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Message |
    
Viknguy
Junior Member
Username: Viknguy
Post Number: 10
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 1:07 am: | 
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1. When on AM I will have the squelch turned up and notice getting some strong needle movement. I then turn it down and find that the garbled noise I hear is coming from another channel (while on Ch. 17 ) I turn the selecter till I find someone coming in clear on maybe 21,14,16 or other channels. Is my radio OK?
2. Never used sideband so is this normal?
When I put it on USB or LSB my needle doesn't really move when I key up until I speak or whistle into the mic. Unlike in AM when the needle will move as soon as I key up. |
Yankee
Senior Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 1242
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 8:28 am: |
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That's the the way sideband transmit works, Sideband has no carrier like AM. Sideband only transmits when you talk. Nothing wrong with your radio. |
Coyote
Advanced Member
Username: Coyote
Post Number: 784
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 9:06 am: |
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Viknguy, yup.. sounds like all is well. SSB is a modulated carrier and requires modulation before it will transmit, unlike AM. Someone else like KV or Pat, or a great number of others on here can explain it better, but it sounds like your radio is workin' just fine. The "garbled" noise you hear while on one channel and finding the culprit on another channel is bleedover, usual caused by another radio either transmitting real close to you on another frequency, or a over modulated, over driven, over amp'd radio. Its common. Sounds like all is good with your radio and hope to hear you in there one day soon.
BTW, what kinda radio is it?
CEF-443
Middle TN Coyote
Mid-East Net Control
P.S. You should get a CEF # and join us for the Sunday Net and throughout the week.  |
Coyote
Advanced Member
Username: Coyote
Post Number: 785
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 9:08 am: |
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duh, never mind the "what kinda radio is it"..  its a Grant!  |
Therealporkchop
Advanced Member
Username: Therealporkchop
Post Number: 821
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 4:50 pm: |
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Well a certain person here praises his Grant XL. It's got me to thinking about buying one just to see what they hype is. Of course the same guy praised the S9 until I bought one of those and the Predator 10K until....yeap...bought one of those too.
Now I'm not saying the Grant XL won't be worth the effort I'll put into finding one like I've been instructed to do. But I do wonder if it'll be everything it's been made out to be? It looks like a Cobra 29 to me, I don't see much that makes it so "great".
How about besides praise and worship to the Uniden Gods, how about some people give actual testimonials about their experience with the Grant XL. |
Pyrwitner1
Junior Member
Username: Pyrwitner1
Post Number: 10
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 8:29 pm: |
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I have had Grant xl and it has had alot of mods done to it .I had it for quite a few years then sold ot to a friend when i moved here to texas.I have tried to get him to seel it back and he wont i even offered him 200 plus a new radio and he wont get off of it.He like me has had alot of people tell him that the radio sounds like the 2000 base with a d104 solid and clear.Yes it does have the md104c on it . |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 3018
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 8:33 pm: |
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%@# #&++*!, '$#@&!!! the guy listens to me on major cash outlays, but won't e*auction a radio that'll cost less then his antenna. SHEESH!  . it's not so much 'what you see' as it is 'how it performs' that makes it great. a good portion of the 70+ CEF members that have heard mine have given it  all the way! CLEAN, CLEAR, LOUD audio that is 2nd to NONE, and a receiver that can rival a dogs ears!!! and i even 10-5 messages to vanillagorilla from my mobile to his base from DX stations  .
i have to admit my mobile GOT outheard by another mobile early this evening...but painkiller had 3 antennas on his 'burban, i only had 1.... |
Yankee
Senior Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 1245
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 2:05 am: |
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Yes by gosh, the Uniden Grant XL/LT is every bit and then some the radio we all say it is.
And another yes, it is the same radio as the Cobra 2000 GTL. The only difference being that the 2000 has the big fancy case, built in power supply, clock and frequency counter, but the first model Cobra 148-GTL, Grant XL/LT uses the same basic printed circuit mother board as the Cobra 2000-GTL.
Myself, I've been there with the 2000-GTL. But I prefer to own the Uniden Grant XL for the simple fact, if need be I can put the Grant XL mobile, and it is just as good mobile as it is on the base station. Also when I run the Grant XL on the base station, it has an Astatic Silver Eagle microphone on it.
And is the radio that gets all the fantastic reports on the Sunday CEF AM and LSB nets. |
Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 1837
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 2:54 am: |
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i used to run a 2950 in my vehicle, and sold it to a local for cash to buy the 148gtl i had just won on ebay.
as far as TX audio goes, i was really happy with the way my 2950 sounded with the D104m6B.
very clean, very clear.
i hated the receiver.
while driving down the road, i had to turn up the volume quite a bit to hear stations coming in over the road noise etc.
when no one was talking, i had a constant SHHHHHH sound that i had to put up with to be able to copy anyone that came on channel.
that got very annoying, and actually fatigued my ears.
with the 148, i can drive down the freeway and forget the radio is even on until someone comes in.
honestly, ive caught myself looking at the meter because i thought i had the squelch turned up.
and when its all quiet, the receiver noise is pleasant to listen to. no baps or zaps, just smooth "airy" sounding receive.
i could listen to it all day.
as for transmit, i think both my radios sounded great, and thats because they were set up that way by me, for the way i like to run my radio.
it seems to me that the way your transmitted audio sounds is sort of like a signature, and is a matter of personal taste.
some like echo, some dont.
some like to be way too loud, some dont.
no one prefers a noisy receiver.
so, to me, i can make ANY radio into a talker, but the same cant be said for the receiver.
(BTW, both the 2950 and the 148 had the 2SC2999 mod done to them)
that is why i like this chassis, and i may operated other radios from time to time, but my MB8719's will never get sold or traded, and will always be in tip top working order because they are my "daily driver".
good night, and good luck,
matt |
Therealporkchop
Advanced Member
Username: Therealporkchop
Post Number: 822
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 10:44 am: |
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I couldn't hardly read the post above yours Pat, cause I couldn't keep from laughing. I knew I could get you wound up, you know I just like to be sure. How long did it take until I broke down and bought that S9?
I don't see where I can get one for less than my 10K was? How about show me where and I'll lay the smack down on it. It's hard to come across the ones you listed...not having any luck. How about you come off one of your "stashes".... |
Yankee
Senior Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 1246
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 1:27 pm: |
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Pat has so many 148s, Grants and even a new in the box Sherman. Plus a few other names in his stash, but will not come off any of them.
I've already tried to talk him out of one to keep in the mobile.
Yes, I can buy a new in the box Sherman, but not so sure it's the same quality and workmanship as the Grant XL/LT, or early model 148 GTL. I've heard that the Sherman is much the same as the rest of the 148/GrantXL/LT clones. |
Hollowpoint445
Senior Member
Username: Hollowpoint445
Post Number: 1277
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 6:47 pm: |
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In response to question #1 - What you are hearing is generally called "bleedover" by most CBers, but it's probably just strong signal overload of the receiver if the originating signal is more than a couple of channels away.
The Grant is one of the best CBs in it's ability to deal with this kind of interference, but it's not an HF rig and still has this problem from time to time.
There are a couple of things you can do to combat the problem. First and easiest is to turn down the RF gain. Now I know that most folks never touch this knob, but it's the most useful control on the radio if you live in a crowded radio area. This reduces the amount of signal sent to the receiver and allows the filtering built into the Grant to filter the adjacent channels rather than be driven to the point of overload where everything passes through. If turning down the RF gain doesn't solve the problem, then you probably are experiencing splatter from another channel, and you really can't do much except to change frequency.
Splatter is actually an additional sideband created by someone modulating over 100% on a nearby frequency. Because it's actually on your receiver's frequency, you can't filter it out with a tighter filter. DSP can work, but it's pricey for CB.
The second thing you can do is install a Channel Guard filter. This will work wonders for strong signal overload interference, but won't help with splatter. |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 3029
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 10:25 pm: |
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finding a NIB XL/LT/TR296 is what you would prefer. i've had NO problems with ANY shermans OR  china-made 148's. be careful buying NIB 148's from auction as they could be mmb8719 or 8734. mb8719 or rci8719 is what you're looking for. haven't i TOLD you this, what, 25 times?????. the 296's are the same quality as the xl & lt's. i haven't seen any NIB that were not outrageously priced lately, or else i couldn't be present at end of auction. if i was certain the seller was honest about it being NIB, i'd pay the price for what it cost when it WAS new. used ones allegedly untouched, i'll pay less then 1/2 that price, have only gotten 1 that was butchered, but more then enough parts out of it. i'm still looking for a NIB for a steal for you, carl, guess i'll have to look for 'chop now, too. just run an extra load of dirt & you're good to go
hollow & KV are right. for a $150 radio, they are awesome. they'll cover 26.815-28.085, slide 5-20kc's depending on mod, +,- or both 10kc switch, all kinds of rcv & xmit mods that REALLY do improve the way it works! i've had 1 that had the SP1a set up by 'bob', designer of the topgun & processor from the ar3500's....it was BAAADDDDDD . shoulda kept it. |
Coyote
Advanced Member
Username: Coyote
Post Number: 793
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 9:21 am: |
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Shoulda kept it??!! You mean you got rid of one?! |
Yankee
Senior Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 1248
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 10:56 am: |
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I'm not really looking for a "NIB" Grant-XL.
Carl CEF-357 |
Therealporkchop
Advanced Member
Username: Therealporkchop
Post Number: 824
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 1:40 pm: |
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Yes you have told me 25 or more times...finding it has been the problem. Looks like if we were friends and all that, you'd sell me one of the ones you having laying around in the floor of your shack.
I see how it is...knock on a little fatboy day is it?
I bet Pat also has a Galaxy 95T he's keeping secret...probably what he's been talking on to Vanilla the whole time he's been claiming that XL made the trip (haha...I couldn't resist buddy...sorry). |
Yankee
Senior Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 1249
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 1:43 pm: |
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Hi Pat,
I see you read my email, so now you know what I'm hunting.
Carl CEF-357 |
Im4jc
Intermediate Member
Username: Im4jc
Post Number: 151
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 3:16 pm: |
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Well, Pat's online ravings encouraged me to get a Grant too, and I'm glad I did. I found one NIB at a truckstop. As matter of fact, I liked the first one so much, I found another NIB Grant LT right of the shelf in a truckstop that's never been touched, still in plastic, still has the plastic protective cover on the faceplate. It's probably never going to be touched either...I just like looking at the box knowing it's in there while I'm using the other one, lol. |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 3032
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 4:53 pm: |
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i'm searchin' |
Keithinatlanta
Advanced Member
Username: Keithinatlanta
Post Number: 767
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 5:42 pm: |
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Uniden Grant XL? The BEST cb radio I have ever had!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do not run the exports, so I cannot compare with them. But I have used a lot of radios in my 33 years in cb. And I currently run a Grant XL. Ask Lon, I have talked to him many a time, and always on the Grant XL. It is one great radio. Great receive, and yes use that RF Gain knob to knock out some of the background noise! The transmission is always CLEAR. I look and listen for clear sounding radios. It is very hard to understand someone who is overmodulated because their radio is loud. I do not care if it is loud, but make it clear.
Now: the Uniden Grant XL is really a great radio.
The one I am currently talking on, I do not take on the road with me during business travels anymore. I do not want to take chance someone would steal it. that is how good it is.
But remember one thing here guys: regardless of the radio, how well it will perform depends on who did your tuning for you to make sure radio is right.
Thanks. 
Keith in Atlanta
CEF 150 |
Therealporkchop
Advanced Member
Username: Therealporkchop
Post Number: 826
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 9:13 pm: |
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I've been thinking about the 'theft' thing of radios, got it solved...
Bolt the bracket to the metal in the dash and use loc-tite. Then put it on the thumb screws that go into the side of the radio OR replace them with regular bolts and then put the 'tite' on them. That way it'll take a air wrench to get them back out, or atleast a good arm and a socket & rachet.
HEY...it's a good solution to the theft problem! If you radio is 'right', then removal shouldn't be an issue for quite some time. And especially if the Grant is so good, you for sure wouldn't need to worry about removing it...right?
Thankfully I don't have that worry...have enough of all the others without worrying about some butt-monkey stealing my radio. That would really tick me off. |
Mrbigshot
Member
Username: Mrbigshot
Post Number: 70
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 9:45 pm: |
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i had a nib philly grant xl i just finally put to use, ive always been partial to the 148's looks and the grants quality. there a solid time tested design super quiet front end on them so they do not create a lot of hash to listen to (unlike the 2950 in the truck), better cross channel rejection and parts quality than my old s9. the only thing i wish it had was a frequency counter like the 148f. its a sad day and age when im the different one using an actual cb on 11 meters and not an export like most of the country. |
Yankee
Senior Member
Username: Yankee
Post Number: 1254
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 11:07 pm: |
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Mrbigshot, Many of us still use 148s, and Grant XL/LTs, on base as well as mobile.
Simply because they are that good, and have super quiet receive and filtering for the mobile. |
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