BEST CB OR 10m RADIOS OF 2024 PART TWO: SSB RADIODDITY QT40 QT60 QT80 PRESIDENT GEORGE AND MORE (REVISED 12/20/2024)

 

 BLURRED LINES GET BLURRIER

 

 

 Each year the number of legal, FCC approved CB radios with sideband seem to shrink when compared to 10 meter radios (a.k.a. - "Export"). The waters got even more muddy when FM was approved. Suddenly 10 meter radios featuring only two modes, AM & FM, after FM radios appeared on the market. 

Technically correct amateur radios, these radios boasted more watts, yet looked like a typical CB radio. Conversion to CB frequencies was usually simple, and that's where those units sold in N.America were destined, 11 meters - after all, how many ham operators used AM and FM on 10 meters? Well, a few may try to make use of the 10m FM repeaters, higher up the band, but not all of these radios has the necessary sub-audible codes necessary to use them. 

Nonetheless, this post is centered on the radios that have single-sideband (i.e.- SSB). I've tried to make a complete list, but some radios may have slipped through the cracks, likewise, some websites are nightmares to navigate - Example: For some reason I couldn't find the Lincoln II+ on the President website under 10m ham radios, but found it easily enough on Amazon. If you see a asterix (*) next to the price, it means I found a ongoing promotion at the time of this article.

LEGAL FCC APPROVED CB RADIOS

There are few new radios on this years list, as well as a few that have been around for awhile. Let's start with one of the older models...

1. Uniden Bearcat 980SSB ($150-$170 street price)

 This radio was first introduced to the marketplace in the early 2010's (around 2013). It quickly caught the attention of buyers who had been looking for an AM/SSB mobile radio that didn't look like a Cobra 148, or Uniden Grant. It features a slick looking display that features a large channel number, and below it, the much smaller corresponding frequency. Unlike export and ham radios, the frequency display is just that: a display (it's not an actual counter). 

When the channel selector is rotated to the desired channel (we'll use the picture above as reference), the radio is programmed to also show that channel's frequency. In this instance, turn the knob to channel 19 and it's told to show 27.185 on the screen as well, making it less functional and more window dressing. There have been 2 known versions of this radio, and for several years it suffered display problems: No display, half a display, faded display, etc. I haven't read anything in the last couple years to indicate it's still a problem, but if you're looking for one in the used market, this is something you should be aware of.

 

If I only went by this graphic from their website, and wanted the ability to hear N.O.A.A. weather reports, I might have moved onto something else because this graphic, called features, doesn't have it listed. Rest assured though, because it does. While I've never owned/tried their wireless microphone, I have read favorable reviews about it. Other information from their website:

 

The Uniden 980SSB incorporates professional driver performance enhancement features with state-of-the-art technology and modern styling. It features upper and lower Single Side Band that allows more channel positions and power.

This Bearcat CB Radio features a customizable 7-color LCD display with illuminated front panel nomenclature and provides SWR Antenna Calibration. Other notable features include NOAA Weather Alerts, RF Gain & Mic Gain, Talkback feature, and Frequency Counter. No other CB radio on the market with SSB mode has this many features as the Bearcat 980SSB!

• SINGLE SIDE BAND
  More power, more channels. 4-Watts RF Output Power on AM.
• 7 COLOR CUSTOMIZABLE DISPLAY
  Choose one of the 7 colors to match the vehicle’s dashboard.
• NOAA WEATHER SCAN & ALERTS
  One-touch access to local weather information.
• INTEGRATED SWR ANTENNA CALIBRATION
  Built-in SWR meter to precisely tune your antenna for best signal.
• RF GAIN & MIC GAIN
  Adjusts receiver sensitivity for better reception and microphone sensitivity for 100% modulation.
• AUTOMATIC NOISE LIMITER / NOISE BLANKER
  Automatic Noise Limiter and Noise Blanker reduces external noise, and ignition interference.

 

It has a list price of $199.95, but can usually be found selling in the price range of $150-$170. As we all know everything has gone up in price due to COVID and problems in the supply train. I've owned 2 Uniden 980SSB radios, the first version, and the second. The last one I purchased was in the Fall of 2019, and Amazon had them on sale. Typically, they sold for a hair under $130, but about twice a year, Amazon would have 'em on sale for $99.95, and that's the price I paid for it in 2019. If I could have forecast the future, I might have bought a few more to sell later, but who knew? Plus, this was not, IMHO, a $200 radio. When I did a review/overview of this a few years ago, my main complaint was with the display - not going out, but being very hard to see under certain lighting conditions in a vehicle. As a base radio, this wouldn't be a problem. Other than a modification of the Clarifier (tying RX & TX together) via a YouTube video, there are no other modifications (i.e. - no extra channels). Considering the age of its technology, I rate this radio as 2.5 out of 5 stars.
 

2. PRESIDENT MCKINLEY FCC ($175 street price)

 

In case you haven't noticed, PRESIDENT ELECTRONICS owns the market, whether you want a legal CB or a 10m radio, they have a radio for you. They make quality radios, although IMO, they're at the pricey end of the market. To some degree I was surprised when they didn't come out with a new McKinley that also had FM, however, I don't know any sideband operators that were excited about FM to begin with. This model, much like the Uniden before it, are the older generation. But unless you're really hot for FM, this is still a very relevant radio!

This small DIN sized radio has two features that make it the perfect choice for in-dash mounting:

• A front-firing speaker
• A front mounted microphone jack

The specifications for this radio, taken from President's website are as follows:

General

Number of channels	:	40
Number of weather channels	:	7
Weather alert	:
Modulation modes	:	AM / LSB / USB
Frequency ranges	:	from 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz
Weather channels	:	from 162.400 MHz to 162.550 MHz
Antenna impedance	:	50 ohms
Power supply	:	13.8 V / 27.6 V
Size (W x D x H)	:	6.69 x 5.91 x 2.05 inches / 170 x 150 x 52 mm
DIN Size	:
Weight	:	2.20 lbs / 1 kg
Accessories supplied	:	Ultra light electret microphone with support, mounting cradle, screws

Transmission

 

Frequency allowance	:	+/- 200 Hz
Carrier power	:	4 W AM / 12 W SSB (PEP)
Transmission interference	:	inferior to -60 dBc
Audio response	:	300 Hz to 3 KHz
Emitted power in the adj. channel	:	inferior to 20 μW
Microphone sensitivity	:	3 mV
Drain	:	2 A (with modulation)
Modulated signal distortion	:	1.8 %

 

Reception

 

Maxi. sensitivity at 10 dB (S+N)/N	:	0.6 μV - 111 dBm
Frequency response	:	300 Hz to 3 kHz
Adjacent channel selectivity	:	> 60 dB
Maximum audio power	:	2 W
Squelch sensitivity	:	minimum 0.2 µV - 120 dBm, maximum 1 mV - 47 dBm
Frequency image rejection rate	:	60 dB
Intermediate frequency rej. rate	:	70 dB
Drain	:	300 mA nominal / 1000 mA maximum

While an arguement can be made over what radio looks better, at $175 the President McKinley is far superior to legal competition in the $150-$180 price range. It has an innovative SWR checking system and variable power output (within legal ranges) from the front panel. It does have a brother, the McKinley EU, which offers FM, extra frequencies, and higher output, but is cost prohibitive in having it shipped to the U.S. The display is fairly easy to read while driving along the road, but I wish the display information (channel number, meter reading, etc.) was a lot darker. My score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

3. PRESIDENT GEORGE FCC ($280 street price)

 

 If you took the best of several FCC approved CB radios and put them in one box you'd have this, the President George FCC, as reviewed earlier this year in a two part article (pt.2) and pt.1 here. One of the biggest features that puts this radio over the top is the display: Night time, day time, partial sun, full sun, or cloudy with meatballs, you'll be able to see this display easily. 

TECH SPECS

General

Number of channels	:	40
Number of weather channels	:	7
Weather alert	:
Modulation modes	:	AM / FM / USB / LSB
Frequency ranges	:	from 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz
Weather channels	:	from 162.400 MHz to 162.550 MHz
Antenna impedance	:	50 ohms
Power supply	:	13.8 V
Size (W x D x H)	:	7.28 x 6.77 x 2.20 inches
Weight	:	2.204 lbs
Accessories supplied	:	power cord with fuse, 1 mounting bracket with fixing screws, Ultra light electret microphone with support

 

Transmission

Frequency allowance	:	+/- 200 Hz
Carrier power	:	4 W AM / 4 W FM / 12 W PEP USB LSB
Transmission interference	:	inferior to 4 nW (- 54 dBm)
Audio response	:	300 Hz to 3 KHz
Emitted power in the adj. channel	:	inferior to 20 μW
Microphone sensitivity	:	3.0 mV
Drain	:	< 5 A max. with modulation (13.8 V)
Modulated signal distortion	:	2 %

 

Reception

Maxi. sensitivity at 20 dB sinad	:	0.5 μV - 113 dBm (AM) / 0.35 μV - 116 dBm (FM) / 0.28 μV - 118 dBm (USB/LSB)
Frequency response	:	300 Hz to 3 kHz in AM/FM
Adjacent channel selectivity	:	60 dB
Maximum audio power	:	3 W
Squelch sensitivity	:	minimum 0.2 μV - 120 dBm / maximum 1 mV - 47 dBm
Frequency image rejection rate	:	60 dB
Intermediate frequency rej. rate	:	70 dB
Drain	:	200 ~ 600 mA maximum (13.8 V)

 OTHER SPECS:

Supply	:	13.8 V
Number of channels	:	40
AM	:	Y
FM	:	Y
SSB	:	Y
Channel selector	:	rotary
Number of weather channels	:	7
Weather alert	:	Y
Volume	:	Volume adjustment and ON/OFF
RF Power	:	Y
Squelch	:	Manual squelch
ASC	:	Y
Display	:	LCD multifunction
Frequencies display	:	Y
S-meter	:	Digital
Public address	:	Y
Talkback	:	Y
Vox	:	Y
Automatic SWR meter	:	Y
Tone	:	Y
Filter ANL	:	Y
Filter NB	:	Y
Filter HI-CUT	:	Y
NRC	:	Y
Noise Gate	:	Y
RF-Gain	:	Y
Mike-Gain	:	Y
Clarifier	:	Y
Scan	:	Y
Scan + Scan Skip	:	Y
Memorie(s)	:	4
Dimmer	:	Y
F / Menu function key	:	Y
Beep Function	:	Y
Roger beep	:	Y
Dual watch	:	Y
Key locking	:	Y
SWR (Power Reading /SWR)	:	Y
Preset channel	:	9 / 19
CTCSS	:	Y
DSC	:	Y
microphone plug	:	front (6 pins)
External Vox microphone jack	:	Y
External loudspeaker jack	:	Y
Size (W x D x H)	:	7.28 x 6.77 x 2.20 inches
Weight	:	2.204 lbs

Everything about this radio says "QUALITY", and rather than repeat myself, I've provided links above to the review. I used this radio for several months in one of our vehicles, and when skip conditions were ripe, I had little issue with talking across the country. The upside: it's FCC certified. The downside: it's FCC certified, and at this price it's in heavy competition with those 10m radios that run higher wattage and can be converted to 11m. 1 "Ding" for the price, this radio is 4 out of 5 stars.

 

 4. PRESIDENT LINCOLN II + ($350 street price)

 

     The Lincoln II+ is another President model that has been around for several years, and is marketed as a 10/12 meter radio. Several people I know own at least one of these radios. If I recall correctly, it came out in 2017 or 2018, and I've owned several of this model. If it was 2018, it had to have been before my stroke in the Fall of that year, so let's call it late 2017/early 2018?

 

"I paid $100 less for each one I bought in 2018 and 2019..."

 

The receiver on both of the units I had (bought in different years) was a little noisier than some, and my biggest issue was my pet peeve about the volume control (on many other radios like AnyTone). It doesn't make a late night, low volume radio for the shack, but in your vehicle you'd never notice it. Power output is adjustable up to 35w SSB PEP. As for the price? I paid $100 less for each one I bought in 2018 and 2019. Considering its age, I think it's a little high.

This radio comes ready for the 10 and 12 meter ham bands, can be modified to 11m, so buyers risk voiding the 2 year warranty and/or getting caught by the FCC (it would suck if both happened). There were issues with the stock microphone that caused it to change channels when pushing the PTT switch, but it was very random, and the only fix seemed to be getting a replacement microphone from President. Does this still happen? I don't know. This, and my pet peeve gives it a 3.8 out 5 star rating.

 

5. PRESIDENT WASHINGTON ($389 street price*)

 

 $39 dollars more than the Lincoln II+ will get you the President Washington, an 70 watt powerhouse. Every detail seems to have been planned out very well, including the none reflective bezel, and grooves and screw holes for the optional fans. I don't have a review to point you to because I'm still writing it, but I can safely tell you that I found no unpleasant surprises. (This radio, as well as several others I've reviewed were purchased by Bells CB, my 2024 "DEALER OF THE YEAR". More about that in another Blog Post).

 

This radio has many features, and I suggest you download the manual and view the many YouTube videos as well, to see if this radio is for you. The display is as easy to see in any light as the President George or George II is, but if I have to fault President on anything to do with the Washington, it's the small frequency display, large channel number, and no way to toggle flip their size. When I'm trying to work stations on 10 meters, while be-bopping down the freeway, it's impossible to see the frequency and keep my eyes on the road at the same time. Shame on you President.

The radio accepts 2 optional fans, and I've found that by using it in the shack and spending a lot of time trying to get through a pileup, the radio got pretty darn hot. I ordered one fan kit, and that took care of it. Casual, and non-lengthy QSO's are fine, but I would imagine the modes with a constant carrier (AM/FM) might need a fan as well.

 SPECS:

Supply	:	13.8 V
AM	:	Y
FM	:	Y
SSB	:	Y
Channel selector	:	rotary
Volume	:	Volume adjustment and ON/OFF
RF Power	:	Y
Squelch	:	Manual squelch
ASC	:	Y
Display	:	LCD multifunction
Frequencies display	:	Y
S-meter	:	Digital
Public address	:	Y
Talkback	:	Y
Vox	:	Y
Automatic SWR meter	:	Y
Tone	:	Y
Filter ANL	:	Y
Filter NB	:	Y
Filter HI-CUT	:	Y
NRC	:	Y
Noise Gate	:	Y
RF-Gain	:	Y
Mike-Gain	:	Y
Clarifier	:	Y
Scan	:	Y
Scan + Scan Skip	:	Y
Memorie(s)	:	4
Dimmer	:	Y
F / Menu function key	:	Y
Beep Function	:	Y
Roger beep	:	Y
Dual watch	:	Y
Key locking	:	Y
SWR (Power Reading /SWR)	:	Y
CTCSS	:	Y
DSC	:	Y
microphone plug	:	front (6 pins)
External Vox microphone jack	:	Y
External loudspeaker jack	:	Y
Size (W x D x H)	:	7.28 x 6.77 x 2.2 inches / 185 x 172 x 56 mm
Weight	:	~ 2.62 lbs / ~ 1.19 kg

 

General

Frequency ranges	:	28.000 MHz to 29.700 MHz / 24.890 MHz to 24.990 MHz
Antenna impedance	:	50 ohms
Power supply	:	13.8 V
Size (W x D x H)	:	7.28 x 6.77 x 2.2 inches / 185 x 172 x 56 mm
Weight	:	~ 2.62 lbs / ~ 1.19 kg
Accessories supplied	:	power cord with fuse, 1 microphone and its hanger, 1 mounting bracket with fixing screws

 

Transmission

Frequency allowance	:	+/- 200 Hz
Carrier power	:	70 W PEP (AM/USB/LSB) / 50 W (FM)
Transmission interference	:	< 4 nW (- 54 dBm)
Audio response	:	300 Hz to 3 KHz
Emitted power in the adj. channel	:	< 20 μW
Microphone sensitivity	:	3 mV
Drain	:	< 12 A (with modulation)
Modulated signal distortion	:	2%

 

Reception

Maxi. sensitivity at 20 dB sinad	:	0.7 µV - 110 dBm (AM) / 0.35 µV - 116 dBm (FM) / 0.28 µV - 118 dBm (USB/LSB/CW)
Frequency response	:	300 Hz to 3 KHz
Adjacent channel selectivity	:	60 dB
Maximum audio power	:	3 W
Squelch sensitivity	:	min. 0.2 μV - 120 dBm / max. 1 mV - 47 dBm
Frequency image rejection rate	:	60 dB
Intermediate frequency rej. rate	:	70 dB
Drain	:	400 mA nominal / 600 mA max.

I've paired this radio up with President's Digi-Mike and it's a great combo, as well, they often run promotions where buying the radio gets you a free Digi-Mike. If you buy this radio and add a fan kit or two, you'll be spending over $400, and that's something to think about (and then think a little more after that). The small readout and the price are a ding, but this is a 4 out of 5 star radio if there every was one (and yes, I bought mine at Bells).

 

 

6. RADIODDITY QT-60PRO ($259 street price*)

 

The QT-60PRO is the evolution of the QT-60. They're identical to look at, with only some internal features (smaller board, smaller footprint), and you can tell one from the other after power up - it has QT60P on the display, below the meters. It's currently 10% off on Amazon ($233.10),or get a great bundle from Radioddity for $239 (at the time this article is being written) -

If you think you've seen this before, you probably have - the QT60PRO and QT80 are re-branded AnyTone radios. Is there a difference? Yes: Customer and Warranty support, something almost non-existent with the AnyTone. For further details I'll direct you to my "First look / Review".

Radioddity often has these on sale for around $200, or they bundle it with other add-ons. My biggest issue was with how the screen is portrayed as a light tan/orange background, when it's actually closer to the darker orange you can see in the picture above. Nonetheless, this radio has the most bang for the buck and IMHO is a 10/12 meter radio you should strongly consider, especially it you're a new Tech class ham, and would like to try HF SSB on 10 meters (after all, the Sunspot cycle won't last forever). I would have preferred a real mic jack (i.e. - non-RJ45), but if you catch this on sale, it's a definite 4.5 out of 5 stars!

6. RADIODDITY QT-80 ($279 street price*)

The QT80 is, once again, a re-branded AnyTone. The features are the same, as is the warranty support situation. Of all the radios you've read about so far in this article, the QT80 is the ONLY one I haven't bought, tested, and used myself. I've read plenty of nice things about it, written by various owners, my take away is that it works well but gets hotter than hell. The only reason I did not buy one is purely my own dislike of it's layout and cosmetics. Do not let that deter you if you like the looks of this radio.

It will do 10 and 12 meters out of the box, and when modified you'll have 10-11-12, and 15 meters (a first). This is an 80w radio, but reports put the output on 15 meters at 15 - 25 watts (your mileage may vary). Usually this sells for $299, at Radioddity or on Amazon, but Radioddity has, at the time this article is being written, a promotion which drops the price $20, and you get a free external speaker and free eBook about HF VHF, UHF beginner's guide to communications -

 

That's a pretty good deal if you ask me (even if you don't need the speaker or eBook). From the website:

80W High Power: Experience clearer and stronger signals in challenging conditions with our 80W high-power radio. Perfect for amateur radio enthusiasts and professional operators, it guarantees reliable long-distance communication in any environment. FCC ID: T4K-AT6666PRO

Versatile Communication Modes: Seamlessly switch between FM, AM, SSB (USB, LSB), CW, and PA modes to adapt to various communication needs, from casual use to professional applications, catering to various communication scenarios.

Advanced Noise Reduction: Customize your listening experience with adjustable TX & RX background noise reduction. Enjoy crystal-clear audio with minimized background noise and enhanced voice clarity, ensuring smooth and intelligible transmissions every time.

ASQ Function: The Automatic Squelch Control (ASQ) function intelligently filters out unwanted noise and static, providing a cleaner and more enjoyable listening experience. Say goodbye to constant manual adjustments and enjoy hassle-free communication.

7-Color LCD Display: Personalize your interface with a vibrant 7-color LCD display that complements any environment. Choose your preferred color for optimal visibility and a modern touch, enhancing your communication setup.

CTCSS/DCS:Use CTCSS/DCS codes to prevent interference and enhance privacy during group communications, ensuring clear and secure conversations.

Precision Frequency Tuning: Tune precisely with 7 Frequency Tuning Step options (10Hz/100Hz/1KHz/5KHz/10KHz/100KHz/1MHz), enabling accurate adjustments for clear communication.

Disclaimer: No License is required to purchase this radio, nor to Monitor (listen) to the many Amateur (Ham) Radio frequencies. However, an FCC License is required to Transmit (Talk) on Amateur Radio Frequencies in the USA. Please visit http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/amateur/licensing to learn more.

Download the user manual and CPS. 

Having not used it, I've embedded a good video from Josh @ Ham Radio Crash Course. If you're a radio guy, then I'm sure you're familiar with his videos, knowledge, and trust. Not tested by me, I'll give it 3.8 out of 5 stars, based on other reviews.

 

 

 

7. RETEVIS HS4 ($199 street price*)

 

 This was the last radio reviewed this year (not counting the ongoing President Washington review), so I'll point you to the HS4 review in order to get an idea about the features of the radio. The $199 price is a sale price on Amazon, but very often this radio can be found on sale for $199 along with a discount coupon, bringing the purchase price to about $179 (so keep your eyes open). 

The first unit I purchased had enough quirky issues that I returned it to Amazon. Shortly thereafter I ordered another HS4. The 2nd one I received was better than the first model, but still slightly quirky - which is a shame, because it has a lot of good things going for it, like the large display (dark background, bright readout, like the Midland 79-290), 4-pin cobra wired mic jack, cw key port on the back of the radio, and a single/simple one tone roger beep, amongst other things. Best of all, if you were so inclined as to modify it for 11 meters, you wouldn't even have to open the case. The jury is still out on this one, and at the least, it would be a 2.5 out of 5 star radio, but is it worth a shot? If you happen across a great sale and can get it for under $180, perhaps.

 

8. ALINCO DX-10 ($229 street price*)

 

Is it still be manufactured or has it been discontinued? Was it discontinued and then resurrected? Questions like these seem to have followed this radio back when it was labeled an Alinco DR-135DX. It disappeared and the DX-10 rose from the ashes - operators were intrigued by it's features and relatively small footprint.

I caught sight of this in the mid-2010's, only to find out it was only sold outside North America. Much to my surprise, last Fall while perusing the Bells CB website, I saw the DX-10 listed. I clicked on the link, expecting to see either "PAGE NOT FOUND" or "DISCONTINUED", but no - it was in-stock and available now. I bought it. Like other radios I buy and use, I wrote a two part review of this radio, which you can find here:

 

PART ONE

PART TWO

 

Alinco DX-10 All-Mode 10 Meter Transceiver (from DX ENGINEERING)

Technician or Extra Class, Alinco's DX-10 All-Mode 10 Meter Transceivers let you find the excitement on the highest HF band! You may operate SSB/CW/AM or FM at your choosing from 28.0 to 29.7 MHz! Go mobile or install in the shack!

The smooth and easy operation of Alinco's DX-10 is inherited from other popular Alinco Amateur Radio equipment. Their large back-lit display, excellent transmit and receive audio, SSB modes, 6 banks of up to 60 channel memories each, dual-watch, scanning, built-in SWR meter, key-lock and more, are the features hams asked for. Its dual displays show frequency on one screen and memory channel on the other.

Alinco's free programming-software download makes using your DX-10 a snap. Simply order their optional ERW-10 USB programming cable and be ready for all 360 channels!. Of course, you may also use direct entry controls.

DX-10 features and specifications:

* Frequency Range: 28.000MHz to 29.700MHz
* Operating Modes: SSB/CW/AM/FM
* Frequency Resolution: Selectable 10-Hz, 100-Hz, 1-kHz, 10-kHz
* Channels: Up to 60 per bank (6 banks), 360 programmable channels
* Channelized, with "fine tune" Clarifier frequency adjustment
* Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms, unbalanced SO-239
* Frequency stability: plus/minus 1 ppm
* Microphone Impedance: 2 kilohms
* Built-in Time-Out Timer (TOT)
* Switchable S/RF Meter
* Power supply requirement: 13.8V DC plus/minus 15 percent (11.7 to 15.8V DC)
* Operating Temperature: Negative 22 degrees F to 122 degrees F
* Supply polarity: Negative Ground
* Current drain: Transmit 6A, Receive 750mA (maximum) 350mA (Squelched)
* Dimensions: (approximate.) 6.7 in. (w) x 2.04 in. (h) x 8.4 in. (d)
* Weight: 3.09 lbs. (1.4 kg)

Transmitter details:

* Output power: FM/AM/CW: 1 to 12W, USB/LSB: 0 to 25W
* Modulation systems: Balanced (SSB) modulation, Amplitude Modulation, Variable reactance Frequency Modulation
* Spurious emission: Less than -50dB
* Maximum FM deviation: plus/minus 2.5 KHz

Receiver details:

* Receive system: Double or Single conversion Superheterodyne
* Sensitivity SSB: 0dBu (1uV), CW: -12dBu (0.25uV), AM: +6dBu (2uV), FM: -6dBu (0.5uV)
* Intermediate frequency: AM/FM: 1st 10.695 MHz, 2nd 455 MHz, SSB: 10.695 MHz (single conversion)
* Selectivity: SSB, CW, AM (narrow): -6dB at 2.4 KHz, -60dB at 4.5 KHz. AM, FM: -6dB at 6 KHz,-60dB at 18 KHz 

* Spurious and image rejection ratio: 48dB
* Noise Blanker and ANL
* Audio output power: 3W (8 ohms at 10 percent THD)
* Intermodulation rejection ratio: 65dB

Included Accessories:

* EMS-70 hand microphone
* DC power cable
* Microphone hanger
* Mobile mounting hardware

 So it's been a year, and a month after the 2nd part of the review (February) it went back in the box to make room for something else I was reviewing. I actually went back and read the entire review to refresh my memory, and I can't say that the DX-10 is a bad radio - just middle-of-the-road, with nothing that made it stand out against the competition. Sticking with my rating scale of 0-5, I'd have to say the DX-10 is 2.5 out of 5 stars. 😕

 

OTHER RADIOS ON THE MARKET

 

9. GALAXY DX-959B ($285 street price)

 

 

• Blue Frequency Display
• Blue Channel Display
• RB and RX LED's Blue
• StarLite Faceplate (Glow-in-the-Dark red and blue lettering)
• Large, easy-to-read meter with 4 scales:
  1. "S" Meter indicates up to 60 dB over S9
  2. Modulation Percentage Scale for use on AM
  3. Power Scale Calibrated for AM and SSB
  4. SWR Scale
• Automatic SWR Circuit (no complicated calibration procedure)
• "Talkback" Circuit with On/Off Switch and Volume Control
• Variable Power Output Control
• Roger Beep with On/Off switch and LED Indicator
• Galaxy Noise Filter for use on weak signals
• High SWR Alert LED Indicator
• Two Year Warranty as explained below:
• Five-digit Frequency Display
• +/- 1.0 kHz Receive Clarifier
• Noise Blanker and Automatic Noise Limiter
• AM, SSB and PA Modes
• 3-Position Tone Control Switch
• Blue/Red LED Indicator for RX/TX
• Blue LED Channel Indicator
• Dimmer Control
• Receive Gain Control
• Mic Gain Control
• The inverter that powers the blue lettering causes a faint high pitched noise to be heard in the receive signal. Galaxy has not come up with a fix for this.  It bothers some people a lot. If you think it might bother you, then you might want to get the regular DX-959 instead.

 

If you prefer the classic look of an older CB, this radio may be for you, with an output of 25-30 watts. I don't have any direct knowledge or experience with current Galaxy radios, but I'm sure you can find something on YouTube. This is a radio with SSB, so it's on the list for 2024. Untested, and unknown to me: 3 out of 5 stars.

 

10. RANGER TRE 797 ($220 street price)

 

Are regular CB radios with AM and SSB no more? Nope. Pictured above is a sharp looking CB radio with all the necessary controls you'd need in a legal FCC approved radio (40 channels & 4w AM).

TRE797 FEATURES

• Single Sideband USB/LSB (SSB)
• Built-In SWR Meter Use To Check Your Antenna System
• Variable Talkback Hear your own voice while talking, useful to monitor your transmissions
• Variable Mic gain Adjusts the loudness of your voice
• Variable RF gain Adjusts the receiver sensitivity
• PA Speaker Ready Easily Connect A Public Address Speaker
• Front Mounted Microphone Straight Pull From The Front
• Variable RF Power Adjusts your AM carrier 1-4 watts

This is another radio I've never used, but it's on the marketplace, in this instance, sold by Walcott Radio, and considering the current prices of gear, and if you're not obsessed with having a frequency display (why would you need one for 40 channels?), this slick looking radio could be just what you're looking for. I have read enough reviews from other websites to give this 3 out of 5 stars (I'll revise this if I run across one to try out).

I'm sure I missed some radios, and if they weren't mentioned, no slight was intended. I would have liked to have had this online 4 days ago, but stuff happens. In any case, do your due diligence in researching a radio before making a purchase, and I'll correct any spelling or grammar mistakes once it's gone "LIVE".

UPDATE!!

11. RADIODDITY QT40 ($200 street price*)

 

Oh my gosh, I can't believe I forgot this model. This is a radio I bought to review earlier this year and never got around to it. Yesterday, after posting this article I realized I'd been using this (still in the box), as a doorstop to the shack door! Today, I see a "Flash" deal on this radio, so it's a good time to grab one if you can:

 

At this price it's a fantastic deal. Granted, I haven't used mine, or even taken it out of the box, but one of the guys I talk to local, uses one for his base radio and he's pretty satisfied with it. I can honestly say that his audio, using the stock hand microphone, is superb! It doesn't have a frequency display, but you can view the frequency in scrolling fashion. It's the one thing my friend might change, because that feature doesn't work unless you're using the stock mic.

 

Features

FM/AM/USB/LSB/PA modes Weather Channel with Alert and FM receiver 140-170MHz CTCSS/DCS Codes, with separate settings for TX and RX TX & RX Background Noise Reduction(NRC) PC programmable Scrolling Frequency Display Function SQ, ASQ Function RF Gain Adjustment Microphone Gain Adjustment RF PWR Adjustment PWR/RX RSSI S-Meter NB/ANL Function FM Repeater Offset Function(+/- 100kHz) +10KHz Function

Beep Level Adjustment TOT Function HI-CUT Function Busy Channel Lock TX Audio Monitor LED Brightness Adjustment SWR Readout and High SWR Protection Voltage Protection VOX Function Programmable Roger Beep Echo Function NPC function SCAN function

 

 

General Specifications
Frequency Range:	28.000-29.695MHz (Programmable)
Frequency Band:	L/H band: A/B/C/D/E/F WX/VHF RX:140-170MHz
Channel:	480 (40 programmable per band)
Frequency Control:	Phase-Locked-Loop Synthesizer
Frequency Tolerance:	± 5.0 ppm
Temperature Range:	-20°C to 50°C
Microphone:	with PTT/UP/DN and coiled cord
Input Voltage:	13.8V
Dimensions:	29 x 20 x 6cm | 11.2 x 7.9 x 2.4in
Weight:	1.5kg | 3.3lbs
Antenna Connector:	UHF, SO-239
TRANSMITTER
Power Output:	AM:1-12W (adjustable) FM:1-40W (adjustable) USB/LSB:1-35W (adjustable)
Drain:	8A (with modulation)
Modulation:	FM/AM/SSB
Inter-modulation Distortion:	SSB: 3rd order, more than -25dB; SSB: 5th order, more than -35dB
SSB Carrier Suppression:	55dB

Unwanted Sideband:	50dB
Frequency Response:	AM/FM: 450 to 2500Hz
Output Impedance:	50ohms, unbalanced
RECEIVER
Sensitivity:	AM:1.0μV for 10 dB(S+N)/N @ > ½ watt of audio output. FM: 1.0 μV for 20 dB (S+N)/N @ > ½ watt of audio output. SSB: 0.25μV for 10dB(S+N)/N @ > ½ watt of audio output.
Selectivity:	AM/FM:6dB@3KHz,50dB @9KHz SSB: 6 dB@2.1KHz,60dB @3.3KHz
Adjacent-Channel Selectivity:	60dB AM/FM &70 dB SSB
Image Rejection:	More than 65dB
IF Frequency:	AM/FM: 10.695 MHz 1st IF, 455 KHz 2nd IF SSB: 10.695 MHz
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 100,000μV
Squelch:	Adjustable; threshold less than 0.5 μV. Automatic Squelch Control(only AM/FM)0.5 μV
ANL (Active Noise Limiter):	Switchable
Noise Blanker:	RF type, effective on AM/FM and SSB
Audio Output Power:	3 watts into 8 ohms
Audio Distortion:	< 3%
Frequency Response:	AM/FM: 300 to 2800 Hz
Built-in Speaker:	8 ohms, round
FM Modulation Level:	2.8 Khz

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?

 

As you can see, the programming cable is included (usually some vendors will try and get an extra $20-$30 out of you to get this. Once again, I can't believe I forgot about this radio - a real "Wolf" in sheeps clothing. 4 out of 5 stars.

 

73, and a MERRY CHRISTMAS to all...

Woody