to ssb or not to ssb that is the question

[thumbs1]

I have been usin 40 channels for years but it is time for a new radio. I would like to get the best bang for the buck and get somethin that will last. I have been lookin at the PC78ltw and have been told it's a pretty good radio. Now I see the Grant and was wondering if ssb is the way to go. Since I never used ssb is there a need for it and if buyin a new radio is it the way to go? Is the trend to ssb in other words.? Are they "better" radios? Is ssb used a lot on the road?



Thanks for the help



thumbs


</p>

 

[The Sandman 454]

I had a 40 channel only unit at first. This summer I decided I wanted to try SSB, and I'm glad I did. Seems like SSB is preferred for those who like longer range communications. I've just got my radio tuned up a little bit and run it barefoot so I can't really talk to the distant stations and I tend to get majorly walked on by the powerful stations, but I still like to at least listen.



For road conditions, smokey reports, etc... I have to still use regular AM transmissions. Some places it'll probably vary though.



My verdict is that SSB doesn't cost a whole lot extra to procure as a feature on a radio and you might as well spend the extra little bit... Just my thoughts...


Tim S.
</p>

 

[thumbs1]

Yeah your right. I like the weather channels on the PC78LTW but to tell ya the truth my little cobra 18 has em and they really don't come in that well anyway. The Grant LT doesn't have the weather. I was hopein that the newer radios would have a better weather reciever. I guess it's a trade off.



thumbs


</p>

 

[wildbill857]

hey thumbs, great to see you here,


<img src=http://www.youngmaterials.com/images/wildbill.gif>
Wildbill857</p>

 

[thumbs1]

Wildbill857



Yeah, thanks for the address. It took a bit of keyin but I got here in pretty good shape.



Thanks again for the info and help



thumbs


</p>

 

[fasteddy]

Get the SSB, better operators and clearer channels. You will nor be dissapointed.

fasteddy

PE765


Midland 79-290 export (2)
Imax 99 on the hilltop
President Grant (in the dump truck)

</p>

 

[w527]

go with the SSB - better to have it and not use it than to not have it and want it.


</p>

 

[Hook948]

Those grants are nice radios. You might also look at the Titan road pro. For $99 it's a heck of a radio.It comes with SSB and a built in 5 digit freq. counter and is easily modified for lots of extra channels,also has last channel recal and memory channels. Basicly the same as the Magnum 257 but only a single final instead of dual.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT="">

<img src=http://www.chargerscastle.com/cbclub/hook948.gif>

Hot Rod Lincoln -Dancing around the World ! ...... 948 Central Texas, PE948 - Hook948@hotmail.com</p>

 

[Night Tripper]

I completly agree with w527, better to have ssb then want it later, after the fact that you already spent the money on one without ssb!!!


Driving Freightshaker "Wanna B Large Car"
General Lee Mega Tuned
XF200HD
Short Coily
</p>

 

[fasteddy]

Thumbs1. if you still want weather channels and SSB and 240 channels I have a Midland 79-290 that is for sale. This radio has been peaked and tuned and is in like new condition. This one really talks, just ask some of the members here they have heared it on the air. Original box, manual, and hardware, all for $140.00. Don't know if you've already bought you a radio, just thought i'd throw this at you.

73's

fasteddy

PE765




Midland 79-290 export (2)
Imax 99 on the hilltop
President Grant (in the dump truck)

</p>

 

[thumbs1]

Thanks but got the Grant

Fasteddy



Thanks for the offer but I got the Grant and she seems to be workin great!! Haven't had alot of time with er but it seems to be fine. Gotta get the hang of this ssb stuff though. Can't seem to catch anyone on er.






</p>

 

[ButtFuzz]

Re: Thanks but got the Grant

I know this post is 'over', but I wanted to put my two cents in.



In the debate of SSB v no SSB, I think there are several things one needs to consider before a decision is made...



These points are simply food for thought.



1. What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget, SSB rigs generally cost more and that may be a determining factor.



2. What are your driving habits? A silly question, perhaps, but think about it... I think we all would agree that SSB is a bit more difficult to have a 2-way talk due to the fact that the receive tuning must be precisely on the transmitted signal's frequency or we get the proverbial Donald Duck sound or worse. Would you want a trucker hauling 40,000+ lbs. to take his eyes off of the road to find their clarifier then roll right over you?



3. I use my vehicle whilst moving. (I know, 'duh!'). An AM rig would be the right choice for me because: I am on one of two channels whilst driving. (1 or 19). If I was one who was oft to take a trip up into the mountains to improve my contact to dead air ratio, OR was willing to pull to the side of the road when I wished to converse, I would consider SSB.



4. If you think SSB 'skip' is somewhat unpredictable (at best) mode of 'modulating', then imagine same whilst rolling down the highway.



5. In my opinion, a large percentage of AM/SSB or multimode export radios have weak modulation on AM transmit and weak AM receive when compared to their mid-priced dual-conversion AM brethren. (Exception: Cobra 148GTLs manufactured c. 1990)



I'm a huge fan of having the right tool for the job. If SSB suits you in your mobile, then by all means go for it.



For me, however, it is a waste of time and money due to my driving and talking habits. For others, it may just hit the spot.



Here are a couple of decent AM "only" rigs of which I am a fan:

small/medium chassis radio: Cobra 21 XLR (OOP)

large/full size radio: Cobra 29 XLR (OOP)



Micro-CB/ "What the Hades are you runnin?": Any $34.95 non-modifiable (for freq's, anyway) mini-maxon chassis with the mod turned way up and a 600 watt linear in the trunk.



Gets 'em every time.



enjoy.



oop=Out of Production.+

And yes, I do have SSB at home.




_____

Buttfuzz in the Mobile
Cobra 29 XLR, KLV203, Wilson5K

Buttfuzz at the Base

Grant Export, A99wGPK
Buttfuzz Built Deuce and a Quarter</p>

 

[8novice]

Re: Thanks but got the Grant

I know it's over too: but good points







I've had both and tried both,,,,,am only for me..............


</p>

 

[fasteddy]

Re: Thanks but got the Grant

I drive a tandem axle end dump and never had any challenges running on SSB. I'm not the type to set there and mess with the clarifier. If you are not on freq I will politely let you know and do my best to help you in the right direction to get on freq. My clarifier stays in one spot and never gets touched. 90% of the radios out there are close enough to freq not to worry about. Seems like on AM I am messing with my radio more than on SSB, turning the squelch up and down and so forth. Not trying to start an issue here, but just wanted o voice my opinion. If you have vehicle problems in the middle of the day try getting a hold of someone on AM. unless they are within 2 miles of you good luck. JMHO


Midland 79-290 export (2)
Imax 99 on the hilltop
President Grant (in the dump truck)

</p>

 

[The Sandman 454]

Re: Thanks but got the Grant

In my little 3/4ton HD pickem up truck I run SSB all the time and never have trouble clarifying, etc. On the other hand I do sometimes use the clarifier. After the first day of having this radio I'm used to it enough and it's positioning, to operate the basic things like clarifying without looking at it...



Definitely agree about the AM range as opposed to the SSB range although trying to get out over the skip is impossible sometimes as well..


Tim S.
</p>