Radio Shacks "new" ham radio?

[N2VHZ]

Just checked the "RadioShack.com" site and to my surprise, they offer a ham transceiver again, but now they've stooped to an all time low.
They offer for sale, a converted 11 meter Cobra CB radio, the Cobra 150 GTL DX as an AM/FM 15 watt 10 meter ham transceiver! For $229.95 and with only a channel number readout (1 to 40) what self repecting ham would buy this and is this what they think of us? This is really stupid, an insult against what they consider ham radio to be all about and I can't believe this is even allowed to be sold.
Just my opinion, thanks.
Ken DA2KW / N2VHZ

[KE5FRF]

WOW

Again, WOW

Radio Shack has turned into a truckstop.

When do the linyeers come out on their website?

Times are getting tough for the Ratshack.

[kb2vxa]

Hi Ken and all,

"...and I can't believe this is even allowed to be sold."

Uh, it's NOT if you remember the truck stop raids. Oh Riley, got your ears on good buddy?

[WZ4I]

WTF?

On the other hand. I know of a few local ops around here, that'll probably buy it...

[WA9SVD]

What do you expect from Rat Shack? integrity? Honesty? Quality? Legality? GET REAL!

It's even described as a "CB radio" by product type.

Rat Shack knows (or should know) full well this product falls on the dark side of gray, and is pandering to the free-band market. For the same reason the majority of truck stops and other "two way radio shops" get away selling such radios; they know the FCC can't stop all of them. At least, not before they sell a lot of the radios. The profit they make far exceeds any forfeiture the FCC can impose. (Although the FCC usually makes a settlement and accepts a "voluntary donation" to the U.S. Treasury...)

[kc9gmn]

Just went and looked at radio shacks website. the radio in question looks like a piece of junk. Leave it up to radio shack to do, but who isn't.

Bob

[N2RJ]

To be fair, this is a Cobra product, not a Rattyshack one.

But they should be ashamed of themselves. #They should at least have some hams looking at which "ham" gear they try to sell.

And if #they wanted to look legit they should have just sold the 200GTL, not the 150.

Looky here:

http://www.thequackshack.com/radios/cobra/cobra.htm

[kf6snj]

Rat Shack is a waste of time. I would just sooner drive to Ham Radio Outlet in Portland OR and buy a quality rig there.

[W4BCR]

Radio Shack junk once more. Doesn't have SSB, and can you imagine trying to manipulate the dials to the correct combinations to find a frequency. Try to imagine trying to break into a safe while driving on the interstate at 70mph. Come on 15 watts on am.

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (W4BCR @ Sep. 02 2006,10:41)]Radio Shack junk once more. Doesn't have SSB, and can you imagine trying to manipulate the dials to the correct combinations to find a frequency. Try to imagine trying to break into a safe while driving on the interstate at 70mph. Come on 15 watts on am.
Whether on not it carries the Rat Shack name, it's sold by Rat Shack. There are precious little (and little precious) of their items that they make, it's all outsourced to other manufacturers/suppliers, whether it carries an "o-fish-shell" Rat Shack label or not. And the quality of any of their offerings is usually (expletive deleted.)

[KG4RUL]

From the Cobra Site:

Cobra 200 GTL DX AM/FM/SSB/CW 10 Meter Tranceiver
Hottest new release from Cobra! Another Bolder Step in the Right Direction!
4 Pin mic plug configuration, Frequency Counter, RF Gain, <<<<Dual Control Clarifier>>>>, Mic Gain, HI/LO power switch, Squelch control, volume, on/off, NB/ANL, PA mode, 10KHz switch, Nightwatch Technology, SWR/CAL, Antenna Warning LED, Roger Beep, 320 Channel capable with 80 channels per switch setting, and 4 bands! 1-40 then .1-.40 for the next 40 channels displayed in channel indicator for each setting. Large Meter for easy reading. 1 Year Factory Warranty
Factory MAX Wattage 30 AM/FM and 100 SSB with 40 watt Dual Finals.
In Stock Now!

Awesome introductory pricing at only $225.99!

==============

With the clarifier, this actually makes some sense. Where else can you get a 100W, allmode 10M rig for that price? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[KB5FSV]

those guys are totally retarded. Cycle 24 is a couple of years from having any good results on 10 meters. trying to promote or sell a 10 meter rig is just plain dumb right now.

[VE7NOT]

Quote[/b] (kb5fsv @ Sep. 09 2006,01:13)]those guys are totally retarded. Cycle 24 is a couple of years from having any good results on 10 meters. trying to promote or sell a 10 meter rig is just plain dumb right now.
Actually now is the time to sell something like that. Truckers don't want to 'shoot skip'.

Of course if a ham were to buy it they would find out quickly that ten meters is actually open more often then they thought.

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (VE7NOT @ Sep. 09 2006,05:09)]Quote[/b] (kb5fsv @ Sep. 09 2006,01:13)]those guys are totally retarded. Cycle 24 is a couple of years from having any good results on 10 meters. trying to promote or sell a 10 meter rig is just plain dumb right now.
Actually now is the time to sell something like that. Truckers don't want to 'shoot skip'.

Of course if a ham were to buy it they would find out quickly that ten meters is actually open more often then they thought.
'fraid I have to disagree. The inclusion of "channels" and such "CBish" features as "Roger Beep" make it the type of radio the U.S. F.C.C. doesn't find to be Amateur Radio equipment, despite any manufacturer's claims. And most Hams wouldn't touch such a radio with a ten foot shorting stick. AMATEUR RADIO (HF) equipment is supposed to be frequency agile, and not channelized. It's an unabashed attempt of an (apparently ) unscrupulous manufacturer and supplier (Rat Shack) to attempt to sell equipment that has no legal place in the U.S. market.

.

[AB8RU]

Best thing to do ... see if it will hit the shelf in a retail stor ball park history guess October to November then ask to see one and look for the silver tag if it reads #FCC CERTIFIED complies to the FCC requirements of Part 95 of the FCC Rules ( or something like that !) It should only get the Tag if and only if that Radio model ( Guess what look at your ham Test book gives a solid clue !!) #was submitted X amount of SAME Model Number for the Certification to the FCC Labs, #any of us OB's recall in the earlier days Certain brand of CB's were not only ( old term) FCC and DOT type Accepted. acceptance broken, when johnny came lately and stuck the Golden Screwdriver in it. #( Excuse me while I am ROFLOL !!) #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Be kinda kewl if someone designed a CMOS with a self destruct design by clipping a zener to allow the full supply voltage to destroy the CMOS. #or a program in the BUFFLO command that if a certain diode was removed after RESET would render the IC useless. any Engineers catching on ? that would be the ultimate FCC Certification # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[kc5hqk]

Am I the only one who couldn't find this item at radioshack.com ?

Not that I would buy one, I just like to verify information before I comment on it.

[n2nh]

Quote[/b] (kc5hqk @ Sep. 19 2006,14:24)]Am I the only one who couldn't find this item at radioshack.com ?

Not that I would buy one, I just like to verify information before I comment on it.
No, they either sold them out or took it off again. This was their third attempt at selling this dog. Considering that this has been going on for months, you'd think the FCC would at least fine them. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[ka5piu]

Hello.

That thing is legally a 10 meter ham rig.
The HR 2510 that radio shack sold was an excellent "real" 10 meter rig, it did not do AM, but is now on the FCC list.
Why, the thing can be converted to 11 meters.
Now, I am one of the first to agree, an AM/FM only 40 channel ham rig, come on, but there are few inexpensive ham rigs left.
The really bad thing about this one is that there is only one diode to pop on this baby and you are in.
But, where do you draw the line?
The kenwood TS-430 makes an excellent super CB, it does
AM, FM, and SSB, and the mod was super easy.
But, if it were not for the Japanese ham market we might not have half the real ham rigs, the market is tiny when you look at cellphone and dish sales.
Radio Shack, what is on spiff says the salesmaker.

[NI3B]

Yeah, but I'm sure that Radio Shack will only sell the radio to those who hold a valid ham license. Right? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[WA4DM]

Quote[/b] (WZ4I @ Aug. 19 2006,06:14)]WTF?

On the other hand. I know of a few local ops around here, that'll probably buy it...
Just tune in on 28.375 after Christmas! How many pounds am I puttin on ya? Has it got any modge? LOL

[K0HWY]

Quote[/b] (N2VHZ @ Aug. 19 2006,14:29)]This is really stupid, an insult against what they consider ham radio to be all about and I can't believe this is even allowed to be sold.
Just my opinion, thanks.
Ken DA2KW / #N2VHZ
I agree with you Ken, but with some of the recent changes in amateur radio, I can't say I'm really surprised to see this "10 meter CB."

[KC2ESD]

I tried to find the 10M Cobra on Radioshack.com and could not find it. Ether this post is false or Radio Shack pulled it off the Market.
Rick KC2ESD

[VE7NOT]

If I may... alot of these are being sold outisde the usa. And the ones sold in the usa are legel to use on 10m anyway. They are NOT 11m radios. Yes you can mod them. Just like a Kenwood or Icom right? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[k5msg]

I agree that after Christmas there may be a groundswell of new usage overwhelming the FCC's ability to control.

Are there particular frequencies identified as being used by truckers so that one might monitor and inform the FCC?
28.085? 28.375? Guess I will have to put my Argosy in the car.

--------

I did a quick google search to see what the CBers are being presented with from their on-line sources

http://www.roadtrucker.com/feature-cb-radios.htm
"Care to Step up to the 10 Meter band?
Following are a Links to Galaxy Radios with a bit more power. Some have much more than a bit more power."

No mention of the illegality of operating these w/o a license

http://www.cbshop.com/shop2.asp?g=18&sg=2 (http://www.cbshop.com/shop2.asp?g=18&sg=2)
"group: CB Radio - subgroup: CB Tranceivers
Cobra 200 GLT 10 meter"
listed w/o any words of warning


http://www.gotruckstop.com/cgi-bin....play=10 (http://www.gotruckstop.com/cgi-bin/acart/apple-search.pl?&prodcodes=g902t&begin=1&end=5&display=10)
"Best in Class!
HOT from Cobra electronics is the 200GTL DX 10 meter radio.
Finally performance and durability meet. The standard Cobra high quality construction matched with two 50w final transistors make this a radio not to overlook."

[AB8RU]

Quote[/b] (ka5piu @ Sep. 21 2006,03:58)]Hello.

That thing is legally a 10 meter ham rig.
The HR 2510 that radio shack sold was an excellent "real" 10 meter rig, it did not do AM, but is now on the FCC list.
Why, the thing can be converted to 11 meters.
Now, I am one of the first to agree, an AM/FM only 40 channel ham rig, come on, but there are few inexpensive ham rigs left.
The really bad thing about this one is that there is only one diode to pop on this baby and you are in.
But, where do you draw the line?
The kenwood TS-430 makes an excellent super CB, it does
AM, FM, and SSB, and the mod was super easy.
But, if it were not for the Japanese ham market we might not have half the real ham rigs, the market is tiny when you look at cellphone and dish sales.
Radio Shack, what is on spiff says the salesmaker.
the HR #series ?!?!?! # aw come on a freind of mine told me that they designed a crappy final output torroids loose as a goose that destroyed the finals ! #if you can find a decent older XMTR pull the cover off there you see real design work and the Best is Motorola period. # Uniden only way they got into the US was in fact Midland employees went on strike and uniden sold Midland the boards for a series B Chicken Bander Radio 23 Channel. #after that well they came in the US market the 10 Meter was not acceptable for modding to Chicken Band and the FCC was not type certifying anything that was able to go anywhere between 24-30 Mhz.

as far as my opinion on that radio is best used for a paper weight.

[W4CBJ]

Think they'll give me a discount http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif? #Joe W4CBJ
(Citizens Band Jamboree).

[N2CUA]

Quote[/b] (wa9svd @ Aug. 20 2006,09:57)]What do you expect from Rat Shack? #integrity? #Honesty? #Quality? #Legality? #GET REAL!

# #It's even described as a "CB radio" by product type.

# #Rat Shack knows (or should know) full well this product falls on the dark side of gray, and is pandering to the free-band market. #For the same reason the majority of truck stops and other "two way radio shops" get away selling such radios; they know the FCC can't stop all of them. #At least, not before they sell a lot of the radios. #The profit they make far exceeds any forfeiture the FCC can impose. #(Although the FCC usually makes a settlement and accepts a "voluntary donation" to the U.S. Treasury...)
Maybe the FCC should be notified before we get a bunch more CB'rs on 10 meters...

Randy

[K0HWY]

Too late... they've already infested 75 as well ... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[VE7NOT]

Quote[/b] (kb4tow @ Nov. 14 2006,21:36)]Too late... they've already infested 75 as well ... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
I haven't heard this. The only place I heard bad ops is 3760 and 3840 and the latter died off months ago.

The cb band though (at least the upper part of it) is civilized ragchewin between hams. Like 160m

[KI4QFY]

Quote[/b] (KC2ESD @ Oct. 26 2006,23:09)]I tried to find the 10M Cobra on Radioshack.com and could not find it. Ether this post is false or Radio Shack pulled it off the Market.
Rick KC2ESD
The post is pure. I read it about the same day it was posted, and I did view the unit on the RS web site. I didnt go back to see if it was still listed though, just not worth the effort to me.

[KI4QFY]

Oh, I fogot to mention the obvious... For that much, you can get a good used all band all mode HF transciver.

Everyone hold hands and all together say... DOH!

[N4WVE]

I think the FCC should do a lot more enforcement on these "illegal" cb'ers on 10 meters. #It's bad enough they get on the local repeaters on 2 meters! #I see a lot of cb "linear amps" on ebay as well. #I always use "send seller a question", then ask all types of technical questions about the amp such as what type of ALC control it has and what amount of drive is required? #Is it a tube amp or solid state and is the power supply built in? #I also ask if they will email me a copy of there current license before I consider bidding. #You would be surprised how many of the auctions are pulled in an hour or so after the email!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gifQuote[/b] ]Suckers: There's one born every second...

[kc4ylv]

This is disgusting, LOL.

However, i'm not surprised.

radio shack is a pit now

I'd rather wait 3 days for PL-259's from Gigaparts, who are friendly and know what the hell they're talking about.

[kg7tnt]

Yeeppers !!! ,

Looks just like the ol' daze ( for me ) it was in the MID 70's !
& I on my bicycle !!! with a Midland CB !

I've changed a good deal since then But Rat-Shack hasn't ,

They're tryin ' ta sell ya on the NEW Stuff. . . . .

Maybe even NOS ? ?!? ! ?!

All for now ,
Tim
KE7JEM

[M3MVB]

I just hope it dont make it to us in the uk rat shack should be ashamed to even promote this rig ( i use the time loosely )

"You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat." - Albert Einstein :rock: :rock:

[N0CID]

Quote[/b] (N2VHZ @ Aug. 19 2006,17:29)]Just checked the "RadioShack.com" site and to my surprise, they offer a ham transceiver again, but now they've stooped to an all time low.
They offer for sale, a converted 11 meter Cobra CB radio, the Cobra 150 GTL DX as an AM/FM 15 watt 10 meter ham transceiver! For $229.95 and with only a channel number readout (1 to 40) what self repecting ham would buy this and is this what they think of us? This is really stupid, an insult against what they consider ham radio to be all about and I can't believe this is even allowed to be sold.
Just my opinion, thanks.
Ken DA2KW / #N2VHZ
After checking the RS site, I tried to seach with the rubrics 'amateur radio' and 'cobra,' etc. I found nothing of the Cobra you mentioned on RS. I sold all of my RSH stocks in late November because they have problems, but this does not one of them.

I may call RS later (so pressing, this is not). Anyone can call at 1 (800) theshack.

Please folks, call or search and report back to this thread, in case I am in error. At my age, I am at great risk of error; more often than not.

Now, I may be in error. Perhaps you could provide the link.

Faulty information, maybe?

However, in reading your info-page, you note that the 'DA' prefix is only issued to U.S. forces and German club Stations (as DA0HQ). Well, the 'DA' is issued to all allied nations, to include France, GB, and Canada (which have, indeed, become rare). The numeric '0' designator DA calls are for club stations in the Federal Republic.

I imagine that you are perhaps very near or in ,,Franken," which is part of the Free State of Bavaria. But close to the border with Hesse (west of Würzburg). I was most amused that you show a photo, which more than likely taken in ,,der Schweiz." (dative case used for agreement, -- d.h. mit 'absicht'). The photo would not represent your area.

These are just observations base on what is seen on current postings.

vy 73,

[kb2vxa]

You guys have beaten this dead horse so much you have resurrected it as an eternal jackass.

[N0CID]

Quote[/b] (kb2vxa @ Feb. 02 2007,14:26)]You guys have beaten this dead horse so much you have resurrected it as an eternal jackass.

There just might be an injustice here, insofar, RS may have, indeed, not have ever marketed the item noted. There is no record that could be found that on this rig. And, if it were on the market, I certainly would have known. For that, I owe no excuse. The others can speak for themselves, if they choose.

Radio Shack has left the mainstream, as far as meeting the needs of (what is left of) the electronic hobbyist folks. However, this is due to the lack of folks building and experimenting anymore. Heathkit and Laffayette did not go Tango Uniform from bad business. Heath did make a good attempt at changing direction, for a hopeful more lucrative market.

RS has left the amateur radio market for good, as far as the tea leaves read. RS offered some very good amateur radio products from 2000 to 2003, still. The HTX-10 is a fine unit, for example. But, folks bought elswere. If a product, as a SWR meter, can be used in both amateur radio and the Citizen's Band "service," it is perhaps available (with a few caveates).

All the folks in this thread were addressed in the indictment posted by you, not just this writer. This is clear and I understand that. For my part, only, it is my goal only to point out something that may be not be correct. If that bothers you, it is not my problem.

[KE5FRF]

Quote[/b] (N0CID @ Feb. 06 2007,16:22)]Quote[/b] (kb2vxa @ Feb. 02 2007,14:26)]You guys have beaten this dead horse so much you have resurrected it as an eternal jackass.

There just might be an injustice here, insofar, RS may have, indeed, not have ever marketed the item noted. #There is no record that could be found that on this rig. #And, if it were on the market, I certainly would have known. # For that, I owe no excuse. #The others can speak for themselves, if they choose.

Radio Shack has left the mainstream, as far as meeting the needs of (what is left of) the electronic hobbyist folks. #However, this is due to the lack of folks building and experimenting anymore. #Heathkit and Laffayette did not go Tango Uniform from bad business. #Heath did make a good attempt at changing direction, for a hopeful more lucrative market.

RS has left the amateur radio market for good, as far as the tea leaves read. #RS offered some very good amateur radio products from 2000 to 2003, still. #The HTX-10 is a fine unit, for example. #But, folks bought elswere. #If a product, as a SWR meter, can be used in both amateur radio and the Citizen's Band "service," it is perhaps available (with a few caveates).

All the folks in this thread were addressed in the indictment posted by you, not just this writer. #This is clear and I understand that. #For my part, only, it is my goal only to point out something that #may be not be correct. #If that bothers you, it is not my problem.
Indeed, a few months back the Radio Shack website was marketing that transciever. I read this thread and replied to it several months ago. It is obvious that Radio Shack has decided to pull the transciever off of their website, perhaps due to complaints or concerns about their image.

But for whatever reason, the bottom line is that this thread was indeed accurate when it was started several months back.

[ka3trx]

I too saw this transciever listed on their website. #However, it was pulled from the site shortly after this thread was started last August.