A REVIEW BY WOODY’S CB GAZETTE
http://www.cbgazette.com/
The GE “Superbase” has gained legendary status via collectors and operators alike, but how legendary IS it?? Let’s take a look…..
SPECS
AM/SSB
40channels
Digital Clock
2 large, well-lit meters
Antenna switch (A/B) built-in
Clarifier
Modulation/SWR metering functions
Receiver “Tone” control
ANL/NB
Clarifier
RF Gain
CB/PA Switch
Built-in speech compressor
KNOB LAYOUT
INSIDE
This radio was manufactured for General Electric by Cybernet, makers of some quality products in their day (Hy-Gain, Midland,Colt, etc.) and used the PLL-02A chip, which as you’ve heard, was highly modifiable! It used a two-PCB chassis (which you’ll see in some other rigs) which made it easy-to-fit in the case, but somewhat difficult to service.
From this side view, you can see the top and bottom PCB’s.
ACTUAL USE
The transmit section of this radio performed great – Good signal and very good audio with only the stock hand microphone! As you know from my previous reviews, I live near a major freeway with lots of Trucker traffic (bleedover), and so I’m pretty picky on adjacent channel rejection / front-end overload. While this radio wasn’t as bad as a Midland 79-290, it wasn’t as good as my Stoner Pro-40, or ARF-2001.
I really liked the radio, both the way it looked and worked, and if I was living somewhere away from the main road, I definitely would have kept it in the shack.
Is this radio for you? I can’t tell ya that – only what I like or don’t like. This is one nice looking Base station (not too large, not too small), with a popular PLL chip, and nice features. As for me, I’m happy to say that I’ve owned and operated one for a period of time, but for now – it’s back to the Stoner.