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Optima MK lll

undertaker

Undertaker
Apr 5, 2006
3,174
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Texas
Is the radio better than a delta force or 2950dx or stryker 955 hp? I have all three all I talk on is ssb.


Just wondering..

Thanks
Bobby
 

The Optima is pretty similar to the 2950 in performance and features, but has a better and quieter receive than the 2950. The narrow filter feature on the Optima may be of use to some. I don't use it, but I don't work crowded bands.

The Optima has an open clarifier, which is needed since it only tunes in 1 kHz steps at it's smallest tuning increments, but I would prefer an RIT/XIT option. I think the Stryker has some options in how it's clarifier works.

The Delta Force and Stryker may provide more punch on AM, if that was your preferred mode of operation, but the Optima does ok on AM, especially if you work 10m AM.
 
The optima is a great SSB radio, but like said, I wouldn't mind to be able to lock the rx/tx as to keep from jumping off freq when you bump the clarifier. I have had mine for a while now and it is holding up well. Been over a year of daily use in a harsh mobile environment! If you already have the 3 radios listed above you would basically be buying the optima for shi*** and giggles IMO. The only things the optima has is the noise filter for SSB and they a bit smaller than most radios.
 
When I bought my Optima, it was to replace a 2950. I liked it a lot more overall compared to the 2950. Only reason I sold it was to mount a ts 480hx in the truck.
 
Got my new optima and im playing around with it.
Noticed its only covering 26.965-27. 405.. i thought it was continuous tuning, but is there a mode i need to put it in to tune outside of the 11 meter band, or did i get one only set up for 11m?
 
Got my new optima and im playing around with it.
Noticed its only covering 26.965-27. 405.. i thought it was continuous tuning, but is there a mode i need to put it in to tune outside of the 11 meter band, or did i get one only set up for 11m?

pull the cover off and remove the jumper,, on main board behind mic socket


Freeband Mode
All functions and
24.5 to 29.9mhz continuous coverage. No jumpers.
 
Hey 918 Google optima mk3, cbradiomagazine has a photo of the jumper. It's on a small circuit board located directly behind the mic socket and it will have a small black jumper on it. Pull the small black jumper and place it on port 1 of the circuit board. That is the freeband mode.
 
don't know about spot 1,, the owners manual states to remove the jumper for freeband mode,, maybe the spot 1 is the same but both the radio's I have, the jumper is removed completely
 

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