IF I decided to get back into CB

[bearcatrp]

OK, am just considering, if I did get back into CB, what would be the best base station that can be modified for free band frequencies? 10 meter rig? CB rig modified? Most new ham rigs stop you from transmitting on cb. My previous ham rig many years ago, yaesu ft840, had an easy mod. Not sure about the newer ham rigs.

 

[slowmover]

MARS Mod: Yaesu ft450d, for example, $500 at low-use price, is a possibility. Sort of depends on the complexity you want to work with. (Portable & Mobile-capable, also).


CB BASE RADIOS, however, tend to be the mobile equivalent with a power supply rigged up behind a faceplate. No longer popular, therefore quite expensive when new. Past $500 when actually available.


RCI-69 $699 used

So, if bang for the buck is the benchmark, there’s no contest.

What most pleases you is all that matters.

 

[bearcatrp]

I had the RCI-69 back in the day. Different name back then. Been looking at the galaxy 2547. Mixed reviews on it though. Only way I would get a used base station is if I found someone local that knows how to tweek radios. For now just window shopping.

 

[AB5ID]

My previous ham rig many years ago, yaesu ft840, had an easy mod. Not sure about the newer ham rigs.

They are still easy to modify. I don't know what your budget is but you can never go wrong with a general coverage HF radio. If you're interested in operating AM, check the history of the radios AM performance. There are a few ham rigs that didn't do so great on AM but most of them were/are just fine.

 

[bearcatrp]

Still looking at HF rigs but want a desktop to plug into the wall. Already went through using a portable and power supply that the power supply died in 2 years with no transmitting. Not in any hurry so will take my time and research.

 

[wjm1129]

Astron makes a bulletproof power supply. They run for years and are rock solid.

 

[K4EET]

Astron makes a bulletproof power supply. They run for years and are rock solid.

I have two Astron RS-50M (13.8 VDC @ 50 Amps Intermittent) that have been powered up continuously and providing “juice” to my equipment since 1982. As @wjm1129 stated, the Astron brand is bulletproof and super reliable. It also has plenty of protection built-in to protect the connected equipment from any power supply faults should they occur. You sleep better at night knowing that an Astron is powering your equipment 24/7/365.

 

[p1879]

Yaesu 840 is a fine performing radio, Shure 444 sounds good with it.

 

[redbeard]

The Yaesu FT-840 without the optional AM filter unit is garbage. Be sure to get the filter.

 

[bearcatrp]

I had a top rated allinco that died under 2 years. Out of warrenty but emailed company. Must have been a known issue since they sent me the schematics and told me thing to change. I tossed it.

 

[hypersight]

Astron makes a bulletproof power supply. They run for years and are rock solid.

That's as long as they leave the factory with the wiring properly connected inside and not a half assed wiring job.

 

[Wynterspop]

I use a Powerwerx SS-30DV. Have had it for a while now with no issues. Awesome little unit.

 

[bearcatrp]

The Yaesu FT-840 without the optional AM filter unit is garbage. Be sure to get the filter.

Would get a 840 in a heart beat but unless I know if yaesu or someone local can repair it if it goes bad, won’t risk spending the money on older tech. Do see a few on eBay.