| Author |
Message |
    
Rich_1833
Junior Member
Username: Rich_1833
Post Number: 47
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007 - 2:14 pm: | 
|
I have a connex 3300hp pushing about 48 watts. When I ask for a radio check most say "it's working" or "sound OK." But, I'm looking to get "Wow that a big radio, or "were is that big radio at". I want to be LOUD and PROUD. I thought I would have that with this radio but I guess not. I want a radio that will talk skip when it opens back up (soon I hope) and maybe a rig with ssb on it. I have a pred 10k on the truck and a maco m-104c beam on the house. So my Question is this. What radio should I be looking at getting?
blue jay shacking 4 fingers and a thumb.
|
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 14907
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007 - 2:45 pm: |
|
Rich_1833,
Get a DM-452 Hand Mic and you will be LOUD & PROUD. 
CLICK HERE > DM-452
Lon~Tech808
CEF#808/HAM#001/CVC#002
Tech808@copperelectronics.com
|
Mrsandman
Intermediate Member
Username: Mrsandman
Post Number: 105
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007 - 2:48 pm: |
|
if you like connex then get this and be done with it
Connex 4300HP-300 AM/FM from copper's i would
$499.99
# AM & fm Modes
# Noise Blanker & ANL Noise Filtering
# 10KHz Switch
# Talk-Back Switch - Allows You To Monitor Your Modulation
# 6 Band Selector Switch - Easily Change Frequency Range
# Adjustable Echo Volume & Speed Controls
# 2 - IFR520's Driving 4 2SD1446 Final Transistors
# Variable Transmit Power - Adjusts From 10 - 80 Watts Carrier Power
# Peak Power of 300 Watts <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<!!!
# Built-In Cooling Fan & Heavy Duty Heat Sink
# Pigtail UHF Antenna Connector - Takes The Strain Off The Radio Chassis
# Heavy Duty Fuse Holder & Quick Disconnect Connector |
Train_man
Junior Member
Username: Train_man
Post Number: 11
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007 - 3:54 pm: |
|
The radio you have now is fine. Just add a power mic that Lon posted above.
Move along. Nothing to see here.........
|
Derek460
Junior Member
Username: Derek460
Post Number: 11
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007 - 4:11 pm: |
|
buy a magnum S6 , or if you like sideband opt for the S9 now thats a reliable , quality , radio that will take the abuse from a big truck great , awsome loud clear audio , then you will have a big radio.
CEF# 961 Local Handle CopenHagen
Getting down like charlie brown
|
The_horseman
New member
Username: The_horseman
Post Number: 8
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007 - 6:50 pm: |
|
As a truck driver, when someone comes on wanting a radio check, just to gloat over his over-powered, over-modulated, no receiving radio, my usual reply is "it is working hand".
No reason to go into details, since the individual asking for the radio check, has probably just stepped all over someone getting local information or actually having a worthy conversation on the channel.
Your radio is just fine hand, you probably need to work on your antenna's, as it does not matter how many watts you are pushing, if your antenna's and grounding stink, you are just not gonna get out!
CEF # 949
CEF Ham # 272
|
Kosmic
Member
Username: Kosmic
Post Number: 50
Registered: 7-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - 10:09 am: |
|
I am using a Magnum 3 and have been told I can be heard 60 to 70 miles from where I am working. Yes I drive a truck also. It is not the radio nor the idea of having a box behind it, it is more of how you set your system up and maintain it. My radio gets taken out atleast once every 2 weeks and cleaned inside and out, antenna gets taken down and sanded for road grim. I do use a power mic (Astatic D104-M6) although the idea of having more power then you need to actually make a contact is not something I like to do. You find many out there asking for a radio check to no more then case harmfull interference to others or to see if they can " walk over someone ". Set your radio up properly and leave it alone, your radio will get out fine, it might be that your trying to contact someone who simply has power turned upp on radio and squelch turned up. They can be heard yet they can not hear you. Simply nothing more then a little boy in a man suit!
Kosmic
CEF801
KI4TRX
|
Ballwrecker
Junior Member
Username: Ballwrecker
Post Number: 26
Registered: 7-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - 9:43 pm: |
|
That connex is a great radio, dont knock it. I run the samething. All you need now is a 3 or 5 pill Box if your company will let you put amps in the truck. Just make sure u run 4ga or better right to the battery.... Then you;ll be LOUD n PROUD. |
Gumball
Member
Username: Gumball
Post Number: 54
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 1:29 am: |
|
That radio should be getting out just fine, especially with a 10K. Have you checked the SWR/reflect? Has the radio been peaked and tuned? How is your mike gain set? If you turn it up too high, it starts to get garbled (over-modulation) |
Skip
Junior Member
Username: Skip
Post Number: 10
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 - 2:46 am: |
|
No disrespect intended but if you check your own radio you don't have to rely on other peoples opinion. When you have something to say key and speak and the mere fact that you get a reply means it is working. The idea of keying for a radio check is funny in itself. Have you ever seen a tech ask for a radio check. They install or repair the radio,and it is ready,after proper antenna tuning of course. |
Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 2450
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 - 12:18 am: |
|
My personal opinion is with any Connex radio you should already be getting plenty of flowers from other drivers. Even with a noise canceling mic like the RK56.I Never use power mics but I have heard many good things about the DM-452.
If an amplifier is crossing your mind you might want to take your time and do your homework. Learn more about this field and these radios people are talking about. Your probably already loud, it's the pride part that takes work.73
KEEP IT REAL!
Kenny
cef491(27.115lsb)
2sf491(27.555usb)
Indiana
|
Lester_elm
New member
Username: Lester_elm
Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 - 8:30 am: |
|
A somber CB'er asked this question:
"How does my radio sound?"
and he got these replies:
1) The Blind Man said, "You're not even moving my meter"
2) The Hard-of-Hearing fellow said, "You have a strong signal, but way under-modulated"
3) The Fellow-Next-Door said, "You are too loud, back it down some"
4)the Guy with an off-frequency receive said, "You're so garbled I can hardly understand a word you're saying"
5)The fellow that really counts said, "You sound good"
I think I would rather get response number 5, without any embellishment, than to hear any of the others say I sound "Out-Of-This World Wicked"
You know how much power (watts) you're putting out of the radio. Check you're percentage of modulation (note: 100% modulation is not necessarily the best. 80% modulation will many times sound much cleaner and have better quality). Check the SWR on the system. Make sure you are on frequency.
If all of these check out, don't worry about a 'radio check' just find someone to have a good conversation with and move to channel where you are not interfering with others and talk.
footnote: for those that may not know, embellish means: To add ornamental or fictitious details to
CEF #964
HAM #276
Ham Radio - Talk worldwide on a tin can and a wet noodle
|
The_horseman
Junior Member
Username: The_horseman
Post Number: 12
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 - 9:42 am: |
|
"and move to channel where you are not interfering with others and talk."
This is the part that I find, most have a problem with. They have a big radio, and figure they will just talk all over the others. Common courtesy on the road has died for the most part. The other problem is, the guys with the converted export radios do not know how to get any channel but 19 (27.185).
Had a driver in Flagstaff ask me one day if I knew anything about radios. He could not get his radio to work. When I went to look at it, this Galaxy radio looked like a porcupine, with all the switches. Luckily it had a frequency counter and i found 19 for him. He paid someone else $250 dollars for this radio, because they could not get it to work. Told him he needed to get a frequency chart and spend some time making a channel map if he planned on keeping it.
Offered him $175.00 and my newly peaked and tuned 29ltd, but he said he would just not move any switches. ugghhhh! Another 19 hog! Guess I should have made him the offer before fixin it!
CEF # 949
CEF Ham # 272
|
Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 934
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 - 10:58 am: |
|
"Have you ever seen a tech ask for a radio check. They install or repair the radio,and it is ready,after proper antenna tuning of course."
Actually most good techs WILL test a radio on air after testing it in all other ways. I know I always have over my 30 year career.
Having said that, asking for a radio check on CB is almost as useful as asking a blindman what colour jacket your wearing - both have absolutely no real value. Most CBers will say "yeah it's working", they will not/cannot tell you that it is splattering over 5 channels, or you're distorted and muffled.
Simon
Tech237
N7AUS
|
Starface
Senior Member
Username: Starface
Post Number: 1712
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 - 11:52 am: |
|
Rich_1833 Have you ever done your own test?
Having someone else talk on it and you listen from another location (5-10-20 and maybe 50 miles away)?
Reason for this a lot of other operaters don't like to hear a "LOUD and PROUD" radio do to they want to be the TOP DOG on the block.
I'm a ex- trucker and the radio I use in the truck was a cobra 148 gtl stock radio.
used duel Wilson 2000 trucker antennas and I never had any problems.
The Radio was doing 4 watts AM and 12 watts SSB.
Did a lot of skip mobile in the southeast states from it.
Enjoy the hobby and don't worry about being the biggest and the loudest, you will never get there, As we all think there is a radio bigger and louder and prouder then ours.
I even think that sometimes with my radio's and then get reminded when I look at my qsl cards and think back WOW my little radio and antenna got me into that state or country?
Again if the radio works enjoy it.
STARFACE
CEF#476
KI4NBE
HAM#181
CVC#Ø14
|
Alsworld
Senior Member
Username: Alsworld
Post Number: 1025
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 7:58 pm: |
|
I must echo Starface's answer. I heard some real loud but good audio radios on the road during the holiday period and those got the typical answer during a radio check, "it's working driver".
Listen to your own radio from a friends station/truck/mobile, etc. I think you should be one of the bigger radios. If it needs a punch, that microphone Lon mentioned really does sound great with awesome fidelity. It is what I now use on the base. Just too many compliments on how I sound with it, so I keep it. I'll bet you sound great already, hence the minimal positive responses from the "competition".
Alsworld
CEF 101 |
The_horseman
Junior Member
Username: The_horseman
Post Number: 13
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 9:47 pm: |
|
I have been running with a stock (cover have been taken off to blow the dust out) Midland 77-250 Powermax for the last few months. And it blows me away the number of drivers with the big radios, that come back wanting to know what I have, and why it modulates so clear. On a normal day, this radio will talk 7 -8 miles with just a 3' Firestick. The only mod, per se on this unit, was the addition of a vintage RoadKing 56, not the new ones.
Had a guy last night with a Connex, that I talked to for almost 100 miles, wanting to buy my spare PowerMax. He was tired of paying people to work on that Connex, and it still overmodulates.
I have other units, but for my day-to-day use in this rough riding truck, my Powermax is by far the favorite.
There is a 3rd one sitting here on the bench, that I am getting ready to toss a new mofset in, and tweak around on it, just to see what it will do.
Midland PowerMax $12.00 e-bay special, Flowers - PRICELESS!
CEF # 949
CEF Ham # 272
|
Maxgain
Junior Member
Username: Maxgain
Post Number: 43
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Friday, January 04, 2008 - 4:23 pm: |
|
Keep radio, get 164 pill amp. |
Hyperno_1979
Advanced Member
Username: Hyperno_1979
Post Number: 536
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Friday, January 04, 2008 - 6:39 pm: |
|
As there is a "maybe with ssb" in there, 2 radios spring to mind. Superstar SS158 seems to be getting rave reviews, but from personal experience i would consider the RCI 2970. I've been getting "Big Signal" and "Booming in" reports and still not running at full power. I'd check those two out for starters. SSB is handy to have if and when you need it also. Just my opinion but i think the 2970 is probably the best bang for your buck on the market at the moment.
CEFFFCEF
Bob
CEF703/CVC26
269 Hunter Valley
NOT allowed to hold a passport....
|
Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 937
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 04, 2008 - 6:46 pm: |
|
When will people realise that an amp IS NOT always the answer?? An amp will not make a bad radio good, in fact in general it will make it worse as it will amplifier all the garbage the radio is generating.
Simon
Tech237
N7AUS
|
Sdc1342
Junior Member
Username: Sdc1342
Post Number: 15
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 04, 2008 - 9:15 pm: |
|
get yourself a peak and tune and power mike then u should be fine! |
Teham
Intermediate Member
Username: Teham
Post Number: 115
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 04, 2011 - 12:45 am: |
|
the best sounding radios i've heard is magnum's. no need for power mic. unless they use a golden screwdriver they akways sound great. buy from copper and leave it alone. tony/n5jva/cef 259 |
Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 1695
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 04, 2011 - 7:15 pm: |
|
get a magnum s3-350 sold here with a dm-452
problem solved
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
|
Chris142
Intermediate Member
Username: Chris142
Post Number: 117
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - 11:03 pm: |
|
IMO you will get more compliments from a clean sounding radio than a overmodulated loud one. |
Fieldrat
New member
Username: Fieldrat
Post Number: 9
Registered: 5-2011
| | Posted on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 7:58 am: |
|
The connex 3300 is a great radio, some of the older ones i have seen were a single final, but were still lound, i run a general lee in my truck with a 636L astatic mic, now it is basicly the same radio, i run the power on high and the mic gain all the way up and it screams, i have had many complments on it, now i highly recconend the astatic mic but a road king is good as well, i like the astatic style the best, i would make sure the swr are low, and check the modulation and power on the radio, they are good radio and before i spent the money on another one i would spend a little on the connex, your not going to find a radio any better for the trucking industry. |
