Alinco DR-135 or CRT SS6900N Radio. Which is best ?

A recent price drop on the Alinco DR-135 has brought it very close to the popular CRT SS6900N. I went on the radio and asked two different breakers their thoughts as they own both radios. Both are reprogrammable 10 meter radios which can work very well on 11 meters CB although neither are not type approved for transmit.

[@julianrobertson3303]

Hello Fred . I've purchased the Alinco DX-10 , I'm not sure what the differences is between the DR-135 & the DX-10 ?. The pro's ,the DX-10 to a certain extent the radio appears to be a solid built radio with solid rotary controls & it's made in Japan . I've had very good signal reports on the Alinco DX -10 , it sends out a very pure frequency signal with very clear audio quality despite the EMS-70 mic , perhaps the mic module is different to the M-6 ? , non the less it sounds good , from my comparison test more pure audio frequency then my CRT SS7900V , though I didn't try it against the CRT 6900N, I should of done really . I don't mind the modest 8 to 25 watts output hence the signal is pure . I was surprised with the Alinco DX-10 compact size , it's DIN size offers space saving on mobile application , it's about the same size as my President MC Kinley . The con's , I didn't like the way all 8 function push buttons to the left of the radio moved about , each time a button was pressed all 8 would show slight simultaneous movement , I guess it's a design floor , I overcome this problem by placing silicone grease filling the gaps on each push button , now all 8 push buttons are secure & no longer simultaneously move . Also the front transparent display can mark easily so great care should be taken when wiping clean the frequency display , I've also heard online form 2 sources that the channel dial despite it's solid feel is fragile & can break easily . Overall it's a nice radio & it's a nice edition to my collection , I do have the CRT 6900N , given the choice out of the two I would go for the CRT 6900N , it's a larger radio with more power for around the same price as the Alinco DX-10 . I hope that the above has been of some help. All the best Julian .

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thank you for the detailed comparison. I think they just re named the radio.

[@julianrobertson3303]

I have decided to keep the Alinco DX- 10 as I have sorted out the little glitches by computer , it's all 100% perfect now , the program lead from the CRT 9900 also works on the Alinco DX-10.@@CB-RADIO-UK

[@1_ledgend]

Hi Fred.just looking at this video again. I had the 6900 and thought it was pretty good. Until kpo5000 dx came out.thats blown me away. The noise reduction chip is awesome. Although I only have about signal 2 of qrm. The kpo when switched on gets rid of all of it. No static whatsoever. I did my homework on it before I bought one.the Simon the wizard video convinced me. Even the mike is good. So it's a big thumbs up from me.thanks for your videos. 73s

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Tony thanks for the heads up on the KPO 5000

[@1_ledgend]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGkiKyin9qKfq8

[@SentinelOneLove]

Great content.. 👍🏿 Great to see there's still people out there doing a hobby I enjoyed in my younger years and your videos are helping me ease back in .. Just picked up a 6900N due to your advice after a 30 year absence from CB'ing . Im yet to get myself up and running as I still need a power supply and an aerial . What would you consider to be a good choice of power supply and aerial ? ( thinking about putting the antenna in the loft ) .. Keep up the good work 👏🏽

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Good choice on the 6900. I did a series of videos which cover setting up with power supplies etc i will link you at the end. If at all possible try to put an antenna outside as you will get less noise and greater range. I did make a loft antenna which did work ok. Loft antenna. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3TWmIanrL2br6M PSU kzbin.info/www/bejne/p37FZWmHi56Xh6M

[@SentinelOneLove]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Thanks for getting back to me .. Will have to have a look into getting hold of a power supply and putting an antenna up on the outside of the bungalow just don't want it too look too out of place being in a built up area. 👍🏾

[@haridass740]

pls camperision on indian market campetetion on codan aus ,barret aus

[@hfvhf987]

Why did you turn the power down, Fred?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Not sure i follow Mark. I was riding the the RF gain and vol control ?

[@hfvhf987]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Sorry, i was referring to when you said you turned the TX power down inside the radio itself.

[@whojamafip]

I own both of these radios, alinco in the pick up because its din size(fits nice in the spare slot).6900 for homebase.both cracking radios had good reports on both,only downfall is the clicky clarifier they have!

[@4444panther]

Those two microphones you mention as a replacement for the 6900n are not all they are cracked up to be and pale in comparison to the pistol grip sharpshooter power microphone.. the sharpshooter is vastly superior on the outgoing audio and the clarity is phenomenal, they also make any radio sound like a high end HF set, the sharpshooter also sold by knights in gold, silver and black colours should be the one people should purchase, i think personally it hasn't got as much recognition because people just go for what others use and recommend, and on a serious note if people did their research and try it out the sharpshooter would be the winner by miles.

[@stevemanson9635]

I'm using a an old 80s power mic with good success but have thought about that one a few times ...might give it a whirl

[@4444panther]

@@stevemanson9635 ahh yes 80's microphones, that's when quality was manufactured, i still use my turner expander 500 and my leson dt251 two of the best ever base station mics made from that era..

[@26DR715]

I have a 135 which i had installed in the car loved it did sell it but bought one again recently, that reason i got the 135 is it is a dash size radio. Good performer

[@907mrchris1]

I've just found my uniden 2830 gona give it a blast

[@benpatsy2076]

I drilled out the little hole where the insert is. It lets in more audio. Drilled out to 3 mm.

[@the11metersd.x.channel.55]

I own the earlier CRE 8900 ..Internally the radios are pretty much identical. The main difference is the Alinco is designed for a in dash installation , being Din sized.. Mine came supplied with a standard bracket. And a din sleeve for a flush install in a car dash.. I totally agree the stock microphones are pants.. Also out of the box they tend to be a fair bit off frequency.. Nice upload Fred. 73s.. 153AT888

[@richardmillican7733]

Well Fred, when I decided (pre lockdown) to get back into cb, I watched your videos, and shortlisted the 6900 and the 135. I bought the 135 for 2 reasons.... 1. You don't need to open it up to program it, and 2. It looks that little bit more modern. Great radio, paid £169 including the programming cable... then in lockdown the prices shot up, and they rapidly went out of stock! I think I chose the right radio.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes i recon you did well on the price. Since they renamed it the DX10 the price has gone up.

[@richardmillican7733]

@@CB-RADIO-UK The DX 10, I think is to accommodate ham sales... 10 as in the meter band? But let's be honest, the manufacturers know damn well that the majority are gonna be used in the 11 meter band by unlicensed hobbyists like ourselves!! (And many a licensed ham too) Your comments in this video regarding HF sets like your 450D... To imblemish... Why would a ham buy a "CB" for 10 metre use? It's a good marketing ploy by Alinco!

[@2E0LMI]

Been running a 6900n for the past few months with stock mic. Removed the sock, as per your tip from other vids. Mic gain set at 57, so just off of max. PSU voltage set at 12.2V so not to overdrive it (tip from someone relating to other model transceivers), and it's done great. Been congratulated on audio quality all over Europe on 11m, and with the RF power wound down to 10W or less have had the same congrats over Europe on 10m. For the price, I couldn't be more happy with it :)

[@VictorVictor-hq7ui]

Maybe they sell these with a cheap mic, because they know the people that buy these radios will upgrade to their personal choice of mic?

[@VOLKZZORN]

I have to say the CRT 6900 broke for the third time, always something different, it then flew in the garbage then I got the Alinco DX 135 or DX10 and no problems modulation top, unlike the CRT, the quality of the workmanship from the Alinco top is not so the bulky housing of the CRT where there is no space in the car, in contrast to the Alinco top dimensions and, as I said, top receiver 👍🏻

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

They both seem to be great radios from what I have heard. It's a difficult decision.

[@julianrobertson3303]

Thank you for sharing the Mic information Fred , I have the CRT6900 , I was wondering if I can purchase a proper homebase mic & have the mic converted to work with the 6900 ?.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Knights CB normally wire the plug of your choice to any mic free of charge.

[@julianrobertson3303]

Thank you , that's worth knowing .@@CB-RADIO-UK

[@mark2035]

Great video again Fred. Have both these radios. Cant decide between either. Think they are both as good as each other. The 6900 has better speaker sound and the Alinco is more expensive. Very good radios though.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Having had the 6900 (which works great) i would personally give the Alinco a try.

[@jamalelkilay2830]

good morning sorry I wanted information for radio Cb which good. alinco or crt thank you very much?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

There is not much between them. These days i would prob go for the Alinco.

[@jamalelkilay2830]

@@CB-RADIO-UK grazie mille 👍

[@BravoBravo-ct7yg]

Hi Fred, I have a Anytone-5555 with a 532 k-po mic and I also have a Alinco dx 10 for my car and really pleased with the dx 10 nice compact radio works well and doesn't get hot like the Anytone. Enjoyed the vid.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Great to hear!

[@kevinmccool3719]

Alinco dx10, dx135,CRE 8900 or it's various model numbers are NOT made by Alinco. They are all made by the same company that makes the at5555, at6666, crt6900, crt9900, superstar variants etc and on and on. All from China. Have seen countless names on the at5555 models. All seem to be good well made but you can get a dud occasionally. I have the alinco dx10 and the cre8900, exact same radio. Cheap microphone and ssb frequency alignment is tricky if it's outside the menu adjustment capabilities. The ssb frequency stability is great however. I use a 4 pin microphone with the adapter and it works great on am and ssb. Want to try the Anytone at6666 soon as I've heard it's a good. performer.

[@daienaa]

Hello can you show about power supply choices

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Have a video just on PSU's coming after christmas.

[@zukispur5493]

Alinco DX 10 all day long for me. The reason I got one instead of the 6900 is because the dx10 is less common🌚. The mic on it EMS-70 Is a cracking little mic, I've never had a bad audio report (don't change it) I'm the bloke with the silver rod (1.1 SWR) above a tower block roof (broad water farm estate TOTTENHAM) "height really is might. 73s brothers

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Ian. Iam sure we have chatted on air.

[@zukispur5493]

@@CB-RADIO-UK we certainly have bruva Fred. Happy Sunday mate

[@WhoAmi-kt1qb]

I just got the dx10 for £100 had no mic or programing cable waiting for a k.po coz the mic I wired up at the moment is really bad apart from that rig seems to work fine

[@jamalelkilay2830]

👍👍👍👍

[@christophersmith1155]

also not aproved in the usa for cb use. the 6666 is very popular here. the stryker 955hpc is super popular. great for ssb.

[@raytowler2286]

Agree with you on the 955 by Stryker, always a stable and great performance. I use the Astatic M-575 on it with low gain & mid tone, always get nice reports.

[@n.g.gardenservicesessex1714]

What's best Crt 6900 or Crt 9900. ?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

See my latest video for more.

[@gregestee9099]

Thanks Fred. Great videos. I have not had the opportunity to try the 6900. I would just like to mention the Stryker 955. In my opinion the 955 is a home run dynamite radio. Take Care all. 653 radio Canada. 73s

[@T.M.G2014]

I had the 6900 and the cre8900 older version, I preferred the 8900 even tho it had lower power , it did have a front facing mic socket and like the 9900 could change the colour on the readout hand at night for older eyes lol but yeah the 8900 for me ps I put a president Johnson 2 mic on mine it made all the difference

[@canttelthetime]

The 6900 is the worst radio in the world, channel switch only works when it wants to, roger beep turns itself on and off by itself, radio runs hotter than the surface of the sun etc etc

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

If you think a 6900 runs hot then try a 9900 :-)

[@altubury]

Thanks Fres for making it all simple for us. I am getting well into it, I have a CRT 6900N and a 1/2 Silver Rod. I am getting some good contacts and have even listened in to some of you 27305 chats! I would love to get a signal check from you? Didnt have the guts to interupt you today as there seems to be some pretty exclusive groups and I dont seem yo be able to get into any, can you help me out??? 73s for now.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Dan. Where are you roughly based. The easiest group to get into is Pukka's early 305 but it really is early at 5.30- 6.30am. If iam on i will give you a shout out after 4pm today. Hope to catch you.

[@chilledoutpaul]

Hi i have just purchased a Alinco 135 but i havent got it yet, its in the post. I have got a sigma venom silver rod 1/2 wave antenna. Anyway when i am all set up i will give you all a shout, Ho also i live in Edmonton N9 close to Edmonton Green. I have taken a note of your frequency (got to think of a new handle now lol) Paul .

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Paul. A lot of stations on around North London. Listen out for Jake's crew on channel 35 FM.

[@manclubandorra]

Very good video, can you explain it to me what is this function that appears in the menu? .. I put the description of the manual Alinco (12) TON (Transmitting Single-Tone Frequency) This menu is to select Transmitting Single- Tone Frequency from 300Hz -3kHz. The shift step is 10Hz. Default: 1050Hz Greetings from Andorra.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

It looks like the radio will transmit a tone instead of audio. Maybe for testing purpose. Not sure.

[@DickieBird888]

Just purchased the McKinley and very impressed.... No frequency drift even from cold and standard mic on par with any power mic... £200 from PJ...great value..

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Heard good things on the Mckinley.

[@shogunsigns]

Hi Fred, I’ve just seen on Knights there’s a new version of the 6900 being released at the end of the month. I’m interested to see what the difference is, I wonder if a better clarifier knob is on the cards.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes a smooth clarify would be nice but i doubt it.

[@andycartwright8023]

Just bought alinoc 135 DX how do you adjust the out put power

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Not 100% on the 135 but its the outer pot on the 2nd rotor control on the 6900

[@sweeneyTodd-de4by]

Hi Fred the 6900 ate they easy to set up, what power supply do I need please?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

A 10 -15 amp supply would be plenty.

[@johnhall3827]

if you get a ham foundation license will that make it a legal set to use?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes you can run it on 10m on QRP 10 watts.

[@stephengunrunnerhanson3550]

i have two 6900 and a 8900 the 6900ns is nearly 10 year old and they work great and channel selector is great never had any problems at and had a anytone 5555 , give to my young bro and its still going they all had power mikes and no chan change so they all work well

[@MM0IMC]

Does the Alinco's 10kc shift button still move you up 20kc?

[@lmachugh1810]

I have a cre 8900 another version and it is rubbish. The receiver is very poor. I use ssb mostly

[@markhannam7144]

Can we please not call it CB but 10 metre radio, my wife loves to rib me in front of friends saying my husband uses the CB radio and it feels very embarrassing

[@markhannam7144]

@David Hamilton I’d never pass it

[@zukispur5493]

@David Hamilton here here🌚👍

[@T.M.G2014]

@@markhannam7144 27.50 give it a go you'd loose more money on a bad takeaway lol

[@markhannam7144]

@@T.M.G2014 £27.50 I didn’t know that

[@gregestee9099]

If I were in your same situation. The first thing I would start the conversation with is C,B,. Radio. No joke mate. I thank God every day for the cherished friends and memories formed on air. No one chooses C.B. radio. C.B. radio chooses you. Thanks for sharing Mark, good on you. 653 Radio Canada. 73s

[@joerowland7350]

Sr 198 mike works grate on this radios grate video thanks

[@canttelthetime]

They are totally different radios

[@65nitehawk]

On getting my head around the alinco, and getting the settings sorted and finding the Teardrop microphone works a treat, I am well happy with it.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

It sounds good on air Dave. Mind you so does the 6900.

[@michaelstevens630]

Give me an hour for my PLL to warm up....

[@davidcooke7744]

Hi ya Fred the m75 mic. Does it need rewording for the 6900 please

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Is that the Cobra Mic ? If so i think it will

[@vlfreak]

i have both a 6900n and an sy73 (aussie'ised version of at6666). i never seem to get any complaints with the audio from my 6900n but do prefer the feel of the stock mic in the sy73. the only issue i have with my 6900n is that its out on the display (ie: 27.3050 needs to show 27.30490 and is the same all the way across the bands). it stays powered up 24/7 with the vol turned down so stays warm all the time 👍 keeps up the vids mate, thanks!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Joel you not got the 10khz shift button active have you ?

[@vlfreak]

@@CB-RADIO-UK hey fred sorry for the late reply. no it wasnt that, but i ended up going into the service menu (hold func on power on, the press rb, anl dw in sequence) and re aligning using both the LO and B(FO) menu. needed to be done on both upper and lower to square them up, now works 100% spot on 👍🍻

[@waynekerrgoodstyle]

I recently got Doug @ Knights to make me a Crossover cable so I can use my Cybernet wired power mic to work on my 6900N. I saves me from rewiring the Cybernet mic and I can quickly unplug it and use it on my Cybernet CB's. Saves a lot of hassle of rewiring mics all the time.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thats a great idea and makes sense.

[@waynekerrgoodstyle]

@@CB-RADIO-UK I asked him to make me the more expensive Crossover cable with the L-shaped mic plug on one end and a stumpy short lead, It was £10.95 all in. But Doug will do a cheaper one for around the £6 mark.

[@gearlab734]

I'm fairly certain it is legal to own the CRT 6900 etc without a ham radio license. Owning ham radio equipment transceivers is not illegal without a license, you can legally listen, it's transmitting on them without a license that's illegal.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes listening is just fine. Many HF radios make great receivers.

[@gearlab734]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Yes, I can't put a CB antenna outside. But I'm working on an inverted V dipole in my giant loft, with a balun. And I will probably buy a CRT SSB CB. I'm near Waterlooville in Hampshire, my aim could be to reach your 305 group, it's in London right? about 70 miles from me. There's always 100Watts and a full license if the SSB CB doesn't make it!

[@stevefox3763]

DO NOT GET THE ALINCO 135 or DX-10 it has a very poor receiver in it which goes 30+ if there is anything at all electronic even remotely near it. The Alinco also has a poor quality channel selector which jumps forward more channels than clicks or even back one while turning to go up a channel! I have both the Alinco DX-10 (135) and a Intek HR-5500 which is the same radio as the CRT SS6900 and there is no contest, the Alinco is a terrible radio. To give you an idea how bad the receiver is in the Alinco 135 / DX-10, i have never had a problem with any CB in my car but i tried putting my DX-10 in it and the static was all over the place as i drove down the road and constantly smacking hard to 30+ and the second the stereo was turned on the static went to a constant 7 and bounced to 30+ with the beat of the music!

[@zukispur5493]

Steve fox mate your alinco must be a fake one🌚. DO GET THE ALINCO DX 10 everyone.

[@stevefox3763]

@@zukispur5493 someone else I know has one and was bought from a different seller and time so would be a different batch but his has exactly the same issues as mine. The dx-10 is the exact same radio as the 135 BTW, the only difference is literally the model no printed on the front panel. It's a bad radio.

[@zukispur5493]

@@stevefox3763 mine works for me absolutely brilliantly. I have a cobra 148gtl DX too🌚. An old radio and a new radio. I'm happy🌚

[@johnbolt806]

Which is best out of the crt and the yaesu

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

The Yaesu is on a different level but you would expect that considering the price difference.

[@mcjjordan]

The 6900 channel selectors fail - wish i got the 135 instead

[@joerowland7350]

Alp n coder is a perfect replacement n is much more reliable

[@mcjjordan]

@@joerowland7350 ?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes the channel select is not a strong point

[@joerowland7350]

@@mcjjordan lol chanle selector is a encoder the alps encoder is less than 5 buck's From moseser electronic supply I don't remember the parts number Ill see if still have it It's got a much firmer nicer feel to it

[@mcjjordan]

@@CB-RADIO-UK mines stopped altogether now & radio is only a year old - i have to swap mics to change channel

[@keithhitchman1034]

The Chasis of both these radio's are exactly the same. It's only the facias & the mic's which are different. Both radios have a very bad front end with no apparent filtering. To be honest they have been built to a lower spec. QRM is your biggest enemy with both of these.

[@stevefox3763]

the Alinco 135 and the CRT SS6900 are not the same radio if those are the two you were referring too, i have the Alinco Dx-10 which is the same radio as the Alinco 135 and i have an Intek HR-5500 which is the same radio as the CRT SS6900 and i can assure you that they are VERY different inside, run slightly different firmware and the Alinco has a horrendous and i mean horrendous receiver in it which suffers from extreme interference. The Intek HR-5500 does not have the greatest receiver in it but its an order of magnitude better than the DX-10 / 135!!!!

[@CodyTheBear_]

I've just got the Alinco DX10 Fred and the rf gain is a bit on the sensitive side, so had to dial it down, but overall, a good little radio

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Yes the 6900N is the same.

[@msdotppmyfatgmaildotcom8475]

The 135/10 is the pick out of the 2

[@CodyTheBear_]

Got a nice collection now Fred. I have the 9900,6900N,President Jackson II Classic and my Ranger 2950dx.