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I'm new to CB radio and I need help selecting a first rig with SSB

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kc0bus

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Aug 16, 2015
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86
Greetings,
I'm brand new to CB radio and this is my first post on this forum. I've been browsing around on the internet looking at CB radio sites and I also just went to a truck stop to look at their in-stock radios. I'm considering purchasing my first transceiver. I'm not looking for anything fancy, complex or complicated, just a simple, plain, basic radio, to help get me started; however, I do kind of want SSB (Single Sideband) as my only concession for a deluxe feature. So really a simple rig without a lot of bells and whistles (with good, solid performance) and SSB is what I'm currently thinking about. Any suggestions or direction would be appreciated.
Thank you
 

freebird63

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Aug 19, 2014
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Location
Boise, Idaho
Look for an older uniden president grant XL. That was my first SSB radio. My opinion is the state of CB radios have went to hell with the influx of export radios.
 

KC4RAF

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Sep 30, 2006
Messages
1,579
Location
Davenport,Fl.- home to me and the gators and the s
+1 with 'jhooten' about the Cobra 148 GTL.

I still have mine that I used in my service truck from years ago. Now it sits on my 2000 GTL until I go on a trip. Used the sideband only on it.

BTW, I just checked on eBay and they have a high price; guess that reflects the love of those radios! lol
Mine was bought in 1990 or '91 and don't remember what I paid for it, but was happy that I finally owned one. They take a lot of abuse, but keep on tickin'! Also, they are easy to modify if you want.
 
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k8krh

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Dec 12, 2009
Messages
381
TRY UNIDEN 980 , you can find them on AMAZON for under $100, older the radio higher the price.

DOCTOR/WR795
 

jodoak

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Jan 3, 2012
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Location
Oakfield, New York
I purchased a new Uniden Bearcat 980SSB about a month ago at a local truck stop. Look around and you can get them for around $100. Get a good antenna.
 

Bootyhunter

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Sep 24, 2013
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Radio shack Trc-485. Nice am/ssb unit with a real nice display, modern look not a big chrome 70's look. If you can get it used for $50 or less I say get it. If not, I would recommend the Uniden 980 which also has built in weather alert which us a very nice function to have.
 

ratboy

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Nov 3, 2004
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Toledo,Ohio
I've played with a Bearcat 980 a few times at a friend's house, it seems pretty decent as a starter radio.
 

Retroradio

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Jan 4, 2015
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Ontario
THis thread is 8 months old..... However I have throw in my albeit late.
My vote would be for the Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB. I run 2 ( one as a base and one mobile) and they far outstrip some of the 70s rigs I own. The only thing Ido not like about it is the beep every time you adjust bit.
 
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