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Message |
    
Georgia235
Junior Member
Username: Georgia235
Post Number: 13
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 6:09 pm: | 
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Well, I've got my little kicker, now I'm wanting a SSB radio. Right now I run a Connex 3300 as my base station radio, and do not want to get rid of it, which poses a slight problem.
You see, I was going to get a new Export radio as my base station with SSB, but about 50% of the money for that would come from selling the Connex 3300. And I've now decided I want to keep it.
So, I think I want a "mid-priced" SSB radio to run alongside the Connex. Could someone help me out in my choice?
I'm looking at the following radios:
-Texas Ranger 296
-Cobra 148 GTL (newer version)
-Galaxy 979 or 959
-Spend a little extra and get the Ranger V9000
Of those listed above, which would you pick? Right now I'm leaning straight for the TR 296. Read as many posts as I can find about them on here and have heard absolutely 100% good, and no negatives as of yet. I'm not really wanting to get the Ranger V9000, but that's only because of price, if you guys tell me that it will blow all others listed out of the water, I'm willing to spend the extra.
But simply, out of those listed, which would you choose, and do you have any other reccommendations?
Thanks! |
Iluvrf
Member
Username: Iluvrf
Post Number: 72
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 6:27 pm: |
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The 296 is a really good radio for a straight CB. It is just like the older 148/grants. If it were me I would go with the Mag 257 if SSB is what you are after. They sound really good on SSB. BUT like the V9000, they are an export not a CB |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 548
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 6:39 pm: |
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A lot of my fellow CEF and Copper Talk members may disagree with me. But I would look around For a pre 1994 Cobra 148 GTL, Uniden Grant XL or LT. These radios are some of the finest radios to ever come out of the factories in the Phillipines. The newer Cobra 148 GTLs are not the radios that the forerunners were. |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 549
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 7:28 pm: |
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Yes, I would agree the new model of the Magnum 257 is a great choice, has all the best of the three worlds of 11 meter radio AM,FM and SSB, also from what I read in the reports of the Magnum 257 with the new audio processor this radio is way under priced for what it does. I'm thinking very strongly of one of these Magnum 257s as a future purchase. The best part, this new Magnum 257 is made in the Phillipines and not China. |
Hotwire
Intermediate Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 352
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 9:43 pm: |
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OK Georgia out of the ones you listed I would chose the 148. Sure they may not be like the ones 11 years ago but I have a 148 NWST that gets major good reports unsolicited all the time. Find a good tech who knows cobras. My tech is a cobra guy. He did what is called a super tune. I have had lots of good luck and have talked more skip with my mobile 148 than any other radio I have ever owned. 148 with a premium tuneup is a good choice. I also own a Galaxy 959 and it is no where near the radio my 148 is on sideband. Wish you could hear mine talk. I would not sale it for less than what I have put into it, if I ever do. |
Georgia235
Junior Member
Username: Georgia235
Post Number: 14
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 10:16 pm: |
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Sounds good. The 257 just isn't for me. I don't really like the display, or the looks, plus I'm wanting a CB style, not really an 'Ham' biased Export. Lol, I need me something with analog features and a channel counter. Still havent decided yet though. Right now it's still leaning to the 296.
From what I read, and correct me if I'm wrong, the 296 basically is the (old style) '98 and earlier design of the 148 GTL. Same board.
Keep the replies coming!
Thanks again. |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 550
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 10:58 pm: |
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How about a Cobra 148F-GTL has a 5 digit counter, same radio as the older 148-GTL and Uniden Grant XL. |
Iluvrf
Member
Username: Iluvrf
Post Number: 78
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 3:18 am: |
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Go with the 296. It is the same as the old 148/grant and they tune up nicely |
1861
Intermediate Member
Username: 1861
Post Number: 184
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 8:29 am: |
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TR-296 . GREAT AM/SSB CB . TAKES MODS WELL |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2602
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 10:26 am: |
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GRANT LT OR XL there is no better .... |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 553
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 2:15 pm: |
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I'll second Bruce's post, they come no finer and have mods galore. My Grant XL has many of the better mods and still room for more. But running out of places to mount switches. |
Georgia235
Junior Member
Username: Georgia235
Post Number: 15
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 4:25 pm: |
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Could someone point me towards somewhere that I could purchase one of the Uniden Grants? gt_ryder13@yahoo.com . And what was the asking price on one new? |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2611
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 8:28 am: |
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Sadly they are hard to come by but hunt the internet they are still out there. |
Dale
Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 63
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 10:27 am: |
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tr -296 if ya wanna just have 40 cannels superstar3900 if ya want to have the extra channels. plus it has the analog meter ya want.might not be the best ssb rig but for the money ya get alot of opions .just compare it to a galaxy 959 or tr-296 they dont have the extra channels. just my 2 cents worth |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2615
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 1:15 pm: |
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Best radio under 200 bucks MAG-257 |
Patzerozero
Advanced Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 794
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 11:08 pm: |
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the texas ranger 296-NOT the 696fd1, or 966. ONLY the 296. get 'em before they disappear, if they haven't stopped making 'em yet, they are to be discontinued soon. thjey mod EXACTLY like 148/xl's & i've done quite a few last few months & they scream every bit as much as my XL. the texas ranger 296 is THE ABSOLUTE BEST SSB TRUE CB still available today. |
Georgia235
Junior Member
Username: Georgia235
Post Number: 16
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 1:12 pm: |
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Thanks for that reply Pat! I have one more question though. Would it be wise to spend the extra $10 and get the Ranger 396F? I believe it's the same as the 296, just a couple of more features and a frequency counter. Or should I stick with the straight 296?
Thanks again everyone! |
1861
Intermediate Member
Username: 1861
Post Number: 215
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 3:22 pm: |
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DEFINATLEY GO WITH 296 , BESSIDES , THE 396 IS AM ONLY . I THINK IT IS SAME AS 696 WITHOUT SSB . |
Patzerozero
Advanced Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 847
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 8:18 pm: |
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1861 is correct. & the 696, while a very good radio, is NOT the same as the 296, a few of the mods are the same, but expanded freqs, open clarifier, npc-rc, along with some others are NOT the same. the receiver section IS different, & not in a good way either, the 696fd1 tends to have more white noise then the 296, & audio modifications do not produce what can be done to the 296. the 696fd1 is probably good enough for many people, but i & all 148/grant fans would prefer the 296. if you go with the better 296 & really really need a freq counter, get an external, another $50, but, hey, it's only money! |
Georgia235
Junior Member
Username: Georgia235
Post Number: 17
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 9:12 pm: |
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Thanks for that info. I see what you mean now. I had an uncle that had an old 148 GTL but evidentally he's either gotten rid of it or sold it. I asked him about it today and he said he no longer had it.
I'll go with the 296. After what you guys say, haha, I'm tempted to order a couple of them just so I'll have one... maybe use one for the truck one for the base. But don't exactly have the money for it at the moment.
Thanks for everyone's help. |
Goat373
Junior Member
Username: Goat373
Post Number: 14
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 10:12 pm: |
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i am teatering on my choice...296 or 257???...any opinions |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5948
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 11:29 pm: |
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Goat373,
No Comparison the MAGNUM 257! 
Check out the Review on the  Magunm 257 by clicking on the link below.
MAGNUM 257 MODEL
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Capt_hook
Intermediate Member
Username: Capt_hook
Post Number: 170
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 6:07 am: |
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Hmmmmmmm where can a fella get this texas ranger 296 at ??????????? |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5953
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 9:16 am: |
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Capt_hook,
Just Click on the LINK Below.
RANGER TR-296 Gold Faced AM/SSB Mobile
Hope this helps,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
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Nobodyknows
New member
Username: Nobodyknows
Post Number: 6
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 12:11 pm: |
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You'll wish you had the frequency display of a 257 or similar type radio. If you're going to do SSB then go with a radio that shows the freq you're on. |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 630
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 1:41 pm: |
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This is just one old goat's personal opinion. But they don't come any finer than those made by Uniden, (the older Cobra 148GTL, Grant LT and XL). And they are type accepted radios, of course that was when they were being made in the Philippines.
Carl CEF-357 |
Capt_hook
Intermediate Member
Username: Capt_hook
Post Number: 171
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 4:43 pm: |
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Where was this hideing I thought I looked could't find it in coppers Hmmmm (eyes going) |
Patzerozero
Advanced Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 862
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 04, 2005 - 1:03 pm: |
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believe it or not, yankee, i've done a couple NEW 148's up & have yet to have any of 'em have a problem. & those texas ranger 296's...they are THISCLOSE to the 148/XL, receive has no noticeable difference from my own XL & the last couple i've done-none of my locals could tell the difference from the 296 to my XL!
i've never used a 257...been thinking about picking 1 up do to its size, to stick in the suitcase to throw in a rental car when on vacation. can't imagine it doing the same damage in the mobile as my XL however. i bought the S9 to replace my XL in the mobile-the S9 is still in the base for playtime & the grant is still doing its thing in my truck!
GO FOR THAT TEXAS RANGER 296, capt hook! that's 1 i WILL NOT argue against! |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 633
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, June 04, 2005 - 2:59 pm: |
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Pat, Yes I understand there are other radios that come (CLOSE), but not worth near as much as the older "goodies from the Philippines". It's all in the name of Uniden, before they went to having their radios made in China. I will add this much, I have no locals where I live out here in the sticks, but the regular people I talk to can tell when my XL is on the air on LSB. It was my XL that got all the loud radio reports from last Sunday's AM and LSB CEF nets.
Carl CEF-357 |
Capt_hook
Intermediate Member
Username: Capt_hook
Post Number: 172
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 04, 2005 - 3:52 pm: |
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ok pat I'll have to squeeze the piggybank or the XYL to get one but I do need one for shure .Capt Hook |
Hollowpoint445
Intermediate Member
Username: Hollowpoint445
Post Number: 356
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2005 - 11:04 am: |
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Patzerozero - I haven't seen a new 148 in person yet, and since you've had your fingers in more than one, how do they look to you? Is the board nice and do the components look like they're placed and soldered well? Is the chassis aluminum? Do the pots feel good and solid? What's your overall impression of the build quality and the radio's performance? |
Mikefromms
Advanced Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 641
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2005 - 6:29 pm: |
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Did I hear SSB and cheapest + best? One radio stands out in the crowd...........Magnum 257.
Try it and see. I've had reports that mine sounds like a KENWOOD on SSB.
Mikefromms |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 643
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2005 - 7:11 pm: |
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After a couple of come firsts on my income are taken care of, I'll have to set up a lay-a-way account with Copper and try one of these new Magnum 257s and only because my friend Lon tells me that they are made in the Philippines, and by the way, that is where the better Unidens of the past were made.
Carl CEF-357 |
Patzerozero
Advanced Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 876
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2005 - 9:24 pm: |
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hollowpoint, i modded 1 for a trucker last year, then did texas star for him recently-he has had NO problems with 148 in a dump truck. also put channels in another 148 2 months ago. other then Q for TR, & some other labeling differences, was the same as my XL. i believe clarifier wire colors were different too. jabbing & yanking on wires & circuit board didn't seem to wreak any havoc as that 1 also continues to talk. kept in customers garage while he works on cars, it sees lots of grit, grime & sanding dust-& continues to work fine. neither have had major work, like my XL & a couple of the 296's i've done, but they do hold their own. audio quality is excellent & receives 'it's loud' comments, & 3 watt key with 12+ watt swing without major surgery.
i understand yankees' point, & i definitely have kept my eyes open for 'choice' 148 & XL's, those that are found are priced excessively, & at this point in time, 'CLOSE' is the best that can be gotten, so my recommendation goes with the texas ranger 296 first, & only because it costs more, the new 148's next.
good for the casual user, but definitely not in the class of the real 148/XL or the 296 is the 696fd1, 966, 949, 959 & the other new galaxys. avoid those whenever possible. |
Hollowpoint445
Intermediate Member
Username: Hollowpoint445
Post Number: 361
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Out of curiousity, how does the layout of the new 148 compare to the Grant LT? They both have the microphone jack on the front, and I'm suspicious enough to wonder if it's the same board layout as the LT. |
Patzerozero
Advanced Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 887
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 12:07 am: |
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don't remember, but it didn't seem odd, i didn't have to stand on my head or anything. everything i needed to get at was as accessible as any of the others i've done. |
Georgia235
Junior Member
Username: Georgia235
Post Number: 19
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 8:37 pm: |
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Sadly, most places have already sold out of the TR 296. The standard model with the black covers are all but gone. TR has discontinued productino and why?! Why do these companies quit producing what they know works the best?
Get them while you can, they're soon to be as hard to find as your 148's and Grants. |
Goat373
Junior Member
Username: Goat373
Post Number: 18
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 12, 2005 - 5:15 pm: |
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well all...im going to hold off on the 257...they had a key down in my town last yesturday and on the goodie tabe they had a president jackson (silver face with pa and not ASC)...i walked off with the radio for $80...could not beat it with a stick...guy sold it cuz the DK was too high (8watts) to drive his driver for the key and the radio didnt have a variable...got it home and opened it up and its a VIRGIN...nothing touched...the final output slug still had wax on it...yay! |
Yankee
Advanced Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 663
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 12, 2005 - 7:24 pm: |
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You mean to tell me there is more than one model of the Jackson, the ones I've seen had black front panels and were exports. And dual finals with a heatsink on the back panel, and dead key a lot more than 8 watts. |
Mikefromms
Advanced Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 651
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 11:06 am: |
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The Magnum 257 has variable wattage and can be adjusted with a know on the radio. Mine goes up to 11 watts deadkey and has loud modulation. It is even better on ssb. I would suggest going and seeing one and talking to people who own them. As for as looks, to me, if the radio had the needle meter it would be close to perfect. It does have features the other radios you mentioned do not have. It will scan. It has memory channel. It remember the frequency and the mode for that frequency. It's easy to find your way around on it too. It has up and down channel buttons on the mic. And the mic itself is a powermike which can be adjust inside and get loud.
Good luck on what you choose. There are certainly many different and good radios to choose from on copper.
mikefromms |
Goat373
Junior Member
Username: Goat373
Post Number: 19
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 6:46 pm: |
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yes...there was a silver face jackson ...it was not a dual final but had the 477 like the 2510 |
