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Message |
    
Cbblackbeard
Junior Member
Username: Cbblackbeard
Post Number: 30
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 1:06 am: | 
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Does anyone know anything about North Point radios? I know they are "10 meter" radios and I've heard one on the air...it sounded awesome. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1629
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 10:07 am: |
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Cbblackbeard,
It is my understanding, that the past owner of Cherokee Radio's / Northstar, that was in Schaumberg, Il. Is having them made.
The President of Cherokee & Old Northstar Radio's has Joined SIMA Product's Corp after Sima bought the Cherokee Radio company.
They make First Alert, FRS radio's and other products.
While I believe the Northpoint Radio Line is made in the Same plant oversea's and do resemble the Magnum Line in appearance they do not have the features that are EXCLUSIVE to the Magnum line of radio's.
ie: Top Gun Modulator, Top Gun Compressor Circuit, AMT(all mode talkback), & the Turbo Echo which are all Exclusive to the Magnum Line of Radio's.
Lon
Tech808
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Snowfire
Junior Member
Username: Snowfire
Post Number: 18
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 5:40 pm: |
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A radio tech I talked to about the Northpoint said it's the same radio with just more power. He also said that after a few minutes of talking on it the audio in the talkback would drop out then come back as quick as it left, that was the only thing he didn't like about it. All in all he realy likes it. I listened to him talk on it and like you (CbBlackbeard) said it sound's awesome. |
Cbblackbeard
Junior Member
Username: Cbblackbeard
Post Number: 32
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 7:52 pm: |
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Snowfire, you said that the Northpoint radio is the same as what other radio? The Magnum or the Cherokee? I've never seen one before, but I was talking to a trucker last night who had one. He said it had variable power settings and was swinging up to 40 or 60. All I can say is that radio was LOUD!! |
Snowfire
Junior Member
Username: Snowfire
Post Number: 19
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 9:19 pm: |
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oop's. I was talking about the Northstar. |
Cbblackbeard
Junior Member
Username: Cbblackbeard
Post Number: 38
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 12:00 am: |
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I did some reading and found that the Northpoint radios are similar to the General Lee or Connex line. It is a high power 10 meter radio with variable power setttings ( 2, 9, and 25 watts I believe ). It has a bigger voltage regulator than the General or Connex, and the finals are volted. The meter light and channel display is " cobalt blue " not red or green like most other radios. Being a fairly new line of radios, there are still some bugs that need to be worked out ( audio being distorted ). Reviews that I've read are 50/50. I think if they get the problems worked out Northpoint might be the next line of radios to sweep the country. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1828
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 7:23 pm: |
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Cb,
While the Northpoint Radio's are assembled in the same factory as the MAGNUM Line, they are a (POOR) copy of the MAGNUM INTERNATIONAL line of product's.
The Northpoint Radio's also do not have the FEATURE's that are "EXCLUSIVE" ONLY in the MAGNUM INTRENATIONAL / RF Limited Line of Product's.
I would suggest thet people get a MAGNUM and have all of the Feature's that the Northpoint's DO NOT HAVE.
Lon
Tech808 |
Mountain_man
New member
Username: Mountain_man
Post Number: 1
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 2:41 pm: |
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I met a guy while i was hauling up in new york at a cb shop who told me all about these things.
There are a couple hunderd of these radios made so far and they were sent out to be tested by folks like yourself so they could improve the product in the future.
Both radios are made at the same factory.
The first design of both radios used the exact same pc board. he said that magnum copied off of the northpoints and put in some difference but the original design was copied from northpoint.
I think i could beleive that 'cause alot of the radios out there look alike and they have the same toys built in.
Northpoint radios use parts that are a 2% tolerance and mitsubichy chips.
The problems with the northpoint radios were because when they were in the factory they left out a resistor. 10 kilohms i think he said. This man said that the manfucatrer was told by the magnum people to leave the part out of their radio and they assumed that it would be okay to leave the part out of the northpoint radio too. I guess since they use the same board the facrtry people didnt think it would matter.
So anyway that's what i heard.
I hope you will sell these radios and give people a chance to buy them. it doesnt sound like you will since you think they are a poor copy. I like magnum radios too.
MOUNTAIN MAN |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2150
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 4:22 pm: |
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Mountain man,
1st WELCOME TO THE COPPER FORUM!
The North Point radio's are made at the same Factory as I stated in my above post, but they are Copies of the Magnum Line of radio's and Poor Copies at that.
They DO NOT have the AMT (All Mode Talk Back) an EXCLUSIVE FEATURE found ONLY in MAGNUM / RF Limited Radio's.
They DO NOT have the DIGITAL TURBO ECHO also another Exclusive Feature found Only in the Magnum Line of Radio's.
And they also DO NOT have the TOP GUN MODULATOR BOARD that is also another Exclusive Feature of the Magnum Line of Radio's.
You will also Notice that with the New MAGNUM S-3 you can actually Program the Band's you want and PLACE the Band's where you want them on your Band Switch.
You will not find this Feature on the North Point radio's or any other radio out there.
I would Personally RECOMMEND/SUGGEST getting a MAGNUM with All of the Feature's, rather than a Copy of the MAGNUM Line, that does NOT have all of the FEATURE'S that the MAGNUM RADIO's have for the same Price.
Read my Review on the NEW MAGNUM S-3 and you will read about the FEATURE's that the NEW MAGNUM LINE of RADIO's HAVE, and That NO other radio's on the Market have to offer.
Mr. Sam Lewis and Mr. Bob Fitzpatrick designed these Feature's and Radio's for RF Limited / MAGNUM International ONLY!.
Forget the Look a Like's and get the REAL THING!
Also, Mr. Sam Lewis (OWNER OF RF Limited / Magnum International) is a COPPER FORUM MEMBER and is in the Manufacturer's Area of the Copper Forum here for any Question's that people may have on the RF Limited / Magnum International Radio's / Product's.
This is a GIANT Plus for the COPPER FORUM MEMBER's, as No Other Forum on the Internet has a Real Live Owner / Manufacturer that Donate's his time to answer / help the Owner's of his product's.
Lon
Tech808 |
Sitm
Intermediate Member
Username: Sitm
Post Number: 112
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 10:56 am: |
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Man, I want a magnum now. Got to get off work to go get one from copper. |
Kc0gxz
Advanced Member
Username: Kc0gxz
Post Number: 744
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 10:36 pm: |
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Mountain_man
One thing that Tech808 forgot to mention about the North Point radio line.
They are perhaps the cheapest, bottom of the line piece of •••• in the whole 10 meter line of radios offered to date.
Put your money on a RF Limited DeltaForce or a step above and go with the Omega. I personally love the Deltas, and have replaced 4 of my (first generation) RCI-2950s with them.
Jeff, kc0gxz. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2174
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 1:45 pm: |
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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 1159
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 2:15 pm: |
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HUMMMMMMM i wonder what 808 is laughing about?
( like i didnt know )
Ament on the rf limited radios i had very good luck with them and may be buying another for the car soon. |
Cuddlebear
Intermediate Member
Username: Cuddlebear
Post Number: 116
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 5:46 pm: |
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OK!
That's it, I want to know how these guy's are doing these fancy emoticons like bouncing smilies etc I can do a happy face, But how do I do the others? |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2175
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 6:47 pm: |
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Bruce,
I am laughing at the "••••"
I am NOT Laughing about the RF Limited Statement as I agree with Jeff 100%. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2176
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 6:58 pm: |
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Cuddlebear,
Look to the left of the Forum here and under the Topic:
Documentation
You will see:
Formatting
CLICK on Formatting
All of the Clipart is listed in there with a lot of other Helpful Information.
Hope this help's.
Lon
Tech808 |
Kc0gxz
Advanced Member
Username: Kc0gxz
Post Number: 749
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 3:16 am: |
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Tech808
WHAT????
Go ahead Lon, bust my bubble why dont ya. All this time I thought you trained your "Happy Face" to do all those tricks!!
Boy, do I feel stupid now.
Jeff. |
Cuddlebear
Intermediate Member
Username: Cuddlebear
Post Number: 117
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 4:37 am: |
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Thanks Lon,
I'll give it a try.
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Cuddlebear
Intermediate Member
Username: Cuddlebear
Post Number: 118
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 4:56 am: |
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I got it now
Weeeee! 
Sorry, At 3:00am I truly have nothing better to do than make funny faces on the board lol 
See you guy's later.  |
Gezus306
Member
Username: Gezus306
Post Number: 51
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 8:52 am: |
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blah blah blah....blah blah
blah blah bla:  |
123captainnemo
New member
Username: 123captainnemo
Post Number: 7
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 12:22 am: |
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I think some of you are being too harsh on the Northpoint Radios. According to their warranty rep the Northpoint Radios were ready to be made before the Magnum line. I am not sure if this true but bashing is not the way to go here. Has anyone had any experience with the Northpoint radios? I realize the Magnum line has some exclusive features but the Northpoint's do have an echo, a type of compressor/modulator feature, an antenna warning system, the same frequency coverage except if you program the Magnum otherwise, and a type of talkback feature. Maybe you should let Stan or the former owner of Cherokee who is now apparantly working for SIMA in some capacity in the manufacture section. I think this would be very helpful to us buyers. I am in no way connected to Northpoint or Magnum but have been in touch with both companies to get some facts straight. Thank you. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2654
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 1:20 am: |
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123captainnemo,
Stan is already a registered member of the Copper Forum.
Also Mr. Doug Marrison Owner (Northpoint Radios)) is Welcome to Join the Copper Forum / Manufacturers Questions Area and answer questions & offer help & assistance for the owners of his products.
Mr. Sam Lewis Owner/Manufacturer of RF Limited and Magnum International Radios is already doing this with his products.
We would like to get all of the Owners/Maunfacturers of all of the Radio Companies out there to join and offer Help & Assistance to the owners of thier products.
Lon
Tech808 |
Tech548
Moderator
Username: Tech548
Post Number: 112
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 11:50 pm: |
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123captainnemo
Sam Lewis of Magnum International "IS" MR. 10 Meters. Back in 1982, RF Limited started developing the Ranger AR-3300. He built and offered to the general public the very first programable solid state radio. A radio far ahead of its time.
NorthPoint has and will always be a cheap knockoff of other radio designs. I may be wrong here but to the best of my knowledge, Cherokee and Northstar has never made a contribution to the radio industry. They were always too busy copying someone elses design or making a change in someones design so they could call it their own without the fear of being sued. And when a design is copied, it generally will be the best that the market has to offer at the time.
But as long as their radios work when switched "ON", consumers don't seem to mind who they copied or who copied who. To the consumer, the radio works and that's all that matters.
Jeff. |
123captainnemo
New member
Username: 123captainnemo
Post Number: 8
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 25, 2004 - 9:04 pm: |
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According to XXXXX, the Northpoint Radios went to be manufactured before the Magnums. I am not sure whether this is true. I am aware that the Northstars were copies of Galaxy radios which were made by Ranger. I remember some people thought these radios were great and others not so great. I have a friend of mine who has a Northstar 3 series and it sounds great on the air. I agree that some of the features of the Magnum S3 are exclusive to this line but I do not believe from what I have read and heard that the Northpoint 3 series is total junk. I think the forum should inform its members and that bashing doesn't do anyone any good. Let's present the facts. How about a review of the Northpoint 3 series so that we could compare the two. The original export radios from what I remember were the President Grants, Jacksons, the Cobra 148 GTL DX, and the Superstar 360. I don't know who made the Cobra or the Superstar, does anyone know? Thank you. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2787
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 25, 2004 - 9:41 pm: |
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123captainnemo,
I edited your post with the name for the simple reason that the person you mentioned IS A MEMBER of the COPPER FORUM and is free to make posts.
As for a Review I have answered this question before.
You have asked several times for us to do a review and compare them.
If Mr. Doug Marrison (Owner of North Point Radios) would like to contact Copper Electronics or send his products to Copper Electronics for a Review he is very welcome to do so.
We also invite Mr. Doug Marrison to Join the Copper Forum and the Manufacturers Area as Mr. Sam Lewis of RF LIMITED and MAGUNM INTERNATIONAL has done.
I am quite sure that some of the Copper Techs would enjoy doing a Review on his Products and compare them to the MAGNUM Line of radios for the Copper Forum Members.
Lon
Tech808
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123captainnemo
New member
Username: 123captainnemo
Post Number: 9
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 25, 2004 - 10:30 pm: |
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Thank you Lon and I hope Mr. Marrison does. I assume he was the owner of Cherokee and Northstar radios. I hope XXXXX reads this and sends one in as well.
I have recenly purchased two Magnum S3s and both had to be sent back to California for servicing. The problems were the LEDs burnt out and the band switch would turn in a circle without stopping on the proper band. I realize these are minor problems but I think everyone should know this. These are new radios that have a few bugs. I must say they have great loud clear audio. I tested the peak power on a Coaxial Dynamics 83000-A and saw 50 watts on AM. On FM I saw 40 watts.
I have an AR-3500 and have enjoyed it over the years.
Thank you. |
Tech548
Moderator
Username: Tech548
Post Number: 118
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 26, 2004 - 12:44 am: |
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123captainnemo
You can thank Sam Lewis and his Dad for the AR-3500. The AR-3300 was the first solid state 10 meter radio produced with the updated AR-3500 following shortly afterwards. Both models are COLLECTOR PIECES TODAY!!!!!!
They had state of the art features unheard of in those days and sadly, some of those features are even unheard of even in todays radios.
Many AR-3300 and AR-3500 owners probably have no idea how deeply dedicated the Lewis' were and still are to the radio industry. They have strived to produce the best possible product while keeping the price within reach of the average radio operator. Other companies may have broken the price barrier, but none EVER matched the performance or operation simplicity of the Clear Channel Corporations' Ranger AR line of transceivers.
The latest radios Clear Channel Corporation (now known as RF Limited) brings to the Amateur platform are the Magnum radios, under the Magnum International label. All that needs to be said is the RF Limited folks continue to bring quality products to the communications market.
One thing however does surprise me----a loose band switch. Also, if you're seeing 50 watts of RF power and LEDs burning out, I would be checking the output voltage on your power supply. Personally, I NEVER run my power supplys higher than 14 volts.
One more thing----the AR-3500 you have should by all means be considered a keeper.
Jeff. |
Keithinatlanta
Intermediate Member
Username: Keithinatlanta
Post Number: 266
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, June 26, 2004 - 7:33 am: |
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Hey Jeff, as I always tell people in the foodservice industry, QUALITY has never come CHEAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Except for rare circumstances, you will always get what you pay for. I have never had to pick up quality, but I know a lot of people in the industry that had to go pick up "price".
Keith in Atlanta
CEF 150 |
123captainnemo
Junior Member
Username: 123captainnemo
Post Number: 10
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, June 26, 2004 - 7:58 am: |
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Jeff,
I am using a Tripp Lite PR-40 power supply. It is showing 13.88 VDC on my multimeter. The Coaxial Dynamics meter which I believe is similar to the Bird 43 is showing 50 Watts Peak with a 5 watt deadkey. I thought this was about right for this radio with the Top Gun Modulator on. Am I missing something?
I believe Magnum has made and continues to make great radios. I think with the internet age information comes to us to quickly and sometimes that information is bad.
Thank you to Sam and Bob for bringing us some great radios.
Thank you to Copper and their techs for bringing us some great information.
Ben |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2790
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, June 26, 2004 - 8:19 am: |
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Ben,
You are right in the Ball Park with power.
When I tested and reviewed the Magnum S-3, I found that to reach the Maximum Performance and Output Wattage, I fed it with between 14.2 and 14.6 Volts.
I spoke with Sam Lewis, as at first I was unable to reach the Power that I expected.
He told me to crank it up to at least 14.2 volts and no higher than 14.6.
These Radios need Power to Throw Power.
It worked GREAT! 
Lon
Tech808
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Shakey
New member
Username: Shakey
Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 9:33 pm: |
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how do you program the bands in a magnum s-3 ?
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Allan
Member
Username: Allan
Post Number: 59
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 8:08 pm: |
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These radios were once called NorthStar then Voyager. They have been around a long time. The Magnum S series line of radios was patterned from these. The latest models are very good radios with the latest updates like: variable talk back, auto SWR cal, new audio input circuit (mic gain) and a new channel selector design.
Hey, Pat, or BC... Is this for real? Just curious... |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 9658
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 8:55 pm: |
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Allan,
Just read all of the above posts and then you can use the Search area located to the LEFT of the Forum here under Utilities and type in the word (Northpoint) and you will find plenty to read.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2 |
Allan
Member
Username: Allan
Post Number: 60
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 9:29 pm: |
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Dang. When I run across something on the net, I jump the gun every time. Sorry, and thanks, Lon...  |
Dx_freak
New member
Username: Dx_freak
Post Number: 4
Registered: 2-2007
| | Posted on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 11:10 am: |
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WOW, here is another post that has caught my eye. I have a little info that I feel could be added. Another personal experience of mine. Low and behold, it cost me $$$!!! I purchessed a northpoint NT-3-HP. I took it too a very WELL KNOWN tech in Ft.Worth TX. I had this TECH?? work on it, I got it too the house hooked her up and it was reported to me that it sounded like junk so I took it back to the tech?? so called tech, and I was informed to send it too the manufacture and get it fixed. WELL here we go, I did this, I wont mention name but he is listed in the post above, he informed me the tech BUTCHERED the radio. So much as for it could not be repaired. I was sent a new one out for a fee and was told that the radio would be converted and P&T done to it. Well nothing was done to it! I went to a site for the convert and did it. This was all, and would have paid more $$ to have it sent back to the manufacture and have more invested in a worthless radio. Well I decided to sell it and get some of my $$ back on it, after $200 on the purchess of it, $65 for it to be BUTCHERED, and $15 to send it to the manufacture, and $15 back, and then $100 to replace it, Well I cant give it away. No body wants it!! I have invested over $400 or so and found and butcher and someone whom cant get stuff right at the manufacture, and a money pit all in one. I figure I have a $400 back up peice of junk that I cant give away. Just a little info for potential buyers. Stay with the magnum and watch out for them "good tech's" you may end up with a butcherd junk high dollar so called radio.
Dx_freak
Richey
CEF 885
DX freak
I can only do the best I can with what I got.
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