I tend to agree for the most part, anything beyond LOS at night is way way way more rare on frequencies in that area, these days it seems at least.
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Getting back into CB radio
- Thread starter CAvoyager1960
- Start date
CAvoyager1960
Member
Thanks for the tip (I have to admit that big analog meter is so cool) I also heard they have solder connection issues. Right now (on a low budget) considering a couple options:
1. Radioddity QT40 10 meter (easy to convert to 11 meters)
2. Uniden BEARCAT 980 (affordable and made for CB)
I really want the 10 meter radio because I intend on getting my licence soon, and even thought the "conversion" is so easy, I'm not clear on if I have to use the USB data cable (and software) to get 11 meters to work. I'm fine with computers but I'm using Linux (not windows) Is that an issue?
I only need the standard 40 channels (US)... nothing fancy or custom.
I really don't want to go the used radio route (the old Cobra I am currently using works but the coax and mic connectors are getting wonky)
I am aware the 10 meter radio has higher power... I promise to resist cranking it up (wink wink)
BTW the QT40 is basically an AnyTone ARES II
The QT40 is a nice radio. It’s much better than the 980. I’ve owned both. The 980 is stuck at 40 channels with no extra goodies, and has no digital noise reduction. Their displays tend to go bad after a few years also.
The QT40 has a slew of extras like 10/11/12 meter capable, echo, roger beep, digital noise reduction, the ability to add VHF (RX only ham/murs/local fd/pd/ems/etc) frequencies to the weather band, etc.
The 11 meter mod does not require the software/cable, but you might want it anyway to program your own roger beeps, use the VHF function, enable on screen displays for squelch, rf power, swr, etc. These are things you can’t do with just the settings on the radio itself. A lot of people also forget (or don’t know) that by holding the mics up/down buttons at the same time displays the current frequency in the channel indicator.
For a few extra dollars, get the QT40. You won’t be disappointed.
The VHF RX only feature would be huge for me. Do you know of any other 10/11/12 capable radios that can do the VHF rx?
The QT-60Pro has the VHF receiver that I use daily; i believe the QT80 has it as well.
The QT80 / AnyTone 6666 do not have this capability sadly. However, yes, the QT60 Pro / AnyTone 5555n2 “v3 AKA the new short case version” and the QT40 / AnyTone Ares 2 are the only ones i’m aware of that have the VHF RX capability currently.
Edit: The latest Stryker 955HPC+ (v3) is also able to RX VHF, but at twice the cost of the other radios.
Edit: The latest Stryker 955HPC+ (v3) is also able to RX VHF, but at twice the cost of the other radios.
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CAvoyager1960
Member
That is great news! I really don't need the extra options (and I know how to mod it... so easy) I'm "pulling the trigger"... $200 amazon prime one day shipping
Cool Beans. I’m sure you’ll be happy with it. It’s packed with features, and sounds amazingly good on air with the stock mic. Once you get it, set the receive NRC (on the front face switch) to 2 or 3. You’ll be amazed at how it cleans up the white noise and makes peoples voices easier to understand.
The only real issue i had is that out of the box the talkback volume by default is cranked so high it squeals. The only way to adjust that is via the programming software. So in other words, don't use the talkback if you dont have the programming cable. Lol. Otherwise it’s great right out of the box.
The only real issue i had is that out of the box the talkback volume by default is cranked so high it squeals. The only way to adjust that is via the programming software. So in other words, don't use the talkback if you dont have the programming cable. Lol. Otherwise it’s great right out of the box.
CAvoyager1960
Member
BTW, I have new 6 amp power supply (transformer type) When I do get going on 10 meter (using 40 watts) will this be OK?
CAvoyager1960
Member
I have another thread on antennas... like to build my own.
Probably not. That’s more suited for a regular CB doing 4 - 12 watts. If you turn the RF power down on the radio it’ll be fine, but 6 amps is pretty weak. A 10 amp would be fine with it on full power though. I ran mine with a 10 amp Astron power supply without an issue at full power. However, if you buy a linear amplifier down the road, then the 10 amp would be too small to run both as well. At that point a 20 Amp or larger would be needed.
Edit: From the Ares 2 Manual, it states it draws 8 amps at full power.
Edit: From the Ares 2 Manual, it states it draws 8 amps at full power.
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Amazon has decent 30A switching power supplies for $100 and below. I've been using one for a couple of years now, there's 3 transceivers running off of it now.
Be careful and read reviews on those switching power supplies. I bought a 30A Jet Stream brand a few years ago. Total JUNK. Spits out so much RF that on HF bands its a constant S9+ of noise. Totally unusable for HF/CB. Works fine for 2m/murs/70cm/gmrs radios though. Best bet is staying with a linear regulated power supply. Costs more, but it’s the safe bet on “clean” power.
CAvoyager1960
Member
Looked on amazon... 10 amp power supply (same brand as my 6 amp) is only $10 more (wish I had noticed that before) I'll just keep the power down for now.
So after I do the jumper "mod" (for 11 meter) can I still use 10 meter or do I have to change the jumper back? Just want to monitor 10 meter for now. Just checked and my order will be a day late... no big deal.
This does give me more incentive to study for my HAM radio test (only 1/2 hour drive from here)
So after I do the jumper "mod" (for 11 meter) can I still use 10 meter or do I have to change the jumper back? Just want to monitor 10 meter for now. Just checked and my order will be a day late... no big deal.
This does give me more incentive to study for my HAM radio test (only 1/2 hour drive from here)
Once the mod is done, yes you can still access 10 meter without moving the jumper. It just moves the 10 meter band up in the band selector. CB will now be in Band D (band low switch on face plate). Most of 10 meter will be bands A-F (band high switch on face plate).
You’ll be fine for now if you turn the RF power to be between 12 - 3 o'clock on the dial on the radio. You’ll know if you have it up too far as the power supply will more than likely shut off if pushed too hard as a safety feature.
CAvoyager1960
Member
I really don't intend on using much power until I have a better antenna... no hurry. Want to monitor for now. Eventually, I'll cruise around at 1 o'clock Doesn't matter... rain is coming. Thank you all for the advice
Doesn't matter... rain is coming. Thank you all for the advice 
