Tube type CB Radios- Best Deal

[oldgeezer]

Tube type CB radios receive audio is better than most solid-state CBs. The tube radios also have an ability to separate multiple signals on the same channel better than most solid-state radios. I guess it is simply the clarity of the tube audio. Solid-state CB radios vary a lot in this regard, the more expensive SS radios perform better. As for being limited to 23 channels AM, there is little activity above 23 channels on AM.  I do not feel limited at all. And, perhaps splitting hairs, crystals are quieter than 40 channel frequency synthesizers on receive.

Tube radios vary a lot in cost. Are the more expensive radios better? Usually yes due to a lower noise floor on the receive. For the most part it is due to the RF and mixer tubes used. 6BS8 and nuvistor tubes such as 6CW4 and 6DS4 are best. I also highly recommend a noise limiter. Most expensive tube type CB radios include a noise limiter, however most tube CBs do not. For the money, I suggest buying the Courier CB later models. The better tubes and noise limiter were used in the Courier Royale, Courier 23+ and Courier Ranger. IMO expensive CBs will not outperform the Courier, Royale, Courier 23+ and Courier Ranger tube type CB radios. I find these CB radio for sale under $100 on ebay. The $500 Tram, Browning and Sonar CB radios are collectable, but not the best 'band cruiser' for the dollar spent.

Old tube CB radios should have the electrolytic and paper coupling capacitors replaced. One replaced, the radio should be reliable for another 50 years.

[boilermaker]

Howdy! I was wondering if you could help with determining the specs of the power transformer used in Robyn T123b.  Same one in all the Panasonic chassis with AC or DC 13.6 power source. I have two worthy Robyn's in need. I have pulled the transformer and it has no labels, markings, numbers , nothing at all. No brand. No voltages. The primary (dual windings) 117 v uses  black and white wires whilst two blue wires go to the dual transistor circuit mounted at the rear plate. Secondary uses a red pair and white pair. Red reads 15.2 ohms while White reads 6.9 ohms. I found the schematic on CB tricks website. The original site not the new one. Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I'm sure a suitable aftermarket could be fitted if I cant find the exact one. 

[Sandbagger]

Sept 7, 2021 10:01:59 GMT -5 boilermaker said:

Howdy! I was wondering if you could help with determining the specs of the power transformer used in Robyn T123b.  Same one in all the Panasonic chassis with AC or DC 13.6 power source. I have two worthy Robyn's in need. I have pulled the transformer and it has no labels, markings, numbers , nothing at all. No brand. No voltages. The primary (dual windings) 117 v uses  black and white wires whilst two blue wires go to the dual transistor circuit mounted at the rear plate. Secondary uses a red pair and white pair. Red reads 15.2 ohms while White reads 6.9 ohms. I found the schematic on CB tricks website. The original site not the new one. Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I'm sure a suitable aftermarket could be fitted if I cant find the exact one. 

You might be better off looking for a parts radio. There are enough Panasonic chassis radios around that it shouldn't be too hard to find. Curiously, what makes you think the transformers are bad in 2 separate radios? Of all he Panasonic chassis radios I've seen, worked on, or played with over the years, I don't think I've ever seen one with a bad transformer. Bad caps, oh yeah, shorted rectifiers, certainly, but not a bad transformer. Not saying it can't happen, but it's a rarity for one, and you have 2......

[2600]

Ah, not to put too fine a point on it, but how did you test the transformer you have?

It's not a common failure for that kind of radio. Not unless someone wires a jumper wire around the fuse.

You won't find anyone to make a new one that fits. The core is made to metric specs, and nobody sells metric cores in the USA, last I asked.

73