Ranger ss 9000 radio?

[codeman]

I am thinking of buying a new radio for use in my rig that has am/ssb. I am looking at the ss 9000, looks like it was called a vr 9000. I can't find too much info on it so I am hoping somebody can shed some light on this radio for me. I am looking for a strong am radio that is good on ssb for talking skip from time to time with just using the power supply in my truck. Thanks.





VR-9000

 

[sonoma]

not sure about the new ss9000 but the old voyage 9000 was just a galaxy 88 with a few different features. more than likely it will drift a little on SSB until warm as most Galaxy radios do. it should be a nice radio if you nare going to be driving long distance. this way it will always be warm and not drift much on SSB.

here is a link to the owners manual for the old vr9000

http://www.cbtricks.com/radios/rci/vr_9000/index.htm

 

[M0GVZ]

Put your efforts into the antenna system installation. What have you planned for the antenna?

 

[TonyV225]

The Voyage VR9000 was basically a Super Star 3900 with a frequency counter. They are ok radios and run the same goofy dual Clarifier setup that they put on the Galaxy line of Radios. Their ok and are what they are.

 

[Lil'Yeshua]

The Voyage VR9000 was basically a Super Star 3900 with a frequency counter. They are ok radios and run the same goofy dual Clarifier setup that they put on the Galaxy line of Radios. Their ok and are what they are.

Now if they would skin it over in Galaxy 2100 trim and (better)specs. I would buy one. Miss my 2100.

 

[w9cll]

Put your efforts into the antenna system installation. What have you planned for the antenna?

Yes what he said.

 

[codeman]

Thanks for the replies, as far as an antenna I am using a Predator 10k on my truck and I like it. I was using a Magnum S-45 and made contacts all over the U.S. and elsewhere with that set up,but my Magnum needs to go to the shop.

Currently I am using an Uniden 980ssb. It is an OK radio, but I prefer the style of the old school radios much better. I was hoping I would like the Uniden more. Plus I am was able to make much easier contacts with the Magnum radio.

Looking at the Ranger ss 9000 I see no mic gain or rf gain. Is the mic gain preset? What type of a microphone would be best suited for this radio?

How would this radio compare to a Superstar 158EDX, I have read that these have drift problems. Is that something that can be fixed by a good tech?

Thanks again.

 

[hotrod]

unfortunetly the 3900, vr9000, ss9000 they all drift. fact of matter is that magnum
is probaly your best bet . i own 2 they work well on am and ssb.and the memory
on the magnum is very nice saves the mode very handy in mobile.so far theres
only 2 radios i own that i like better than magnum. its 5010 and AR3500.
these are very old radios and are getting hard to find

 

[codeman]

Hey hotrod, I believe you are right. I just need to get my Magnum fixed. When it is working right that is a great radio, many people think I am talking on a base station. The memory function is very handy, I can change channels and use the clarifier without ever taking my eyes of the road. Now I just need to send it off for repairs.

 

[222DBFL]

The 980 is a rock solid ssb radio, just not a powerhouse, adding an external amp to that radio would be a good idea or even add an rfx150 to the 980. Then you will have some power like the s-45. JMO. I have a 980 and it works great, good receive as well. Just doesn't have a lot of power but is a clean radio!! I use the older uniden bearcat mic or the bluetooth mic that uniden sells and have made contacts across the us with a stock radio 12 watts. IMO, I would look into either an rfx 150 or an rm Italy kl203 I think they are. Or just get the magnum repaired by a GOOD tech!! And tell them to not tweak the radio. Keep it as close to stock power as possible. The magnum radios don't like a high VSWR. Anything over 1.3 and the unit gets hot and will eventually fail. This has been my experience with the magnum 257hp anyway. And add another fan to the magnum radio as well. Keeping the components cool all the time vs them getting hot then having to cool down makes a big difference as well IMO. My fan comes on with the radio and stays on. Keeps all components cool all the time. Just some food for thought. Good luck and god bless.

 

[Lil'Yeshua]

Maybe something like this off the 980 to drive a bigger amp might do.
KL 35

 

[codeman]

Thanks guys, I will buy the KL203p and have my Uniden turned down to a deadkey of 1.5-2 watts. Looking at getting it from h&y electronics. Currently I am just using the mic that came with the radio, I had a Extreme 2018 hooked up to it but I don't know which ones sounds better. I have been told my 980 sounds real clean on ssb, so maybe I will try the Extreme 2018 with a kick in the pants!

I am sending my Magnum off to the CB Store in Ontario, Ca. It's a Magnum repair center. I should have sent that thing off months ago as now the warrant has expired. Nobody's fault but mine on that.

 

[JCH]

I am sending my Magnum off to the CB Store in Ontario, Ca. It's a Magnum repair center. I should have sent that thing off months ago as now the warrant has expired. Nobody's fault but mine on that.

What's yours doing, if you don't mind?

 

[codeman]

Losing power. radio would be strong then the power would drop off then come back.

Sometimes the recieve would sound crackling. SSB was fine.

Would lose my memory presets.

Would not change bands.

Not sure if its the radio or not, but I would lots of feedback through my radio and my gauges went crazy on my truck.even wired directly to the battery. Did not have that problem for the first couple of months.

 

[JCH]

Losing power. radio would be strong then the power would drop off then come back.

Sometimes the recieve would sound crackling. SSB was fine.

Would lose my memory presets.

Would not change bands.

Not sure if its the radio or not, but I would lots of feedback through my radio and my gauges went crazy on my truck.even wired directly to the battery. Did not have that problem for the first couple of months.

Damn. Thanks for the response and good luck.

Oh, and I'm not trying to run your business, but I'd try to get it covered by warranty. Bought mine 2nd hand so I asked for it. Sam seems responsive as I've spoken with him and I guess his son a few times.

later.