Ranger Rci-2950dx

[N1SQB]

Looking to spice things up in the shack. I want to get into a little 10 meter DX. I wonder what your thoughts are on this radio...

Manny

 

[RF-Burns]

I personally wouldn't waste your money, ranger products are made from very cheap parts, and they over load all the time. They are really a CB radio just tuned to the ham bands. Their RX is very dull. If you were ever to sell the radio you would never get your money back out of it. If I were in your shoes I would get an older Icom 706 and use it for 10 meters. That way you are getting 100 watts, AM/FM/SSB/CW/RTTY not to mention all the good Icom filtering. A new ranger is going to cost you 300.00. If you place an add on QTH or QRZ looking for a nice used Original 706 I am sure you can get one for around the same price maybe little more. You can even buy an Alinco DX-70T for around 300.00. Ham radio gear is a lot better than the CB stuff. Don’t get me wrong I have a CB in my truck and I monitor it all the time but I wouldn’t rely on CB equipment as my front line gear.

73's

Dan

 

[hoser147]

Manny if its an older one your looking at it might be a decent radio, seems like they cheapened things up over time. The older Rangers would take more of a beating, myself and others had them in 4 wheel drive trucks and they stood up rather well, on and off road. I agree the Icom would be a much better choice.

 

[125]

Hi guys: Lets just call the RCI, Galaxy radios what they really are CB radios with some power and lots of channels and that is why CB shops sell them. I would tell you to save up a little more money (not much) but look for a HF mobile. 2 weeks ago I saw a IC706 on a swapshop page for $400Cdn thats about $330US for a 100w (5w lo) 160-10 +6 +2 in 1 small radio and many radio clubs do have swapshop pages here on the web. The US doller is stong so you might check out the Canadian sites to buy because $1 dollar US is worth $1.25 Cdn.

 

[N1SQB]

Well, so much for that idea!

I'm glad I checked with you guys. I think I WILL look into a good used 706. I did an Eham Review check and I like what I read. Its a perfect time too, its Hamfest season.....

Thanks guys!

Manny

 

[kb2vxa]

Why limit yourself when there's SO much out there to choose from? Ask around and shop around, you just might come up with something better because all good things come to he who waits. Just don't wait too long when you find what you're looking for, everyone has their eyes on the prize.

In any case avoid the CB crap or you'll be greatly disappointed two ways, one with the radio and again with the band. At this low point in the sunspot cycle 10M is dead with the exception of an occasional sporadic E "short skip" opening, some local around town chat depending on where you live and a few wayward CBers we'd love to just strangle with their own microphone cords.

Speaking of waiting, in a few years 10 will open and you'll be able to work the world on 5W and a strand of wet spaghetti. Last time around I was swatting Japanese flies while tuning around looking for Pacific islands and rare Asian countries often late into the evening around midnight. Next morning I was swamped by Europeans as I cruised for Africans, at midday it was bedlam as they shot at me from all directions and then it was the Japanese invasion all over again! Those were the days and they're coming again just you wait. Meanwhile the lower frequency bands are where the DX is and it's always better at the low point in the cycle, even better in winter when there are no lightning crashes and associated atmospheric noise to contend with. Then there is The Magic Band 6M and the world above 30MHz to play around with...

 

[SigIntel8600]

Looking to spice things up in the shack. I want to get into a little 10 meter DX. I wonder what your thoughts are on this radio...

Manny

Hi Manny,

Don't count out Ranger products. I used to own both an RCI 2950 and an RCI 2995. I really enjoyed these radios. I had the 2995 hooked up to an IMAX 2000 and during the last sunspot peak I worked every continent on 10 meters and have the QSL cards to prove it. I used to get lectured by snobby ham's that I was using a glorified CB. So much so that at first I got turned off pretty quick, then it became sort of an FU (LOL). I mean WTF, I earned my general ticket (including 5 WPM code, hated it) and was a legal operator. Can you imagine turning on the radio to work a little DX or shoot the breeze only to have some smelly old GEEK dress you down on the radio. Sorry for the off topic rant, guess I'm still a little bitter. Anyway, I enjoyed my Ranger radios, I sold them when I moved but I am thinking about getting on for my mobile again. Good Luck.

 

[kb2vxa]

"I used to get lectured by snobby ham's that I was using a glorified CB."
What we mean is it's a CRAP CB. There are far better products on the market and using a modified plain Jane 5W CB on 10M isn't entirely unheard of, we've been doing it for more than 40 years. QRP is a fun challenge, a dirty signal is a challenge of quite another sort.

 

[eorange]

If I were in your shoes I would get an older Icom 706 and use it for 10 meters.

I second that, although I bought the 706 primarily for 6m. It's a solid, time-tested rig.

 

[Catdriver]

Hi Manny,

Don't count out Ranger products. I used to own both an RCI 2950 and an RCI 2995. I really enjoyed these radios. I had the 2995 hooked up to an IMAX 2000 and during the last sunspot peak I worked every continent on 10 meters and have the QSL cards to prove it. I used to get lectured by snobby ham's that I was using a glorified CB. So much so that at first I got turned off pretty quick, then it became sort of an FU (LOL). I mean WTF, I earned my general ticket (including 5 WPM code, hated it) and was a legal operator. Can you imagine turning on the radio to work a little DX or shoot the breeze only to have some smelly old GEEK dress you down on the radio. Sorry for the off topic rant, guess I'm still a little bitter. Anyway, I enjoyed my Ranger radios, I sold them when I moved but I am thinking about getting on for my mobile again. Good Luck.

Ranger makes a good radio in the higher end ones 2995,2950,2970. I own a Yaesu FT890 and it doesn't hear or talk a bit better than my 2995 dx. I quit QRZ after about 1 week because of the better than thou hams. Selling my ft890 and just sticking with the ranger an my 2 meter. I'm sick of the ham bunch, terrible attitudes towards cbers an newbies.

Ron

 

[Hindscountyman]

Ranger makes a good radio in the higher end ones 2995,2950,2970. I own a Yaesu FT890 and it doesn't hear or talk a bit better than my 2995 dx. I quit QRZ after about 1 week because of the better than thou hams. Selling my ft890 and just sticking with the ranger an my 2 meter. I'm sick of the ham bunch, terrible attitudes towards cbers an newbies.

Ron

Can not agree more...

 

[2beers4me]

Hi Manny,

Don't count out Ranger products. I used to own both an RCI 2950 and an RCI 2995. I really enjoyed these radios. I had the 2995 hooked up to an IMAX 2000 and during the last sunspot peak I worked every continent on 10 meters and have the QSL cards to prove it. I used to get lectured by snobby ham's that I was using a glorified CB. So much so that at first I got turned off pretty quick, then it became sort of an FU (LOL). I mean WTF, I earned my general ticket (including 5 WPM code, hated it) and was a legal operator. Can you imagine turning on the radio to work a little DX or shoot the breeze only to have some smelly old GEEK dress you down on the radio. Sorry for the off topic rant, guess I'm still a little bitter. Anyway, I enjoyed my Ranger radios, I sold them when I moved but I am thinking about getting on for my mobile again. Good Luck.

I agree,
I have owned two old model 2950's, and currently own an old model 2970. I never had a problem with any of my RCI's. Yes, the receive is not the greatest on them, but for the money you can't go wrong. My second 2950 I paid $125 for a used model. My 2970 I still have I paid $200 for, also used. The 2970 will do 200 watts on side band with good reports. For someone who wants to tool around on 10 meters it seems like a cheap option. How much does a 706, or similar rig cost?

 

[SigIntel8600]

Ranger makes a good radio in the higher end ones 2995,2950,2970. I own a Yaesu FT890 and it doesn't hear or talk a bit better than my 2995 dx. I quit QRZ after about 1 week because of the better than thou hams. Selling my ft890 and just sticking with the ranger an my 2 meter. I'm sick of the ham bunch, terrible attitudes towards cbers an newbies.

Ron

Catdriver,

I "graduated" from CB to amateur and was soon shocked to discover that numerous amateurs were under the impression that by memorizing some multiple choice questions and passing a CW test, they are the ultimate authority on many issues and like to lecture and pontificate ON THE AIR (in between drools, LOL) about what I was doing wrong! or what radio I am allowed to use. I was turned off, immediately............I still have a FT8900 but almost never transmit. I don't mean to lump all amateurs into this group, but I totally agree with you.

Take Care,

 

[Catdriver]

Bearcat and others,

Thanx for agreeing with me. After 40 years of CB'ing I believe I'll just stick with it.....


Ron
ol'fart

 

[N1SQB]

Bearcat and others,

Thanx for agreeing with me. After 40 years of CB'ing I believe I'll just stick with it.....

Ron
ol'fart

This conversation has gone a little bit off topic from my original post but I'm glad it has come up. I also came from the good-ol-cb days. I used to have an Ranger 2950 way back when. It was so long ago that I forgot what this radio was like so I had to ask once again what peoples' opinion was on it. Anyway, I remember the fun of CB'ing too. I remember my first long distance,cross country contact. I was in awe..There were people like today,who were on cb just to cause problems,interfere with their xxx watt linears ect...However, there were people who just wanted to talk for the fun of it. When I got into Ham in 1994, such was the case in this realm as well. I was in hog heaven when my "ticket" arrived in the mail. I thought I had achieved something good. I was never a "technical" guy before Ham came along. Even the Tech license was not hard but not a sinch either. Well, once I tried to get on the air, I was met with the worst piss poor attitude from the "code" gang. I learned very quickly that if I did not pass a code test, I was never going to fit in and would be an outcast. I was told to "man up" and do the code. I lost my freaking mind. I had not only gotten my wife to become a Ham but my best friend (also a CBer) as well.
I went right back to doing my cb thing for a bit. I stayed in Ham radio but not associated with any club. I got to the point where I hated it. Then I met a friend who used to belong to the club I was in but felt the same way I did. He started to influence me in a positive way. I eventualy upgraded,my wife did as well and so did my best friend. I waited until they dropped the code requirement just becauce I did NOT want to give in to the old folks way of thinking. My 10 year old daughter is now a Ham. My point here is that unfortunately, there will always be "better than thou" attitudes in this and any other hobby. Dont let those people affect your view of what has become a really good hobby and in a lot of places, an only means of communication in a time of crisis. Cb is cool, Ham is cool. Its what you make of it. Dont let the negative attitude of a few, affect your view of this hobby. Just go around them as you would with any small obstacle.
As far as the 2950, I'm sure it's a nice radio, however, the possibility of getting a multiband radio like the 706 for a cheap price, is definitely something I have to consider.

Manny

 

[kb2vxa]

Well if you don't like "holier than thou hams" stop talking like a CBer and OPERATE like a HAM. That's the second thing I had to learn, first thing I learned was to stop blaming them and focus on myself, the cause of the problem. Nobody likes a lid, to play with the big boys you need to grow up.

 

[SigIntel8600]

Well if you don't like "holier than thou hams" stop talking like a CBer and OPERATE like a HAM. That's the second thing I had to learn, first thing I learned was to stop blaming them and focus on myself, the cause of the problem. Nobody likes a lid, to play with the big boys you need to grow up.

Get a grip on reality............Go listen to the "big boys" on 80 Meters.....I hear worse there than I ever heard on CB. I saw the "big boys" at a Hamfest once, Biggest collection of weirdos I've ever seen in one room at the same time. You can play with your "big boys". I'm going back to 27.385 LSB.................Later :roll:

 

[Catdriver]

Well if you don't like "holier than thou hams" stop talking like a CBer and OPERATE like a HAM. That's the second thing I had to learn, first thing I learned was to stop blaming them and focus on myself, the cause of the problem. Nobody likes a lid, to play with the big boys you need to grow up.

lid?...ROTFLMAO,you all have a code for everything don't ya? I guess ya need impress your brethren....

Big Boys my butt, more like big cry babies. Qrz spends more of it's time worried about some guy that didn't hafta take the code an cb'ers more than their own ham biz. Theres more cry baby hams than there are Harley vs Honda guys.

If you all didn't think that you was 10 times better than us poor dumb cb'ers it might make a better forum to be on. I've heard some of the things that happen on your precious ham bands. You all scream an rant about cb'ers with our 40 channels, yet to look at the govt's spectrum plan an it has amatuer use splattered all through out it.

And yeah, I'm a no code general AND a cb'er also, doesn't it just P*** ya off?

Ron

 

[2beers4me]

Well if you don't like "holier than thou hams" stop talking like a CBer and OPERATE like a HAM. That's the second thing I had to learn, first thing I learned was to stop blaming them and focus on myself, the cause of the problem. Nobody likes a lid, to play with the big boys you need to grow up.

WOW! What can we specifically do to "OPERATE like a HAM"? I have been on the fence going back and fourth about taking the Tech license exam this week, and after reading this I know why I am content as an "out of band cb'er". As far as "playing with the big boys", I'm confused on this. Does having a dual band Handy Talkie make you a big boy? How about sending code? I know, maybe a repeater club member? I always wanted to know, If HAM operators are so much better than us inferior 11 meter operators, why do they care to drop there two cents on our hobby all the time. Some feel the need to remind us that they think they are better than us? This is the same crap I read on all these boards, QRZ ect. This is not directed towards all Hams as many of you came from 11 meters, or are tolerant of a similar hobby. I think instead of trying to constantly make fun of people who enjoy 11 meters you should embrace them. Last time I checked your hobby is not what it once was, and either is cb. That being said, as long as there are trucks on the road cb will never die. What will happen to your hobby with many of the negative attitudes? I still may get my ticket. I think it would be fun to operate on 10 and 6 meters. As far as the code goes, I don't think I have the time, or nerves for that sort of thing. You got to remember I'm just a dumb cb'er, LOL.

 

[N1SQB]

Just Remember!
That is HIS opinion, His attitude, not everybody elses on here. Read what I posted above. DO NOT let anyones' personal attitude or comments stop you from becoming a Ham Radio Operator. Nothing says you cant continue using CB even after you get your ticket. Maybe with YOUR attitude you can get people to come over from cb as well. I have achieved the highest license level which is Amateur Extra. What has that done for my ego? Nothing. I still hang out at the local truck stops picking up accesories (speakers,connectors, mounts ect..) and seeing what the latest cb radios are. I dont operate cb but I like to stay current on whats going on. It is after all where I came from and I'm not ashamed to admitt it. God, I still remeber getting my first 3 channel walkie talkie from RadioShack. It came stock with channel 14. I added channel 19 and I think 9 too for emergencies. I worked my rear off to get a 40 channel base and antenna from RS. I went through a Cobra 29LTD, a 148GTL and finaly a 2950 which I regret selling. Yes sir, those were really cool days. I just stayed away from the riff raff. You have to do the same in the Ham world unfortunately. It aint the perfect world some make it out to be. A few Hams didnt take the dropping of the code too well and cant seem to get over it. Get your ticket and get out this hobby all you can, I do....

Manny