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Thoughts on President Radios

DixonM

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Dec 29, 2023
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Hi am thinking of switching from a President Lincoln 2+ to the Richard model my question is do they perform the same out of the box with the 11m conversion?
I just got the President about a year ago used, it had been converted at dodge city cb shop and the radio transmits and receives so much nicer than my old Galaxy DX929 I have used in the past. The 929 I bought back in the day from wilcott and was peaked and tuned but was never impressed by its performance had another shop work on it with the same results. So with that said I am after a simple radio that has a little more power than an over the counter CB barefoot and is clean to talk on and listen to I use it in a big truck over the road Not looking to spend over $300 for radio.
 

RFI-EMI-GUY

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For 11 meters why not get a President McKinley? The Richard has no SSB and fewer features than the Lincoln 2+. You can compare features on the Prez website.
 

DixonM

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Dec 29, 2023
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Never used SSB is this something I will use trust me when I tell you I am Ignorant in CB. I use channel 19 I also use the hi cut feature the anl, nb, mic gain and rf gain. I get a lot of complements on the radio I just hate how busy the front panel is and I can not see it up in the cubby hole its installed into on the peterbilt.
 

slowmover

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I’d say the requirement is NRC. While I wouldn’t want to leave out Sideband, a $300 budget means one can get a Q5/QT60 or a QT40 and enjoy best of both (AM/SSB + NRC) with a little bit of juice (nice for a mobile rig).

Radioddity QT40

IMG_3987.png


These radios need conversion to 11M so read up on that. It’s not complicated.



Or, have it done:


.
 
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slowmover

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The Lincoln is an outstanding radio, but it’s not easy to manipulate on the road, nor is it up to par in filtering signal capture against the latest radios fitted with digital signal processing (NRC).

I own one and am happy to have it. It’s just not my first choice for mobile in terms of ease of use. I use it with an outboard DSP speaker that adds a little over $200 to be somewhat better than the newest radios.

For NRC on TX, one needs to add the Digi-Mic ($50).
IMG_4367.jpeg

It’s more of a radio in some respects. But used only as a CB, that may not matter at all.

President means better design and higher QC generally thus commands a higher price, accordingly.

It’s my first choice by brand.

But a converted & polished QT40 plus a KL-203 runs about $325, versus the package above at north of $550.

This is a situation where the savings goes towards an ideal antenna system. (Which is where one should have an open wallet).

.
 
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slowmover

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In the Freightliner I use a Q5 (same as the RadiOddity QT60):

IMG_3010.jpeg


Which model Pete are you driving?
What antenna(s)?

.
 

DixonM

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Dec 29, 2023
Messages
8
I use the external speaker that came in the truck with the radios. Not easy to use on the road I agree go to adjust the volume and accidently hit a button and you left scratching your head at the results.
Its a 2023 579 mid roof I have dual wilson 2000 ant with 1.2 swr readings.
 

DixonM

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Dec 29, 2023
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I also like that anytone 5555 just will have to buy an adaptor for the mic I have a new president 6 pin and astatic 4 pin
 

slowmover

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Figured it was 579.

Gonna post the following fairly fast, each item is its own list of things.

Glad you already have the Wilson 2000’s as that was going to be my suggestion (mid-coil whip). 579 hardest of big trucks to get good antenna system. But as you’re pulling food grade tanker, it’ll do well.

The antenna mounts have an internal strap that bonds it pretty well for RF.

But

The Pete coax is truly bad in quality. Unnecessarily cheap. Crimped ends that pull loose. I installed a new cophase harness in the last 579 I was in after trying damn near everything else (antenna locations).

Post in thread 'MOBILE INSTALL: 579 Peterbilt'
MOBILE INSTALL: 579 Peterbilt

Thread has info on whether a multiplexer is used to tie AM/FM radio to CB antenna system. New coax bypassed that.

Some of the components now out of date, and if running only a 10A draw radio (like Q5/QT60), then a fuse tap is easier to deal with (drivers footwell).


If you’re willing to upgrade coax, then:

One needs an adapter to fit those external mounts from inside (here’s an example):


One per side.

Running the coax is the hardest part as it’s tight in overhead cabinet. Wire shirt hanger as fishtape. Any truckstop cophase harness (despite their being too long):

Can make your own coax harness with RG-59 (pair; maybe 9’ each at finish) to a T adapter and then a short run of RG-58 to radio.


Cutting noise a big deal, so, maybe 25’ of RG-59 and wind coax chokes with a reducing connector soldered on for antenna xtra close to antenna end, then standard UHF connector at other to attach to Tee. Wrap and attach ends after cutting exact same length per side. (Far cheaper than expensive chokes from long thread linked):


IMG_4371.jpeg

With or without the above; at radio:



For power 12-AWG is recommended, and 10-AWG would be better. (USCG-spec tinned copper; split-loom cover). Fuse tap would work. See note in linked post about installing Neg ground in overhead. Big change in noise in system (as all the way to truck battery is a PITA).

Will need help of noise filter on DC power:


— You won’t need DSP Speaker or 12V distribution panel as I used in that other thread given use of a Q5/QT60 radio.

I strongly recommend the DRX-901 speaker. Mount somewhere above drivers left shoulder (I think I mounted inside 579 cabinet with door held open?).

Post in thread '2023 Best Mobile CB'
2023 Best Mobile CB

Mic upgrade not really needed unless you agree with handling the mic being important.

1). 12V power, first (full system w/fllter).
2). New coax system (filters both ends)
3). DRX-901 Speaker (proper location)
4). NRC radio, last.

Might see ya someday in Clovis. Get thru fairly often (1-2X per month). Been pulling reefer loads out of there.

.
 
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slowmover

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Further reading (context):



DSP is the game-changer. But one has to upgrade antenna & power systems by which to benefit. Radio cant do it alone.

My experience the past ten years is that I’ll have the best ears of anyone around me.

The goal is to overcome the deficiencies of the other mens radio rigs so we can all partake of timely info.

Hear & Get Heard isn’t about radio power. It’s about CLARITY (systems must have noise reduced greatly) as the radio needs best installation to do its job.

Cleaner and Meaner ain’t the Desert DuckDik $900 hack job. It’s all in the installation then antenna tuning.

CB is thus a better tool and a lot more fun given today’s environment.

The source from whom I’d buy is:


With align & convert option. He was a factory beta tester prior to release. Others I know happy to have gone thru him for that extensive software experience & firmware set-up.

You can DIY conversion but the rest needs a test bench as the engineering menu ain’t without perils. (Not front panel menu).


.
 
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slowmover

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Use Voltmeter to test dead-key. RF Power up on the Lincoln with Mic Gain down. Key mic and read volt drop. More than 1/2V means needs heavier power cord.

As to coax (your belief in my advice), you’ll have to trust it’s worthwhile.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio.

A new radio won’t be worth what’s paid without attending to those two. SNR is the pre-game JV match before the varsity takes the field.

A radio is just a component we plug in to what matters (antenna & power systems). Poor radio with great systems outperforms great radio with poor systems.

.
 

DixonM

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Dec 29, 2023
Messages
8
Well I got the Richard and soldered that very tiny jumper in it installed some ferrite on the antenna leads and power cord also separated the power supply and moved it as far away from the antenna as possible checked the swr and am currently on the road and using the new unit very happy with its performance.
 

slowmover

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The users with whom I’m acquainted like it a great deal. Lacks integrated NRC (DSP) is only downside:


DSP is the game-changer. (Or, one can opt for a stand-alone module).

This is what brings ALL my older radios up to date, performance-wise.

.
 
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DixonM

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Joined
Dec 29, 2023
Messages
8
I liked its performance but did not like all the extra features it had. (Lincoln plus)
The new Richard is working just as good it may be a little lighter on power but still works great for me. I am much happier with its simplicity.
 

slowmover

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NRC-equipped matters more for the moment than brand given a particular specification.

That met, I’ll choose President over competition.

.
 
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