Difference(s) between SS-3900 and 148 GTL EX

[CTStallion]

I recently purchased a radio that, on the OUTSIDE front, appears to be a Super Star 3900 (single final), but on the rear, does NOT have the external frequency counter jack like virtually ALL of the SS-3900 and SS-3900GHP's I've owned in the past.

Not only that, but when I opened the radio, I found that the board is a:

EPT3600-148 and not an EPT3600-14B (there is a numeral EIGHT instead of the letter B as the last character.)

I've heard of the Cobra 148 GTL DX, but never the EX. Could it be that this rig is a 148 EX with a different bezel and faceplate, as there isn't a freq counter jack, or did some versions of the Superstar come WITHOUT the counter jack?

This is what my radio looks like:

and this is what a 148 GTL EX looks like (although I'm sure they're not ALL black face):

Your thoughts?

 

[hotrod]

i also have a 3900. it does have a jack on the back. i got mine in 06-07??
not long after i didnt see them anymore. yours maybe older

 

[unit_399]

The Superstar 3900 was introduced in early 1985, and was essentially a Superstar 360FM with 240 channel capability instead of 120. It had red leds and no freq counter plug. Also, on the early models the "Superstar 3900" logo was below the channel selector. On later models it is above the Tx/Rx meter.
Personally, I feel that the component quality of the early models was better.

hope this helps. 73s.

- 399

 

[CTStallion]

Anybody have a photo of the REAR of a 148 GTL EX (not DX, but EX) and/or a SS-3900 sans freq ctr jack that they could post so that I may compare?

Thanks

 

[unit_399]

ss 3900 w/o ctr jack. Only ext spkr and cw key jacks.

 

[CTStallion]

ss 3900 w/o ctr jack. Only ext spkr and cw key jacks.

View attachment 12242

WOW 399, had it not been for the serial number, it would seem to me that you sneaked in the shack here and photographed the rear of my radio! lol

THANKS MAN!

Exactly the same thing as mine. Well what do ya know..... I'll be darned.

Thanks AGAIN!!!

 

[jazzsinger]

Firstly I've seen/owned numerous 3900's , early ones had no counter jack, later ones had it on a flying lead, I have one here, and even later ones had the socket fitted to chassis, not all are marked ept 3600, some have different boards that are similar with the same parts numbering etc as ept3600 versions.

KAI HWA2-002 V0, **SM YGOI 94 V0, **M-294 HB-C

I've had both the first and last ones along with ept360014b marked ones, If I recall the M-294 HB-C is the one without counter socket iirc, but may be wrong it might be flying lead version,would need to oopen flying lead one up I have to confirm.

As for the Cobra 148 GTL EX, I don't think that ever existed as a radio, I think it was a replacement fascia for a 148 GTL DX, I might be wrong though, I've certainly never seen one in 30 years but seen plenty of the fascias on old 148 gtl dx's.

I have seen ept3600148 but was on a bezel, not a chassis, infact I've still got it, its very similar too original 148 gtl dx fascia with no ridge like 3900 has.

Hope that helps a bit

 

[radio doc]

Hi Gents,
I am like very new here so I will be catching up here. I like this post, so here goes: Mr 399 has it right; the 360FM and 3900 was the same chassis as the 148GTLDX the 3900 was upgraded. These radios ROCKED! Very mod friendly, and best of all they all were made by Uniden! Now what do you get when you take a 3900 and put all kinds of "bells and whistles on it? The Galaxy 2100! That radio demands very good money if you can find one.

 

[Grogan]

Welcome Radio Doc ! I Do like that radio, Old school and basic for the mobil. Wish Cobra would re-relase a new 148 gtl that worked like the radio should.

 

[jazzsinger]

Hi Gents,
I am like very new here so I will be catching up here. I like this post, so here goes: Mr 399 has it right; the 360FM and 3900 was the same chassis as the 148GTLDX the 3900 was upgraded. These radios ROCKED! Very mod friendly, and best of all they all were made by Uniden! Now what do you get when you take a 3900 and put all kinds of "bells and whistles on it? The Galaxy 2100! That radio demands very good money if you can find one.

The SS3900 is not Uniden made, never was, Either RCI or some other company.

the SS360FM was Uniden made, and ended at pb010ab board,

Uniden then went on to produce a pb010ac board, but it was neither superstar SS360FM or Cobra 148 Gtl Dx, i know, i have 2 of them, And unlike their previous boards was copyrighted so uncloneable without a lawsuit

Earliest clone of a Superstar 360FM or Cobra 148 Gtl Dx was the Superstar SS3600 and had 3 bands like original, not 6 like 3900 that came later. Probably the source of EPT3600-148.

 

[radio doc]

Hello Mr Grogan, and Mr. Jazz,
I should have stated that I have had nothing to do with the hobby since 2005 (due to diabetes and eye sight issues) so I should have researched before I blew hot air. Thank you Jazz Singer for the correction.
being I can see again I thinking of getting back in the game. I have a Pioneer SX1250 receiver to restore, then I will decide about communications.
I am looking at some threads here to see what's going on. I can say that from what I see, there is a bunch of SMT based radios available now...I think I will stick with My 757GXII , TRC457-458, Grant-DX, 360FM, Jacksons, as well as other stuff.

 

[Roy garrett]

ss 3900 w/o ctr jack. Only ext spkr and cw key jacks.

View attachment 12242

The 142 GTL DX has a CW switch on the back PA and CB so that's what it has

 

[Roy garrett]

The 142 GTL DX has a CW switch on the back PA and CB so that's what it has

I meant the 142 GTL EX has a CW on the back

 

[Roy garrett]

I meant the 142 GTL EX has a CW on the back

The one I have has a black face gold lettering