for a mobile I like the trc-453 radio. it has a quiet receive and talks good also. has a small footprint and uses a 2312 final. will do about 15 to 20 watts on am and about 20 to 25 on SSB. at least that is what the one I run in my pickup does. excellent receive on them and stable on SSB.
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Realistic ssb radio what is the best one made?
- Thread starter sluggo
- Start date
TRC-465 same board as a Uniden pc122xl, good tx and receive good audio and stable ssb all in a small radio that can fit anywhere
+1: The TRC-465, the PC-122, PC-122XL, and the TRC-453, for all intents & purposes, are the SAME radios. While there's no dispute that the Grant XL, 148 GTL and/or TR-296's are GREAT SSB rigs, there is a reason WHY the PC-122 (and TRC-465 equivalents) are known as the Technician's Radio's of CHOICE. Probably because they pack a lot of PUNCH in a small, robust, stable, and easy to work on package.
Having said that, I've only owned 3 Realistic SSB rigs: the first was a 23 channel rig, don't remember the model, but was pretty bland and unimpressive.
The second was a brand new TRC-485. Again, nothing to write home about. In fact, with it's DUAL 1969 finals and expanded freq capability my Midland 79-290 quickly replaced it.
The third, (and current) is the TRC-465, which I've opened the clarifier on and, mostly because they said it couldn't be done, installed an RFX-150 on. I run it mobile in my econobox compact car, with a trunk mounted antenna, and can EASILY work anybody I hear on AM or SSB. Once I find one of those Galaxy Expo 'N' kits (I believe), will probably add channels to it... but no rush.
Even STOCK, the TRC-465 is the "sleeper" of all sleepers with it's 2166 driver and 1969 final. No, it's NOT an AM Audio 'Monster', but with a GOOD power mike and the AMC pot adjusted, your also G2G on AM as well.
If you are looking for a base station the TRC-457, TRC-458 and TRC 490 I believe were all made by Uniden. I owned a TRC-490 for years and it was a great radio! I wish that I had never sold it!
I still would not mind getting a Trc-458 for the right price. It has always been my understanding that the 457 & 458 were easy to mod and RS knew that and came out with the 490 which was not as easy.
SIX-SHOOTER
ICOM CENTRAL.7610,9100,PW-1,HEIL FIN & HEIL PR-781
personally i only ever had 2
trc 458 am/ssb base great radio
trc 427 am only mobile. [same as cobra 25] but with a lil tuning its a good amer
trc 458 am/ssb base great radio
trc 427 am only mobile. [same as cobra 25] but with a lil tuning its a good amer
SIX-SHOOTER
ICOM CENTRAL.7610,9100,PW-1,HEIL FIN & HEIL PR-781
TRC-458 vs TRC-490
Well I have been doing some A/B testing on the TRC-458 & TRC-490 radios & am shocked at what I have found.I have a bone stock TRC-490 & one that has every mod possible that I put head to head against the TRC-458 that has lots of mods.The Two TRC-490's will hear what the TRC-458 will not.The receive is almost identical on both of the 490's.I also tested the 590's against my President Madison,a Cobra 148 GTL(Philippines model)& a Super Star 3900 & again hands down the 490's both heard what none of the others could & the receivers are also quieter than all of the others.I for sure thought that the Madison & 458 would be as good or better than the receive on the 490's but they are not even close.The 458 & Madison are about the same head to head as well as the 148 GTL.The 3900 was by far the worst of the bunch though it has great transmit audio.
"SIX-SHOOTER"
North Florida
Well I have been doing some A/B testing on the TRC-458 & TRC-490 radios & am shocked at what I have found.I have a bone stock TRC-490 & one that has every mod possible that I put head to head against the TRC-458 that has lots of mods.The Two TRC-490's will hear what the TRC-458 will not.The receive is almost identical on both of the 490's.I also tested the 590's against my President Madison,a Cobra 148 GTL(Philippines model)& a Super Star 3900 & again hands down the 490's both heard what none of the others could & the receivers are also quieter than all of the others.I for sure thought that the Madison & 458 would be as good or better than the receive on the 490's but they are not even close.The 458 & Madison are about the same head to head as well as the 148 GTL.The 3900 was by far the worst of the bunch though it has great transmit audio.
"SIX-SHOOTER"
North Florida
Well I have been doing some A/B testing on the TRC-458 & TRC-490 radios & am shocked at what I have found.I have a bone stock TRC-490 & one that has every mod possible that I put head to head against the TRC-458 that has lots of mods.The Two TRC-490's will hear what the TRC-458 will not.The receive is almost identical on both of the 490's.I also tested the 590's against my President Madison,a Cobra 148 GTL(Philippines model)& a Super Star 3900 & again hands down the 490's both heard what none of the others could & the receivers are also quieter than all of the others.I for sure thought that the Madison & 458 would be as good or better than the receive on the 490's but they are not even close.The 458 & Madison are about the same head to head as well as the 148 GTL.The 3900 was by far the worst of the bunch though it has great transmit audio.
"SIX-SHOOTER"
North Florida
Well, I have worked on more than a few of the TRC-458's and many other radios you've mentioned too. I can tell you that I can inject into a TRC-458 receiver nearly one tenth of one microvolt - and the receiver can still hear it. The only thing that has come close to that kind of sensetivity are Ham radios. So while it is your comparison based upon whatever state of tune it was in, I can tell you with certainty that on its best day it will beat the pants off of that other radio hands down.
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Well, I have worked on more than a few of the TRC-458's and many other radios you've mentioned too. I can tell you that I can inject into a TRC-458 receiver nearly one tenth of one microvolt - and the receiver can still hear it. The only thing that has come close to that kind of sensitivity are Ham radios. So while it is your comparison based upon whatever state of tune it was in, I can tell you with certainty that on its best day it will beat the pants off of that other radio hands down.
Same here ROBB,
Using the B&W 2040 sig generator for testing ( not AN a-b comparison) the trc 458 has by far one of the most sensitive receives on any CB, they are great rigs when properly aligned.
I want to say there was one for sale locally where I am in the SW FL area, might try to see if it's still there and pick it up. Never can have too many radios. Even though I have a pc122xl, wouldn't mind having one of the old realistic radios either. Also found an alinco sr8t, guy wants 500 for it, looks to be in good condition, not sure if that's too much for one though, thoughts anyone??