Magnum S-3 Nitro Express

The 10k switch bumps you up 10khz in the band.

If you have a freq counter, you'll notice there is a 20khz seperation between channel 19 and 20. Flip the switch and you're between channels.

I've had my S3 for about 4 years now. It's been pretty reliable so far.

As for the other bands, it does well on the FM side. But FM is not utilized as much as I would like. Unless you know someone "willing" to run on FM with you. It's gonna get lonely.

The other freqs are listed in the manual, many/most are 10 meter.

BTW, limo tint is suggested for the channel indicator. Unless you really like having a glaring blue spot light shining in your cab all night.

 

The Nitro may have a dimmer, not sure there. I have the standard S3 and couldn't get one put on it .

The only real differance I am aware of....blue knobs and slightly more power. If the knobs are half as bright as the channel indicator. You'll be ready to mount it in the sleeper by next week, just to get it out of the cab.

As far as how busy either band is. AM will have the most traffic. FM is really limited by terrain and antenna height, it's also a much clearer signal. I'm not currently set up for long distance, so I can't speak for what could be found on other channels. Past experience has been a lot of skip in the lower freqs when conditions are right.

You've got extra channels...tons of them. Yes, what's listed is pretty much it. Six bands with a total of 40 channels on each. But you need to be aware that they are 10 meter channels that require a HAM license. You don't want to simply strike up a conversation with anyone. As you might get reported.

The breakdown is..you have 240 frequencies on AM and FM. You can call it 480 channels if you wish. But it's still only 240 channels. It actually works out to slightly more than that with the 10khz switch. But I'm keeping it simple.

 

I wouldn't worry about a tune, other than having the SWR checked out. The radio works fine as is.

Leave the top gun switch on, unless you're really close to someone. It helps punch through the background. It just bumps the modulation up a bit. No power increase.

BTW, the power is adjustable. Right hand inner knob. Handy if you want to run some extra power without over driving the amp.

 

Uh?? SWR meter ??? Mine only has an idiot light that glows red when the SWR is off...

Must be a new feature.

 

Same as mine except for lighted knobs.