Worldwide DX Amateur Radio Forums - Ham - CB - HF - VHF - UHF

mackmobile43 · #11 11-01-2009, 07:41 PM

The review is good, the radio is junk.

cbradiomagazine.com · #12 11-01-2009, 08:26 PM

Thank you for the feedback on the article everyone!

I would definitely agree with everyone that this radio is not marketed to the 20 year veteran CBer's out there or those who also hold their license.

While the radio may not appeal to those who run the higher end exports or to ham or CB operators who use high end amatuer equipment there are quite a few people who these types of radios do appeal to.

When I did my review on the Cobra Bluetooth radio, like many operators I considered adding features like that as more a novelty item but I was surprised when testing the unit that it actually worked very well and was quite handy - I was even more surprised to find that it was one of the top selling radios for Cobra this last year. Many drivers and new CBer's were very interested in that model.

Now I'd love to see a very high end CB radio with SMT technology, proper filtering along with many of the other features I have on my ham equipment, but as another member mentioned previously it's just not feasible and no one would spend $1000 on a high end CB.

The truth behind all of this is that CB Manufacturers know their markets quite well (there's a reason the companies that are still around have survived the introduction of the cell phone and other electronic devices).

I have no problem with CB radio companies marketing new features or equipment to new segments of the population. As the radio hobby declines I think getting any new person interested in our hobby is a good thing and whether that is accomplished through the addition of Bluetooth technology or TFT screens it ends up benefiting us all in the long run.

While some people do refer to models such as this as "junk" I don't think those references take into consideration the intended markets and don't put the radio into a frame of reference. Compared to most ham equipment just about every CB radio could be considered junk.

I think the main thing to do is keep these kinds of thing in perspective

I love radios of all types and enjoying doing articles that spread the word about the hobby. The TFT display was quite a kick to mess around with and the meters were larger and easier to read than most other CB radios. Maybe that's not the only reason to run out and buy one, but there are definitely people that will enjoy this radio.

OH - and the Grant XL article did get put aside for a little while but we will eventually get it finished..sorry about that

Rob KI6USW · #13 11-01-2009, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbradiomagazine.com

...OH - and the Grant XL article did get put aside for a little while but we will eventually get it finished..sorry about that

Great! I know I will be looking forward to it - since I aquired a broken one at a hamfest a couple of months back. Really, an impressive radio when I fixed it. Also - maybe a paralell to the Cobra 148GTL can be made to it...

Shioda · #14 11-02-2009, 08:07 PM

Great review and some good points in rebuttal to the comments of those who have not tried the radio. As you point out, the CB business is a niche market and the manufacturers obviously know what sells or they would not be in business. Couple that with the unpredictability of the FCC and it is easy to understand why updated technology is not incorporated into present day CBs.

Also, word I hear is that the software is being updated and additional features will be added to the TFT menu. The software version of the CBs can be upgraded through the USB port, so even models with the old software can be upgraded.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbradiomagazine.com

Thank you for the feedback on the article everyone!

I would definitely agree with everyone that this radio is not marketed to the 20 year veteran CBer's out there or those who also hold their license.

While the radio may not appeal to those who run the higher end exports or to ham or CB operators who use high end amatuer equipment there are quite a few people who these types of radios do appeal to.

When I did my review on the Cobra Bluetooth radio, like many operators I considered adding features like that as more a novelty item but I was surprised when testing the unit that it actually worked very well and was quite handy - I was even more surprised to find that it was one of the top selling radios for Cobra this last year. Many drivers and new CBer's were very interested in that model.

Now I'd love to see a very high end CB radio with SMT technology, proper filtering along with many of the other features I have on my ham equipment, but as another member mentioned previously it's just not feasible and no one would spend $1000 on a high end CB.

The truth behind all of this is that CB Manufacturers know their markets quite well (there's a reason the companies that are still around have survived the introduction of the cell phone and other electronic devices).

I have no problem with CB radio companies marketing new features or equipment to new segments of the population. As the radio hobby declines I think getting any new person interested in our hobby is a good thing and whether that is accomplished through the addition of Bluetooth technology or TFT screens it ends up benefiting us all in the long run.

While some people do refer to models such as this as "junk" I don't think those references take into consideration the intended markets and don't put the radio into a frame of reference. Compared to most ham equipment just about every CB radio could be considered junk.

I think the main thing to do is keep these kinds of thing in perspective

I love radios of all types and enjoying doing articles that spread the word about the hobby. The TFT display was quite a kick to mess around with and the meters were larger and easier to read than most other CB radios. Maybe that's not the only reason to run out and buy one, but there are definitely people that will enjoy this radio.

OH - and the Grant XL article did get put aside for a little while but we will eventually get it finished..sorry about that

Shioda · #15 11-11-2009, 05:52 PM

Got a sample last night from Ranger. I like the TFT screen. Will test it out over the weekend, but seems like it has a good receiver out of the box. If it could just filter out the broadcasts by the knuckleheads I would be happy.

Forgot to mention that there is a new Connex coming out. Looks great from the pictures I saw. Should get a sample for testing next week.

GLR · #16 11-11-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shioda

Got a sample last night from Ranger. I like the TFT screen. Will test it out over the weekend, but seems like it has a good receiver out of the box. If it could just filter out the broadcasts by the knuckleheads I would be happy.

Forgot to mention that there is a new Connex coming out. Looks great from the pictures I saw. Should get a sample for testing next week.

The connex pictures I saw were identical to this thing being discussed. I will never refer to it as a radio, it's lucky to be called a thing.

TonyV225 · #17 11-11-2009, 07:50 PM

GOOD LORD WHAT A DANDY THIS THING IS!!! I seen these a while back when they hit the market I actually posted about it I couldnt understand it either but to each there own I guess.