Hello DX vader.
A couple of things. First of all, I wasn't criticizing anyone. I was simply stating the facts. I mean, it is what it is. There was a main limiter taken out, and that is a bad thing. The ALC on SSB doesn't function. Do some research, and you'll find out why having no ALC isn't a good idea. Every amateur radio out on the market today has ALC, and it's there for a reason. I am not getting paid tuition, I will not get off topic and explain the reasoning behind wanting a radio to operate within it's linear region.
Secondly, you have to keep in mind that there are alot of techs out there that are self proclaimed, and they don't even as so much hold a valid amateur radio ticket. (not that this means anything, but it's a good start) Then let's break it down... how many of them hold a valid general radio telephone license? (that they don't issue anymore, but have a similar license) I'm sorry, people working at a truck stop, or a little shed in the back yard aren't techs to me. Would you take a car in for repairs to a guy that operates that kind of business, and claim he can get 100 more horse power from your vehicle? Maybe he even could...but for how long, and with what kind of smog emissions? (relating smog standards to R.F. purity standards for those of you not following me)
Third, you ask if there is a radio that I personally like that people can afford. Well, what is the definition of affordable? For 750.00, you can get an Icom 706 MIIG, and it's a great radio. These little mobile radios in a big metal box, with crummy power supplies (otherwise known as CB base stations) cannot compare to one. But, they'll pay 500.00 - 700.00 for one of these, and have good 'ol joe-billy-bob technician (see reference above to the guy out of the tools shed in the back yard) go through it for another 100.00. It just makes no sense.
There are other radios as well that I seem to have liked. The Uniden President Lincoln is an excellent radio for what it is.... a glorified CB, and any other variant of this radio, the HR-2510, 2600, etc. They use a moderate to good receiver design, a nice transmitter circuit, the only complaint is that they use low-level modulation for AM TX. not that that is a bad thing, but when you compare what CB AM operators say "sound good" to what broadcast engineers say "sound good" they are two totally different opinions, so I think the AM on these radios does have potential.
In the end of your statement, you say that you are tired of all the BS... I am too, which is why some people will either like me or absolutely hate me. I am not on the forum to say, "OH yeah, good buddy, clip this here, twist this there, and you gotcha a good 'ol setup that is the best thing since sliced bread!" I am here to be factual, to the point, and personally don't have time for the CB "BS" that goes around.
I ask these techs that have different opinions to come forward with factual data. I base my information on knowing engineers of these radios personally, talking to them on the phone, and working with a technician that used to work at RCI in San Diego before they moved to National City, and helped design the RCI 2950, and suggested improvements, which resulted in the RCI-2950DX series boards. The improved receiver design came right from Bill Good, after talking to Jim Peng, JR, and John from RCI.
I am not trying to sound defensive either, and don't mean to "diss you" at all. In fact, I'm glad you brought this up. It's very simple, you can't wave the magic wand, add a couple components, in an incorrect manor, and expect excellent results. I mean doesn't common sense, even if you're not an R.F. engineer tell you this? It's back to the car mechanic, he adds a couple of small parts to your car and it's a hot rod? I think not.
</p>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p067.ezboard.com/bworldwidecbradioclub.showUserPublicProfile?gid=justindepolis2>JustinDePolis2</A> at: 9/3/04 12:47 am