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Lt Dan · #1 10-21-2009, 06:04 AM

on account of my cobra 29 ltd classic having an electrical fire in it, I was forced to buy a new radio. Out with the old in with the new

I have a friend whos letting me borrow a Northstar 450 BFM with mosfet finals with the option of buying it.

So far is seems to be a good radio.

any thoughts?

W5LZ · #2 10-21-2009, 10:47 AM

I think I'd rather hear your thoughts on it (since I don't have one). How do you think it compares to your '29' so far, and why? Anything that imediately strikes you about it? Good or bad?
- 'Doc

Rob KI6USW · #3 10-21-2009, 04:07 PM

You havn't said if you are a strict AM'er or want SSB as well.
If you want to stick with Cobra radio's; then go for a used Cobra or Uniden that is at least ten years old. Why? Because they are just better than the new stuff.

If any radio mfr is open in your sights, then a Galaxy or Magnum is a great choice - I have both. And yes, they are SSB rigs. The $250-275 bracket yields some f i n e radios - IMO...

Carl · #4 10-21-2009, 06:18 PM

northstars are clones, just knockoff's made in china.

quality is so so, generally for a few dollars more you can get the real thing. warrenty's have been none existant in the past. it seems they produce a radio for al long as they can till the origional manufacture sue's/ or threatens with a cease and decist letter. been doing it sence the galaxy pluto days.

Lt Dan · #5 10-21-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W5LZ

I think I'd rather hear your thoughts on it (since I don't have one). How do you think it compares to your '29' so far, and why? Anything that imediately strikes you about it? Good or bad?
- 'Doc

I like this radio. It appears to swing about 60 watts when I have the engine running on my van, 50 or so when running solely on the battery. Hopefully it will swing 70 when I upgrade to 10 gauge wire. The guy selling it to me says it has mosfet finals in it. I like how it has 8 frequencies, 6 of which I'll never use... But that's cool, at least I have them. I never use side band so I'm good. I'm kinda baffled why it has 3 choices of colors for the face... I mean shouldn't they have just gone with one, seems like more things to go wrong to me. She seems to modulate very very loudly.

Compared to the stockish 20 year old 29... blows it outta the water

psycho · #6 10-22-2009, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl

northstars are clones, just knockoff's made in china.

quality is so so, generally for a few dollars more you can get the real thing. warrenty's have been none existant in the past. it seems they produce a radio for al long as they can till the origional manufacture sue's/ or threatens with a cease and decist letter. been doing it sence the galaxy pluto days.

How can a radio manufacturer bring a lawsuit against another over an illegal Non-FCC type approved radio?

Carl · #7 10-22-2009, 08:50 AM

us laws are different than international laws.

bigred222 · #8 10-22-2009, 01:09 PM

northstars arent bad radios they usually do the job and get out ok. does the model you have have a sort of variable power dan
reason i ask is if you want to run a linear your going to need to turn the power of that high power radio down. as low as it can go or to a point where you can get the carrier below 4 watts and keep the swing under 20 for a 2 pill atleast anyways a 4 pill may not need that turned down. but a 1x4 would. anything with a 2 pill driver or 1 pill driver would need the power turned down just so you know
73s
Ol red with the high five

15minigrass · #9 10-22-2009, 02:56 PM

Just buy a black chrome Cobra 29 and mount an RFX75 on it then your set.

Here some audio vid by 296 Big Island

Black Chrome 29
YouTube - 296watergates's Channel

Chrome 29
YouTube - 296watergates's Channel

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