YES! We get so many calls daily that someone broke into a truck, car, home and stole someone's radio. Some idiot thief caused you enough harm, and we'd like to help you. If you supply us a police report (via US mail) we'll offer you up to $25 off a purchase of a new SuperWackPacked radio and discounts on replacement mics, antennas, etc. While it doesn't make a bad situation good, we hope it will make it a little better. Call or email us for details.
Limitations do apply.
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YES - honestly we have about a 99.99% success rate
at satisfying our customers. We cater to the working man, and know
what it's like to work hard for a living. We try our best to treat
you right, one call to us, and you'll see!
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A WackPack is a process exclusive to RadioActive Radios! About 12 years ago, we saw a need for customers who demanded more audio, cleaner signals, and wanted to be bodacious! After years of research we designed a way to make your radio do just that. We redesign the audio/wattage section of your radio (and other stuff too!) to make your radio do max watts, max audio, and swing. But operate at much cooler temps, helping your finals last A LOT longer!! It's like watching TV, and you hear a TV commercial tons louder than the show you were watching. They do that by audio, that's what we do to our radios! You'll love a WackPacked radio! Tuned/Peaked, Peaked/Tweaked, MegaTune or what ever you call the garbage stuff radio shops do are so basic it makes us laugh. If your paying for a tune/peak honestly you're getting ripped off. What they do is hack out your audio limiter, turn a core, or spread a coil. All together making your radio get a little more audio, but it's like a fat man running up a hill! Won't last long, or strong! And please never be fooled by modulator kits! What a joke, yes some semi work, but you're paying $30-$60 for a resistor in a box! Will you WackPack my radio that I already own?? Yes, as long as it qualifies to get one done. Most Big Radio Chassis do, but please don't ask us to WackPack your cb radio like a Cobra, Midland, or Uniden.
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Many of you have known for years of the wackpack mod that we do to our radios. In Feb 2005 we updated the wackpack after about 12 years! In Feb we released the SuperWackPack!!! First please understand, NOBODY does this but us. Not even under a different name! So many places call their tune ups different things trying to fool you and steal your money. They call their tune/peaks all kinds of names, yet you get the same old thing. It's not a lame swing kit (which is a utter waste of money and ANYONE that says different bumped their head!), it's not a kit you buy and we install. It's our process of working on radios that only we do! Some even try to lie about our work! But we're too busy building radios, (we're radio techs!) to even respond!
To help you understand the superwackpack better read on! A corvette is a car that can go 180 mph. Let's call that the cars peak envelope speed. But how often do corvette drivers drive at 180 mph? Hardly ever. They may drive at 50-80 mph. This is closer to the cars average speed. Radios are the same. A 180 watt radio is its peak envelope power, the max watts it can do. But how often does a 180 watt radio, do its max watts??? Hardly ever. It can do 180 when someone whistles into the mic, that is why radio shops often tune radios while whistling into the mic. (((Horrible way of tuning unless your a
bird))) A 180 watt radio on average will do around 80 watts with a good tune, a really good tune.
What the superwackpack does is it brings the average watts up from about 80 to about 135, allowing the 180 watt radio to do 180 watts a lot more often. It's 10x easier to do 180 when its already doing 135. Ham radio dealers, road side shops, radio shops, and internet fakes don't tell you these things, because it doesn't sell radios!
How can it do it? Well for example a sports car once again often times benefits from getting a better exhaust, cam, intake, heads, and other items to get more horsepower from the engine. Making the engine work less, even though the engine gets more horsepower. Often even better gas mileage!
Superwackpacked redesigned radios are so much better a design than the factory it helps the radio last a lot longer, even though its doing more watts! Again it's not a repackaged design. It's a RadioActive Exclusive! In fact a radio engineer, of a major radio company said to us on the phone that in all his years he's never seen such a design improvement! Is the extra $$$ worth it to do a superwackpack? Heck, just this explanation is.
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You better believe it! What is a super wackpack? Ok,
its kind of technical but we'll get you up to speed. Wackpacks offer
max audio by providing max swing (low dead keys, high pep watts) The
super wackpack gets your average watts up higher longer, and
squeezes out more watts on most radios. The extra watts aren't
really the big deal, the average RMS watts staying up higher longer
means you get more talk power! This means as you talk your doing
more watts on average then any other radio builder we know about (we
know a lot of them!). This means getting out further, longer, and
stronger! Yes, still warranted for life, and makes those radios tons
more efficient. This is available on MANY models, even ones you send
in to our repair department. Don't buy your radio from some lames
selling all kinds of radios and junk. Get your radio from a real big
radio specialist and talk the talk!
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Thank you for thinking you may want us to work on your radio. If you own a type of radio we do work on we'd be glad to SuperWackPack. In fact all radios coming to us must be Super Wack Packed before they leave here. However there are times we do NOT take in radios bought elsewhere for service! Why? Being the fact we specialize in high performance mods, there are times in our service schedule that we just don't have the bench space for any extra work. Radios not sold by us, take on avg 2-10x longer for us to work on than a new radio out of the box. During these times, we just don't have the hours in the day to squeeze it in. However when we do have open bench space, we'd love to SuperWackPack your radio. It's awesome to get the customer's before, and after thoughts on a radio they owned already. So call or email us, and we'll see how our service schedule is looking. With our new east coast service center being opened, there just may be a open spot for you!
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Impossible to answer! Sometimes in the radio world
you can talk 1,000 miles easier than 10 miles! However, for example,
if you've got a great antenna, a WackPaked radio, and its flat
outside, in a mobile you can talk 15 plus miles. Its not unheard of
to talk 20! If you're on a hill you get out further. If you're
talking to a base, typically they can hear you far away! Always just
know no matter how far you're transmitting, if your radio is from us
its doing it the best it can! We can't do anything about the canyon
you live in, the mountain behind your house, or the noise level on
the airwaves...sorry!
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Well, the name says it all. It gives you maximum
receive on the band you're going to use. Lets say you buy a radio
but the radio needs to be modified to transmit on the frequencies
you're wanting. Many shops will align transmit, but never touch
receive. In fact we know of no other shop offering this service! We
can align the receive, and even pump up the receive on your radio!!!
Another RadioActive Radios exclusive.
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Let us disagree with 99.9999% of everyone you're ever going to talk to. An SWR of 1.5 is NOT good. It's not bad, but it's not that good either.
1.5 was the standard in 1979 when everyone was a mud-duck, and did 4 watts swinging 9 watts. Modern radios doing 50, 100, 180+ watts are far different then when the old 1.5 SWR was the top notch of the 70's. 8-tracks, disco, and the Brady Bunch era is over people! There's no reason not to have SWR's lower then 1.3 in this day and age. People will argue with us, saying the difference between 1.3 and 1.5 is small. They are right, but we'll also key all over them any day of the week! 1.3 should be as high as your SWR's ever go. Good hand built amplifiers must have SWR's lower than 1.3 with the amp on or off! Most good antennas can get a meter to show 1.1, or 1.2. I say "show" since 99% of the meters used in the world stink. Anyway the point is that lazy shop employees tell you 1.5 is good because they a) either don't know any better, b) are too lazy to adjust 'em lower, or c) just don't know how.
One more quick thing on SWR's. Running a ground strap to a antenna bracket that doesn't need one can hurt your antenna system a lot! Only run a ground strap if you must because your bracket isn't grounded. If this is the case KEEP IT SHORT.
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A lot of people assume we think all other radios are junk. However this is NOT the case. Some of these radios are much like the Buicks of the radio world. When was the last time you said "Wow look at that La Sabre, that's one sweet Buick", but a Buick is usually a good car! Mostly known for being reliable, usually comfortable, but not a mean machine on average. Many radios are the work horses of the radio world. Usually they talk well, usually have enough features and are usually priced right. However you never see a Corvette Specialist push a Mini Van, not that mini vans are bad either! We sell performance chassis, we like performance chassis, and stand behind performance chassis.
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Well that all depends on what you're trying to get done. Email us, or call us and tell us about what you're going to use it for, and we'll be glad to find the best radio for you! Just know we sell the best of the best. If you're buying it from us, it will be awesome. You found the only shop that just does Big Radios! Why buy your $300 setup from a shop that sells a $29.99 radios?!? Most radios we sell, we'd use!
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If you're driving a Big Truck, then a Astatic 636L,
or a RK 56 work best! Why?? These radios have tons of audio, and
these mic's make them sound sweet! If you're on a base then call us!
If you're a fan of power mics the discontinued Astatic 575M6 works
BODACIOUS, but call us we may have some lying around someplace!
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To answer this question can be tricky. Best for you
may not be best for the next guys equipment. But here's some facts
(current at the time of this write-up). The BEST built mobile
antenna, for everyday use is the Predator 10K, if anyone tells you
different they are WRONG! (tell them I told you that too!) We also
love Mr. Coily antennas, which are hand built for us. Perhaps the
same performance, just built differently.
Some of you guys can't go with big antennas on
trucks etc., however in all cases height is might. Get the tallest
antenna you can get away with. If you want a fast replacement and a
good consumer antenna, Wilson antennas are still pretty darn good.
We don't feel the quality is as good as when the real Wilson Antenna
Company built them, but they as a rule are good. Monkey Mades weigh
a ton, and don't hear near as well as some others, I'd only suggest
one if you found one laying in a ditch, or your friend upgraded and
gave it to you! It's not the worst, but there are tons better! One
quick word on K40........you were the best 20 years ago, now its
time to update!
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We are perhaps one of the last true technical shops anywhere to be found. Our pride and joy is in unique modifications sold exclusively here at RadioActive Radios. No two RadioActive Radio customers are alike. We custom build, and bundle modifications just for you our customer. What one person pays may not reflect at all what you way want in the same radio. Some customers want mild, others wild. We are more then happy to help you to decide on what items or modifications are best for you. If you want generic radio services we aren't the right shop for you. We also usually discount some modifications based on how many mods are getting done to the radio.
We are a full service technical shop. We very much feel its best to help the customer to pick out the right product for the right application. There are 100 sites you can shop if your interested in either generic, or no customer service. However many times internet based purchases based on price alone turn out to be a huge waste of money. You buy a product and think it's exactly what you wanted, get it, install it, and find out you wasted your time and money. Your "good deal" proved to be a waste of money.
We have live humans that work here and like to talk to live human customers! When we first put up a website in 1994 times were different. These days anyone with a keyboard and time can make a website. You don't know what your getting into. We at RadioActive Radios employ professionals in the industry. We have well trained staff to help you pick out the right product, and not just a product. Is this approach right for customer? No it is not. But for those wanting their purchase to work right. For those who want to buy the right item the first time, those ones shop at RadioActive Radios. Not having prices doesn't mean the items are too expensive, not having prices on our site allows you to know we are a real company, with real people, and are willing to help before and after the sale.
Quality technical service isn't cheap, but it pays for itself in the long run. Give us a call or drop us a email. You maybe shocked with how competitive we are with even the no customer service type of "shops". Many internet based shops sell repacks or refurbed items as new offering super low prices on items you thought were new. We play no such games ever. Many shops advertise the items as being in stock, yet weeks later you haven't gotten your stuff. At RadioActive Radios the same helpful sales staff help you before and AFTER the sale. When customer service counts, count on RadioActive Radios!
Well honestly nope! We can't stock everything all of
the time, but do have 90% of the radios in stock, waiting to be sold
and then custom built for the customer. If your item isn't in stock
we aren't the lying bum type of shops who'll say it is to make a
sale! Most radios are about 2-4 days away if they aren't in stock.
Some amps take longer, if they aren't in stock, as well. We try our
hardest to make sure your item is sent as fast as possible. We know
what its like to want your radio quickly!
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The answer is yes. We want to know if our designs
ever fail, even 10 years down the road. If our work fails we'll fix
it free forever! If your buying your equipment anyplace else that's
crazy! How can we do it? First, we provide the best quality service
out there. So when your item leaves here, it works right. But hey
lets face it, NASA builds $1,000,000,000,000 projects and they go
poof every once in awhile! So if our work does we'll fix it free.
This only covers work that we do to a radio. Example our
wackpack..... warranted for life! There are some conditions, but no
FINE PRINT. Don't let ANYONE work on your radio but us (or even
crack the covers open), don't back over it with your truck, and
don't tell us to fix it free if your problem has anything to do with
something we had nothing to do with! No other place we're aware of
backs their work up with a lifetime warranty, wonder why? Many shops
have heaps of used, blown up radios that they steal the parts out of
to fix yours. Your paying top dollar for used parts! No big heaps of
used radios here, but tons of BRAND NEW parts, and high quality
service equipment.
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Our policy is keep what you bought, don't be a fathead! Now really, we don't allow returns on custom radios, or equipment ever. However we'd be crazy not to try our best to make you happy. But formally we need our return policy in writing. If your radio or item has a problem, even if its dead on arrival, and the factory warranty has been voided because of modifications that were done please call us, we most likely can get your item warranted. Many radios have no warranty from the manufacture so if this is a concern call us before you buy. Due to the nature of selling very custom modified products we just can't allow returns. If you feel that you have a legit reason for a return, call us, and we'll discuss it from time to time we make exceptions! Most technical issues can be solved over the phone without ever sending back the radio. We are humans that work here with a heart and are more glad to help. All approved cancelled custom orders are subject to a 20% restocking fee if order has been placed but hasn't been shipped yet. Returns are never accepted on orders that have been shipped. Why? We offer a lifetime warranty on all of our technical work and honor that. Plus most damage is caused by misinstallation, poor wiring, antenna issues, ect. We can't resell a custom radio as new that has been used. So if in the rare case your radio has a legit issue, we'll be glad to warranty our work. All RadioActiveRadios get warranty stickers. Providing these stickers are intact, we warranty our work. We do our best at RadioActive Radios to make sure your product is 110% before its ever shipped. We've done this since day #1. By purchasing from us with cash, check, or credit card you are agreeing to our return policy.
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We're too busy building bodacious radios to respond to this delusion
in great length. When competition sales are poor, and they feel the
heat, they'll come up with a story about anyone. Busy shops don't
have the time for the games. Our policy? Our awesome radios, and
customers do the speaking for us.
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Sorry we offer no printed material. Our customers
really aren't the price shopping type. RadioActive customers demand
the best performing equipment out there. While we deliver the goods
there, we don't deliver catalogs! So quit asking!! Just kiddin!
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10 meter radios are intended for use by licensed amateur radio operators within the United States. While RadioActiveRadio is not required to check for a valid "call sign" or license, the user is required to comply with laws in the USA. It is not our intent for persons to operate on frequencies outside one's privileges. You do not need a license to purchase a 10 meter or any other ham radio, but a license is required to operate one within one's operating privilege. Please direct your license questions to the proper gov't agencies, or one of the many online sites, or local radio "clubs",
they'd be glad to help.
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In a industry that is always moving forward and items are changing its tough as a internet advertising based company to keep all item description accurate. While we try, actual features, promotions, and specs can change from what is advertised. We'll make every effort to keep up. Sometimes a radio, or product can change a feature or function even in the middle of a production run. Special promos come and go. If you have questions please ask, we are customer service driven here, and are happy to answer your questions. In a nut shell, sometimes items change faster then we can change our site!
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