thank you for all of your replies by email and through the post
i may junk the galaxy someday for a "real" radio
but ill wait and see if i enjoy this as a hobby
i have only used the cb band till now
this radio was 35.00 at a flea market
so i figure i will try to use it as a learning tool
i repair arcade machines in my spare time
and find working on radios to be fun as well
alot more confusing,,but that's part of the enjoyment
all in all
thanks to all who gave useful information
i really appreciate it
and ill get to work on checking all that has been suggested
ill post back soon
thanks again
don