Commonly asked question: running an amplifier with a new/stock radio.

[@Rooster_Radio]

I will be posting a part 2 to this video demonstrating the use of a stock radio with an amplifier along with a "modified" radio. Thankyou everyone.

[@woodchuck8197]

What a difference each radio makes…

[@woodchuck8197]

It’s almost a must when using an amp you should have a (dial a watt) put into the radio . I can’t give out to many secrets but that should be number 1 tho . If you ain’t got no swing you ain’t got no thang

[@miker8379]

Part 2 would be good showing the difference.

[@rocklickranch2804]

The problem around here is finding a good tech to mod the radio. Thanks Rooster

[@claykemple3227]

Awesome video Rooster. Very informative! Like you said, a lot of people know this but a lot of people don’t as well!

[@Nikkymomo]

Hey Rooster, thanks for the info. been watching many of your videos and although I am very familiar with the operations of radio, I will humbly admit that I still learn things that are necessary for a good and healthy operation of my radio. Thanks so much

[@jeffreymcgowan8187]

Great Info. Would love to see a "how to" video on how an individual can modifiy there own radio so we do the right thing running an amp with the right radio setup. Good stuff here.

[@Mike-bt8ct]

Good video you hit nail on the head! Thanks for what you do!👍

[@anthonyeack2510]

Finally ! Broken down simple so even I can understand Thank You

[@Rooster_Radio]

Glad I was able to help. Thankyou

[@justinruth9729]

Thanks rooster for what u do for the hobby and the new guy,glad to see anither operator trying to help ...73s from justin 9lb hammwr Oklahoma voice

[@terryclark9603]

Good info. Will tell people to look this video up .you hit the nail on the head. Ironman in Alabama 73s.

[@Mike-Sharkey]

Thanks a lot friend. Exactly the information I was looking for.

[@Maine307]

2 yrs later ..this video should be pinned to the top of your channel.. it will truly help them decide the right way to go.. its like no one wants to say this part to us noobs.. when this is the most basic important information

[@paulgowing7821]

Thanks Rooster something I have always wondered now I have food for thought and you've probably saved me a lot in repair bills.🤔😄🇬🇧

[@larryhansen5705]

Thanks for your great videos. Always learning something and waiting to learn more.

[@bobmcnelis3648]

I learned something new today! Hell, I’d be happy with the 25 watts! I can never find anyone in my area to mod it.

[@djc7039]

I just bought a new radio on Amazon and free shipped to get the mods so I only pay freight to get it home.

[@RadioRich100]

@@djc7039 Just buy a 25 watt linear done

[@holmesd5003]

Thanks for the video, I really want to get into this CB world, loved these as a kid. I have a stock Cobra 29 and was considering an amp. Glad I ran across this video, even though you might of well have been speaking another language I still got the gist..lol

[@tractorman1990]

Thanks for what you do for the hobby. I can tell you care and aren’t here to rip people off

[@Rooster_Radio]

Thankyou for the kind words

[@mathewsieker7092]

Actually thank you rooster Tennessee that's very helpful because I bought one of those Italy games for about a hundred wattthat explains why my modified cover 140 GTL for my other amp works better than all the other radios on that amp pl203 hundred what very helpful video thank you from 172 out here in Arizona

[@Scorpion-gf3ek]

Great video. Thanks for educating us about this

[@michaelkirkwood3316]

I really appreciate your time and explain and may have to watch the video a couple times thanks again

[@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee]

Good info , especially about the swing mod getting to full power even with the variable power deadkey set to a minimum. I knew that but totally forgot . You learn or remember something new all the time

[@czarofscience8079]

I was just about to waste $50 on a linear amp and hook it up to a bone-stock Midland. Now I know I need to hook it up to the hot-rod Franken-Cobra. Thanks, Rooster.

[@mrdx777]

Just FYI from personal experience, I had the 503HD and now have the 703. I am running a Galaxy 93T into it. When I set the deadkey at 1 or 2 watts the amps did not perform well. It caused the swr to go sky high. When I turned the deadkey up to 4 watts, the swr dropped to a out 1.1:1. Not sure if anyone else has had this issue, but I did. After truning the deadkey up it they both work awesome. I drove the 503HD with a out 30 watts of swing and it was perfect. I drive the 703 with a out 50 watts, and it works flawlessly. It does a solid 500 watts, and never even gets warm.

[@whitetiger8652]

I have a question for you since you have a 93T, I have one as well and used it in an 18 wheeler suddenly it would shut off and if i pushed down on the top of the case it would play again, any idea what is going on or do you know some one that does? I was thinking bad solder joint or crack in the board. I currently use it for a base at home and it's OK. Confused. Thanks. I also had a Galaxy 929 that did the same thing. I don't know where to look. sent it away a couple times but no luck.

[@ohioan7536]

I learned something from this. Thank you

[@mikestone9129]

This was a great video. There's a lot of people just getting into radios right now that don't know squat about them. Videos like this are really helpful and may just keep a lot of people from destroying radios, amps etc. You should do a whole series of these kind of "how to" videos. Especially concerning amps. 73's;169 South Texas

[@robcole332]

Definitely helped me brother. Thanks

[@kq4ccm_kevin]

Where are you located? Love to visit SilverTone

[@mcdonald1743]

I have a uniden pc68xl i bought peaked and tuned. I think its 60 watts. I have a 250 rocketbox. Is that combination workable? Curious to know anyones input.

[@whitetiger8652]

Thanks! Great information.

[@countryfriedgamer15o]

Just my opinion and experience with what I use, I realized early on that the dead key needs to be lowered to not overdrive amplifiers. I personally didn't feel comfortable with someone tinkering on the inside of my radio so I started looking for radios with variable rf power. There's not a lot that do but there are a few. Given that even the ones that do don't have a lot of swing. Personally i'm ok with that but if you want more than you'll have to pay more to have someone modify your radio or buy one that's modified. I'd rather not take that chance of sounding horrible over the air and accept that the amp isn't being used to it's full potential. I personally run a president Walker 2 that has variable rf power, I can turn it down to 1 or 2 watts deadkey completely stock. It obviously doesn't swing much but it depends what you want to get out of it. I'm satisfied with lower output and good modulation so it works well for me. I've heard some galaxies have variable rf power as well but as a stock radio your choices are limited. Just throwing that out there in case there's a few folks like me who want to run a little extra at minimal cost but aren't bothered by the fact that you wont see full potential from the amplifier.

[@dobermanguy9437]

I agree with you 100% I rather drive to 2 or 4 watts into a amp and not overdrive it my 4 pill amp is over 4 years old never had a problem with it it sounds crystal clear and it never burnt up because I never put too much power into it and I'm very happy with that I have seen too many guys driving 20 W 15 watts into amps and end up burning them up in my opinion it's much safer to drive a small amp with 2 or 3 watts And be safe not to overdrive it

[@stevesmith8053]

That's right because the factory goes by what the FCC standards you have to open the radio up to get swing on a amp but don't over do it

[@thatfonkyhonky336]

in my experience, the amps built with ERF9530 like rocketbox type amps dont have the same gain curve. i believe it's because of the high gate capacitance, but for some reason every dual mosfet ERF9530 i've homebrewed (with zero input attenuation resistors), and the rocketbox hd250's i've seen suppresses the DK on the output.

[@hannahnicloelovesu]

Thank you for info I trying to get back to CB. I got out in late 90s I know that mods had to run big amplifiers Thank you for clearing up my answer about little amps ( Like RM italy )

[@franciscolopez3229]

Are you trying say, that if I turn down my deadkey on 29 classic to 2 watts without any modifications I wouldn't be able to get the best output on my KL300P ? I really do hope for a reply this time coz you guys are the experts and we need some help.

[@Southalabamaoutdoors]

You can't turn down the dead key on a stock 29 without any modifications to the radio..you have no place to turn the dead key down without going in the radio putting a variable dead key in it.

[@stevegordon2869]

I run a new Uniden 980ssb unmodified into tc300 with switch on amp on high drive position. Radio dead keys about 3 watts out of box. Runs 40 watt dead key through amp. Gets good reports works really well on sideban.

[@iamgriff]

I’m glad I found this video. I almost bought a amp for my Uniden PC78 radio. I think I’ll just buy a better radio

[@AdamCadabbra]

Okay. I don't understand any more than I did before watching the video. Is there a video for a layperson someone would recommend?

[@2tenaquatics]

Thanks for making this video. I was already thinking along the same path. I am a noob enthusiast running a mobile Bearcat 980. My antenna is a Browning BR-91-BL 15,000 watt. I am digging the SSB but I am unable to be heard by the operators I am receiving. My buddy handed me a KL503. The radio is out of the box stock. Any advice on this possible setup? I do not want to blow an amp or my radio lol!

[@RandyMan696]

THANK YOU!

[@howardmiller4241]

Does it matter on distance between the radio and amp ? Do I have to mount the amp really close to the radio?

[@bblod4896]

Good information Rooster. 👍

[@carlsmith8850]

I just bought a 35 Watt FM AM 70w SSB HF 10/ 11 meters radio linear amplifier burner KL60 with the idea to run it off of my Uniden PC78LTX. Did I buy the wrong amp?

[@franciscolopez3229]

Rooster, do you have an email that I can drop some question to? I'm planning on buyin' either a kl203 or kl300 for my stock from the box 29 classic, problem is we don't have techs here in the Philippines like you there in the U.S.

[@dobermanguy9437]

I have used stock radios that dead key at 4 watts. In a 2 pill amp they work fine I could care less if I give up a little bit of forward swing I can see on a bird meter with the amp on I am putting out more power in my opinion you're safe when you put 3 or 4 watts into a amp then say 20 I never said I was an expert but the guy at my CB shop said it's better for the amp to drive it with less watts then more watts some amps even tell you on the back do not drive with more than three or four watts in my opinion if you want more power just get a bigger amp let's keep the golden screwdriver out of the radio just my opinion interesting video by the way

[@Rooster_Radio]

Two pill what 2879?

[@dobermanguy9437]

@@Rooster_Radio pretty sure Toshiba two pills 2879

[@Rooster_Radio]

@@dobermanguy9437 4 watts would be ok on 2 pill 2879, but I believe you acknowledged this in your comment, with a stock 12 watt peak radio you would be severely under driving the amp, because a 2 pill 2879 can easily take 40-50 watts peak, and in some cases more. So in that case the difference between seeing 200 watts peak out of an amp and 400 +/-. A lot of people don't care, but then again a lot of people want to get the most they can without damaging something

[@dobermanguy9437]

@@Rooster_Radio true that

[@seanfoley7097]

After I have set the SWR with the amplifier either on Bypass or off can I run on autotuner between the amp and the antenna with the amp running

[@johnathanjones9954]

Hey rooster I have a Royce Base needs some work finals I think is bad and a swing kit can you help me and how much Royce 1-621

[@cbradiomatrix]

Great knowledge thank you

[@TheRockStar129]

Just received my dads magnum s-3 with Texas star dx667v, I have no clue what I have or how to set it back up to get it to work like he had it. (He’s dead or I would have him help me. So I have to learn this stuff the hard way) I live in tn, and can’t seem to find any cb shops or anyone who willing to break this down for a first timer.

[@philbradley5599]

A Stryker does a bit more than 35pep. Lol

[@chadrides914]

My 447hpc2 does exactly 35 pep

[@jgmopar]

I thought the max for a cb was 4 watts? Are amps ok or not ok. I had an amp years ago but i was told to get rid of it or i would run into trouble. So i have a radio tuned for and amp but I have no amp. I didn't want to find out what kind of trouble was involved Didn't want the three letter guys coming after me.

[@Rooster_Radio]

Such a scary story.

[@jgmopar]

@@Rooster_Radio So are they legit, or no? If so I want to get another one to talk skip. I used to be able to talk skip really good when I had my amp but now, I just get to talk local. I can't get through all the loud radios. The old guy at the Cb shop in the 90's scared me so u never got another one.

[@Countryclassics101]

Ok thanks. I’m setting up a mobile. I have a new president bill fcc and I’ll turn it down to 2 watt. I also have a new kl-200 amp to hook up to it. Will it not make a difference? I just want a little extra. Thanks.

[@Countryclassics101]

Comment???

[@Countryclassics101]

I have it hooked up now and seems to be working fine. I need to hook everything up to the battery on car and not two cigarette lighter holes but I think it works fine. Hear a lot more and talk a lot farther with someone else with power

[@vrviktor55]

thanks you for your info. I got brand new galaxy 959G i want hook up aplifier.

[@thomascook5650]

Rooster how do I contact you

[@balthromaw6305]

Hello Rooster from Tennessee as well , 73's Best wishes from 919TN

[@RadioRich100]

Why do you need "swing" on AM in the first place? Just use sideband.

[@Rooster_Radio]

@@RadioRich100 that's really a mud duck sort of question. But look no further than comparing an HF rig on AM that is maybe 50% modulated, vs something like a Stryker or Ranger that's anywhere from 100-200% modulated. The HF rig won't stand a change unless you're on ssb

[@nathangunnels8624]

Good information

[@paulshamblin6260]

I like to smell the amp working 😆😆😆

[@Rooster_Radio]

@@paulshamblin6260 🤣

[@paulshamblin6260]

@Rooster_Radio are you still in Greenville?

[@Rooster_Radio]

@paulshamblin6260 never have been

[@paulshamblin6260]

@@Rooster_Radio where's the shop?

[@2148aa]

If FM ever gains traction. PEP will be replaced by Frequency Modulation bandwidth overswing.

[@gjm8461]

I never hear anything on FM

[@2148aa]

​@@gjm8461 I've got a President Ronald converted to CB with the subchannels. The international FM calling Frequency Band C channel 23. 26.805 MHz there has been FM activity. Normal CB is going nuts. You will find activity On 26.805 MHz if you pick your battles. With 40 watts out even I have made contacts from Cancun, Montreal, and Florida. People swear they are running 10 watts and doing better then me. If you are willing to play and spend the money and tune your antenna their is activity. The 13 year sunspot cycle will end in about a year and a half and things will become quiet again. Worth the time and money. I can't say. Though the subchannels will let you play with less power then regular CB AM/FM/sideband. I refuse to invest in any more equipment. and the other thing I have learned. Everybody lies how little power they are running.

[@martybennett9876]

A stock radio does work with a 203

[@Rooster_Radio]

Sure if you want barely any forward modulation 50% or less

[@Rooster_Radio]

A car will drive with a spare tire

[@rickwood6357]

I absolutely have no idea what you just said.

[@Rooster_Radio]

Sounds like an opeeator error

[@JackEpperley-ly2lx]

Good video to keep everyone in the know..top of the day.. weedkiller in the buckeye

[@johnjones9642]

That's why I seen smoke?🤔

[@THESHADOW97139]

In the cb ?? Yes ....

[@J20ginger]

Great vid rooster once again 73 639 🇨🇦

[@TAKEONEURBANPRODUCTION]

Should get your ticket legally run up to 1kw..

[@Rooster_Radio]

Yea... That's why I see so many hams running 3cx3000, 3cx5000, 3cx10,000, dual 4-1000 amps right? So they can run 1500 watts?

[@TAKEONEURBANPRODUCTION]

@@Rooster_Radio WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT RUN MORE THAN 600 WATT? YOU CAN DO JUST FINE WITH 50 WATTS . LEGALLY YOU CAN RUN 1K WITH TICKET AND I DONT KNOW ANY HAMS AROUND ME RUN MORE THAN THE LEGAL LIMIT.

[@dp97303]

i have the Uniden pc 68 LTX id like to get it set up to 12 mile range or better

[@Rooster_Radio]

Start with the best antenna you can afford