Mr. M. P. T. Palmer

Good, reliable, few-frills radio, 8 Aug 2012

I've been using my M-550 for a couple of months, and I really like it.

LIKES:

Easy to use set with clear display and all functions obvious: no menus to wade through or tiny icons.
Mechanical S-meter (now very rare on CB radios).
Small and compact: not the smallest, but consistent with ease of use.
Good performance: excellent receiver and good reports on transmitted signal.
Can be used abroad.
Useful channel-change buttons on microphone.
Capable of international contacts given good conditions and a good antenna.

DISLIKES:

Box a bit misleading if you don't look closely: radio as sold is only 4 watt, not 12.
No scan… Read more

Excellent no-frills radio., 13 July 2012

LIKES:

1: Excellent performance on transmit and receive
2: Small size, and well-built
3: Supplied microphone feels good and solid
4: Easy to operate with no unnecessary gimmicks
5: Not mentioned in manual (and would probably invalidate guarantee), but snip a single link and set covers 25.61 - 30.1MHz,
so can be used by licensed radio amateurs for ten metres.
6: Modest price - not the cheapest CB on the market, but good value for a good product

DISLIKES:

1: No channel change knob or buttons on microphone, so changing channels (especially when in 80 channel mode) can be a bit
tedious
2: No S-meter, memories or scan -… Read more

Typical Shire quality, 23 April 2012

I have yet to encounter a duff book from Shire, and this is no exception. A bite-size, well researched, well written and well-illustrated introduction to the world of Railway Posters. Highly recommended.