JOEIs ssb worth looking around for,

LS Yes. If you want improved range and less noise
LS then SSB is the way to go. You just have to make
LS sure those you wish to contact on the air are also
LS using SSB radios in order to take advantage of the
LS mode.
LS

That's the catch, ain't it? I don't find myself using SSB
much, as I'm almost always mobile. Other drivers don't
seem to use sideband for some reason. Still, it's there
when I want/need it

It's not THAT expensive, really. A perfectly fine sideband
rig can be had for under 200 bucks.

JOE or should I skip it and just get an am unit?

LS In my opinion AM radios are a waste of money
LS compared to the performance you get using SSB. Of
LS course there are those who like AM even with its
LS technical deficiencies. If the people you talk to
LS don't use SSB then you can save yourself some
LS money and get an AM only radio.

I'm with you. I encourage sideband operation.

My brother-in-law and I use SSB
when we run into each other around town. It's much
easier to talk to him across town on sideband rather than
AM. Less noise, more efficient, more power...


--
Alan Strawinski

http://alan.strawinski.net

That's the catch, ain't it? I don't find myself using SSB
much, as I'm almost always mobile. Other drivers don't
seem to use sideband for some reason. Still, it's there
when I want/need it
My brother-in-law and I use SSB
when we run into each other around town. It's much
easier to talk to him across town on sideband rather than
AM. Less noise, more efficient, more power...
Alan Strawinski

http://alan.strawinski.net

I use SSB exclusively unless I need to talk to a trucker on the highway.

I live about 40 minutes outside the city. During the morning commute there
are a few mobiles and usually one base on 27.395 LSB. We chat on the way to
work.

This would not be possible on AM as it is only useful over short distances.

You will want a good antenna as well. The Valor Half-Breed is a very good
inexpensive antenna.

If you want to spend more money you can buy a Wilson 1000 but in my
experience it is not better. I have owned both and still have the
Half-Breed.

My tech told me that the Wilson coils are know to arc if you are running
power. I didn't believe him until my amp died a week later.

I sold the Wilson and bought the Half-Breed.

I now run a Solarcon Quad Rod because of the wide bandwidth.

Steve