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New Rig: Need Help Deciding

Focusing on 10m SSB performance, which of these rigs would you choose?

  • President Lincoln II v3

    Votes: 2 12.5%
  • Anytone AT-5555n

    Votes: 1 6.3%
  • Anytone 6666

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • RCI-2950DX (Current version)

    Votes: 3 18.8%
  • Yeticom Optima

    Votes: 10 62.5%

  • Total voters
    16
  • Poll closed .

wcsd106

Active Member
Nov 19, 2009
246
5
28
I've decided it's time to replace my aging RCI-2950 that has made it through 3 different vehicles. There's nothing wrong with it, just wanting a new look and a smaller footprint. I'm currently considering a few different rigs and primarily use them in my vehicle for 10m SSB. I do like to be able to hop on the CB band while driving if necessary as well, though AM performance is not at the top of my decision factor.

That being said, any feedback anyone has on which of the radios I have listed here will be considered and greatly appreciated. I'm hoping to order a new radio in the next few days so that it's here and ready to go when my new equipment console arrives for my vehicle.

Thanks in advance.
 

I voted on a new 2950DX and then saw where you wanted a smaller footprint so now I am confused. Of all the radio's listed a 2950DX or Lincoln II V3 would be my choices.
 
The optima mk3 is a great SSB radio. Stable and has extra filter for SSB. For a smaller footprint look at the Maxlog m8900. They are quite small and still have some power.
 
I'm voting for the Yeticom only because I have a Magnum 257HP, and it is similar to it. I love the 257HP, use it on 10 meters regularly, and it gets great reports. The Optima is supposed to be even better. Very small footprint, and it does it all really well!

73,
Brett
 
I had a 2950 then switched to a Optima. Huge difference!! I only took it out of my mobile when I saw no need for it and a TS 480HX. My best and most worthwhile mobile contacts were with the Optima.
 
Thanks for the replies so far.

9C1Driver, yes, I would like a smaller footprint, but the 2950DX will fit in my console so I'm leaving it as an option.

On a side note, the Anytone 5555n will NOT fit in the console after doing some checking tonight, so I'm no longer considering that radio.

Sounds like the Optima really is the way to go. I'm liking having both 10 and 12m options and I hadn't noticed the extra SSB filter.. Almost seems more like a ham rig.

Unfortunately the Optima looks like it is out of stock until sometime later this month.

For the record, the radio will be mounted in a Havis equipment console for a 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit V6.... Since there is other equipment in the console as well, that necessitates my being choosy.
 
Look at the Maxlog 8900. It's pretty small. Haven't heard anyone on one but they seem to be the same build type as the Lincoln 2 chassis just smaller case. I have an Optima mk3 and I love it. But if size is the issue might want to at least check the maxlog out. I posted a photo of one with the lid off.
 

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  1. Yeticom Optima
  2. President Lincoln II v3
  3. Anytone 6666
Optima - highest quality, Lincoln II is close second with lots of options, Anytone 6666 has good audio and is small but feels cheaper than other two.

Maxlog 8900 is small but gets hot. I owned all of these at some point but really the top two would be the ones Id recommend and you cant go wrong with. If you like to play with echo and adjustable beeps go with Lincoln II. Add a road devil D104 mike.
 
eBay has optima mk3's for $269 and free shipping

I'm waiting on a reply from the seller that has them listed. Yeticom's official website mentions upgrades and a different microphone. I'm waiting to hear whether the one's they're selling have the same upgrades and better mic.

As for Echo and beeps, they're fun to mess with, but definitely not a necessity.. especially since I utilize mostly 10m ssb.

Going to try to get one ordered in the next couple of days.

Thanks for all the input. I had added the Yeticom to my list as an afterthought, and it looks like I'm glad I added that one.
 
No the ones you get off eBay will not have the upgraded mic or any work done to them. They are stock radios with a small stock mic about 1/3 the size of an Icom hm36 mic. The stock mic isn't very bad as far as audio quality but it lacks size and a proper mic hole for the mic element. The yeticomm ones are the only ones that will come with the upgraded mic and whatever else is included. They are opened up out of the box so no mods are really necessary IMO. Freq range is a bit under 25mhz to 29.99mhz. Most add Icom mics to these radios as they are wired for 8 pin Icom type mic. The HM36 works well with them. Just have to get a real Japan made one. There are hm36 clone mics that can be modded but IMO they don't have the quality overall that the real ones do. There are other Icom mics that sound good with this radio, I was lead toward the hm36 when I bought mine and I don't regret it one bit. Was a great buy and a is a great radio. If you can't wait for yeticomm which I've been informed is a couple weeks behind on ordering and such, get one from eBay, but know this, the eBay one won't have the warranty like the yeticomm one and the mic. You'll end up spending 20-30 dollars or more for a good mic. So take that into consideration before you buy. I've not heard one with the upgraded mic so I can't speak on how they sound but have been told by the man that runs yeticomm they work well and that when they leave his shop they are warranted and have been gone through and possibly aligned and such before you get it. But I know the hm36 mic sounds great with it as does a couple other Icom mic's. If you need radio like now, get it off eBay. If you can wait, get it from yeticomm and have the yobbo touch put on it!! JMHO.
 
Here are some comparison pics of the mics. From left to right are the stock mic, Icom HM36, bearcat mic, astatic 636. See how small the stock optima mic is even compared to the small Icom one. Sorry the sticker where the 4 holes across the front near top is missing. It says phantom and is a green sticker. I also opened the hole of my mic a bit to help with audio. Seems to have worked okay but I still suggest a different mic. Again JMHO.
 

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Basically what I was getting at Binrat. Wait and spend about 300 at yeticomm or get it for 269 and try to find a good mic for 30 dollars. I must have been lucky I swear as I got my Icom hm36 off eBay for $25 lightly used. Don't see them too often now. The real Japan made ones anyway.
 

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