Newbie...Duck! I have a couple questions....

[linetest]

I wanted to get a new radio after 26 years of not having one. I was looking at a Galaxy 949 or a Midland 79-290. I like the Midland because of size and features. Anyone have any opinions on either radio? I would have either "tuned" without any external transmitter help. Was going to plug in an Astatic Road Devil powered n/c mike and some kind of antenna. Haven't figured the antenna part out yet out. Was going to mount on a Ford F150 pickup truck. Magnet mount Wilson? Stake hole mounted 4' Firestik?

I have no plans to talk all that much for a while so I didn't look like a jerk after all these years. Need to get the groove back. Is sideband still a worthy investment?

Thanks in advance for advice/tips/opinions/flames, etc.


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[fasteddy]

linetest,

I can't help you much with the Galaxy 949, but I own two of the Midland 79-290. These are good radios and have nice features, they are a dual final radio also. I don't know the year of F-150 that you have, but the later models tend to be a very noisy environment for a radio ( I have a 2000 F-150) and the Midlands have a very sensitive receive. Don't skimp on an antenna, this is the most important aspect of your setup. You mentioned Wilson and Firestik, both are very good antennas. SSB is a good choice to get if you like greater range and enjoy chewing the fat with DX contacts. So its pretty much up to you. Go with what you like and can use and have fun.

73's

fasteddy




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

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[Timex]

No doubt on the F-150's being noisy...(Be prepared to cuss your fuel pump repeatedly<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=""> )



B.T.W.. I now regret buying a radio that doesn't have SSB...

RCI6300Tb,Xf400Hd,RCI2950(PreDX),TX200,Wilson2K,Megatron4K,Rk56

436 Orlando Florida</p>

 

[linetest]

It's a '99 F-150. What type of antenna setup do you have on your 150? And, how/where do you have it mounted in the truck? I have a half center console, with some dead area before reaching the dash.

Fuel pump, eh? Can't I get a noise filter for that?

Thanks again. I want to buy the right stuff the first time (which is a switch for me)


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[Timex]

I use a Megatron 4000 on a 24" shaft mounted in the center of the front bed rail between an aluminum tool box and the cab..This setup works well for me, however drive-thru's are a thing of the past..The radio is mounted in a console in that dead area that you mention (between the factory console and the dash..) As for the fuel pump noise, I had really good results using a pair of RF filters on the fuel pumps power and ground leads, (as close to the fuel pump as possible)..I got mine from a company called M.T.I, (recommended by Wilson antennas website) They sell through a company called A-1 telecom. I just ordered a second set for my wifes Explorer for $12.00 apiece, and with some sweet talking, they will sell direct to you, OR you can have a local car audio shop order them..this is how I did my 2000 F-150 and it worked well..

RCI6300Tb,Xf400Hd,RCI2950(PreDX),TX200,Wilson2K,Megatron4K,Rk56

436 Orlando Florida</p>

 

[fasteddy]

Linetest,

Let me ask you, are you just getting in it for a liitle fun, or are you going to be serious about being a DX'er and maybe later moving up to a Ham tickect? If is the first you will probably be OK with either of the radios you mentioned earlier. I know the Midland can be expanded to cover 240 channels very easily and I believe the Galaxy fas the capabilities also. If you are serious about getting into radio and might want to move up to being a Ham operator, I suggest you look around a bit and bet a 10 meter radio that can be converted to 11 meter channels also. I don't know how much you are willing to spend, but there are 10 meter radios out there to be had for about the same price as the ones you are interested in.

As far as the antenna I have on my F-150, I run a Wilson Little Wil, my wife doesn't want a great big antenna on HER pickup LOL. I haven't done anything about the noise, though I think mine is ignition and not fuel pump, I just tried different ways to run the coax and found the best route with the least noise.

73's for now

fasteddy


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

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[8novice]

Linetest:



as far as ssb goes, sounds like you already have some interest or you wouldn't asked, therefor you can only answer

the ? is it worth it?



myself:like big radios, like big power, but never dx, or skip, or ssb, or whatever, just talk AM around here


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[linetest]

fasteddy, I was looking at the 'Lil Wil. Did you run the cable down the back and throught the pressure release vents in the back of the cab? Do you have anything holding the coax in place so it doesn't flap around?

I don't know what a DX'r is. I had thought about the Ham ticket, but saw it as something else I'd put too much money into. I already have expensive hobbies. I just wanted some local chit chat. Maybe put something in my wifes truck if I can get decent range with my setup.

I had read somewhere where the Midland unit lacked reciever sensivity (real world reception, not spec wise). This of course, may simply be one persons opinion though. Problem is there aren't many reviews or articles about this type of equipment anymore and one almost has to throw a dart and hope for a good setup. There are no radio shops where I live (that I can find anyway), here in central NC.

Anyway, if I get bit by the ham bug after this, so be it, but I'll start with just the CB and see if I like it once again, or if it's kind of a wasteland.

Speaking of which, is there decent activity nowadays on channels other than 19. I know it varies by region, just wanted to see in relation to the late '70's, if there was still some fun.

Also, this "Tweak" tune that Export Radio does, does it really help? Is it worth another $40? i didn't want to get into any amplifiers outside of the box. It's sounds as though they do a good adjustment to the radio.

Told you folks I had questions.

Thanks!




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[fasteddy]

Linetest,

The little Wil is mounted just in front of the brake light with the coax tucked in the rear window trim, ran down to the passenger door where I lifted the plastic kick panel and ran the coax along the base of the door step, under the door seal, under the floor mat and into the radio I have mounted on the dash.

As far as a DXer that is some one who talks skip, there is a lot of skip right now , especially on the LSB channels above channel 40.

I feel the Midlands have plenty of recieve, both of the ones I own do anyway. As far as Export Radios TURBO TUNE is concerned, I wouldn't have it done to the Midland, one of the radios I have has it and it tends to overmodulate on SSB when it gets "warm"(I think the TURBO TUNE is the cause of both). The other radio just has a peak and tune. Both are from Export Radios.

As far as channel 19 goes it tends to be the garbage channel these days. You'll find a lot if truck drivers these days running on 27.475 LSB.

I feel that side band is defintly worth it since I spend about 99% of my radio time on LSB. It gives you increased range and a lower noise level.

Hope I have helped.

73's my friend

fasteddy


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

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[fasteddy]

Linetest, did I help you out?


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

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[linetest]

Sure did. I just can't decide what to do about a radio. CB/SSB only or an export radio that does it all? After deciding that, then I'll have to decide on brand/model.

Sheesh, guess I should have gone to Radio Shack for a $40 special instead of "researching". I really don't know what to do now! LOL. I'll have to get a book and learn the different freq bands, what licenses are needed for said bands, etc.

I don't know.....


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