Dirtblaster44
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What's a good radio that can be converted to 11 meters that will do 100 or more watts out of the box on Lsb? Mobile radio.
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11 meter radio 100 watts
- Thread starter Dirtblaster44
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pauldenisowski
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A lot of people simply use a "linear" amplifier to boost output power - like the RM Italy one in this image.
Aside from the fact that this is a massive violation of FCC regulations, even "linear" amplifiers like this often create very high powered harmonics which cause interference in licensed spectrum. The reason I know this is because I tracked some of them down as part of my job
Aside from the fact that this is a massive violation of FCC regulations, even "linear" amplifiers like this often create very high powered harmonics which cause interference in licensed spectrum. The reason I know this is because I tracked some of them down as part of my job
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There's lots of radios out there that will do anywhere from 100 to 1000 watts, but they're just an older generation radio with a built-in amplifier. There's a smaller, but growing number, of radios less (sometimes much) than 100 watts that easily outperform the old rigs. They're pretty much all in a mobile format these days.
What are you looking to use the radio for? DXing? OTR driving? Local comms in a rural area? Etc. Knowing those things first will help you get the right radio for your needs, and get the best recommendations here.
What are you looking to use the radio for? DXing? OTR driving? Local comms in a rural area? Etc. Knowing those things first will help you get the right radio for your needs, and get the best recommendations here.
That’s subjective. Everyone will say something different and for different reasons.
Most if not all HF radios do 100 watts out of the box on SSB. Other than being “illegal” to use on 11 meter (nobody cares), the cost of them ($500-$3000) however far exceeds what most people want to pay for a radio that can be MARS modded to be used on 11 meter. Other 10 meter radios (CB’s in disguise) like the Stryker 955 HPC+ (80-100w), AnyTone 6666 Pro / QT80 (80-90w), AnyTone 5555n2 / QT60 Pro (60-70w) are more affordable ($180-$400) and more common. There is also the insanely priced (junk IMHO) Ranger Longhorn N6 (600w) for $950.
The other option as mentioned, just invest in a small amp. They can be used with pretty much any radio you will ever own. The RM Italy KL-203 will easily do 100-125w for roughly $100.
Whichever you decide, the person on the receiving end will not notice the difference between you transmitting with 60 watts or 100 watts. The difference (1 S-unit) would be slightly noticeable at 400w, then again at 1600w.
Instead of trying to get 100 watts for SSB on 11 meters, why not do what you are supposed to do in Amatuer Radio. Use the least power needed to maintain reliable communication so that you do not interfere unnecessarily with others. If you can make contact with 12 watts PEP using SSB, the only reason you would want to use 100 or 1000 watts would be to talk over someone which is what happens on 11 meters all the time.
Ever hear of QRP radio? Typically 10 watts PEP or less on SSB for HAM radio. Lots of HAM radio operators make plenty of contacts around the world with just that. Legal 11 meter SSB radios are allowed 12 watts PEP.
If mobile, a full length quarter wave vertical whip and a good ground to the vehicle is as good as a quarter wave ground plane at the same height above ground for line of sight. For atmospheric hops (skip), antenna elevation is usually unimportant.
When I was a teen back in the 70s, I wish I had know some of what I know now as a HAM. I could have amazed other CBers using a simple inverted V antenna for DX. I never used more than the CB could do with 4 watts AM. A neighbor had a 500 watt linear amplifier and a quarter wave ground plane in the top of a 60 foot pine tree only doing AM mode. Had I known then as much as I do about propagation and antennas now, I could have beat his DX reach.
Point is, use the 12 watts PEP with a good antenna for DX, and when the band is open be amazed what you can do. A quarter wave ground plane is not the best choice for DX. Anything you can learn about Inverted V, horizontal dipole, long wire, sloping long wires for 10 meters is applicable for 11 meters. The length of the elements are just a bit longer.
Ever hear of QRP radio? Typically 10 watts PEP or less on SSB for HAM radio. Lots of HAM radio operators make plenty of contacts around the world with just that. Legal 11 meter SSB radios are allowed 12 watts PEP.
If mobile, a full length quarter wave vertical whip and a good ground to the vehicle is as good as a quarter wave ground plane at the same height above ground for line of sight. For atmospheric hops (skip), antenna elevation is usually unimportant.
When I was a teen back in the 70s, I wish I had know some of what I know now as a HAM. I could have amazed other CBers using a simple inverted V antenna for DX. I never used more than the CB could do with 4 watts AM. A neighbor had a 500 watt linear amplifier and a quarter wave ground plane in the top of a 60 foot pine tree only doing AM mode. Had I known then as much as I do about propagation and antennas now, I could have beat his DX reach.
Point is, use the 12 watts PEP with a good antenna for DX, and when the band is open be amazed what you can do. A quarter wave ground plane is not the best choice for DX. Anything you can learn about Inverted V, horizontal dipole, long wire, sloping long wires for 10 meters is applicable for 11 meters. The length of the elements are just a bit longer.
Interesting points, but everyones use case is different. I like DX as much as anybody, but my main use is local / long distance local. Vertical antennas are the best option for local talk (and still have no problem with DX). I ditched all my HF rigs recently and went back to mostly 30+ year old CB radios for my base station set up (with DSP boards added for RX clarity). They all run legal power until late at night when i am talking to my locals on LSB. My locals range from 5-70 miles away on average. The guys farther than 40 miles away is when i usually need to use my little 100 watt amp to bump up my audio/signal a bit. DX not so much. Stock wattage with good propagation works just fine for DX.
Here’s my current set up. Nothing special. Talk all over the state and world with it. These old Unidens have some of the best RX and TX audio i’ve ever heard, and i’ve owned a LOT of CB, converted 10 Meter, and HF radios in the last 35ish years.
Here’s my current set up. Nothing special. Talk all over the state and world with it. These old Unidens have some of the best RX and TX audio i’ve ever heard, and i’ve owned a LOT of CB, converted 10 Meter, and HF radios in the last 35ish years.
