RCA CO-PILOT 14T303 40CH AM Base CB Radio

[oldgeezer]

The RCA CO-PILOT has the most quiet solid-state receiver I ever heard with ANL and RF Gain reduction. It rivals the best tube radios for a quiet receiver, yet is more sensitive. This also the first radio that does not benefit much from a noise reduction speaker. It also produces extremely clear receive audio with the built-in speaker. Adjust pot V2 and the radio jumps from 10 watts peak to 22 watts. It has every control a radio needs. The lighted dual meters look great. I find this radio receives better (quieter) than a higher-end Royce 1-641 even though the Royce has a better receiver design with twin dual IF filters. If you get a chance to buy one, do it. This radio averages $100 on eBay.

Note: these RCA are highly reliable, but... The audio chip (right center) heatsink should operate cool. If hot, replace the 220uF @ 16 volt capacitor next to audio chip on far right. It can fail. Use a 220uF 50 volt replacement. The 50 volt has higher ripple current rating vs lower voltages capacitors and thus more suitable as a replacement. While in the radio replace the stock power supply 2200uF @ 25 volt cap with a 4700uF @ 35 volt capacitor plus the smaller 100uF cap on the power supply board. The power supply was made for a 10 watt peak output radio, but falls slightly out of regulation with the radio power peaked at 22 watts using the stock 2200uF capacitor. The 4700uF keeps the marginal but sufficient power supply in regulation. The 4700uF capacitor adds two more watts peak from 20 to 22 watts or showing the loss of voltage regulation with the 2200uF capacitor.

Note- I noticed after a few hours use with xmit, peak watts dropped from 22 to 16 watts. 

[brownbomber72]

Have one these I picked up at a thrift store. Looks like crap but talks great. Doing about 15 watts.

[bobcat4109]

I have the SSB version.....  I think it is the 14T302.   I wonder how closely related they are.
It is in a stack to have some work done.... so I am not even sure how good it is.

[2600]

Both of those were made by a japanese company named "Cybernet". They supplied a lot of other brand names back in the day.

73

[holydvr1776]

I have one in mobile form. I forget the model number. It has tx, but no RX. One of these days I will have to investigate that. I do actually like the look of that line of radios.

[oldgeezer]

Unfortunately this RCA CB transmits 3 channels each side if channel selected. I replaced it with a President McKinley.

[Raccoon]

I have the RCA Co-Pilot 14T302 , and I've been using it in the mobile for at least 5 or 6 years now. It's the best mobile radio I've ever had. With a Wilson 1000 and an Astatic M6B ... I've talked 15 to 20 miles away on AM , and 30/35 miles away on SSB ... and I don't use any amps , just the radio, mic and antenna.

I highly recommend the RCA CB radios . If you can get one, do it .