Which Way To Go... Vintage or New?

[Chief_River]

After going for probably the last 20 years plus without a base radio, I've decided it's time to acquire another one. Problem is, do I buy an old vintage radio along the lines of Browning or DAK or Cobra 2000 for example, or do I buy a new radio, something like a Galaxy DX-2517 which I've been leaning towards? I do like the idea of having a 10 meter radio and have researching getting a HAM license. All comments are welcome. I always appreciate the advice of those who have been there, done that.

Thanks in advance to all that reply. I look forward to your comments.

['Doc]

There aren't too many "base" radios around anymore. Most radios used as a 'base' are mobile radios and a power supply. Think about it, that's all a 'base' radio is anyway.
Then you get into what 'extra' features a 'base' radio may have. In most cases, until you really get into the $$ part, there aren't any 'extra' features that amount to anything. So, what radio would you prefer to sit in front of and look at?
Those so-called '10 meter radios' are just 'get arounds' for for a CB radio on steroids, sort of. If you get serious about ham radio I think you will find that those '10 meter' radios aren't all that desirable, or beneficial. Lots of that personal preference stuff in there, but not much usefulness really.
So, what do you like, and what can you afford? Go from there.
- 'Doc

[tim2]

new

[Polish Eagle]

New! Technology has advanced and the prices folks are asking for the vintage radios are high. Most need lots of work.

[721HACKSAW]

I used a couple of vintage radios for years, great pieces of technology for their era, my Yaesu 101 was my favorite. I was constantly having to make adjustments though, and the parts, especially tubes were very hard to locate and very expensive. I've gotten rid of all those radios over time.
As Doc posted, "export" radios are CBs on steroids, they can't compare with an entry level HF HAM radio, in design, workmanship and reliability there's no comparison, in my opinion. If you're serious about getting your HAM ticket, and want to explore other bands and modes of operation, and everything else that comes with it, get an entry level HF HAM radio.

[Chief_River]

I used a couple of vintage radios for years, great pieces of technology for their era, my Yaesu 101 was my favorite. I was constantly having to make adjustments though, and the parts, especially tubes were very hard to locate and very expensive. I've gotten rid of all those radios over time.
As Doc posted, "export" radios are CBs on steroids, they can't compare with an entry level HF HAM radio, in design, workmanship and reliability there's no comparison, in my opinion. If you're serious about getting your HAM ticket, and want to explore other bands and modes of operation, and everything else that comes with it, get an entry level HF HAM radio.

Thanks 721HACKSAW, and to the others for their replies also.

So I'd like to follow up with a couple questions... can a HF HAM radio operate on the usual 40 AM CB channels? And as far as getting my "HAM ticket," where should I start? Is there an online site?

Thanks again.

[Chief_River]

New! Technology has advanced and the prices folks are asking for the vintage radios are high. Most need lots of work.

I've been looking for a couple months now on the internet at radios, and I'll have to agree with you here for sure. Not only do some expect a boat load of money for their vintage radios that are in nice shape, but most need some sort of repair. So, I do believe I'll go in the direction of new. I'm pretty up to date on all other forms electronics, home theater, computers and such so, might as well get the latest in a radio. My budget is pretty free but I am a smart shopper. I'll say I have found one of the sponsor sites here to have great prices, that being GI Joes radios, actually what also led me here. Probably won't pop on a new radio until spring though, because I still need to get up an antenna, and right now up north here in Wisconsin the ground is frozen and covered with now. The tower relocation will have to wait. I should have a pretty good idea of a complete system though by then, with the help of the good people here.

['Doc]

Can a ham radio operate on the CB band? Not legally, no. Can most of them be converted to work on the CB band? Yes, most can be 'opened up' or converted.
The only thing that CB radio and ham radio have in common is that they both use radios. After that they are quite a few differences in both operating habits and abilities. There are reasons for having to have a license for ham radio. Probably the most important one is that since you can legally build them, you really should know at least a little bit about electrical things so you don't kill your self. That's not as much of a joke as it sounds like. Another reason is so that you know the rules that pertain to ham radio. Those rules aren't just to keep you from doing something you shouldn't, they also protect you from others doing something to harm you.
What are those 'abilities' that you have with ham radio that you don't have with CB radio? Quite a few of them ranging from more than 10 bands to play on, any mode you can think of (AM, FM, SSB, TV (2 kinds), digital modes, CW, and almost any other modes you can think of.
Probably the biggest 'draw-back' to ham radio is that it is not cheap, on the average. But then, a typical ham radio is like having 10 CB radios in one box, sort of. It isn't simple, you have to know how to use those radios correctly. And you have to do some studying to pass the tests (they are NOT all that difficult, they give you all the questions and answer!).
Go to the ARRL's website, they probably have the most information about getting started as anyone. That's not the only place to look, but it's a start. Who knows, you might like it.
- 'Doc

[wi 544]

i just got back into it a few months ago and started with some garage sale radios, hooked them up and i was hooked. so instead of spending $$ on tuning and peaking and re-aligning the radios i tried the new anytone at-5555 and so far this radio is working great, it is dead on freq on sideband and i have gotten nothing but good audio reports from others on the radio, for $199 i dont think you can beat the features that these radios have, there are about 6-8 other brands that are the same radio,, also the cre-8900 is the same radio with a smaller board and case (din sized) but its about $100 more than the at-5555

just my newbe opinion for what ist worth,,

central wi 544

[Chief_River]

Can a ham radio operate on the CB band? Not legally, no. Can most of them be converted to work on the CB band? Yes, most can be 'opened up' or converted.
The only thing that CB radio and ham radio have in common is that they both use radios. After that they are quite a few differences in both operating habits and abilities. There are reasons for having to have a license for ham radio. Probably the most important one is that since you can legally build them, you really should know at least a little bit about electrical things so you don't kill your self. That's not as much of a joke as it sounds like. Another reason is so that you know the rules that pertain to ham radio. Those rules aren't just to keep you from doing something you shouldn't, they also protect you from others doing something to harm you.
What are those 'abilities' that you have with ham radio that you don't have with CB radio? Quite a few of them ranging from more than 10 bands to play on, any mode you can think of (AM, FM, SSB, TV (2 kinds), digital modes, CW, and almost any other modes you can think of.
Probably the biggest 'draw-back' to ham radio is that it is not cheap, on the average. But then, a typical ham radio is like having 10 CB radios in one box, sort of. It isn't simple, you have to know how to use those radios correctly. And you have to do some studying to pass the tests (they are NOT all that difficult, they give you all the questions and answer!).
Go to the ARRL's website, they probably have the most information about getting started as anyone. That's not the only place to look, but it's a start. Who knows, you might like it.
- 'Doc

Great info Doc, much appreciated. So to stay on the right side of the law, if one wants to chat on the regular CB AM frequencies, you should have a regular CB, and then if you really got into chatting on the air waves and wanted to expand your talking abilities, go HAM. I'll keep all that in mind Doc, thank you.

I did spend 8 years in the Air Force as an "Integrated Avionics Instrumentation/Flight Controls Systems Specialist," first on the F-4 Phantom and then soon after, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. I went on to get an Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering, and I still work part even though I'm retired for a local Master Electrician whom I've known for 25 years, but I retired as my last career a Master Technician for Harley Davidson from Reno H-D and Buell. So I do know a little bit electrical/electronics. I've always had the tech bug.

[dirtyjob]

something to keep in mind is 10 meters is pretty dead outside of when dx is running, if your serious in getting your tech license you most likely will end up using 2 meters more so than 10 meters so keep that in mind if and when you purchase your first ham rig, i chose the yaesu ft-897 because it has hf/uhf and vhf all in 1 rig

as far as good sites online to practice your ham test their are many, google hamtest online and youll get a bunch of sites to practice test on, gl it's not hard to pass your tech class at all.

[tim2]

Who,s playing by the rules on 11 meter.. : 0 Just sayin ...

[MaCo750]

I think the only CB base being made anymore is the Galaxy DX-2547.

[tenderfoot]

Go new, I run a 2517 and it will run circles around the local vintage bases. The extra features and power are worth it. At least to me.

[Chief_River]

Go new, I run a 2517 and it will run circles around the local vintage bases. The extra features and power are worth it. At least to me.

That was going to be my next question, "has anyone here had any experience with the Galaxy DX-2517?" I've watched a couple videos on youtube actually where they're running a 2517, and they're recording the transmission 8 miles away, or so they say, it's a radio shop and they have quite a few videos of different radios so, might as well give them the benefit of the doubt and trust them, but the transmission is loud, strong and very clear. Before I had this Cobra 29 Classic mobile, I had a Galaxy DX-959 that was peaked and tuned that was a real good talker. I kind of became partial of Galaxy's then. Kind of like, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." And so, I see that GI Joe's Radios has about the best price on a Galaxy DX-2517 base that I can find. Of course I'd have to have them put it on the bench and tune 'er up too, but yeah, I think that's going to be the way I go.

On to base antenna's, anybody have a preference of recommendation for that?

I do appreciate all the replies, this is almost as much fun as talking on the radio...

[721HACKSAW]

The antenna is going to be the most important piece of your radio setup, no matter if you're just a CB user or a dedicated multi-band HAM operator. There is no 1 antenna that can cover every situation. Omni-directional, beam and long wire antennas all have their specific uses and often require extra equipment like rotors and tuners.
The RCI/ Galaxy base radios are good export radios, and can be operated on the 10 & 12m bands, but just CBs on steroids, in my opinion.
The radio hobby can be a lot like Lays potato chips, ya can't have just one...
Good luck and enjoy.

[Punkin Head]

The antenna is going to be the most important piece of your radio setup, no matter if you're just a CB user or a dedicated multi-band HAM operator. There is no 1 antenna that can cover every situation. Omni-directional, beam and long wire antennas all have their specific uses and often require extra equipment like rotors and tuners.
The RCI/ Galaxy base radios are good export radios, and can be operated on the 10 & 12m bands, but just CBs on steroids, in my opinion.
The radio hobby can be a lot like Lays potato chips, ya can't have just one...
Good luck and enjoy.

I will 2nd this. I would also like to add that in my opinion its hard to beat the loud booming audio from an old tube rig. I love those old boat anchor radios but new radios usually have better filtering and can be a little more user friendly than some of the old tubers.

[Chief_River]

i just got back into it a few months ago and started with some garage sale radios, hooked them up and i was hooked. so instead of spending $$ on tuning and peaking and re-aligning the radios i tried the new anytone at-5555 and so far this radio is working great, it is dead on freq on sideband and i have gotten nothing but good audio reports from others on the radio, for $199 i dont think you can beat the features that these radios have, there are about 6-8 other brands that are the same radio,, also the cre-8900 is the same radio with a smaller board and case (din sized) but its about $100 more than the at-5555

just my newbe opinion for what ist worth,,

central wi 544

Not a bad looking radio.

I've been looking at radios that are called "10 meter" and like the extra power you can get with them plus the features. I kind of like the Galaxy DX98VHP for mobile. I have a trucker friend down in Indiana that says he has one brand new in box. He likes his Connex and is willing to sell the Galaxy. With Christmas out of the way now I think I'll deal with him on that. It would be a nice match for the Galaxy DX-2517 base.

As far as an antenna goes, thanks for the replies on that, so next question since the importance of a good antenna has been established is, metal or fiberglass? I bought an old aluminum ground plane from a neighbor here in town just a couple weeks ago. It's probably a 16 footer, got a little bend up near the top and the segments are a little lose, and it's missing one section of one of the three ground planes, all of which I could easily refurbish. But I hear people like these large 24' high Solarcon I-Max 2000's.

[MDYoungblood]

I have been a CB'er for quite a few years , have and restored plenty of old equipment. I think now is the time to start getting some things made in this century and to get closer this decade. Just recently bought a Texas Ranger TR 696FD1. It is just like the Galaxy 959 except it has a 6 digit counter but doesn't have the talkback or roger beep. It modded easy for extra channels, 10 kc, clarifier slide, talkback, and roger beep. I did an alignment, mild peak and tune.

3's

Greg

[dirtyjob]

Go new, I run a 2517 and it will run circles around the local vintage bases. The extra features and power are worth it. At least to me.

i guess thats a matter of opinion

[Chief_River]

Go new, I run a 2517 and it will run circles around the local vintage bases. The extra features and power are worth it. At least to me.

i guess thats a matter of opinion

I see those vintage Browning radios on ebay, and they're not cheap. I mean some are in the thousands.

Why are they so sought after and expensive? I'll have to ask to be excused for all the questions, but when I get into something, I like to learn all I can learn about it. I imagine the Browning is quality stuff, top of the line for it's time, so is it still better than the new stuff, or is it really just a matter of opinion?

[dirtyjob]

well, i may be biased but considering i also own new radios, i still prefer my brownings and tram for receive and audio over any of my new ones.

[CircuitRider]

Interesting thread! I bought my first CB in about 15-20 years several weeks ago. It was a Cobra 148GTL (front mike). Quickly followed up with a Cobra 19DX IV and a Uniden Bearcat 980SSB. All, of course, are new production and in my opinion, all three of them are heads and tails over anything that I bought in the 70's & 80's. Very tight on receive. It's interesting listening to all of the DX right now. I do have to admit that I never owned a Tram or a Browning as they were out of my price range but knew individuals who did and while they were neat, I wasn't overly impressed.

[Chief_River]

Interesting thread! I bought my first CB in about 15-20 years several weeks ago. It was a Cobra 148GTL (front mike). Quickly followed up with a Cobra 19DX IV and a Uniden Bearcat 980SSB. All, of course, are new production and in my opinion, all three of them are heads and tails over anything that I bought in the 70's & 80's. Very tight on receive. It's interesting listening to all of the DX right now. I do have to admit that I never owned a Tram or a Browning as they were out of my price range but knew individuals who did and while they were neat, I wasn't overly impressed.

Yeah this has been a good thread for replies for me. I've come to the conclusion that there are still some excellent vintage radios out there that people take care of and keep in good working order like the Brownings and the Tram, but I do think I'll go with something along the line of one of these new 10 meter radios. I like the solid state, no tubes, the bells and whistles like double echo and RB, and the extra power that comes built in. I'm really looking forward to getting an antenna up on my tower next spring and do some talking.

[sandy7]

I expect used radios I purchase online to need some level of repair and I have not been disappointed.
I expect new radios to have design flaws but not wear and tear failures.
I have a couple of mobile/base rigs that share the same main board but have slightly different features.
Lafayette Telsat SSB-120 mobile and SSB-140 base
Robyn SB-520D Base and SB-510D Mobile.
I also have ham rigs for my amateur radio pursuits which you can't compare in features to 11 meter rigs but you don't see people buying CB radios for $4k a pop either.
Get what works best for you in your situation. I dig into the old radios because I wanted to play with hot lead and soldering irons again, on radios that I could see the parts without significant magnification.