BEST CB OR 10m RADIOS OF 2024 PART ONE: AM-FM

IT'S BEEN A HUGE YEAR FOR CB

 When FM was approved for Citizens Band radios most people yawned. Why? well, anyone serious enough to want to use FM usually bought either an Export radio, or one of the many 10 meter radios - easily converted to 11 meters.

But new radios, at a low price, began selling to those who wanted to dip their toes into the sometimes murky waters known as Citizens Band radio (NEWS ALERT!! CB is not dead, nor dying). Of the two major players in CB radios who pushed to get FM legalized, Cobra and President, only President has come out with guns blazing, while perplexingly, Cobra was slow out of the gate, and somewhat expensive, compared to other manufacturers.

I'm neither an AM or FM guy, I used SSB exclusively, with the occasional trip to ch.19 while on the road, so for these radios I've viewed numerous Reviews on YouTube to gather intel. Some of the videos, of which I have no personal or business affiliation, will be included.

 

ENTRY LEVEL AM/FM RADIOS

 

 1

 Radioddity CB-27 Pro AM-FM small size CB radio.

 You can't find a new AM/FM CB for any less. It's a bargain. The radio features 40-Channel Mini Mobile with AM FM Instant Emergency Channel 9/19, 4W Power Output, LCD Display, VOX, RF Gain, and Handheld Mic. 

UPSIDES

It had just about every feature you would need, and it's so small it will fit into just about any compact vehicle that lacks room to mount most radios.

DOWNSIDES

The microphone is not removable, nor is the DC power cord

WHAT COMES IN THE BOX

The radio comes with everything you need except the antenna, and the power cord plugs into any accessory jack (formerly known as the cigarette lighter jack) in you vehicle

 PRICE: $59.99 on Amazon

It would be hard to find one less expensive (except for possibly AMAZON or WALMART "Black Friday" sales). This radio has been around for 3 years, but it remains on this list due to the price, and features.

 

 

Retevis MB1 AM/FM CB Radio Kit

$99.99*

[*AT THE TIME THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN, 11/20/2024, THE RADIO IS ON SALE FROM AMAZON IN A KIT THAT INCLUDES A MAGNETIC MOUNT ANTENNA FOR THIS PRICE]

 It's $30 dollars higher for color screen selections and a removable    microphone, but for only $10 more you can get a kit that includes and magnetic mount antenna. Having a microphone that is not removable can be a deal breaker, and if you fall within that group this may be your entry level ticket to CB radio. A manual can be downloaded from the Retevis website.

 

 

Features:

• AM/FM mode; enables citizen band radio not only to have clear sound quality; but also to have a long talking distance; making it convenient to keep a constant connection while driving
• Noise-handle function; SQ/ASQ/NB/HI-CUT function effectively reduces the background noise in driving; offer a clear sound quality for high communication efficiency
• Compact size; the size is 124x101x36mm/4.9x4.0x1.4inch; the weight is 0.8kg/1.76Ib; CB radio for off-roading is easy to carry from home to the vehicle and install and won’t take up too much space; package includes mounting bracket
• CB radio for emergency communication; supports switching chanenl 9/19 with one-key; helps you transfer the traffic or road conditions; ensures your safety when you get into trouble during severe weather while driving
• 7-color adjustable backlight; CB mobile radio with LCD screen is easy to read the channel information in both daytime and nighttime
• RF gain; is used to adjust your receive sensitivity; help you receive the farthest signals possible; achieve convenient and efficient communication while driving

• VOX hands-free; talk without pressing the PTT button; users can focus on the traffic information and ensure driving safety

 

 

 

Cobra 29 LTD Classic AM/FM Professional CB Radio

$139.99 (Amazon)

 

 

 

At $139.95, the Cobra 29 is the most expensive of these 3 radios, as well, the Cobra 29 moniker has been on radios since the 23 channel radio era, manufactured in a long list of countries (I think it's now made in China). The radio has a 4-pin mic connector, which should make some folks happy as well.

FEATURES:

• Classic CB Design – Cobra’s classic CB radio has been the standard of excellence in professional CB radios for over 50 years. This radio is durable, reliable, and full-featured with 4 watts of power and access to all 40 CB channels.
• Dual-Mode AM/FM – Efficient communication while on the road just got easier. This CB radio provides access to both AM and FM channels, allowing communication with more users, long range or near, and with better sound quality.
• Easy to Operate - Ergonomic design with intuitive controls make this radio easy to operate. The included 9-foot microphone cable makes it simple to speak into and reach regardless of vehicle size and results in less clutter vs storing a longer cable.
• Instant Access to Channel 9 – CB radios provide reliable communication which is not dependent on satellites and cellular networks. Get access to all 40 CB radio channels and instantly access emergency channel 9 to get updates from law enforcement.
• SWR Antenna Calibration – If your CB antenna is hit with tree branches or other items, adjust and calibrate SWR meter for optimum antenna performance and get notified when your SWR antenna needs to be checked with the illuminated indicator.
• Adjustable Receiver Sensitivity – Stay connected and clearly communicate when it matters most. Easily adjust RF Gain sensitivity to reduce background noise and static without reducing reception, resulting in the best signal while on the road.

 It has the standard 4-pin mic jack, so you don't have to rewire any microphones you have that are currently working on older 4-pin Cobra or Uniden radios. The biggest (pun intended) downside to this radio is its dimensions - this is a full size CB radio.

Radioddity CB-900 Pro AM/FM

$119.99 (Amazon)

The last radio mentioned is relatively new, released in the second half of this year. Like the Cobra 29, the CB-900 Pro is a full size radio, which may cause a problem finding a place to mount it in your vehicle. IMHO, the Cobra 29 LTD Classic is a better looking radio, but looks are subjective, and I've seen several videos, and have read comments from owners who like the look of this radio.

*NOTE: At the time this Blog post was written, you could buy this radio for $119.95 with a free external speaker on Amazon.

Instead of the usual chrome bezel, this one is flat black, which matches the upper and lower covers, as well as the mounting bracket. The face plate looks like it's possibly brushed chrome, but it's hard to tell just by looking at the photo.

For the price, this radio has a lot to offer a CB road warrior beyond the usual full size CB mobile radio:

• Additional noise reduction which can be used in conjunction with the usual NB/ANL found on the usual CB radios (i.e. - Cobra 29 LTD)
• Talkback
• NOAA Weather channels and alert, almost a necessary feature these days
• VOX for hands-free talking
• A digital meter that can give you the usual S/RF readings and more. I'd suggest downloading the manual to see all that you can do via the menu as well, which can be found on this page.
  

 

2 VIDEOS THAT LOOK AT THE CB-900 PRO [once again, I have no affiliation with these YouTube channels, but I often rely on them myself when choosing a radio for myself or a family member]

VIDEO 2:

These are just a few of the legal CB radios available to you this year, and while these seem to have received the most attention, I implore you to see what else you can find in the U.S. market, as well as download the manuals for each radio you're interested in, and compare notes. From the ones I've just mentioned, there are 2 full size radios, and 2 radios that are much smaller, and depending on your situation - necessary to meet the space restrictions of smaller vehicles. I'd love to say I tried each one, but I'm not an AM/FM kinda guy. In part two I'll cover radios that I've actually owned and operated:

• President McKinley
• President George FCC
• President Washington
• Retevis HS4
• Radioddity QT-60
• Radioddity QT-60 PRO
• Uniden 980 SSB

Some of these I've already done reviews on, and you can find them by using the search box for my Blog, in the upper left top section of the Blog. I'm trying to get this one (part one) online, before the Black Friday deals come and go, and hope to finish up part two when I return, including the long delayed review of the new President Washington.

Until then...

73

WOODY

 

 

Retevis Ailunce HS4: REVIEW / FIRST LOOK

 

 TEN METERS FOR A PRICE THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK

 

 

 

This radio won't break the bank if your a Technician class amateur radio operator. Very often on sale for $199.99 either through Amazon or the Retevis website. I happened upon this one on Amazon, which was still on sale, and there was a coupon to clip for 10% off, saving me another $20, so after sales tax the total came to around $191 (not too shabby).

 

When I took it out of its box, and glancing at each side of the covers, I found it ironic that this radio didn't have any manufacturer "break this seal and void your warranty" stickers. Ironic, because to modify this radio, you don't have to take the covers off the radio - it's all done via the front panel (*Hint: don't pay a dealer $20 or more to convert this radio).

FUNCTIONS & FEATURES (Taken from the Retevis website)

1. Large LCD panel which displays frequency and all kinds of information
2. DUAL-DIGITAL TUBE FOR CHANNEL DISPLAY
3. USE EL technology for backlight
4. PA-CW-AM-FM-USB-LSB mode
5. A-B-C-D-E-F-6 modes in total, where 60 channels at least can be individually programmed.
6. Frequency Tuning Step can be 10HZ, 100HZ, 1KHZ or 10KHZ.
7. Multiple CLARIFIER Operating Modes
8. Flexible menu functions and PC programming software to meet varied customer demands
9. ECHO Function
10. SQ, ASQ Function (FM and AM mode only)
11. RF GAIN ADJUSTMENT
12. RF Power ADJUSTMENT
13. SCAN FUNCTION
14. RB FUNCTION
15. NB/ANL FUNCTION
16. DW DUAL -WATCH FUNCTION
17. BEEP VOICE PROMPT
18. +10KHZ Function
19. SWR/S/RF/DC Voltage display function
20. TOT function
21. HI-CUT FUNCTION
22. EMG CALL
23. SWR PROTECTION
24. POWER SUPPLIED VOLTAGE PROTECTION
25. Key-Lock Function
26. VOX function
27. CTCSS/DCS code
28. RX compander: noise blanker
29. Noise gate setting: mic noise adjustable
30. RX Noise Reduction
31. Compatible with“electronic" and“dynamic" MIC type

It's a 1-35 watt radio on SSB, 1-40 watts on FM, and only 1-12 watts in either the AM or CW modes. Not a powerhouse on SSB, but no slouch either. I can only assume that they expect the radio operator to set it for 1 or 2 watts on AM, to let an external linear amplifier do the heavy lifting. Nonetheless, it is kinda low, but I'll hold off on a final verdict until after I check it on the watt meter.

The following information (Specifications, and menu settings) comes from the owners manual (available off Retevis's website) -

As noted in the title field, this is part review and part first look, and as usual, as time goes by I'll update this particular Blog Post. So as a first look, I've drawn some conclusions, of which I'll share with you now:

 

WHAT I LIKED

 

•  The price is right (usually under $200). Unless you buy something in the used market, this is your ticket to 10 meters.
  

•  The Roger Beep. It's an honest-to-God single beep. I can't tell you how many radios offer a variety of beeps to choose from, and not one has the original singular tone beep. Kudos to Retevis!
  
• It has a 4-pin side mounted mic jack, and yes, if you have another microphone wired for a 4-pin Cobra or Uniden, it'll work fine. I'm currently using a Turner Super Sidekick desk microphone on this radio.
• The radio is programmable and it comes with a programming cable. The software is available on the Retevis website (bottom of the page).
  
• If you modify this and use it like a CB you have the option to turn the main display off and only use the channel selector, but you'll lose all other information as well (s/rf meter, whether the NB is on or off, etc.).
• The noise compander / reduction works well. Keep it set to a minimum though, to avoid that watery sound. *I did do a quick double take when I saw it called the noise compander. It's the only other time I've seen that description (the first time was with a Cherokee 150 SSB mobile radio).
  
• It's a nice large size radio - good for a base station
• Easy to modify. Hold Function and EMG key down when powering up radio. Display shows 1 Band. Turn channel selector to 2 Band and reset.
  

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

• You can turn off the display, but not the channel selector, and turning off the display means losing the RF-S meter, along with other information.
  
• The Clarifier isn't smooth, rather a click-click-click control. Yet, on the other hand... because the new breed of radios are on frequency, you may never have to use it (I haven't thus far).
• The band switching is divided into banks from A - F, and unlike other newer radios, there is no SPAN selection, so you have to use the bands as they're setup. It's a small gripe, but I guess I got spoiled by other radios.
• It's a nice large radio - not that great if you have limited space to mount something in your vehicle.
• The volume control. Yes, it's my pet peeve, but nonetheless something important to me. Like every radio with an Anytone board in it, the volume control is not linear. Turning the volume control clockwise takes you from no volume to BOOM!! a volume level that is low, but not as low as it should be. If there was a numerical setting, I'd say it goes from no volume to level 2 volume. This is not a radio I would use if it was late at night and family members were asleep, or, if I wanted it at a just low enough level to hear if a friend of mine was now on the frequency. If  President can get this, why can't Anytone, Retevis, Radioddity, and others?
• 12 watts on AM. This for someone who uses AM a lot (not me). However, it will swing to roughly 35w with modulation.
  
• No memory function. There aren't any memories to plug your favorite frequencies into, albeit, most radios only offer 4 memory channels.
  

 

To sum it up: This radio almost seems to be a radio caught between the old world of 10m/export radios, and the new world of enhanced noise blanking and auto squelch. There are other radios you could consider, but none usually fall under the $200 price point. However, most of those other radios will offer 12 meters as well as 10. If a new ham were to ask me about it, I would recommend this transceiver to him without prejudice.

If you're a tech looking to spend the least amount of money on a new radio to get you talking on 10 meters, this is certainly one you should consider. Whether you have an interest in CW now, or even if you don't, the jack on the back makes it very simple should you want to try CW later on, just plug in your key and start tapping. Right now is THE time to utilize 10 meters! It's usually a quiet band. For example, the 11m CB band might be going crazy with skip (DX), yet 10 meters is quiet as a cemetery.

I've been on 10m recently, and a contest was in progress. It was almost impossible to find a clear frequency to call "CQ" without interfering with another station that afternoon, so I jumped in several pileups and found myself competing with stations that were pumping out over 500 watts, yet I remained hopefully persistent with my less than 100w radio. This paid off and I made contacts in several European countries, the UK, and more. While FT8 and other digital modes certainly have their place, nothing gets your blood pumping faster than a hard-to-reach station coming back and acknowledging your call sign.

UPDATE: 11.07.2024

This is weird, and I'm checking menus to make sure there isn't a setting I missed, but I went on one channel and turned the Roger Beep "ON", but when I changed channels, RB was OFF. I had to turn it ON again with each channel change.

The same thing happened with NB/ANL. Turned it ON while on one channel, and it was OFF on the next channel change. It seems that whatever you turn on/off, you'll have to do it on each channel. I haven't tried programming it, but I'm pretty sure I can set something ON for all channels, but c'mon Retevis, if I press NB/ANL on one channel, it should remain ON on all channels - unless turned OFF.

Has anyone else run across this weird issue?

UPDATE: 11.09.2024

Playing around with the band switch I moved down 5kc to a nought frequency (28.480 vs. 28.485), then moved the band switch to another bank, which brought the frequencies back to the 5's (28.485, 495, etc.). Switching back to the other band (and frequency) I found it had remembered it was the way I left it (on the nought). Powering the radio off and back on didn't change it. This is kinda cool if you want to hang out on 28.480, but on the 5's elsewhere. This may explain what I experienced on the previous update. Nonetheless, it's not enough to make up for what happens with something as mundane as NB/ANL.

One last thing - last night I was sandbagging on the local frequency and the station very close to my QTH sounded slightly distorted. I compared it to how it sounded on an FT-710, and the 710 was clearer, without distortion. Backing down the RF Gain slightly on the HS4 fixed that. 

I've had a chance to compare the HS4 with a half dozen or so radios, and it seems no better or worse when it comes to the adjacent channel rejection.

 

UPDATE: 11.15.2024

Atmospheric conditions seemed to be the cause of the some distortion mentioned above, possibly not affecting my FT-701 as much, because the receiver (and filtering) is so much better. Then again, 10 meters can be a funky band to operate on. I'm really struggling to decide if the HS4 is a "keeper". I've mentioned my dislikes already, as for the "likes", the 4-pin mic jack is great (no more re-wiring mics to an RJ-45, 6-pin or 8-pin connector, and no mic adapter).

Locally, I've received compliments on my audio and during an A/B test between a Turner Super Sidekick and a Turner +3 desk mic, the +3 came out on top. Not only was the audio consistently stronger (it has a built-in speech compressor), but it had a pleasing low end (bass), whereas the Super Sidekick's strength was having higher pitched audio, so a Plus 3 was good for local rag chewing, and the SSK would be a tad better in getting through DX and a crowded pileup. 

35 watts vs. an 80 watt radio doesn't make a lot of difference (it takes a 4x increase in output power to gain 1 S-unit at the other end), so it seems to boil down to the way the volume control acts. Currently, either late at night, or early in the morning, I use another radio to allow my ears to get the lowest possible volume to listen - without disturbing the rest of the household. If you have already owned, or own a radio like the Quad 5, QT-60, or QT-60Pro, and if you don't mind it now, you won't notice a difference with the HS4.

While I haven't done it yet, I plan to look under the covers, and see how hard it would be to add a resistor in series to the volume control. I had a wild thought that if I added some resistance it might give me more of a gradual increase in volume vs. the "no sound - jump to a preset level", nowhere close to the gradual gain experienced in ham radios or other CB radios, both modern (President Washington) and elderly (Cobra 138XLR).

UPDATE: 11.19.2024

I ran across an issue I hadn't seen since I bought one of the first RCI 2950 radios - Inconsistency when changing frequencies/channels. What does that mean you ask? It's when your on a channel (example: 38) and want to go to 37, but instead, it goes up to 39. Another observation was when I was on 38 and moved the selector down one channel to get to 37, and it while it did change channel going down, it did it 2 channels at a time so I ended up on 36.

The first time I went from 38 to 37, and got 39 instead, I thought I had turned the channel selector the wrong way. Several nights later it did it again, and I was verifying which way the selector went after that first time so I could confirm that I was doing it correctly, but the radio wasn't - and yes, I turned the selector correctly. This doesn't happen every day, in fact it's quite sporadic, and quickly remedied by moving the selector the other way, and then back to where I was originally going.

Keep this in mind when shopping for a new rig.

Otherwise, the click-click-click clarifier, and difficulty in seeing the display in various lighting situations, has made a good case for not running this mobile, however, as a base radio it would not be an issue. 

 

DISCLAIMER: I don't know this guy from Adam, and have no reciprocal relationship between his YouTube channel and my Blog. But since I rarely post anything on YouTube anymore, I wanted you to see, what I believe to be, one of the best videos on this radio. Enjoy!

 

If I left something out from my notes, or have an update, it will be added to this Blog Post. In the meantime - "May all of your DX dreams come true.."

 

73

Woody

 

 

 

LATENT HALLOWEEN POST: "HALLOWEEN NIGHT ON 80 METERS"

 

 

 BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

 

 

 

 

All I did was blink, and we're almost upon Halloween. I meant to change the audio files (upper right of page) to reflect the season, got busy, and just realized how close we are. 

I know I've told the story before, but I'll do it again for the benefit of anyone new to this Blog. Background: There's a group of guys in New England that haunted (pun intended) 3885 AM or thereabouts, and they got together each Halloween Eve to tell a good ghost story or two. I've included the two I recorded in 2019 before the band went long (and I lost 'em in the noise). The first one is the longer of the two stories, followed by the second recording (Intro + short story). IF they're still doing it, and IF they're still using their new hangout of 3873, you might catch them...  I'll leave it up for a month, or longer, should I forget.

Enjoy, and 73!

Woody

 

 

WATTS THE DIFFERENCE? IS 5 WATTS ALL YOU NEED, OR IS IT 100 WATTS? INTERESTING VIDEO FROM W6LG (JIM)

 

 HINT: THERE ISN'T ONE CORRECT ANSWER

 

 

 

 This is a topic that stirs up quite a bit of emotions on any given radio oriented website or Facebook group, especially with 11m operators. While many are quite satisfied with whatever power the radio they're using puts out, there is a huge group who prefer running 400+ watts from their base or even while mobile (and "Keydowners" are in a class of their own, so I won't be going down that road in this post). There are plenty of ham stations that only run QRO as well.

Personally, as many of you know, for the most part I'm a QRP guy, whether it be a designated QRP radio like Yaesu's FT-817/818 or ICOM's IC-705, or my choice of 4w/12w SSB CB mobiles, like my Cobra 138XLR from 1977, or my President McKinley (the new version). More watts will make some contacts much easier, but many times I tend to use the best antenna I can buy, letting it do much of the heavy lifting. 

Not getting through a pileup is tough at the QRP level, so I'll skirt around that frequency looking for a less sought after station, or wait out the big hitters until their voices have come and gone, making it easier to get through. To me, there is nothing more thrilling and adrenaline pumping than having a station, thousands of miles away, come back to my 5 or 10 watt CQ call. 

There was a period when I had a base amplifier inline, that I could use when skip was strong, and I knew that if powered up I could easily have the DX station return my call on my first or second attempt. It was so easy, talking DX got to be boring. Sure, if my ham radio is a 100w radio, I'll use it, and all of the text above was a roundabout way of saying:

 "Whatever the radio puts out is what I'll use, and leave the big external amps to the other guys".

I do confess to running a PC-122 with a 203 amp for a while. It was one of those grab it now (Buy-It-Now) deals that popped up on eBay. Someone didn't know much about what they had, and didn't even know if it worked, but it was a PC-122, with a 203 amp bolted on top, and an Astatic 575 hand mic for $75. Back then (14 years ago), I was oft to take a chance on something like this - and it worked out just fine. 

Except for having the amp bolted on top of it, the PC-122 was in excellent condition. Both worked well together. The 575 hand mic was in 8.0 out of 10 cosmetic shape and just needed a new battery. This Astatic microphone seems to expand its legendary status every five years or so, but I've never been a big fan of it (I'm a Turner guy). I know what some people will pay for one (thus my reason for the BIN purchase).

Just because someone is willing to pay $200 and higher for one of these microphones it didn't seem right for me to sell it high, so I priced it at $110 on eBay, and it sold in less than 30 minutes, thus covering my initial purchase of the mic, amp, and radio, with an extra $20 in my wallet. Several years down the road I put a newish top cover on the 122 and sold it for $100. I still have the amp in one of our closets, in a box that is filled with other misc. radio stuff.

I didn't mean to dive very deep into this subject, I only meant to type a short preface before embedding Jim's video - so, sorry about my fingers running amok on the keyboard, and here is the video...

 

 

 

FLASHBACK FRIDAY

(Here's a few tidbits from days gone by) 

 

1975

 

 

1976

73

WOODY

RM ITALY KL-203P AMP - ROOSTER CB RADIO CONNECTION

 

 

 

 GOOD DEAL (S)

 

 

 

 

I always like to give a shout out to a business that offers a wide range of radio related items and/or good deals, so today's "SHOUT" goes to Rooster CB Radio Connection and his awesome price on the KL-203-P amp. While watching a YouTube video of his, he mentioned that some items are sold at prices that either break even, or, are loss leaders to bring business his way. At $95 including shipping, I took it as the latter. 

Pricing across this website varies from great-to-average, but this is not the only deal to be had.

If you were looking for a 3 antenna switch box, particularly the OPEK CX-5, you would find it for $41.77 on Amazon. I paid $24.95 shipped, from Rooster's website.

 

 Perusing other areas, I found that he sells some of the best brand coax cable - ABR, which I buy locally from their location here in Houston. It's top notch cable. If it's something you want delivered the next day, or even 2 days, then look somewhere else (and pay a lot more). So unless I have something disagreeable to say about his business, I recommend it with two thumbs up 👍👍 (a.k.a *****)

 

 73

WOODY

 

 

 

 

 

QUICK REVIEW: RADIODDITY QT-60 AND FIRST LOOK - QT-60 PRO VS. OTHER RADIO BRANDS

 

 QT60 & QT60PRO

 [ALONG WITH PRESIDENT RADIOS]

 

 

 

 

 

2024 has been a big year, with several releases of new CB and 10 meter radios, like the President George FCC, President George II (EU), President Washington, President Ted FCC, President Walker III FCC, the President Jerry FCC walkie-talkie, Anytone AT6666 Pro, the very affordable Radioddity CB-900 PRO,  Radioddity QT60 Pro, and their QT80 (re-branded AT666 Pro). Excuse me if I've missed one, but it has been a banner year for newly released radios (mfg. website links further down the page).

The Radioddity QT60 Pro's front panel looks exactly like its predecessor, the QT60, with a few differences:

• physical size, the Pro's body is about 2 inches shorter (depth) than the non-PRO (2nd image)
  
• a noise reduction circuit (much like the President models) 
• 136-174Mhz FM receive
• SSB TX audio bandwidth control
• CW functionality

 

                                                HOCUS POCUS, THEY LOOK THE SAME

 

        LOOKING AT THEM STACKED ON TOP OF EACH OTHER YOU CAN SEE THE SHORTER LENGTH

 I like both models, but the PRO version has several features (listed above) that makes it special.

 New Features from QT60 Pro

 
1. Add 136-174Mhz FM receiver
2. Add display dimmer control (5 levels).
3. Add SSB TX audio bandwidth control
4. Add CTCSSS/DCS scan
5. Add CW function (needs DIY)

6. Customizable TX & RX Noise Reduction (DSP)
 

Others

 
1: CTCSS/DCS frequency display, instead of a tone code.
2: RX AGC time fast/slow
3: No RX mute when tuning in VFO mode.
4: FM deviation select 2.5 KHz and 4 KHz
5: Audio path selection (used when interfacing with a computer for digital modes or with 3rd party microphones)
6: VHF RX VFO capable of tuning the entire VHF band, rather than just WX channels.

　 Functions & Features Listed on Website:

 
- Big LCD display frequency and all kinds of information
- FM, AM, USB, LSB, CW, PA mode
- Frequency tuning step: 100Hz, 1KHz, 5KHz, 10KHz, 100KHz, 1MHz
- +500Hz/5KHz CLARIFlER Adjustment (R/T/R+T selectable)
- Dimmer control
- SSB TX audio bandwidth control
- CTCSSS/DCS scan
- Flexible menu function and PC program software
- ECHO function
- SQ, ASQ function (FM and AM mode only)
- RF gain adjustment
- RF PWR adjustment
- Scan function
- Programmable RB function
- NB/ANL function
- Dual-watch function
- Offset frequency function
- BEEP voice prompt
- +10KHZ function
- SIG, PWR, SWR function
- TOT function
- HI-CUT function
- EMG channel function
- SWR protection
- Power supply voltage protection
- Key-Lock function
- Six groups memory channel
- Model name customized function
- CTCSS/DCS code
- Enhanced VOX Functions (can support digital mode operation)
- TX and RX noise reduction
- Compatible with electronic and dynamic MIC-type
- WX weather channel with RX VFO mode (136-174MHz FM)
- Weather Alert

 

SPECIFICATIONS OF QT60**

 **Note. The QT60 has been discontinued

 

GENERAL

 
- Frequency Range: 28.000-29.700MHz(Programmable)
- Frequency Band: A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/I
- WX channels: 162.400MHz, 162.475MHz, 162.425MHz, 162.450MHz, 162.500MHz,   162.525MHz, 162.550MHz
- Channel: 40 channels(programmable)in each band
- Frequency Control: Phase-Locked-Loop Synthesizer
- Frequency Step: 100Hz, 1KHz, 5KHz, 10KHz, 100KHz, 1MHz
- Frequency Tolerance: ±5.00ppm
- Temperature Range: -20℃ to +50℃
- Microphone: with push-to-talk/UP/DN and coiled cord
- Input Voltage: 13.8V
- Dimensions(in inches): 12(L)x7.9(W)x2.36(H)
- Weight: 1.73kg (3.81lbs.)
- Antenna Connector: UHF, SO239

TRANSMITTER

 
- Power Output AM PEP: 60W / FM: 50W / SSB: 60W(PEP)
- Drain: 10A(with modulation)
- Modulation: AM/FM/USB/LSB
- Intermodulation Distortion: SSB: 3rd order, more than -25dB | 5th order, more than -35dB
- SSB Carrier Suppression: 55dB
- Unwanted Sideband: 50dB
- Frequency Response: AM/FM: 300 to 3000 Hz | SSB: 450 to 2500Hz
- Output Impedance: 50ohms, unbalanced

RECEIVER

 
Sensitivity:

- SSB: 0.25μV for 10dB(S+N)/N at greater than 1/2 watt of audio output
- AM: 1.0μV for 10dB(S+N)/N at greater than 1/2 watt of audio output
- FM: 1.0μV for 20 dB (S+N)/N at greater than 1/2 watt of audio output
- Adjacent-Channel Selectivity: AM/FM: 60dB; SSB: 70dB
- Image Rejection: More than 65dB
- IF Frequency: AM/FM: 10.695MHz 1st IF, 455KHz 2nd IF | SSB: 10.695MHz
- RF Gain Control: 45dB adjustable for optimum signal reception
- Automatic Gain Control(AGC): Less than 10dB change in audio output for inputs from 10 to 100,000 microvolt
- Squelch: Adjustable; threshold less than 1.0μV. | Automatic Squelch Control(only AM/FM)1.0μV
- Audio Output Power: 3 watts into 8 ohms
- Frequency Response: AM/FM: 300 to 3000Hz; SSB: 450 to 2500Hz
- Built-in Speaker: 8 ohms, round.
- External Speaker(Not Supplied): 8 ohms; disables internal speaker when connected
 

All in all I like the QT60, and the QT60-PRO. These radios feel solid, and thought was given to what the buttons or knobs would allow you to do without going into a menu. Unlike other radios I've reviewed, the stupid channel display (my words) isn't there - just the frequency. It's my opinion that if someone needs a channel number to figure out where they are, then they should buy another radio. The Midland 79-290 the I reviewed almost 30 years ago allowed you to only display either the channel number or the frequency. At least they gave us a choice back then, and for what it's worth, you can toggle between the frequency display or channel number if you want to with these radios.

The receiver on both models is very sensitive, with the Pro version having a slight edge due to the customizable noise reduction. This can be programmed for RX, TX, or both. I prefer using it on receive only, and have it set to "2" (any higher and stations start having a watery sound to them). President radios have had this available for a longer time, but it's nice to see it in radios like the QT60 Pro.

Another great feature on the Pro is being able to adjust the width of your transmitted audio (within reason). You can choose between 3KHz (low) or 4KHz (high), but as most sidebanders using ham radios know, 2.7 is about as wide as you'd want to go on SSB, so 3khz it is. 

With the Pro, you can choose how far the clarifier slides: 500hz or 5KHz (500hz is default). Always be on the lookout for a good sale price on Radioddity's website, either in a bundle or just the radio by itself. I got a QT-60 with a programming cable and mag mount for about $200, and just recently purchased the QT-60 Pro for $207.50 on Amazon, which after applying some Amazon bonus pts. ended up below $200.

 

 

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: 

• The screen isn't light amber (tan), as pictured in advertising photos
• The volume control, while variable, isn't quite linear

 

I EXPECTED THE SCREEN TO LOOK LIKE THIS, BUT IT DOESN'T

 

 

THE SCREEN

In all advertising material this screen looks great - a light tan background with information in black (mode, frequency, meters, etc.). The QT-60 which I purchased earlier in the year also met all functional expectations except the screen, like the "Pro", was more of a deep orange. At the time I purchased the QT-60 I went to Google and read a Reddit thread about some folks sending radios back due to an off batch of screens. It could have been smoke and mirrors though because the QT60-Pro is exactly the same dark orange color. Another thing I noticed was the angle of view. Viewing: If you have the screen right in front of you, it's very easy to view the display, but as the viewing angle increases, it becomes harder to see - which could be a problem when mounted in a car or truck (as a base radio, it wouldn't matter).

THE VOLUME CONTROL

The way the volume control works really ticks me off, and it's just not this model either (I had the same experience with multiple President Lincoln II Plus's). I expect a volume control to start at zero (0) with a silent speaker, and then gradually go up as the volume control is increased. The QT60 volume control, when fully counter-clockwise has a silent speaker, but there is no gradual increase of volume when slowly turned clockwise - it jumps to one (1) which is loud enough to be heard in another room, making it an unlikely candidate for late-night QSOs while the rest of the family is asleep. I sold the two Lincoln II+ radios because of this. At the time (Pre-2020) I only associated it with the President Lincoln II+, so I was surprised to see it happen on a completely different radio that was purchased 4 years later. As I noted in the II+ first look review, this is not a problem in a mobile environment, because it's already noisy while driving. So this is more-or-less a personal "DING" on how I perceive it, and if I want a lower volume, I'll just pick another radio whose volume control gradually goes from silent to whatever level you want it to be (as a comparison, President's George, George II, and Washington's volume controls work as you would expect (a gradual increase in volume), and make great radios for late night listening in the shack while everyone in the house is asleep). 

 

"Remember: It takes a 4x increase in your output power to get a 1 S-Unit increase"

 

So is this a radio you should buy? I think if you aren't picky about the actual display color not matching the photo in all the advertising literature, and how the volume control operation works (as explained above), YES!!. The QT60 PRO offers features you can't find on just about any other 10 meter radio on the market in the same price range (they go on sale frequently as well). It's a 60w radio, and even though there are other radios that puts out 80 watts, a 20w difference wouldn't be noticed by the station at the other end. Remember: It takes a 4x increase in your output power to get a 1 S-Unit increase, so a 20 watt difference wouldn't even slightly nudge the other guys S-Meter any higher.

 

One curious feature of the PRO is the ability to receive FM frequencies between 136-174MHz, where the U.S. NOAA weather broadcasts are found. But if you think about it, the U.S. 2m ham band falls within this range as well, so it could conceivably allow you to listen to your favorite local 2m repeater! I'm taking it slow, as I explore the PRO's features, but I do plan on trying just that (picking up 146.94), and I will add updates on this, the programming software, and anything else I find interesting under an UPDATE section towards the bottom of this first look. 

Occasionally come back to this page for updated information, as well as any links I add involving other reviews.

 

Last night I didn't exactly check my settings and thought SSB wasn't working, when if I had looked at the knob before jumping to the wrong conclusion, somehow the PWR output knob was fully counter-clockwise (duh!!). Once I moved the knob back to its fully clockwise position, I quickly made contact with a station in North Dakota on 28.390. I was coming in off the side of his beam, and he said I was a solid 5 on his meter, whereas I gave him a reading that varied between 5 and 6 1/2. 

 

When asked what antenna I was using, I told him (truthfully) that I had run 50' of RG8 coax out to the driveway and to my SUV, where it connected to a Sirio Performer 2000, on a mag mount centered on the roof. Living in an HOA hostaged community, I'd just started using this as  my temporary solution, until it gets a lot cooler and I have time to run coax in the attic and come up with something that would be stealthy. Previous to that, I'd been using my Chameleon CHA F-Loop magnetic loop antenna, which was setup in the spare bedroom by a window. I had been successful with the loop, but the Performer 2000 on the roof of my vehicle gave me quite a bit more contacts, and QSOs to listen to while I was "reading the mail".  

 

Given the features you may not find on another radio, the stable receiver and transmitter that doesn't drift, and sale pricing that will surely happen next month on Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales, in it's price range, this is one of those radios to beat. Both the QT60 and 60Pro are programmable via a port next to the external speaker jack on the back of the radio. I've downloaded the software, I have the cable, I just haven't had time to play around with the software. When I do, I'll write a separate post, or add it at the bottom of this one.

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

 

 

When you purchase this radio it arrives as a 10 meter-only radio, but it can be expanded to give you 10, 11 and 12 meters. As a ham operator, and if you have the appropriate license, there is no problem in using the 10 or 12 meter band. It's illegal to use this on 11 meters (unless you just came out of a 40 year coma, I'm pretty sure you're already aware of this 😉). There is only one other radio I would choose over this one, and that is the President Washington, which has one of the best displays I've seen in years (but then you're talking about spending almost $200 more to get one if you add in the optional fans). Only you can decide if it's worth the extra $$$ for you.

 

President has AM-SSB, and AM-FM-SSB radios in the marketplace now, from FCC approved models, to Export or 10m ham mobiles. They are:

 

• The McKinley FCC AM-SSB
  
• The George FCC 
• The Lincoln II+ 10m ham mobile
  
• The George II (EU Export)
• The Washington (10m)

 Another model to consider (If you can find one) is the Alinco DX-10, just another one of the radios that I've purchased from BELLS CB RADIO SHOP (a GREAT place to park your dollars). It was the last radio I reviewed in 2023. Another bout with COVID has hampered my review of the Washington, so I went ahead and finished this one, which was already 80% complete.

 

DISCLOSURE: I am not paid by Bells, or given product(s) to review. Everything was purchased via CC card by myself. IMO, possibly one of the best things about them is their customer service. They reply to your inquires in a reasonable time-frame (sometimes after hours). Email? sure, but for faster results - Text them! I just happen to like dealing with them vs. most other retailers (they maintain a brick-and-mortar presence as well as their website).

 

I've tried almost all of the radios in this class, except the QT-80/AT-6666 Pro, which I just don't care for the ergonomics the radio, and will leave others on YouTube to review. Neither the QT60 series or President Washington are small radios, so if you're in the market for a nice, legal AM-SSB radio with a small footprint, the McKinley with its front firing speaker, and front mounted microphone jack might be a better fit.

 

So before I go further down the rabbit hole and away from the QT-60 / QT-60 Pro, I'll stop here. As always, I hope this helps you in some small way.

 

I am curious: What microphone do you use on this radio, or similar model? Stock mic? DigiMike? Turner Plus 2? Also, what did your display look like when your turned the radio on? Did it match what is seen in the advertising material, or was it orange, like mine? Let me know @ Thestonerguy@gmail.com

 

 

 

 UPDATE SECTION

Nothing at the time of this review, but check back...

 

 

 

 

HUMOR

 

 

 

 

ADVERTISEMENTS FROM THE PAST (MACY'S 1976)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

73

 

WOODY