QT40 vs. QT60

[KQ4PWI]

I have done a fair amount of research on these two radios and looking to make a final decision. It appears that the mod for CB is rather straight forward for both and the cost differential isn't really a factor either. I would be using whichever I choose as both a mobile and base, at least initially. I plan to pair the radio with the SR-A10 mag mount. It seems that the 40 might be more using friendly, while the 60 has better power output. Being completely new to CB and skip, I am not sure what additional features to consider.

Input to assist with the decision will be appreciated. Also is it best to purchase directly from Radioddity or another vender. Thank you.

Rex

 

[EAFrizzle]

Welcome to the forums!

Both radios perform well for 11 meter work, so the biggest question is which style do you like the most?

I like the QT-60Pro, and use mine daily. Since you're an amateur operator, you'd probably get more usability out of the 60 than the 40; it gives you easier access to the functions that a ham needs. If you just need a CB, the 40 will do great.

Power-wise, the only notable difference between them is what an amplifier would see as the input. No one on the listening end will be able to tell the power difference in the radios alone.

Both have WX channels, and you can add in other VHF frequencies for local monitoring on the QT-60Pro. I'm not sure if you can do that in the QT-40 CPS.

You've picked a good antenna to work with. Just put it in the center of the roof, and it shouldn't have any problems. Either radio will work well with it, and you should be making contacts in short order.

Enjoy your new radio! Lots of good DX still out there on 11 meters.

 

[KR4NIV]

I was picking up skip from England this morning on my mobile rig QT 60. My transmit isn't so good because of my location in the mountains. I like my QT 60 so far. Quite a bit. Lots of features and learn where to access them in short order.

 

[WSAC829]

Having owned both that’s a tough one. For mobile use the QT40 is WAY easier to navigate with its old style buttons and switches rather than the partially menu driven QT60 (like no external mic gain, have to use the menu on the QT60). For a base station i prefer the QT60 just for the fact it has a big screen and VFO mode. For included features and bells and whistles they are almost identical in what they can and can’t do. There is only a 20 watt difference between them and wouldn’t be very noticeable. They both also have a programmable VHF receiver in them so you can monitor local ham, fire, ems, murs, etc if you want it to act like a poor mans scanner in a pinch. You really can’t go wrong with either for the money.

Edit: Most people don’t know this that buy one, but the QT40 also has a frequency counter. Just hold the up/down channel buttons on the mic at the same time and the frequency will scroll in the channel display. I see reviews / comments on forums etc that say they wish it had one. It does.

 

[slowmover]

AM/FM/SSB w/NRC Export is the mark to meet for mobile. 50-100W integrated. Large S-Meter

I have the QT60 in my big truck mobile rig. 11,000/miles-month. Stock mic is fine; I use BC-45 (don’t want channel change).

— It’s preferred over any NRC radio lacking a large meter as that is a great aid in distinguishing between Skip and Local when needing to make decisions at high speed (temporary RX which I can ignore).

There’s never enough time & distance for any given conversation when opposing lane vehicles are departing one another at 125-140/MPH. Seconds count. The meter is valuable.

IOW, I’m set for worst-case scenario. Tool, not Toy. A constant. Big truck is way too much work when things get hinky. And day-after-day is tiring. In an automobile one has a bit more freedom and hopefully is never as tired. Scan, play QSO, etc. This rarely figures for me (except when I’m trying to find locals avoiding the asswipes crowding AM-19 via Skip).

PRESIDENT George and Washington also feature large meters.

QT60 controls are easy enough. Most everything is set & forget for AM-19 use. Vol, SQ & RFG are the only changes thru the day (0400-1600) when the goal is maximum distance signal capture.

Far Rural is somewhat different settings than within Major Metro. Variation in-between. The wild card is Skip (daily adjustment) as we are still near the peak of the Solar Cycle. Morning versus mid-afternoon is another.

Over familiar ground (metro regional bubble) given a commuters schedule plus off-hours errands-running, radio adjustments are limited. In effect, may not be any. When it will matter more is when on vacation travel as terrain & traffic change.

IMO, the requirement besides meter is to add the DRX-901 speaker to get the full benefit of better signal capture (clarity). Vocal details add intuitive understanding. “Noise” isn’t as irritating.

This radio type — with strict installation quality plus best antenna design/location & installation — is all in service of the same ends:

Arrive in the same condition as when departed.

Antenna Design (5’ Minimum Length) + Location (Roof Center Ideal) is the important decision set. Clean power is a given. That info in other threads.

Radios can be changed at will.

.

 

[slowmover]

“ . . with the STRYKER SR-A10 mag mount”

(WILSON 5000 clone)

Order-of-Importance is Antenna System first.

A magnetic mount antenna is a half-measure to avoid.

The coax is always in the way. It’s an only a matter of when, not if it becomes damaged and this exists from the moment of first use.

While it meets the 5’ minimum, it still gives up performance to a 7’ (what you didn’t know you were missing despite the rest of the radio rig being “ideal”). Shorter than this gives up too much.

At roof center:

Low key & long-lasting would be (my preference) the 5’ LARSEN NMO-30 + W640 whip. (Remove & cover with rain cap as desired).



Least compromised performance would be almost any 7’ antenna on a sufficiently strong BREEDLOVE MOUNT



Trade-off is reduced stationary clearance plus more TLC maintenance (not much in total).

Ideal nationwide clearance height is at 14’ (municipalities require 15’ clearance for emergency vehicles and moving vans). New England an exception (lower). My “city antenna is a baseload with an ultra-flex whip reaching to 13’. It imparts no penalty in my use.

If I switch to a 5’ it drops my RX range considerably.

Convenience doesn’t trump Receive


Antenna System isn’t an afterthought. It’s the difference between men and boys.


— The radio is just another component. Sure, there are radio performance minimums, but the antenna system is what is make-or-break.

The permanent antenna is the baseline to “Best Mobile System”.

No, these don’t leak and as an upgrade they add value to an automobile.

Discussions are elsewhere.

.

 

[slowmover]

“ . . purchase directly from Radioddity” (?)

Has “Bundle Sales” every so often. QT60 with extras at $209 last time I looked at one.

These are re-branded ANYTONE radios.

RADIODDITY and POWERWERX are both good retailers to have links saved. DX ENGINEERING almost as much so. I’ve used PALOMAR ENGINEERS for a host of things, too. HRO, yet another. (More, besides).

I prefer to avoid AMAZON and eBay as money isn’t performance. Value is the mark (products and services). The greater becomes your knowledge the easier it becomes to be able to distinguish price vs value.

The incidentals can add up. Considerably. But cheap choices nearly always backfire. (Non-AMPHENOL connectors in my experience: a $1,200 radio system not working because I tried to save a few bucks on UHF pieces).

While there are those with offerings that may be lower on price . . . better look for a consensus, first.

Edit: Welcome to RR!

.

 

[KQ4PWI]

Thank you all for the experiences and suggestions. Maybe I need to consider the QT40 for mobile and the QT60 for base. Or maybe something altogether different for base. I guess the possibilities are somewhat endless.

 

[slowmover]

Antennas are decisive.

That’s where to put the research time & effort.

.

 

[niceguy71]

as everyone has already said either will be a fantastic radio

QT-40 = 10 watts dead key
QT-60 = 15 watts dead key you will never know the difference.

getting the radio at Radioddity.com gets you an 18 month warranty VS 1 year at Amazon... but both are void as soon as you do the mod... so buy it wherever it's easier and cheaper.

I like the simple return at Amazon if something went wrong.... so plug it in before you do the mod so you know it works.

when I got on this forum the Anytone 5555 N II ( also known as the Radioddity QT-60 ) was all the talk, about it being the top radio
then others found the QT-40 and found it a little more user friendly

I got used to the QT-60... the display is fantastic as a base station... nothing like that huge display to see the signal strength meter

I bought another one for my mobile and found the sun hits the display and it was a little harder to see.... and I also found myself looking at it while driving to switch from AM to SSB .... took a long time to get used to it...

I bought the QT-40 and put it in my mobile... the display with sun shining on it was easier to see... but I had gotten used to the QT-60 so I put the QT-60 back in the mobile and the QT-40 is sitting on the shelf.

if you're not in a hurry... wait for the big deals... Black Friday and Memorial day..... last Black Friday, amazon had the QT-40 for $149.99 ... they had a used one ( meaning a return ) for $107 ...so I bought the $107 dollar QT-40....

again both are great radios.

 

[WSAC829]

I was e-mailed a coupon code from Radioddity today. I didn’t need another radio, but i liked the QT40 when i owned one. Always kinda kicked myself for selling it. The discount was too good to pass up, so i snagged a new QT40 w/programming cable for $140.00.

 

[niceguy71]

KQ4PWI​

what did you finally decide to get it??
how's it working?

 

[KQ4PWI]

KQ4PWI​

what did you finally decide to get it??
how's it working?

I went with the QT40 and the SR-A10 mag mount. So far, I am liking the set up but I don't believe I am reaching the full potential. I have yet to use in my truck, so I have the mag mount on a cookie sheet. I am betting that I am not getting a sufficient ground. I also need to get a SWR meter. I am happy with my purchase so far and looking to learn more. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[WSAC829]

I also need to get a SWR meter.

While external meters are great, if you hook the radio up to your computer you can enable the SWR reading in the programming software (along with hi-cut, lowering the tallkback/monitor which is too loud by default among other things). Once that’s done when you key up your SWR will be displayed the in the channel display.

 

[KQ4PWI]

While external meters are great, if you hook the radio up to your computer you can enable the SWR reading in the programming software (along with hi-cut, lowering the tallkback/monitor which is too loud by default among other things). Once that’s done when you key up your SWR will be displayed the in the channel display.

Thanks for that suggestion, I will try and set this up. This radio is all new to me, so it is very much a learn as I go process. Appreciate the input and direction.

 

[niceguy71]

“ . . with the STRYKER SR-A10 mag mount”

(WILSON 5000 clone)

Order-of-Importance is Antenna System first.

A magnetic mount antenna is a half-measure to avoid.

The coax is always in the way. It’s an only a matter of when, not if it becomes damaged and this exists from the moment of first use.

While it meets the 5’ minimum, it still gives up performance to a 7’ (what you didn’t know you were missing despite the rest of the radio rig being “ideal”). Shorter than this gives up too much.

At roof center:

Low key & long-lasting would be (my preference) the 5’ LARSEN NMO-30 + W640 whip. (Remove & cover with rain cap as desired).

View attachment 198200

Least compromised performance would be almost any 7’ antenna on a sufficiently strong BREEDLOVE MOUNT

View attachment 198201

Trade-off is reduced stationary clearance plus more TLC maintenance (not much in total).

Ideal nationwide clearance height is at 14’ (municipalities require 15’ clearance for emergency vehicles and moving vans). New England an exception (lower). My “city antenna is a baseload with an ultra-flex whip reaching to 13’. It imparts no penalty in my use.

If I switch to a 5’ it drops my RX range considerably.

Convenience doesn’t trump Receive


Antenna System isn’t an afterthought. It’s the difference between men and boys.


— The radio is just another component. Sure, there are radio performance minimums, but the antenna system is what is make-or-break.

The permanent antenna is the baseline to “Best Mobile System”.

No, these don’t leak and as an upgrade they add value to an automobile.

Discussions are elsewhere.

.

we all have our opinions... mine might not be any good at all... but I do actual tests to see what works and what doesn't

I get it, some people don't like magnetic antenna's

are they really that much worse than other mounting systems on the market??? NO I THINK THEY MAY BE BETTER!

I keep seeing people bolt on a firestick to???? side of hood on the fender. ..... it doesn't touch the hood so it has a terrible ground plane

they bolt on a ???? probably a fiberglass antenna on the side of a pick up bed rail.... again no large metal surface under antenna for a ground plane.

they bolt an antenna on the tool box in the back of a pick up bed..... the antenna is not high enough and is blocked by the cab... tool box is not truly bonded to the metal of the vehicle.

bolted to the back bumper... again no large flat metal under the antenna and the antenna is up against the side or back of the pick-up blocking the signal/transmission... again not overly bonded to the vehicle.

bolted to the side door mirror ... again no large section of flat metal under the antenna.... not overly bonded to the vehicle ... not high enough and it's partially blocked by the cab.

my 5 foot tall magnetic antenna is at the highest point of the vehicle
my 5 foot tall magnetic antenna is in the center of the roof with 360 degrees of flat metal all around it making a great ground plane.
my 5 foot tall magnetic antenna is connected to the vehicle through capacitive coupling and I bet that's a better connection than 90% of the bolted on antennas

my 5 foot tall magnetic antenna has the coax laying on the roof then hangs into the bed and I have a hole in the bed and a hole in the back of the cab behind the seat with two grommets.... my coax is never getting pinched or bent or slammed in a door or a window.

my 5 foot tall magnetic antenna can be pulled off the roof and laid flat on the floor of my pick-up truck bed with the magnetic portion of the antenna "stuck" or magnetized to the flat of the bed wall behind the cab, so I can go through car washes or parking garages or if I want to sell the truck someday I can just remove it.

my coax sits in the sun with the UV Rays beating on it when the truck is not in the garage...... point for SlowMover

my 5 foot tall magnetic antenna works fantastic! I can talk mobile to mobile for 9 miles and my mobile to my base station for close to 20 miles on AM .... 90% of people with a CB radio will never achieve my performance.

many in this forum may also do all the RF bonding I've done
install the Palomar in line coax noise filter
install the power line electrical noise filter
install the power wire coming directly from the battery
install a huge ground as close to the radio as possible
install chokes and ferrite clips along the coax
but I bet 90% of people with a CB don't do this and will not achieve half my performance.

very few will drill the hole... they seem to go out of their way to bolt something on and get lucky to make 4 miles of range... and they seem ok with that???

I took all the magnetic antenna's you can purchase in 2025 out for a range test... and also bought a magnetic base for the Sirio 5000 and a magnetic base for a NMO antenna so I could test just how good this Larsen NMO-27 really is

all magnetic bases were 5 inches wide except the Sirio which was 6 inches around and the LiL-Will was only 3 or 4 inch around.

the Larsen NMO-27 was the 2nd worst antenna out of the 9 we tested..... would it make a difference if it was drilled into the roof?
I'm sure it would help.... but it was still short at 52 inches .. it has a tiny coil compared to all the big magnetic mount coils of the Stryker, Wilson, and Tram, ............. it transmitted and it received absolutely terrible.

for people getting into this hobby I feel they can't go wrong with a Stryker SR-A10 magnetic antenna.. at least to start... they can always move onto something different... but for a $100 bucks, start with something that is known to work and work well

the pictures are my antenna coax on the roof ... then hanging into the bed... then going through the bed and finally into the cab to go under the carpet and come up behind the radio.

the video is of "The Great Antenna Test of 2025" if you look at my SWR on my CB it is at 8 or 9 ... I had a little 2 foot jumper that went from the CB to SWR warning meter /Power Meter and that cheap 2 foot jumper had a problem... but if you look at the little SWR meter strapped to the CB the SWR is 1.5 .. so all the antenna's were fine... it was just my CB to the antenna that was a problem ...... my CB had this problem on all 9 of the antenna's we tested .so it was all equal and fair.....
4 of the antenna's talked for 9 miles mobile to mobile... ( Thanks WX2Watch )

the NMO-27 could barely go past 5 miles on transmit or recieve .. it was breaking up at 3 miles.. and at 4 miles I struggled to understand anything.

the Wilson LiL-Will received fairly well to almost 7 miles.. but it would only transmit to just over 4 miles

I was so disgusted by the performance of the Larsen NMO-27 that I abandoned any thought of putting the 64 inch antenna on a different NMO coil. ( it collects dust in my closet to this day )....
that little tiny Larsen coil just didn't seem like it could ever compete with the big coils on the antennas like the Stryker, Wilson and Tram 3500 ......... also I didn't believe the difference going from the Larsen 49 inch whip to a 64 inch whip ( 15 inches ) and different coil was going to be all that much better.

so I wouldn't knock the magnetic antennas until you actually try the Larsen NMO-27

I know and I see SlowMover has the Sirio 5000 mounted to his vehicle through the roof and I don't doubt it's performance to be fantastic....
but that Larsen??? over a Stryker????
in my opinion the Larsen just doesn't cut it.

 

[niceguy71]

this is the Stryker to Stryker CB antenna test to 9 miles....
we didn't have the best conditions but it worked well... if you look at the small SWR meter "SWR warning meter" and POWER meter strapped to the side it looks like we were doing the test with between 6 to 8 watts .. nice to be able to see the wattage

and this is my personal favorite the Tram-3500.. it's about the same as the Stryker but it looks a 100 times better than that big ugly Stryker.

 

[DeeEx]

The above two posts really hit home with antenna issues I think we all see every day.

I’ve been in the hobby long enough that seeing people with poor antenna installations does not make me simply think, “oh great, there’s someone else I won’t be able to talk to very effectively.” Rather, I see the long-term consequences of someone who probably entered the hobby with enthusiasm, but won’t continue because he or she’ll be frustrated by the poor results they get. Same goes for people who think the only radios on the market are the ones at Walmart or AutoZone.

 

[slowmover]

A problem with mobile is the extent to which local conditions — natural and/or man-made — interfere with RX/TX.

Sounds obvious . . but only a long distance road test reveals it.

This is not an argument being offered.

What worked great back home maybe ain’t so great one state away. Or from rural into a Top Five Metro Region.

The work mentioned above is the hard road first time through. Worth it every time.


A choice of antenna lengths, maybe designs, is of value.

1). NMO30 + 64” whip and Spring looks best to me for all-around: ease-of-installation and quality of construction. Good for the commuter and then for his road trips.

Not significantly more expensive than a nice mag mount.

2). A BREEDLOVE (or comparable) permanent antenna mount allows for greater choices. But installation is more difficult. Enormous choice of antennas. But, also expensive.

The radio which gets used the most (annual hours) is how to look at it. #1 would be higher for most folks than #2.

RR isn’t “most folks”. Better or Best figure in.

What’s different in 2026 vs 1986 is that the transceivers are of a whole other class. At the same time, automobiles are more difficult by which to get a good all-around installation.

Having done “the other work”, I’m fairly well convinced that while TX/RX distances are similar (quantity) the difference in quality favors antenna permanent-mount. Same antennas versus a heavy triple mag mount.

Sometimes quality is quantity, but it mainly came down to lower noise floor. Words are words . . but how they’re said is the divisor favoring permanent mount.

— One leaves his regional comfort zone and it’s important on both ends of the conversation.

Permanent Antenna Mount is wholly a vehicle upgrade. No downside.

Only then do NRC Radio & HI-Fi Speaker perform at their best (given external coax transceiver filter added).

Joe Sixpack ain’t gonna leave a mag-mount up.
Near continual use is the learning curve.


.

 

[slowmover]

The above two posts really hit home with antenna issues I think we all see every day.

I’ve been in the hobby long enough that seeing people with poor antenna installations does not make me simply think, “oh great, there’s someone else I won’t be able to talk to very effectively.” Rather, I see the long-term consequences of someone who probably entered the hobby with enthusiasm, but won’t continue because he or she’ll be frustrated by the poor results they get. Same goes for people who think the only radios on the market are the ones at Walmart or AutoZone.

My exact feelings when I see a family man busting his butt with a diesel 3500 sporting DOT numbers and a gooseneck flat behind it.

3’ Firestik zip-tied to headache rack.

All the other geniuses telling him that (CB dead, etc).

I kept my income from falling, sometimes increased it, and definitely avoided high risk situations having spent (and spent) to arrive at an excellent radio rig.

QT40 vs QT60 isn’t here or there. I’ve stated my preference for the latter. But purchased the former on behalf of the property owner here.

Radios come & go.

.