I've been using this radio for about six months now, and it's a solid, well-made transceiver. The George FCC has been in my SUV for the entire time, and with the exception of President's Digi-Mike, it's completely stock 4w Am/12w PEP. I don't use an RF amplifier, have a Sirio Performer 2000 on a mag mount placed dead center on the roof, and have made contacts all over North America, along with several in the UK and Europe. With over 50 years of CB use under my belt, I think that this is one of the best (if not THE best) FCC approved mobile radio I've ever used. Will it hold up over time? I guess I'll find out, but I don't believe it will endure the passage of time like my Cobra 138XLR from 1978 (more than likely, neither will I ... 😉). You've explained the features very well in this video - Thank you!
@@SeumasSiosal That's great 👍 My favorite 138xlr has been re-capped as well, and It will running well long after I'm gone (I have a 2nd one somewhere around here, should I ever need a part). It's the only CB that I'm aware of that won an award.
Nice review! I was watching it while having my McKinley II FCC scanning away lol. President is really producing a nice variety of great radios at the moment
President is putting out probably the best digital radio out on the current market. So many good ones to choose from and they are really loaded with features. The Bill is so tiny and easy to mount, and George is at the other end with full size and more features and options than any other radio out there. The only thing that could be a down side is that they are all so heavy on dual function buttons with so many sub-menus. You almost need to keep the user manual handy to access all he features unless you play with it daily and memorize everything the radio can do.
I was hoping that you'd get a chance to review this radio, because I enjoy how thorough you are in taking the time to review and analyze items. A thirty minute (or more) video going into detail on how a radio works, it's high points and weaknesses, and an audio test with graphical output are fantastic. I've been seriously considering getting into CB radio over the past year or so after decades of being an SWL (I found your channel by accident when you repaired a Realistic DX-440, one of which I've had since before the Berlin Wall fell), and the George seems the perfect radio that covers all the bases, assuming that FM actually takes off, that is. The only thing I've been reluctant about is the cost of one, and if FM doesn't really take off in the States a President McKinley or the Bearcat 980 would be a more cost effective choice.
I think fm is most useful for communication between people that already know each other. I don't see it catching on for "normal" CB type communication. Having said that, I think the receiver in the George is slightly better than the McKinley. I also like some of the extra features the George offers. Having said that, I don't think you would be disappointed with either radio. I'd suggest staying away from the bearcat. It has some known quality issues with the display and just feels like a more fragile radio overall. In fact, I blew my finals by accident when I transmitted with no antenna for just a few seconds...
@@SevenFortyOne Yikes! I was only planning on using either as a base station, but still, blowing your finals that easily does give me cause for concern about the Bearcat 980. Thanks for the additional info!
Good in depth video Rob. I love my Bearcat 980, but definitely wish it was more than 4W/12W SSB. While many hams will poo on CB, it is still radio and a means of communication to have when other means don't work.
Nice Product Showcase, Rob. Yes the unlocked Version of this Model does around 40W. Tnx for the Video and have a nice Weekend. 73 de Uncle Günter across the Pond
Nice walkthrough of this radio’s features. I do miss your use of literary/pop culture quotes instead of the short count during test transmissions. Do you own the RCI-2950 transceiver? I’d love a breakdown on how that radio’s features work as it is my go to radio for doing 10m POTA on a budget.
I admittedly was lazy with the literary references this time. I'm working on a review now and will add them back in so stay tuned for that. I don't own a 2950 but if I get one you can bet I'll put it on the channel. Having said that, I think you'll like the radio I'm reviewing now....
i remember a few years back i set up an old cobra radio in my car with a magnetetic rubber ducky stuck to the roof... i drove from kansas all the way to florida and then back.. and NEVER heard a single soul..
A rubber ducky usually won't work well on CB...that may explain why you didn't hear anything. I drove from CT to NC recently and heard tons of people on CB...but I was using a fire stick antenna
@@SevenFortyOne i figure it would work decent enough to talk to and listen to truckers NEXT to me.. ive talked 10+ miles on that exact setup before...LOL i could hear people in the distance every now and then.. but never once anything near me.. i used to be able to take a hand held CB and talk to trucks around me back in the day.. not so much anymore.
New subscriber and kinda new to the CB world. Played with radios in the 70's and 80's but haven't used one again until about a month ago. I have a newer Cobra 29LX with a Stryker SR-A10 mag mount antenna on top of my metal building about 16' high. Should I use a better antenna and mount it on a pole in the yard or change radios and antennas? My current set up seems okay but can't reach out to anyone in my area... there may not be any operators close by because I live out in the boonies but can't get any radio checks no matter what I do. Any suggestions?
It's hard to say without experiencing your setup for myself. A good "base" antenna will help increase range for sure but if there isn't anyone in your area to contact in the first place it might be a waste of time. I suggest trying to find a hsm radio club in your area and see if any of the members can tell you if CB is active in your area. Many hams are also active on CB or will at least know someone who is and may be able to offer some insight.
Also, you will get out further and give better luck finding "enthusiasts" using lower sideband on channels 35-40. One more thing...you can try finding a webSDR in your area on the internet to listen to. That can help you determine if there is activity you just aren't able to hear
I bought President Washington last week but the talkback doesn't work and I have it at maximum at number 9. Do you know what the problem is? They don't want to give me the warranty. They give me many excuses.
If President doesn't know what's wrong, I certainly don't...you could try a factory reset if you haven't already tried that but beyond that I really can't help.
It is a nice radio but it is rather on the expensive side for a basic radio with just sideband I am an FM nothing else. I believe the President Washington would be the better deal. Yes I know it is a 10 m radio but we all know it can be used on 11 meter as well.
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I've been using this radio for about six months now, and it's a solid, well-made transceiver. The George FCC has been in my SUV for the entire time, and with the exception of President's Digi-Mike, it's completely stock 4w Am/12w PEP. I don't use an RF amplifier, have a Sirio Performer 2000 on a mag mount placed dead center on the roof, and have made contacts all over North America, along with several in the UK and Europe. With over 50 years of CB use under my belt, I think that this is one of the best (if not THE best) FCC approved mobile radio I've ever used. Will it hold up over time? I guess I'll find out, but I don't believe it will endure the passage of time like my Cobra 138XLR from 1978 (more than likely, neither will I ... 😉). You've explained the features very well in this video - Thank you!
I agree with everything you said here...thanks for your thoughts!
I'm getting a minty stock Cobra 138xlr redone to mount in my truck with a Hustler RM-11.
@@SeumasSiosal That's great 👍 My favorite 138xlr has been re-capped as well, and It will running well long after I'm gone (I have a 2nd one somewhere around here, should I ever need a part). It's the only CB that I'm aware of that won an award.
Nice review! I was watching it while having my McKinley II FCC scanning away lol. President is really producing a nice variety of great radios at the moment
President is putting out probably the best digital radio out on the current market. So many good ones to choose from and they are really loaded with features. The Bill is so tiny and easy to mount, and George is at the other end with full size and more features and options than any other radio out there. The only thing that could be a down side is that they are all so heavy on dual function buttons with so many sub-menus. You almost need to keep the user manual handy to access all he features unless you play with it daily and memorize everything the radio can do.
I was hoping that you'd get a chance to review this radio, because I enjoy how thorough you are in taking the time to review and analyze items. A thirty minute (or more) video going into detail on how a radio works, it's high points and weaknesses, and an audio test with graphical output are fantastic.
I've been seriously considering getting into CB radio over the past year or so after decades of being an SWL (I found your channel by accident when you repaired a Realistic DX-440, one of which I've had since before the Berlin Wall fell), and the George seems the perfect radio that covers all the bases, assuming that FM actually takes off, that is. The only thing I've been reluctant about is the cost of one, and if FM doesn't really take off in the States a President McKinley or the Bearcat 980 would be a more cost effective choice.
I think fm is most useful for communication between people that already know each other. I don't see it catching on for "normal" CB type communication. Having said that, I think the receiver in the George is slightly better than the McKinley. I also like some of the extra features the George offers. Having said that, I don't think you would be disappointed with either radio. I'd suggest staying away from the bearcat. It has some known quality issues with the display and just feels like a more fragile radio overall. In fact, I blew my finals by accident when I transmitted with no antenna for just a few seconds...
@@SevenFortyOne Yikes! I was only planning on using either as a base station, but still, blowing your finals that easily does give me cause for concern about the Bearcat 980.
Thanks for the additional info!
@@SevenFortyOne No swr protection.
Not on the bearcat
Thank you so much for this review I just ordered one of these was not sure how to program all this udx 556 waving🖐️
Good in depth video Rob. I love my Bearcat 980, but definitely wish it was more than 4W/12W SSB. While many hams will poo on CB, it is still radio and a means of communication to have when other means don't work.
It's great for local coms in the community
Nice Product Showcase, Rob. Yes the unlocked Version of this Model does around 40W. Tnx for the Video and have a nice Weekend. 73 de Uncle Günter across the Pond
This model can not be unlocked at all. You have this model mixed up with the George ll that can be unlocked to 10 meters export radio.
Excellent, straightforward explanation. 😉👍🏼
Great Video, nice and clearly stated the functions
Odd I was unsubscribed. Subscribed again!
No worries...that seems to happen automatically for some reason
Nice walkthrough of this radio’s features. I do miss your use of literary/pop culture quotes instead of the short count during test transmissions.
Do you own the RCI-2950 transceiver? I’d love a breakdown on how that radio’s features work as it is my go to radio for doing 10m POTA on a budget.
I admittedly was lazy with the literary references this time. I'm working on a review now and will add them back in so stay tuned for that. I don't own a 2950 but if I get one you can bet I'll put it on the channel. Having said that, I think you'll like the radio I'm reviewing now....
i remember a few years back i set up an old cobra radio in my car with a magnetetic rubber ducky stuck to the roof... i drove from kansas all the way to florida and then back.. and NEVER heard a single soul..
A rubber ducky usually won't work well on CB...that may explain why you didn't hear anything. I drove from CT to NC recently and heard tons of people on CB...but I was using a fire stick antenna
@@SevenFortyOne i figure it would work decent enough to talk to and listen to truckers NEXT to me.. ive talked 10+ miles on that exact setup before...LOL i could hear people in the distance every now and then.. but never once anything near me.. i used to be able to take a hand held CB and talk to trucks around me back in the day.. not so much anymore.
Easy to unlock 🔑 the radio.
This radio can not be unlocked at all. The George ll can be unlocked to export mode.
New subscriber and kinda new to the CB world. Played with radios in the 70's and 80's but haven't used one again until about a month ago. I have a newer Cobra 29LX with a Stryker SR-A10 mag mount antenna on top of my metal building about 16' high. Should I use a better antenna and mount it on a pole in the yard or change radios and antennas? My current set up seems okay but can't reach out to anyone in my area... there may not be any operators close by because I live out in the boonies but can't get any radio checks no matter what I do. Any suggestions?
It's hard to say without experiencing your setup for myself. A good "base" antenna will help increase range for sure but if there isn't anyone in your area to contact in the first place it might be a waste of time. I suggest trying to find a hsm radio club in your area and see if any of the members can tell you if CB is active in your area. Many hams are also active on CB or will at least know someone who is and may be able to offer some insight.
Also, you will get out further and give better luck finding "enthusiasts" using lower sideband on channels 35-40. One more thing...you can try finding a webSDR in your area on the internet to listen to. That can help you determine if there is activity you just aren't able to hear
@@SevenFortyOne Thank you very much, I will check into the webSDR.
Is the clarifier receive only?
Yes, receive only
I bought President Washington last week but the talkback doesn't work and I have it at maximum at number 9. Do you know what the problem is? They don't want to give me the warranty. They give me many excuses.
If President doesn't know what's wrong, I certainly don't...you could try a factory reset if you haven't already tried that but beyond that I really can't help.
@SevenFortyOne thank you sr
I would love to watch the video, but I have to go to the mailbox so I can read my mail, bye, bye, bye.
Oregon or Washington I5 I205 home
Sure
It is a nice radio but it is rather on the expensive side for a basic radio with just sideband I am an FM nothing else. I believe the President Washington would be the better deal. Yes I know it is a 10 m radio but we all know it can be used on 11 meter as well.
The Washington CAN be used on CB but SHOULDN'T be used on CB
I am from South Africa and who export this radio plz
@jacoels208 try Scott's radio out of Michigan
@jacoels208 another place you can try it is called R&R communication they're located up in Delaware