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I think it's time for a new radio.

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by fortycalglock, Sep 13, 2014.

  1. Sep 13, 2014 #1
    fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    Well my General Lee just isn't receiving anymore. It's 12 years old so I can't complain. I'm going to be replacing everything so I am looking for some current recommendations. I've had a Wilson 2000 and Road king mic's for as long as I remember. Should I stick with that? I see a lot of the Astatic mic's in the truckstops lately. How are those new cables that have the connector that screws on so you can run them through your mirrors? Besides getting the radio repaired once or twice, and getting a new mic, I haven't done anything radio related in 9 years. I'm hoping a new antenna and cable will rectify my problem, but even if it dies, the radio has static feedback when you turn the knobs, so I think it's time for new anyway. I'd like to stay around $200ish for the radio, if possible. So what does TTR say?
     
    fortycalglock, Sep 13, 2014
    fortycalglock, Sep 13, 2014
    #1
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  3. Sep 13, 2014 #2
    KAK

    KAK Medium Load Member

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    Static from the knobs means it just probably needs a good cleaning. The best mic for the money is the Ranger SRA 198 ( $25 new ) MUCH better than the new Astatics or new Rk 56. The Coax with the screw on ends work pretty good but are very brittle and don't take to well to making corners or bends. Not hard to solder new ends on good coax after running where you want. IMO find a GOOD shop and fix the General and set ya up with some new coax.
     
    KAK, Sep 13, 2014
    KAK, Sep 13, 2014
    #2
    jessejamesdallas Thanks this.
  4. Sep 13, 2014 #3
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Take it to a tech that knows something about cleaning, a clue for that is ask them what they clean switches and pots with. If they say they can't, run. If they can't answer the question, run, but if they say "I use Deoxit" then let them do the work.
     
    Ridgeline, Sep 13, 2014
    Ridgeline, Sep 13, 2014
    #3
    DenaliDad Thanks this.
  5. Sep 13, 2014 #4
    jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

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    X2 on the SRA 198..........IMO (and many others) It's the Best hand-held Mic on the market...

    on another side note...On the out-side chance you decide to buy a New General Lee... General Lee's now come stock with a SRA 198 Mic!
     
    jessejamesdallas, Sep 13, 2014
    jessejamesdallas, Sep 13, 2014
    #4
  7. Sep 13, 2014 #5
    fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    Well, I ran new coax replacing what I believe is the original 15 year old cable. I put a new antenna on as well. It's definitely the radio. I'm going to stop by Bob's tomorrow as I'll be going by anyway. Hopefully they're open on Sundays
     
    fortycalglock, Sep 13, 2014
    fortycalglock, Sep 13, 2014
    #5
  8. Sep 14, 2014 #6
    mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    I'd fix the Gen Lee if it was mine......or sell it to me :biggrin_25519:
     
    mike5511, Sep 14, 2014
    mike5511, Sep 14, 2014
    #6
    KentuckyReject Thanks this.
  9. Sep 16, 2014 #7
    DenaliDad

    DenaliDad Retired Wheel Dog

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    I like Ridgeline's answer. Static means a dirty connection somewhere, usually the volume pot (potentiometer). Get it cleaned or do it yourself if you can...and want to.
     
    DenaliDad, Sep 16, 2014
    DenaliDad, Sep 16, 2014
    #7
  10. Oct 7, 2014 #8
    fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    Just to update this thread, I ended up buying a new General Lee. $250 out the door. The knobs are nice and tight, not loose and staticky like the old one. If I get 12 years out of this one as well, I'll be a happy camper. The Ranger mic is very nice as well.
     
    fortycalglock, Oct 7, 2014
    fortycalglock, Oct 7, 2014
    #8
  11. Oct 7, 2014 #9
    KentuckyReject

    KentuckyReject Light Load Member

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    If you kept the old one, which I hope you did, get it cleaned like the other guys suggested. Everything inside the radio collected dust over the years, and if you're a smoker they've also collected that. Once cleaned, that radio should perform just fine. If a cleaning won't fix it, replacement of a few parts inside the radio will make that one fine back up rig.

    I'm from the new school, but all my radios are from the old school.
     
    KentuckyReject, Oct 7, 2014
    KentuckyReject, Oct 7, 2014
    #9
  12. Oct 7, 2014 #10
    KentuckyReject

    KentuckyReject Light Load Member

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    Viper, KY
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    Also, hope the coax you bought was quality. Either way, upgrading after that many years of use is bound to help transmitting.
     
    KentuckyReject, Oct 7, 2014
    KentuckyReject, Oct 7, 2014
    #10
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