General Lee is messing up on me

[Bullwinkle]

My General "Lee" radio has started crapping out on me lately. I can hook it up and talk fine on it, then suddenly it just quits transmitting. I can push the button on the mic and nothing happens.

This, of course, is a "modified" radio, as I use it for a CB. What are the chances that this is just the mic being bad? Is there something common with these radios that I need to know about? I don't have a spare mic to use in order to test this out, thought I would ask to see if there is a common problem here or not.

[2xR]

Because the problem is intermittent, I'm thinking it's probably the mic, or, mic cord. A RK56 mic is notorious for self destructing at the cord ends. The buttons (switch) don't last forever either.

Almost every time my radio(s) go out, it the mic or cord. I keep using a RK56 because of the sound quality, and just ante up for repairs every year, or so.

Not using a RK56? Well, the rest of them break, as well.

Of course, only a bench test will tell you for sure what's going on.

[BUZZSAW]

Originally Posted by 2xR

Because the problem is intermittent, I'm thinking it's probably the mic, or, mic cord. A RK56 mic is notorious for self destructing at the cord ends. The buttons (switch) don't last forever either.

Almost every time my radio(s) go out, it the mic or cord. I keep using a RK56 because of the sound quality, and just ante up for repairs every year, or so.

Not using a RK56? Well, the rest of them break, as well.

Of course, only a bench test will tell you for sure what's going on.

YES SIR !!!
I agree with this guy 100% !! 1) Check antenna before running your radio . If SWR is high ...DON"T TALK ON IT until SWR is corrected. You can LISTEN but, DON"T key DOWN !
2) Before a trip to the CB shop....check the mic ( personally I carry a spare mic) If the wire in the mic is broken ...most radios will not receive and / or your transmission will break up !!
I like the RK 56 and the ASTATIC mic !!
A good CB with a TUNED antenna will always out perform a "BIG RADIO" with an untuned stick ! And that is all an untuned CB antenna is , a stick ! But look out !!!! You can get your legs striped with a 'switch as GRANNY used to say !!!

[Bullwinkle]

It ended up being internal in the radio. Oddly enough, the wire break (or solder break) wasn't on the side typical for causing this problem, it was on the opposite side of the radio).

$40.00 for the repair at Clays in Gordon, Texas (where I bought it 5-6 years ago), then of course I had them install their noise filter, and a different talk-back to eliminate squeal, bought a new antenna, new coax, couple fuses.....

I gotta stay out of these places

[Bullwinkle]

Originally Posted by 2xR

Because the problem is intermittent, I'm thinking it's probably the mic, or, mic cord. A RK56 mic is notorious for self destructing at the cord ends. The buttons (switch) don't last forever either.

Almost every time my radio(s) go out, it the mic or cord. I keep using a RK56 because of the sound quality, and just ante up for repairs every year, or so.

Not using a RK56? Well, the rest of them break, as well.

Of course, only a bench test will tell you for sure what's going on.

I have an RK56, but it is a very old one, not the junk that is put out now. If it ever breaks, I will buy an astatic to use while I am getting this one fixed. I think the only thing I have ever done with this one is have it re-wired to a 4 pin plug to fit my General.

[BUZZSAW]

Thanks for posting back with the solution BULLWINKLE !
It is always good to hear the "rest of the story " (as paul Harvey would say) . Glad to hear Clay's got you fixed! It's hard to stay away from the toys , when you go to the "trucker's toy store" !!

[Joe Dionne]

Hello Gang,
I just purchased a New General Lee CB Radio for my Tractor and wondering the Best Antenna and Mic to install. I am presently running a Wilson 2000 with an Astatic Noise Cancelling Mic on a Galaxy 33 Radio.

I want to setup with new and better stuff to go with the new radio.
Any Suggestions Helpful.

Joe

[squirrellsgnwild]

the wilson antenna will do great. just make sure its tuned.

[MedicineMan]

I like the astatic 3k antenna. It's cheap and it works GREAT

I'v got a Texas star 500 that would really make that radio talk.

[Gadfly]

Originally Posted by Joe Dionne

Hello Gang,
I just purchased a New General Lee CB Radio for my Tractor and wondering the Best Antenna and Mic to install. I am presently running a Wilson 2000 with an Astatic Noise Cancelling Mic on a Galaxy 33 Radio.

I want to setup with new and better stuff to go with the new radio.
Any Suggestions Helpful.

Joe

While you are at it, please check to see that your General Lee (illegal radio, by the way) is ON the actual CB frequencies. Those "band" switches can place you smack onto the international amatuer radio frequencies and get you a letter from the FCC! The hams pay attention to non-licensed people on their frequencies and will quickly turn in operators who are not permitted (by license) to be there.

I tell people this not to be a spoil sport, but to let folks KNOW that they cannot be operating on the ham bands. Often drivers don't know this and think those "band" switches with lots of 'channels' are OK to use. CB radios have 40 distinct channels only! With complaints mounting, FCC has been fining dealers and CB operators that used to operate with impunity.
YMMV.

Gadfly