SSB or extra channel (+/- 40) radio?

[The Hatton Ham]

Going to be adding a CB to my car soon (already have them in some of the others) but I will be using radios I already have but might make a buy on a good used model. I'm planning on using my Maxon MCB-45 with has weather band and 40 up and down but is AM only.

What are your preferences, esp. for mobile operation? SSB or freeband AM?

I use this car as a commuter and for long highway trips for extra work. I also need to keep the radio small for space reasons.

 

[Rb30]

Yeticom optima

yeticomnz.com

 

[RatsoW8]

Buy a good SSB radio like the Uniden Bearcat 980 and stay legal. If you want to work out of the CB band then study a little and get your Amateur Radio license. It isn't that hard these days.

 

[9C1Driver]

I prefer any SSB radio over just AM. There are several very good Export radio's that are great performers. Nothing wrong with shooting some skip on the freeband channels, there is alot of action one band up and down. That said stay clear of ham freqs, don't run a clipped dirty radio, and if you add an amplifier get a nice AB amp and don't overdrive it.

 

[2RT307]

I travel a lot, and carry a rig to occupy my time while driving. I use a Magnum 257HP and a Wilson 500 mag mount most of the time. The Magnum is nice and small, and you can power it off a cigarette lighter plug provided the person that tuned it hasn't turned the power way up. Nice to play on the CB band, and has the free bands as well. I have the talkback/echo mic that is made for this rig (powered from the mic plug instead of using a 9 volt battery), and that gives me echo for AM if I want it. But more importantly, all mode talkback, cuz I like to hear myself talk. This combo has gotten me a lot of good reports, both from locals and from DX contacts.

While there are some AM'ers that operate below channel 1 in the US, you will find above 40 on SSB is "where it's at". I stay real clear of 28 mghz, and really don't operate above 27.855 just to avoid any bleedover probs with the hamsters.

73 and good luck with your decision!
RT307

 

[n0zna]

why buy half a radio?If it doesnt have am/fm/ssb/cw its half a radio,and the heck with extra channels,its not worth it,most speck Spanish...stay on 38 or 39ssb you will be very happy,the 148gtl,mag257hp,and the new Bearcat980 are all good radios...73 de JW

 

[The Hatton Ham]

I'm probably not going to BUY a radio unless I find a screaming deal on something used and will likely use one of the radios I already have but aren't installed, the most likely candidate being the Maxon I mentioned. The others are all regular 40-channel AM.

Mainly I'll be listening. Maybe I should have asked about where you hear more traffic wherever you are: Is there more activity on the regular 40 with sideband or on 40-up and 40-down on AM?

I know there are radios out there that will do it all but they just aren't in my budget right now. If I could I'd probably get something like a Magnum 257 for this car but right now...nope.

Thanks!

 

[Zman]

Most so called 10 meter rigs are useless on SSB because they drift really bad..

 

[9C1Driver]

True, the processor controlled versions are much better. RCI 2950/70, 2510/Lincoln's, Magnum 257, Magnum Delta/Omega, and the Emperor 5010 just to name a few.