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

[kc0bus]

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]

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.

 

[jhooten]

Cobra 148GTL. It is a bare bones unit with a decent receiver and clean audio. Shop around and they can be had new for a little over $100.

 

[wb6uqa]

Sears Road Talker is great .

 

[N8IAA]

Sears Road Talker is great .

23 or 40 channel Don't believe they ever had a SSB unit. But, I can be wrong.
Larry

 

[jhooten]

23 or 40 channel Don't believe they ever had a SSB unit. But, I can be wrong.
Larry

Yes they did. Had one in the 70s.

 

[kc0bus]

23 or 40 channel ..
Larry

Either is fine, but 40 channels would be nice.

 

[KC4RAF]

+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.

 

[krokus]

The Uniden PC-122XL is nice, compact and basic unit. It is older now, so they might be inexpensive.

http://www.cbradiomagazine.com/Radio Reviews/Uniden PC122XL/Uniden PC122XL Review.htm

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[wb6uqa]

new ssb cb

Sears Road Talker is great .

The roadtalker is 40 channels with ssb. I have one, not for sale.

 

[k8krh]

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

DOCTOR/WR795

 

[prcguy]

I had to use a couple of Uniden 980s on a job site last month and I wouldn't give $10 for one new. Really big POS!
prcguy

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

DOCTOR/WR795

 

[kc0bus]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've been making notes....

 

[jodoak]

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]

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]

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

 

[K5MPH]

All ways like'd the cobra 148 SSB i still have mine still a good radio........

 

[friskidog]

Check out the galaxy DX979, about $158 on amazon. Good solid radio.

 

[Retroradio]

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.

 

[SouthernRoller]

Aren't there mods available to stop that annoying beep, or at least tune it down?

https://youtu.be/o23Pkm00pa8