rescuecomm
Member
If one was going to put some money into a handheld CB, which of the above is the best?
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QYT CB58 or President Randy?
- Thread starter rescuecomm
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I have a President Randy FCC (I have no idea what the "FCC" part of the model is supposed to mean). It's got both AC and DC charger, Dynamite receive (with a better than the supplied antenna), and on transmit sounds just like a regular mobile. Only downside is that it's an AM only (no USB/LSB/FM). I use it mostly for testing and simul monitoring. I purchased this 42.5" foldable antenna ( https://tinyurl.com/yhqpgzoc ) PLUS separate Coax Adapter TNC Male to BNC Female so that I could screw the antenna right onto the rig. It stands perfectly straight and stiff when you unfold it. It makes an appreciable difference from the supplied stock antenna. The radio is very robust and is well manufactured.
It looks kind of funny with the 42.5" antenna but it does get out pretty well, and as I mentioned earlier, it has a great receiver especially with the above antenna, or use a mobile antenna or your base outside antenna.
It looks kind of funny with the 42.5" antenna but it does get out pretty well, and as I mentioned earlier, it has a great receiver especially with the above antenna, or use a mobile antenna or your base outside antenna.
slowmover
Active Member
I bought a Randy (FCC means USA-spec vs Euro) and —plugged into my big truck system — it’s comparable to a Uniden 880 (no mean performer).
Gave it to my son to keep in glovebox after we installed a power system in his SUV. Or he can use it with a mag mount when in his wife’s car or a rental.
A better antenna for walk-around is an excellent idea.
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I have a Randy and I have a CB-58. The CB-58 is not FCC approved for use in the USA. It includes FM. Most of the higher functions, such as setting scan lockouts, auto-squelch, squelch hysteresis, roger beep (which can actually be edited to any sound you want) on and on require a programming cable and software. I'd probably go with the CB-58, because it includes FM....but go with the Randy if you want to be 100% legal.
The Randy is a nice hand held CB. Built like a tank. Sucks it doesn't have SSB though. Mine sits in my truck for back up coms when out of cell range when camping. The antenna that comes with it isn't very good and not very flexable. Had an old radioshack antenna in my junk box from many years ago for cb. Works great and is more flexable. To bad they don't make those anymore. Don't know anything about the other cb but if its around same cost, go for that one.
slowmover
Active Member
More info online now about these.
Search Zastone CB-58
Search Zastone CB-58
Now President is going to release the Randy II soon. This radio will have FM. I'd wait for it.
rescuecomm
Member
The CB58 has CTCSS and DPL tones. Depending on what one plans to do with it, might be a deal breaker.
I'd wait until they include SSB. Then they will have the ultimate hand held CB.
arudlang
Member
I'd stick with the Randy for standard CB use (local comms with people I know). If you are doing something more special then maybe you need a "special" radio but otherwise those extra 'features' you don't need just make the radio more of a pain to use.
You need the programming software and cable to enable the pl and dpl, but yes...its there.
President has no plans for an SSB handheld.
slowmover
Active Member
SSB not needed for a portable. What antenna installed for walk-about can leverage your 3.5W?
Sure, one could climb a great hill and get a dipole into the trees for distant comms, but that’s time-limited in duration.
There’s probably a lithium batt could go in a backpack with a traditional SSB mobile one could have his field day.
Sure, one could climb a great hill and get a dipole into the trees for distant comms, but that’s time-limited in duration.
There’s probably a lithium batt could go in a backpack with a traditional SSB mobile one could have his field day.
I had a cherokee hand held cb with ssb. Bought a long antenna tuned for cb band. On a good day and conditions, could talk skip to alaska and texas. No hill climbing.
slowmover
Active Member
Could it run 12-hrs and fit into your shirt pocket?
Larry1275
Member
Not really,I rather have AM and FM
The Randy II will be both AM and FM.
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