On Sat, 14 Aug 2004 00:47:23 GMT, "Data Flux" -spam wrote:

If you looked at the spectral output of a 2970, you wouldn't be so
quick to want another one.

You are MUCH better off looking for a used HF ham rig for that $500,
and you'll be far happier, than using a hacked up CB design.

Isn't that what I just asked for? Another HF ham rig? The RCI-2970
was technically sold as a ham radio. I'm trying to find another 10
meter ham rig, with the aforementioned features, that can be modified
easily to cover at least 26.0-29.6999 TX/RX.

No, what you asked for is another out of band modifiable radio that is a
thinly disguised CB radio marketed to CBers as an "amateur" radio. You want
something like Copper sells, not the kinds of radios that AES, HRO, or any of
the other amateur radio dealers sell. The difference in quality is a dead give
away too. The RCI29XX radios have managed an uncomfortable crossover, but are
still considered extended range CB radios by any serious radio enthusiast.

As an aside, a lot of radios are labeled as "amateur" radios because
they are sold as (wink, wink) 10 meter radios. Hams wouldn't and don't buy these
radios, CBers do, and modify them (hell, most retailers sell an option to have
the radio modified for you by them) for extended operation. Most so called 10
meter radios are sold as AM/FM only when you'd be hard pressed to find a ham
today that would use AM. Where is the popular CW mode that no respectful amateur
radio would be without? That and these are "channeled" radios and not equipped
with VFO tuning. 10KHz stepping is just ludicrous when trying to use SSB. 10 KHz
steps severely limit the usefulness of the radio when you can not talk to
someone using a VFO. FM is such a spectrum hog, that it is only used in the
uppermost portion of the 10 meter band, and usually for repeater use. SSB,
specifically USB, is the mode of choice on 10 meters. And finally, you would be
hard pressed to find a ham dealer that sells these radios. You find them at
places like Copper that sell exclusively to CBers who are entrenched in their
inefficient, archaic AM mode, when clearly, SSB is a far superior mode that
delivers the most bang for the buck, and the greatest range.

Steve