My Top Three Picks For New Base Station SSB CB Radios On The Market Today.

I am constantly getting emails about what radio to buy, and what antenna to get with it. Hopefully this series will bring insight into the radios I recommend for certain situations, as well as used options for those on a tight budget. We started off the series with the top 3 used SSB radios, and here are at the new ones.
Without adding export radios into the mix, it's actually pretty sad that the big players (Uniden, President and Cobra) don't even offer a genuine base station of any kind. Still these 3 radios will serve you well as a base setup even if two of them will need an additional power supply to power up.
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[@LandseerNorth]

I've got the Uniden Bearcat 980 as my base station. You got me started on my "career" in CB Erik. Thanks much! Looking forward to the rest of the series. Now looking for a non-SSB unit to put in my vehicle. Stay well.

[@daviddillman4412]

Great video love the channel. I have a McKinley and a galaxy 2547 sitting right next to each other in my radio room. I’ve made skip contacts with both to Florida, Buffalo New York, Chicago, Michigan just to name a few. I live in southeastern Arizona and it’s pretty awesome and sometimes surprises me that I can get to talk all of the folks I have. My favorite radio between the two is the McKinley. It’s so stable on side band and on frequency. I love the McKinley. A lot of bang for the buck. Also just want to add that I do not use amps just the radios and the antenna and still get out great. I’m told a lot that I have great audio from that McKinley. Thanks Eric I’ve learned a lot from you sir.

[@appalachianunderground8474]

Awesome video as always, I really enjoy your channel. I run a Midland 75-822 in a cup holder mount in my Toyota…. In the basement i have a Uniden 980ssb set up as a base station along side a Realistic TRC-433 Navaho base station radio. I have pretty good luck with my set up but I may upgrade one of my antennas at some point. Anyway keep’em coming buddy 73s

[@michaelharmon551]

Hey Eric ( hope I got that right ), I have a Galaxy DX 2547 I got about three months ago and I like it for the fact it is a true real full fledged base station. I know this may be the only one new base station on the market and Galaxy has been around for a many a year. I agree it don't have scan, weather but is seems to perform quite well even on USB and LSB which I like. I'm a Ham since 1994 and I was big in CB ( 11-Meters ) before then from 1973 to early '94 when I got my Amateur License which then I sold everything in the 11-meter bracket. Now, I since all that time I wanted to get back in 11-meter ( I like that better than CB which is me personally ), I got these radios all new about one month apart. I got the Cobra 29 NW LTD Classic and that is a beautiful radio all lit up at night the whole front face is something to see. Then I got a President Randy FCC Handheld and that is a sweet HT that receives as good as transmits with the stock flex antenna. Then back in October I got the Galaxy DX 2547 and I'm glad I did because it is a real true base station. Nothing wrong with a mobile as a base station. Don't get me wrong. They do very well too. I have currently 2-meters ( 2 mobiles ) 1 dual band a 2-meter / 440 mobile and a ton of 2-meter HT's and a dual band 2-m / 440 HT. Scanners I have those too. Also I have a UHF DMR HT by Connect Systems a CS-750. I love Amateur Radio and also 11-meters so much that what I mentioned above I got so I can get back into chasing skip which is fun and interesting. My next rig will be a 10-meter to put here in my shack. I also live in NW North Carolina in the High Country near Grandfather Mountain and Other great places I call home. Great videos and I've not subscribed yet but will after closing this 10-mile long comment ( book Ha ). Enjoy your videos even those I found that were from say way back. Very interesting and entertaining and from one 11-meter operator to another 73 and so long. I'm hitting that subscribe button as soon as this is closed. 73 Fairpoint Farms. From Silver Eagle-965.

[@timothyfreeman8660]

I’m running a bearcat 980ssb with an astatic d104 and a solarcon a99 antenna. Stock radio and I have talked to California and South America multiple times. I love this set up!

[@davidg4081]

All very good choices.Thanks Erik, David.

[@NCLong]

I have my 980 SSB setup as a second base station to my Cobra 142 GTL. I love both of them!

[@davidg4081]

I just ordered a President McKinley,should get here Thursday.Looking forward to using it.

[@supersmurf64]

I definitely appreciate these videos. Back in the 70s/80s every kid in highschool had a radio in his car. And I was no exception. Channel 1 in san bernardino california was the hopping channel. We'd park at a vista point in the san bernardino mountains and the entire inland empire was ours. Before long there'd be 50 cars lined up and the party was on! Fast forward to adulthood and I had a pretty good combination of a Navajo trc 458 base station under an archer deluxe colinear 5/8 gp, and a Philly 148gtl transmitting through a wilson 1000. Then those radios ended up in the closet during my nearly 20 year career in government/aviation where spending 12 hours a day double fisting between the unicom frequencies and the 800mhz government band left me a little uninterested in radios at home. Now I'm retired and my radios are back on the bench. The 148 gtl still cranks out an awesome signal, but the Navajo is in need of a good technician. I dug up the old archer 5/8 and cleaned her up and bought a new dx 2547 that I'm very impressed with. Now all I need is someone else to talk to 🤠

[@clarencemcgregor8568]

Just get on channel 6 and motormouth it, all talk and no ears there! LOL

[@joeh773]

Great vid, again. I bought the McKinley a few weeks back mostly on your (and few others) recommendation. I really like the Scan, looking forward to learn SSB, and the front firing speaker works better for me to. I appreciate your channel.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you for the support.

[@VOP_ICXC_NIKA]

Just wanted to say thank you. Just purchased my first CB and rigged it up to my vehicle. Your channel has helped me very much.

[@FarpointFarms]

I'm glad I could help!

[@jimbabcock6285]

I'm running a McKinley for my base radio with a simple dipole in my attic. So far, no interesting contacts, but I haven't spent much time with it. I also like the front firing speaker. I use a simple AM radio for my vehicles. No plans to update to FM operation. Jim, Virginia 616

[@superb60ce]

I picked up two President McKinley's, one for the CJ-7 and one for a base station. I ended up installing a Uniden Grant in the CJ-7 and have a President Washington for the base station....but the McKinley is indeed a great unit.

[@roberthoffman4713]

I have 2 of the galaxy 2547 bases and I love them. The sound quality incoming and outgoing is great. It has a 12volt input if the power goes out. They are a very good radio with most stuff that everyone wants. They work very well.

[@williambowman7244]

Just like any " base cb" ever in past it is a mobile radio with internal 12 volt power supply about the only one ( and I am not real familiar) without internal power is a STONER and Ham radios from the day now even ham gone mobile the cabinet radios have gone by the wayside

[@markraymond3198]

I am getting a all in one base station from Walcott , it should be here by the end of the week! Love your channel I am learning alot!

[@FarpointFarms]

That is awesome! Welcome to the channel!

[@Joe_HamRadioGuy]

I have the 980ssb not a bad little radio. I have the Lincoln II. But I use my uniden Grant Xl the most for just Cb it's surpassingly stable on side band. Got a cobra 142 gtl I'm restoring love the older radios. Nice video 👍🏼

[@christophersmith1155]

if you see the photo to the left. I use the galaxy 2547dx in my office here in Manhattan. I enjoy it. I bought it new in 2012. never any problems. nice small footprint .

[@1teddy1979]

I have a bunch of radios here among them I have 3 uniden 980's lol there is a reason why when you see alot of guys pictures of thier high end set ups there is alot of times a 980 right in there as well.... super stable on frequency and also very nice to look at. That all being said I have one I ran in the truck with a little helper behind it and after a few years of bouncing around and extreme temperatures the screen has failed. I will say also in really cold temperatures in the mobile it takes it a little while to warm up and come around on frequency but it always does and is bang on. For the money the 980 is unbeatable

[@ehayes5217]

always great to see ur videos!!!🇺🇸

[@JohannaParrishParrish_Place]

Awesome I got to get one of your recommendations for a base station

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

Another good video with useful information, so thanks for posting.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you

[@rustyrails3225]

I have the beast in both of my trucks. One in wife's car. Also using one as a base with wireless Mic. Great radio for price. Screen could be better in bright sunlight... But otherwise great radios. We run channel 1 on LSB in Arkansas. 270 group. Give us a shout... 148 monitoring.

[@loveshisharley]

Now that I’m retired it’s great to see these videos and reviews on the new equipment. I unpacked my original 40 channel cb, a 1978 Cobra 32XLR, and also my Cobra 132XLR ssb, which I use as a base. The old school CB’s are awesome, maybe don’t have all the features, but work great. The key to great performance is a great antenna. I’m an AE ham. However, my first radios(CB’s) are lots of fun when no one else is around to talk to. Thanks!

[@williambowman7244]

My 1st radio was 23 channel radshack can't remember the model only had it short time cause 40 channel were just releasing the first 40 I had was Browning Baron ssb mobile wish I remembered were it went when I sold my econoline windowless van 9' whip center of roof couldn't even beat that mobile with stardust base ant on house the van out talked my base antenna

[@hatchetjackphillips]

Good video! I’m gonna set up a base station sometime this spring. I recently ordered a Maco V58 base station antenna and 100 ft of RG8X coax cable. I’m hoping to find a Uniden Washington at the upcoming ham fest in a couple months. I’m also on the lookout for a Uniden Grant or Cobra 148 GTL.

[@jfrphoto01]

Good antenna, bad choice on coax! RG-8X is only recommended for runs up to 50 feet before the losses become unacceptable! RG-213/U, LMR-400UF or JEFA Tech LL-400Flex is are a better choice.

[@ericdee6802]

Great video Erik. Ive fallen out of the loop over the past decade regarding CB's but one thing I do know, regardless what radio someone chooses to purchase, the antenna is one item that will make or break solid strong contacts. A well built antenna with a strong forward gain and a good solid ground (most importantly) can and will make all the difference in the world. Any stock CB right out of the box will perform better than expected with a well built antenna. I've recently been looking at mass produced over the counter base antennas, and have been playing with the math, the "Sirio" brand antenna (Italian made) seem to have a strong grip on the antenna market.

[@tomcostello5058]

Man o man you helped me open a can of worms🤣. Just realized you were a huge influence of me getting on the air and I'm not subscribed to ya... Could have sworn I was! Anyhow just wanted to say thank you sir for all your help. The radio bug definitely bit me and I don't believe it will ever leave haha. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@FarpointFarms]

That is awesome! Merry Christmas to you as well. Sometimes KZbin get goofy and looses subscribers.

[@stephenpaden626]

Eric,great video my Friend, I started out using the uniden 980 as my base station,loved the radio( I have 2 of them,lol) I recently upgraded to a Ranger 2995 DXCF 10 meter modded for 11 meters,does around 150 watts,Solid on SSB and doesn't drift off frequently, great radio,thank you for your videos, keep up the great work!!

[@zzzxxzzz3248]

Do I need a license ?

[@cathyrowling111]

@@zzzxxzzz3248 NO LICENSE NEEDED SINCE 1977 FOR CB RADIO. FOR HAM YES!!!

[@BK-fu7mc]

Great video! Thanks!

[@delmarbish3926]

The McKinley is an excellent radio I have one in my company truck, love the front mounted speaker my hearing is not as good as it once was.

[@NIGHTSTALKERsixsixsix]

Nice radios. the 2547 runs both inside a house and a car. there's a little switch in back. Add a Maco 5/8's Antenna a tune up and a silver Eagle to it and its as good as anything out there. great for fun and Emergencies. A must have in these times.

[@ktanner11]

The galaxy 2547 is just a 959 in a different case

[@poppasmurf63]

I have both the President and the Uniden SSB radios. The Uniden crapped out on me 3 months in. President radio is still kicking butt.

[@HNXMedia]

Bearcat 980ssb in the Jeep. McKinley in my office as base station (running off a Mower Junkie long wire set-up in the attic). Both flawless in my opinion. That Bearcat can take a beating in a mobile rig with temp extremes. The McKinley is an "elegant beast." Turn 'em on, let them roll and join when something interesting pops up.

[@zzzxxzzz3248]

Do I need a license?

[@HNXMedia]

@@zzzxxzzz3248 Not for these radios. These are CB (Citizen Band) and do not require a license.

[@kimwaldrop9515]

I've had a 980 SSB for two yrs in my truck. Within 7 months the LCD read was unreadable unless it was cold out. Moved 9t from the truck to the garage and replaced with my Cobra 148GTL. I miss the NOAA when I'm on the road, but at least I can read what channel I've been thinking of buying the McKinley.

[@keithfrost1268]

My 980 was in my jeep for years and the only thing i ever had to replace was the antenna. jeeps are hard on antennas.

[@speed6505]

Hey love your cb content. I was watching this video and there’s one Mic that bearcat make the 906w here’s a fun fact it works on the McKinley just as good as it does on the bearcat 980 SSb

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks for the info! I'll look into it.

[@DocFirewire]

Hey Eric! President is working on the George FCC for the US-Market and I hope you can get your hands on it very soon. In Europe the George II is out for a while now and what can I say except that it is the best All-in-one I ever had my hands on. A fantastic legal Radio! Thumbs up and a big Thanks for making all these videos to keep the hobby alive. 👍 73 from Germany.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you for letting me know about it- I will have to reach out and see what they have to say

[@screamengine]

Got a couple 2547's years back, 1 as a gift for my Bro who hooked me up so many times over the years. He didn't dig it. Despite his collection of amazing radios, he was stuck on the Cobra 139 base station for some reason. I was shocked. I personally loved it. Still fire it up from time to time. Cool thing is that they can go mobile as well. Though you'd need a heck of a bracket to mount it. I'd really love a nice rackmount plate for it but nobody's making them anymore.

[@FarpointFarms]

I've owned a 139 base. Not a bad radio, but not the best out there either. To each his own though.

[@tonypainter6744]

You try a Uniden BearTracker 885 ? NICE to have for some Trunked Communications like State Troopers and Hospital. County Law is in the process to go Digital in my area. 980ssb I have as a base, great for picking up skip from Louisiana Colorado and the Dakotas. Not set up so I can talk to them yet. I'm in south central Ne.

[@freepressright]

A friend of mine went back to his ICOM 706 and sold me the 980 SSB that he had in his van for $40. Great radio, especially for $40, lol. The only "better" FCC type accepted radio on the market would be the President McKinley SSB, IMHO.

[@bro.weaver1282]

I want a Galaxy 2547 peaked and tuned, with a Lescomm expansion board, GOT to have the uppers and lowers.

[@45AMT]

Good video series Eric!

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks

[@w.rustylane5650]

Thanks for the reviews. Is there a dedicated base station radio produced for 11 meters? I use my HF rig for 11 meters since it's been opened up with MARS mod. It's a Kenwood TS-430S with a dedicated power supply, 23 amps linear supply, PS-430. It also runs power for antenna tuner and 2 meter radio, Kenwood 281a. W Rusty Lane in eastern Tennessee

[@robbierussell9536]

I'm a Uniden type guy..ive got Elites 68 and 78 great for cars,trucks very well built..Also the Uniden 980 is in my opinion way better than The Stryker..too much money and tough to. Run any Linear..Love Uniden..

[@Hairball786]

I'm currently looking for a new base station. I looked into the Galaxy 2547. Asked around about it and was told by at least 2 dozen that if you use SSB at all, it's not worth it. Apparently has some serious frequency drift on SSB. Great vid, Boss. Thanks. 786 South Cackalackee, we're back out.

[@MrPocketfullOfSteel]

*At least* 24 *different* folks? Are you sure about that? *lol*

[@RobbieStrike]

I have my CB antenna in my shed, On my TV tower I have a satellite dish, MLA 30 loop antenna and the TV antenna. And cant put the CB antenna above the TV antenna! What I would like to have is a separate spot to put some masting up with a CB antenna!

[@ncphotos]

Great Video!

[@duaneshuster6366]

Best radios on market are Mobils already fully loaded. 980 you can't unlock clarifier simply has SMD pcb construction very small components. But your classic cobra 148gtl grant xl and others dames chassis were easy to deal with. But using Mobil & power supply as base works. I just wish someone would come out with new version of a Roybn base maker that's the power supply clock that big digital 23 channels slid into . Imagine putting you new radio in one remake like that using a 10 amp power supply. Good video keep more coming! But using a Mobil

[@dankoenig5938]

I have the 980 in my truck for past 5 years with a uniden external bearcat amplified speaker and absolutely no issues.

[@cavebexartx]

I’m getting ready to buy the 980ssb. What antenna are you using?

[@dankoenig5938]

@@cavebexartx I'm using a 4ft fire stick.

[@ChiefMade]

I know they aren’t “cb’s” but I run the Anytone 6666, and a Stryker 955, as base radios for 11 and 10m. The Lincoln v3 is also a fine radio for ssb. Appreciate your video, 73

[@YouTube_User_9]

I run a 955 and 6666 as well. Both are great radios on sideband.

[@almartiniii1541]

For a base station, weather channel is a boon. I love my president McKinley, it led me to my Lincoln 2+v3. Also now have a 955. Still like my McKinley and by far my Lincoln the best. Really hard to beat the Lincoln on features and quality of signal vs cost. Outstanding radio in my humble opinion. 10, 12 and maybe 11.... meters this radio operates fantastically.

[@zzzxxzzz3248]

Do I need a license ?

[@tedneitzel]

Those are great pics.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks!

[@SunriseCrawlers]

I have a Realistic Navaho. Trc-458 that I'm getting ready to put into service. It used to be my grandfathers unit. Wish I could find more info on it

[@bobdillashaw4360]

I’ve got the Galaxy 959 which is basically the 2547 in a mobile unit, you can save a couple hundred by buying that instead of the 2547 if you are strapped for $$

[@Hawgfrog]

The McKinley is by far the best modern radio. I love the auto squelch control. I just wish it could be expanded. The EU version actually does fm and has a lockout button.

[@spankthemonkey3437]

@Farpoint Farms you need to "(open up)" that Lincoln 2+ you will appreciate its frequency coverage and how easily you can dial in the frequency on side band.

[@spankthemonkey3437]

When open it goes from24.7mhz to 30.1mhz

[@peterbaugh51]

Uniden Bearcat 980 is really hard to beat for the price. I added an Astatic D104 hand mike to boost audio a bit. I use Wilson Little Wils on both vehicles. Best value antenna I have used. It equals my old K40 but is much shorter, able to go in parking garages. I can hear the comments now, but a 36" Wilson talking to Bahamas, Fla, Canada, Tx, Maine, on SSB is no joke. Also has lower SWR than my K40. Like the 980, the low price is not a factor to me. It is the performance. You can pay much more and get more, but the Wilson and Uniden combo is a winner. Astatic 636L mike is a must for the 980. The stock mike is junk. Thanks for the video.

[@FarpointFarms]

I had the bearcat for a long time, it is a great radio. 36" and talking that far is great

[@tah6746]

I had a Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB for a short time. The Display did not do well in the heat. I had the Radio installed in my car, the display started to fade and I could not read the Display. I have switched to the President McKinley CB SSB Radio. The President McKinley CB Radio SSB has worked very well in my Car.

[@FarpointFarms]

I've had my McKinley installed in my car for 4 years now and love it!

[@johnapelcede9861]

Waiting for your segment on top 3 hand helds.

[@Voxguitarsrock]

I'm still running a pair of Realistic Navajo 433 base stations. ONE at home and one at work. No problem getting out. Mechanic from southern Ontario Canada wavin' a hand,,,,

[@FarpointFarms]

Good radios, waiving back to you

[@JamesSmith-wy7zk]

I am thinking of the Galaxy DX959 mobile as a base station. I like the old school knobs to make adjustments. But, as a performer, do you think this is a good option? Thanks!

[@mattpace5982]

I have a pyramid power supply 21kx all of my mobile radios are booked up to it and it does just fine

[@tomcostello5058]

I own a 2547 and it's all I use along with 959 in the mobile. It's amazing on AM but I talk AM only. The 2547 is a 959 in a case with a meanwell power supply. Either way you go the hobby is getting expensive in all aspects.

[@karlatkins5280]

I am in the process of trying to find a 10 and 11 meter combo radio for a base unit so I can still talk to my radio in my truck but play on the 10 meter. I just got my tech lic for ham. Can’t really find any good videos though.

[@anthonyspicer874]

Is Walcott Radio a good place to purchase a the President McKinley radio? They offer the radio for $200, peak and tuned for $40....

[@jackbarker2175]

I own a brand new dx 2547 along side a uniden 980 ssb AND the president mckinley, galaxy by far has the most sensitive receive. You can also pop the hood on this thing and do some internal adjustments with just a basic Phillips screw driver and tune and align it yourself if need be. Not to mention you can literally up the wattage output by just turning an adjustment point with the exact same screw driver. Pushing 10 watts pep with a 3 watt dead key. Not bad honestly. I’ve also put the galaxy inline with a mixer board and boom mic. Sound like a broadcast station. Amazing modulation with it inline!

[@charleswills4554]

I have the 980 but the lcd screen is junk. Half the screen quit working,so i sent it back they sent me another one and its the same. I bought a McKinley ,its an awesome rig.

[@vegasfordguy]

The galaxy 2547 is basically the same radio as the galaxy DX 959, just in a base configuration. I'd recommend a Stryker SR-955HP over any of these radios.

[@zzzxxzzz3248]

Do I need a license ?

[@andrewewart5352]

Hi Erik, I have a Bearcat 980 but am struggling with modulation on the side bands, need to have the mic gain on full and need to nearly shout to get get the meter to sway upto full count any ideas thanks

[@roberthoffman4713]

I have 2 of the big galaxy base stations. I love mine. I have a Mckinnly also. My base station gets great reports. The Mckinnly is good once you learn the menues.

[@FarpointFarms]

Very nice!

[@roberthoffman4713]

@@FarpointFarms I am looking forward to some more of your cb top 3s my friend has an old dak that is like new. It is huge with big meters and came with a dak d 104 mic. I think it is so cool. Hope it is kept unmolested. Plus it has sideband, he has several nos radios one was made when the fcc was alowing more power on sideband. I have my parents SBE Trinidad 23 channel with one extra channel. I grew up near a bisy highway and my dad drove truck so the CB and Scanner was always on, and for the most part it was rated PG .

[@cavebexartx]

Great informative video! I’m in St. Agustine, Florida. I’m strongly considering the Uniden 980ssb for my 2014 F150 Supercrew- Platinum. (The screen LCD issues that have been reported through the years is my only apprehension. I’ll likely get the extended warranty, for that reason.) I want to run a 102” whip and considering placing it on the forward, center bulkhead of the bed, behind the cab. Recommendations/Suggestions/Pro’s & Cons for the following are welcome and appreciated. A 5” potbelly spring with the ground built in (not sure of what bracket would be best) VS. a magnetic mount. I’ve seen some strongly recommended magnetic mounts, I’ve never used one. What do you recommend for antenna and placement on the truck? Thanks We travel to Beach Mountain in the winter and would like listen to traffic chatter on the way up and back, on the road. Thanks again!

[@breezybird403]

I am in southern CA! My concern is knowing possible riots or group thefts (police activity) before going to a shopping area. Our TV coverage is reliable with fire warnings, unless I lose power. Notice of trouble outside the main radio and TV may be necessary. ps. Many bad areas here have blatant window smashing car theft and a car radio would be an invitation for thieves.

[@NIGHTSTALKERsixsixsix]

I also live in Commiefornia. its time for all of us to vote out this corruption. open borders during a pandemic shows how much of a fraud these democrats are and have been. $5 a gallon of gas and climbing. LET'S GO BRANDON!

[@thebear6751]

Don’t rely on television get a digital police scanner and a president Lincoln cb radio

[@charlesmoore4303]

The screen took a crap in my uniden in around 6 months, in my building , set up... No car vibration. It still works fine but very clumsy to use. Why get it fixed? To send it back in. In another 6 months?

[@waynepolkey2876]

i was really into CB's around 1990 till maybe 1994. I had a president washington I believe. Graound plane antenae on the side of the house. I have been interested in building a new base station but i am clueless as to what to get.

[@FarpointFarms]

That same setup will still be a winner!

[@danielthrelkeld1324]

The variable power on my 2547 is a must. The scan is not really needed in my area of athens ga., as we have a good supply of operators locally. The prices for the 2547 have been from 300 to 330 last time I looked. Also has an above average recieve in my opinion.

[@justinrayguitars6024]

Just up the road in Commerce. I just put up a Solorcon A99 waiting on cable. Haven't been on radio in several yrs so glad to know there are still some others on the air.

[@danielthrelkeld1324]

@@justinrayguitars6024 Awesome. Some folks stay on channels 28, 32 and 14. Saturday night roll call at 8:30 to 9 every week. I go by nightowl.

[@justinrayguitars6024]

@@danielthrelkeld1324 That's great I will make contact when I get setup. Goldberg

[@chronotriggerfan]

Thanks for the thorough video! Would you still recommend a Uniden 980 over an export that covers 10 meter and puts out more power? Couldn't help but notice your Lincoln II + ;)

[@FarpointFarms]

There are always options. Some folks skip right to the end and get a HF HAM radio and get it modded for CB. While not legal for this type of use, it certainly works well at it.

[@chronotriggerfan]

@@FarpointFarms Thanks a ton for the response. I'm happy with my Uniden Bearcat 980 so far! But I'd like to pick up an Anytone AT-6666 as a base station and move the Uniden to mobile after seeing your SSB signal reports. Even though 10 meter is pretty "dead" compared to CB, I still have my Technician's ticket so these export models make a lot of sense for working both HAM and CB. Do you find yourself using the Lincoln II + a lot, or do you run most skip on the Uniden?

[@kim11757]

Do you need an power source for the McKinley, like you do for the bearcat?

[@64samsky]

I have the Galaxy, a Cobra 2000, and some other old radios. I also have 2 older President base stations, a Madison and Dwight D. that need to be redone. I wish I knew someone who could do it.

[@atomicsmith]

Do you have any thoughts on handheld CBs? Most reviews on them are pretty poor - are they all junk? Could CB work for a walkie talkie network for a small group of prepared folks or should I look to other bands?

[@debbyowen5510]

I used to have a cb radio in my old car, a Maroon Chevelle Malibu. I was thinking of getting one for a home base, since I don't drive much anymore. How do I set up something like that? What kind of antenna, etc other stuff do I need?

[@FarpointFarms]

I've made some videos on base station setups, but you can still use a Mobile radio. You'll just have to add a power supply to the mix.

[@1crazynordlander]

I will purchase the President McKinley when it comes out with a FCC FM model for the US.

[@FarpointFarms]

I think they have one planned.

[@jeffhicks2070]

Eric perhaps you need to search more that 2547 I found for 339 not 450 ,in couple places .

[@Elchiaroscuro]

I got both the 980 and the McKinley, I enjoy both. Things I like about the 980 better over the McKinley: The LCD display and the color choices, and the overall look of it. What I like about the McKinley over the 980: The microphone (better audio out of the box and had channel switch on it), and the RF gain control is much more refined. Can't go wrong with any of these radios!

[@richardmillican7733]

Here in the UK (and Europe as a whole), the use of 11 meters has been heavily de-regulated. Although we are "limited" to 12 watts on ssb (980SSB for example) virtually nobody sticks to this limit, making these radios somewhat unappealing. For example, I have an Alinco dr135dx in my car which puts out 45 watts and I use a wide banded Kenwood TS 450S as a base radio that puts out over 100 watts!! As a result the DXING side of the hobby is more prolific here, it's more likely I'd be talking to an Italian, Canadians, or Americans, heck even a Russian than a guy across town. Every country has a divisional code for call signs too. As I live in Wales mine is 163, England is 26, America is 2, Italy is 1, Spain is 30 and so on. This helps you know which country is calling you, generally on 27.555 USB. There are hundreds of thousands of people, like myself, who don't have Ham radio licences, but operate 11 meters in the same way. Always interesting videos Eric 👍

[@FarpointFarms]

Cool! I didn't realize it was like that over seas.

[@kevinblair191]

Great video! Just have gotten back into cb and now I want to set up a base station if for nothing else just being prepared when the shtf in our great world nowdays. One question, I am wanting to set up an antenna for my base with a configuration I think you may have shared from someone else that includes the use of two firestick antennas. One as the live antenna and one downward for a ground plane. Will these work well and if so what range do you think I will get at 25ft in the air with lets say 4ft antennas? Thanks!

[@jfrphoto01]

You would be better off using 2-102" SS whips. The you will have a full 1/2 wave antenna (1/4 wave whips x 2 = 1/2 wave) Now, no matter which antennas you use, yes the Firestiks would work but you would be operating at a disadvantage compared with the SS whips, you would need to use at least a 3' standoff to run them vertically polarized where as when mounting them horizontally you can bolt the bracket directly to the mast. The reason for the stand off is to keep the lower whip from hitting the mast on windy days and causing static on your receive ans transmit signal. It is also a good idea to use a piece of 1/2" PVC pipe, about 3' long, to act as a stabilizing standoff on the lower whip. You just drill a small hole in one end, slip it over the lower end of the bottom whip and using an antenna-to-mast clamp (or whatever you have that will work to hole the PVC pipe in place, large SS hose clamps) to attach it to the mast. For runs under 25' you can get away with using RG-8X coax but you really should use something like RG-213/U or LMR-400UF/JEFA Tech LL-440 Flex to keep losses down, especially if you plan on running any power! Hope this helps.

[@kevinblair191]

Thanks for the quick response. Great advice on the pvc pipe standoff. I will definetly look at doing that. I am going to try using two 5' firesticks and will let you know how it turns out! Thanks again and keep the videos coming!

[@lexi_luminary]

does the 980 have a roger beep? from what ive seen it doesn't

[@Godzukidan]

Im thinking of getting the President Adams for a budget base. To replace my old RadioShack TRC-501 I heard it is s good radio, your thoughts. 😎👍

[@FarpointFarms]

I love President Radios. Very well built.

[@rondellschuyler7074]

The president lincoln V2 is a great radio. Kind of the modern day HR2510.

[@matthewdavies2057]

Cobra 2000's are still out there. The king! Or a TRC 457.

[@54duce14]

What do you think of an old 148 gtl cobra?

[@s.q.p.rvictrix1950]

that song should be on the radio. ❤

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks!

[@2326TX]

👍 Stryker SR-955hpc, Anytone AT-6666, President Lincoln 2 plus, even the Stryker SR-94 (not ssb, but)

[@FarpointFarms]

None of those are CB radios. They are all "Export" Radios.

[@jeffhicks2070]

@@FarpointFarms true but better than the cb ssb radios

[@mhammer5]

I tried the link for radio shop, error message.

[@-_-_traveltripper-_-_]

hi! i have a 70's RCA Co-Pilot base station with a bad mic. i've tried ordering several newer mics but none of them are compatible because of the old wiring. just wondering if there's a manufactoring time frame that i should stay in while looking for a mic. i'm not sure which years the wiring changed. thank you for your time!

[@FarpointFarms]

I think your better bet would be to change the wiring to either the mic or the radio. I've done it before on an older midland that was 4 pin, but not the same pinout as a cobra.

[@-_-_traveltripper-_-_]

@@FarpointFarms thank you for the info.

[@MAGNETAR-187]

That Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB is sold for 393.64 Dollars down here in the netherlands and it does not even have FM! Dealbreaker!!!

[@FarpointFarms]

Wow! Inflation sucks!!

[@davidsto9064]

Just bought an 980 for $189 Canadian. But it dropped from $268 so I grabbed it.

[@the_3dprinting_guy830]

I have the uniden and the issue with putting it in a car or truck the screen will burn out in the sun

[@raymondward4796]

With what you have I would venture deeper into the President radios (Grant 2) and try for 10 meter applications the Stryker SR 955. I do agree about an all mode radio as the feature radio. And for sidebanders who love Galaxy, Ranger and Magnum radios (they’re notorious to go in and out of frequency) An outfit that installs DDS/VFO Arduino boards. It’ll fascinate how stable and spot on frequency it will remain.

[@johnbuckner-ko4mst918]

I have 2 of the 980SSB. Neither of the displays is readable in anything other than an overcast day when in the car. Good radios, good receive and transmit. The only negative it that display.

[@FarpointFarms]

Mine has been inside it's whole life so I guess I never realized it.

[@johnbuckner-ko4mst918]

@@FarpointFarms I picked up the McKinley a couple days ago. I am really surprised with the radio. Great little mobile. the 980 is now in the base. 73's Great content!

[@mattpace5982]

I have a rci 2950dx mobile it has Roger beep scan function it has anl nb it's got a summer button it's a good mobile I have talked all over the USA on it

[@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen]

Will it damage the Bearcat to run it off of a more powerful power supply? Say 13.8 amps at 40 volts?

[@jimbabcock6285]

Keep the voltage to less than 14 volts since the Bearcat was designed to work on an automotive electrical system. The current rating is not critical if it's greater than 5 amps. Just don't run a supply that cant supply at least 4 amps. The receive might work, but you will draw too much power when you transmit which will damage the power supply.