| Author |
Message |
    
Crafter
| | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 12:59 pm: | 
|
Ok someone let me know what they think of these two radio's. I read the review on the Omega by scrapiron which got my interest going now I should say I have a voyage and a yeasu 101ee but I want something that has 10m fm repeater off set. Sorta what to try that in the future. Here's a question for the hams whats the 12 meter band like any folks on there? Ok Im waiting to hear from you guys. |
Scrapiron63
| | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 3:38 pm: |
|
Crafter, I haven't owned the 2950dx or 2970dx and cannot give an opinion on them, but I've had several of the old style 2950s and 2970s. This Magnum S45 will do almost twice what my 2950 will on my meters for power output, and to me the receive is much better, different tone and more signal/audio to noise level. I've got some high freq hearing loss, and the sharper audio tone from this radio is much easier for me to understand. The S45 is made by RF Limited, who I believe built the original Rangers, the 3300 and 3500. I have each of those old rangers and the 3500 is the 100 watt version, it has problems now, but still has full output and the guys i've been talking to tell me this S45 is almost equal because of the extra good/loud modulation. The receive on these two is close.
I sure have stirred up some interest around where I live with this Magnum the last few nights. I've been talking to these guys for many years, and have always used a D-104 or other power mike on every radio i've used except my Brownings, but they say this thing is LOUD, no power mike needed, and the mike gain is not wide open .
It won't talk SSB with your 101, but just normal talking it peeks near 50 watts on sideband and 40 on AM. I haven't really checked it on FM yet, but will do that tonight. Not much information out on this radio yet, but I did find this on the Top Gun Modulator that it has.
---------------------
Top Gun Technologies has been manufacturing the popular SP-1a speech processor for over 15 years. This speech processor has proven to be the best available since it's development.
Once again Top Gun Technologies uses the latest high-tech engineering providing the best products for the CB and Amateur radio enthusiast. Our micro circuitry provides the following in our new product line:
The first modulator kit that achieves maximum swing with clean audio from 0.5-Watts dead-key to maximum PEP output.
The first modulator kit with external ON/OFF or adjustable swing control.
The first compressor kit that utilizes and enhances the radio audio preamplifier eliminating square waving on first word and audio peaks while increasing peak audio output.
The first modulation control that enables control of modulation limiting at low power setting without effecting high power modulation level.
With the optional external control panel, the radio operator controls the swing and all aspects of modulation at all power levels.
These high performance products work so well, Magnum International is using them in their new Omega Force S45 radio as well as any future radios in their lineup. |
Kc0gxz
| | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 7:02 pm: |
|
Scrapiron63
Basically, what RF Limited has done with the S-45 is release a radio to the general public that come out of the box with (for the lack of a better phrase), the NPC "mod" already done.
With Top Gun Technology audio incorporated into the radio, the owner will be hard pressed if looking to "upgrade" his/her radio.
Leave it to RF Limited to be the first. They were also the first to introduce 10 meter mobile radios to the market. If only people knew more about them (RFL), they wouldn't be wasting their time with Chinese made radios.
I have been in almost every brand radio known and I have found the Magnums to be the best. No other brand out ther can touch their clean, clear audio.
For those of you that don't know, Clear Channel Corporation started it all. They are better known today as RF Limited. The rest are just wannabes.
Jeff, kc0gxz. |
Highlander
| | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 7:30 pm: |
|
Why can't they come out with a decent base rig to challenge Ranger? |
Scrapiron63
| | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 7:36 pm: |
|
C:\WINDOWS\Desktop  rang
|
Scrapiron63
| | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 8:13 pm: |
|
These are my two old Clear Channel Rangers, the 3300, 30 watt version on top, the 3500, 100 watt later version on the bottom. You can see the problem with the 3500, that crazy readout, it works, just have to use an external freq counter. It rode in a big truck for 12 years or better, guess it has some bad joints. These old rigs were/are talkers and great receive. Copper sold them for many years. |
Kc0gxz
| | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 10:48 pm: |
|
Highlander
I asked RF Limited that very same question. The answer I got was vague at best. However, I was told that they were working on a base radio. That was almost two years ago.
Recently, they released the VERY disappointing 3200 Mag Base that I believe will prove to be an embarrassment to them. This radio was "farmed out" to another company for manufacturing. It just blows me away that this radio carrys the Magnum name on it since it is such a pathetic excuse for a radio. Lol. I'm already embarrassed for them because of the great respect I have always held for Magnum International and RF Limited. That respect goes all the way back to their C.C.C. days.
I also asked for their thoughts on producing a 6 meter mobile radio along the lines of the DeltaForce or maybe on the inexpensively produced Mag 257 chassis. The answer I got from that was that it was their belief that a 6 meter radio wouldn't sell well so the thought was dismissed.
Bummer!!
Jeff, kc0gxz. |
Crafter
| | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 11:04 pm: |
|
Yep had both the ar 3300 and a 3500 back in 1988 used the 3500 to drive a texas star 500 into my 32 pill amp. Sure could wipe-out the area I was driving in. Set car alarms off and set of door alarms in corner stores. That was another time in my life.
I'm really not worried about pwr output of the radio got plenty of that around here. Just looking at maybe adding 12m and 10m repeaters with a 2950dx since its only 40 bucks more than the omega force, but like the output on the omega force. My ole elmer still uses a ar3300 that he wont part with. |
Bullet
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 2:15 am: |
|
crater,
my 2950dx from coppers did 35 watts out of the box from them and has great audio good and clean.
you wont hear the next 5 watts anyway as you know.its got a good rx on it compared to the older versions but i have no clue as how it compares to the omega force.
since jeff knows both these radio's maybe he can compare them for us in power,audio & clarity, freq range ect. |
RCI 2990
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 1:02 pm: |
|
I own both the 3500 100 watter and the RCI 2970 DX 100 watter and love them both. But the 3500 has a edge on RX to the 2970 DX however. But that doesnt mean in gonna go and sell my 2970 right away! That Omega radio sounds awesome!!! Like to try it someday!!!! Anything made by RF limited is cool in my book. |
Scrapiron63
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 2:24 pm: |
|
Yep, it is hard to beat the receive on those old 3500 Rangers, wish mine was in better shape.
Jeff, the reason I got interested in the Magnums is because of your post a few weeks ago about them coming from the old Clear Channel company, and also Tech671 gave the Deltaforce great reports in the past.
Crafter, I believe you and I went thru some of the same stuff, lol, I liked the way the big mobile amps would open the doors at the supermarkets back then, don't know if they will now or not.
Well I tried the Magnum 45 on FM last night, talked to a group for about 2 hours, I was running it on 25 watts and got great reports, it didn't heat up at all. I don't know if it would hurt to run it at 40-45 watts or not, don't even know what final/finals it has. It has good separation/rejection on FM, someone was breaking me from AM, and I couldn't even hear him, someone else told me. Like the bunch said last night, don't know why we don't use FM more, its a nice quite mode, especially when skip is not running, we were scattered around 50-60 miles apart and with everyone just running 20-30 watts had good signals.
I gotta give this Omegaforce an A+ for AM, FM, and Sideband, output and receive. scrapiron |
Ca346
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 - 1:13 am: |
|
ScrapIron:
That's a great picture of the AR3500! Mine looks just the same. Well, almost, .... my readout is fine...  Did you read my post the other day that I talked with Australia from my mobile in Calif.? What a radio! I'll never sell it!!!
CEF197 |
Kc0gxz
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 - 5:43 am: |
|
|
Scrapiron63
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 - 8:40 am: |
|
Thanks Ca346, and I did see your post about talking to Australia, that's some trip from a mobile. I've been hearing Australia pretty often lately, also England and Scotland. Yeah I wish the readout was fixed on mine, but thats the reason I have it, the truck driver that had it wanted another radio, and I took it on trade. I bought a new 3500 years ago, kept it a long time, but you know how most radio people are, always wanting to try something different.
scrapiron |
RCI 2990
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 - 2:30 pm: |
|
Hey Kcogxz how much time do you allot for your posts???? Man, Dude, they are like a mile long!! LOL!!
I myself like my 2970 DX and my AR 3500 100 watter but i do miss the old rangers from a few years ago.. They were great but now we are stuck wit this SMB stuff and thats too bad. Ranger should realise that most of their stuff is bought by guys like me that like to get their hands inside the radios to experiment, no not hack, expsperiment on the radio. But the new SMB radios prevent that.. This Omega radio sounds like a winner to me and maybe someday ill try one out. I wish CCC/RF limited would make a radio that is like the old 33 and 3500 100 weatter radios from the 1980s. That would be sooo sweeeeeeeeeetttttttt!!!!! |
Ca346
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 - 3:22 pm: |
|
KC0GXZ/Jeff:
Amazing the things that are in your head! Sure wish you and your shop lived in California. You'd have another customer! Been dealing with an EX-retired radioman, who went back into business again because he was bored here locally.
I did find out (Cost me $41) that most people were right who told me about my high amperage problems with my HR2510 and Galaxy 350. Had to turn the HR2510 WAAAAAY down.... 3 or 4 Watts input. Works fine now. It was getting toooo much juice.
Get back to work! I'm retired and can do this forum during the day...... |
Kc0gxz
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 - 10:24 pm: |
|
Ca346
Lol. That's like having a cold and going to the doctor and then being told that you have a cold. It will cost you at least 50 bucks for him to confirm what you already knew.
But, I'm happy to hear that you got everything straightened out. Your 2510 is a great radio and performs its best on SSB. That's what it was actually intended for.
73s.
Jeff, kc0gxz. |
Crafter
| | Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2003 - 12:14 am: |
|
Yea, I bought a early rci 2970 didnt really care for the dang thing though, Was a easy mod though but geez TVI couldnt use it in the house that was for sure. Sure liked my 3500, and yes I was aware of clear channel corp, Like you I think alot of folks were fouled at first.
I was unaware of the surface mount on the DX models sure isnt a radio-mans friend. I been working on a icom handi-talkie and its no fun either, really got to keep the iron down low. |
Kc0gxz
| | Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2003 - 12:34 am: |
|
RCI 2990
Sorry about the long posts. After I get started on some of them, I don't realize how long they actually are until I reread them. You're probably right thought. Maybe I should be more careful and not make them so long. They possibly may be boring and maybe even offensive to some members because of the way I (seem) to trash RCI.
And speaking of that, I would like to make something clear to the owners of the RCI-DX radios. I'm sure many of you have read my posts from time to time and are very well aware of my negative comments on them. BUT, you will be hard pressed to find in any of my (anti RCI) posts where I have said that these radios are junk. I know better than that. The RCI/SMT radios do work and work well.
73s for now.
Jeff, kc0gxz.
|
RCI 2990
| | Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2003 - 2:12 am: |
|
I was joking about your long posts.. I have a 2970 DX and like it but i like the pre SMB 2970s and 2950s much better. I miss my old 2990 i used to have that i bought new in 1999 but its long gone now and the guy i sold it to blew i up because he didnt know how to run it right and had a "friend" work on it and the guy hacked it. *sigh* oh well. My 2995 works very well but it isnt like my good ol 2990 i had..... Oh well........... |
Butcher 318
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 12:37 am: |
|
Back to the issue at hand, while the Omega Force looks cool, lets see how well the first batch works. Early Delta and Maverick radio's had dismal reliability records. The 2950 is a fine radio, it does alot of things very well but no echo or talk back. I doubt an Omega will do twice the power of a 2950 but is is supposed to do more. I love my Delta, if the Omega can do 10 more watts, have better recieve, and be just as loud or louder then look out. Should be great. |
Kc0gxz
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 2:33 am: |
|
Butcher 318
Sadly, no. It doesn't do twice the power. Not even ten watts more. Ten watts on the receiving end wouldn't even be seen or noticed anyways because you have to about double the power just to come up a 1/2 S-unit.
With a NPC mod done to the DeltaForce, it's power swing will be pretty much the same as the Omega.
To date, I have never heard a radio as loud as a Delta while still being able to keep its audio clean and clear. And of the many solid state CBs and 10 meter radios I have been in during my years in this business, the Delta's PC board layout and simplicity impress me the most. I haven't felt this way about a radio since the original RCI-2950/70s.
Jeff, kc0gxz. |
Scrapiron63
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 7:44 pm: |
|
Jeff: What kind of wattage does the omegaforce show on your meter, and what finals does it have, I haven't looked in mine yet. For comparsion, the dual final radios like my 88 and the Saturns will show about 15-16 watts deadkey turned all the way up inside the radio on the same meter I checked this radio with. My 88 thats been modded will swing 40 + from a low keyup of 1 1/2 or 2 watts, but i've never been able to get the old style 2950s to swing that high from lowkey, about 25 watts or so. This Omegaforce shows 30+ watts keyup at full power on AM, and 40+ on FM, thats on the same meter and dummy load. It swings 40 + from 1 watt keyup right out of the box, and near 50 watts on SSB. Like I said, thats on my well used Dosy, and would like to know what others will do. scrapiron |
Kc0gxz
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 11:43 am: |
|
Scrapiron63
Watch for a E-mail sometime today or this evening. I have something for you and will also answer your questions there.
Jeff, kc0gxz. |
RCI 2990
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 2:52 pm: |
|
Sounds like thatOmega force is a sweet radio!!!! How well does the NB/anl circuit work on that rig? |
Scrapiron63
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 6:42 pm: |
|
The Omegaforce seems to have a good nb/anl, although the receive is really sensitive. I'm using it on base, haven't checked it much in a mobile. It also has a tone function, its not adjustable, just on or off, but it helps also on noisy channels, especially knocking down some of the am whine while i'm trying to use sideband on channel 13 for the net. I'm really impressed with the radio. |
Butcher 318
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 8:50 pm: |
|
I realize with just a radio no one will hear 10 watts, I was looking at having 10 more watts of drive for my Joker amp thats all.
It was just stated that a dual final radio cranked up will dead key 15-16 watts, why would you want to do this, thats too much. Alot of shops will set the max between 7-10 watts, this leaves room for some swing, and looks good on a scope and sounds great. Just my nickle worth. And yes I love my Delta Force. |
Scrapiron63
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 12:21 am: |
|
Butcher 318, I gave those numbers for comparsion to how my Dosy reads, lots of people are familiar with the dual final radios as to full output, and I thought this would show how bad my meter might be off. The saturn, galaxy 88 and others, turned all the way up, will show about 15 watts on this meter, but I don't run them like that. On this same dosy meter, the Omegaforce, the way it came, will do about twice what the others will do on keyup. Of course I haven't used it all the way up, although I did test it at about 20 watts on FM. The book gives 40 watts on FM also. Thats why I wondered about the finals, but not enough to break the seal. Maybe someone else will test one soon on some real equipment. scrapiron |
Cm3885
| | Posted on Thursday, December 11, 2003 - 2:07 am: |
|
Guys i run the original AR ranger 3500 100 watter and also own a ranger RCI 2970 DX and a 2995 DX. Like them all and wounldnt trade them for anything but i would love to get my hands on one of them new Omegaforce radios!!!
If they will do 40+ watts out of the box from a 1 watt carier what will they really do when they are peaked and tuned????? |
|
