Post by oldgeezer on Dec 23, 2020 8:35:23 GMT -5
Some of us like the tube type CB radios due to the clear sounding audio vs newer solid-state CBs. Tubes do a better job vs the newer solid-state op-amp in the audio chain. But, how much does one have to spend for a good tube type CB? No doubt the Brownings and Trams perform well, but cost at least $500. Not all tube Cbs are the same in performance. For example, the Layafette Constat 23 receive section is limited with regard to weaker signals. The second issue is in noisy environments many tube type CBs do not have a noise limiter that can make the difference in no copy or solid copy. This eliminates the more common Robyn T-123 or T-240, Gemtronics GTX-2300 and GTX-5000, Colt Midnight Special, Teaberry model T 23 and model T 40, Cobra Cam 88, Pearce Simpson Guardian 23 and Lafayette Comstat 23 and Comstat 25 CB sets. That is a lot of CB sets!
The group of CBs you want are the Courier 23+ (some models missing noise limiter) or any Courier 23 with the meter mounted behind the front panel, Courier Royale and Courier Ranger. Lafayette offers the HB-400 and HB-444 with the noise limiter. Another rare CB with the noise limiter is the Knight Safari. The Regency Range Gain and Range Gain II have an excellent noise limiter too. Some Sonar FS-3023 also has a noise limiter as an option, but is more expensive vs others listed here. These fore-mentioned CBs also have a better receiver design. They use a more sensitive RF receive and mixer tubes being the 6BS8 and nuvistor high gain triodes that provide a low noise floor (lower static & hiss background). The Tram and Browning CBs do not receive better so you do not need to spend big dollars. In other words 'buy smart'.
I am finding tube CBs are still working while the earlier solid-state CBs have issues. The only problem with tube CB radios is some capacitors need replacement. This includes any electrolytic and paper type coupling capacitors. Find a tech to replace these parts and you will have a set that functions for 50 years. Other issues are at times the crystals may fail and a weak tube that needs replacement. Best price on tubes in the USA are from Findatube.com in Ohio.
If the capacitors, tubes and crystals keep you away from tube sets, it is hard to beat a later built Uniden Washington CB and they have single sideband plus 40 channels. Look for 9000xxxx serial number for 1990s production. The President Washington was built many years earlier thus I recommend the newer Uniden.
Buyers want an excellent condition 23 channel tube CB for no more than $100 and some fine examples exist, but most without a microphone. Most clean tube CBs with a microphone sell for $110 to $150. This does not include premium CBs such as Browning, Tram, Demco and 40 channel Sonar tube type. A few rather dirty CBs with marks on the front panel can sell for as low as $50. But, I would not buy a rusty CB for any price. Average price for mid quality CBs in good condition (about perfect front panel) are about $120 on ebay.
The group of CBs you want are the Courier 23+ (some models missing noise limiter) or any Courier 23 with the meter mounted behind the front panel, Courier Royale and Courier Ranger. Lafayette offers the HB-400 and HB-444 with the noise limiter. Another rare CB with the noise limiter is the Knight Safari. The Regency Range Gain and Range Gain II have an excellent noise limiter too. Some Sonar FS-3023 also has a noise limiter as an option, but is more expensive vs others listed here. These fore-mentioned CBs also have a better receiver design. They use a more sensitive RF receive and mixer tubes being the 6BS8 and nuvistor high gain triodes that provide a low noise floor (lower static & hiss background). The Tram and Browning CBs do not receive better so you do not need to spend big dollars. In other words 'buy smart'.
I am finding tube CBs are still working while the earlier solid-state CBs have issues. The only problem with tube CB radios is some capacitors need replacement. This includes any electrolytic and paper type coupling capacitors. Find a tech to replace these parts and you will have a set that functions for 50 years. Other issues are at times the crystals may fail and a weak tube that needs replacement. Best price on tubes in the USA are from Findatube.com in Ohio.
If the capacitors, tubes and crystals keep you away from tube sets, it is hard to beat a later built Uniden Washington CB and they have single sideband plus 40 channels. Look for 9000xxxx serial number for 1990s production. The President Washington was built many years earlier thus I recommend the newer Uniden.
Buyers want an excellent condition 23 channel tube CB for no more than $100 and some fine examples exist, but most without a microphone. Most clean tube CBs with a microphone sell for $110 to $150. This does not include premium CBs such as Browning, Tram, Demco and 40 channel Sonar tube type. A few rather dirty CBs with marks on the front panel can sell for as low as $50. But, I would not buy a rusty CB for any price. Average price for mid quality CBs in good condition (about perfect front panel) are about $120 on ebay.