will easily handle 400 watts. I hope you are running a separate supply for your radio.
73s
Jeff, kc0gxz.
PS: You won't regret it if your choice is the DeltForce. Looks like you have a couple of weeks to think about it. |
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