Sorry, but I just have to reply to this one...

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Again, at its' price it is shocking to find that it lacks SSB reception modes, as well as a synch detector.

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The 909 not only has SSB reception modes but has actual upper and lower
sideband selection. It is one of the finest SSB radios that I have ever
used with extremely easy to tune and clear SSB reception. As far a synch
detection is concerned, I admit that I have never tried one, but from
what I have read it is less than useful unless in a much more expensive
radio than most portables. I have found this radio to be perfect on a
long wire ant. with absolutely no overloading. As a portable using the
whip, I agree that it is less sensitive but still very usable.

But it does have SSB reception.

Andy