Purchased this radio because it was a smaller size than the DX-949 and also had a front mic plug and cool blue lighting. Needed the smaller size for my truck. Had the radio for 1 week using temporarily as a base station until I could install in my truck. After using 3 times the receive started becoming garbled and the transmit worked intermittently. Finally the transmit stopped working altogether. I really liked the looks of this radio, it received great and got great reports on transmit. These DX-979 radios are selling out everywhere online and no one can seem to keep them in stock. I wonder if Galaxy is rushing production of these to meet demand and possibly leading to quality control issues. Maybe mine was just a lemon out of the bunch. I may purchase another when they become available again but I have been told by many online sellers that shipment of these radios is 2 months out.
*****UPDATE December 21, 2016*****
*****Galaxy DX-979F*****
After the bad experience with my first ever Galaxy radio purchase, I ordered another DX-979 on December 7 from another Amazon seller. Seller upgraded me to a DX-979F (same radio as the DX-979 and has a frequency counter), as part of a promotion which I found very generous. I received the radio a few days later and hooked it up to my base antenna. After using it for a few hours I noticed the receive getting very garbled, screechy, and harsh sounding on both AM and SSB. I tried the radio for a couple more days even communicating between this radio and the Cobra 25 in my truck and 2 other known good radios. Still getting harsh sounding receive on the Galaxy. The Galaxy's transmit was beautiful and clear. This is the second Galaxy radio I have purchased in the past few months and I have not been impressed by this manufacturer. I thought maybe the first DX-979 was a fluke. It had the garbled audio problem and after three days of use it would not transmit. I tried several good functioning mics, and my base antenna SWR is 1.1:1 so I know neither was the problem. That radio was sent back for a refund. The DX-979F was also sent back for a refund, also due to the garbled, harsh receive problem. I didn't want to wait to see if the transmit would go out . I believe there is a defect with the AGC circuit in these radios that Galaxy needs to get sorted out. Clear, loud transmit doesn't do you a bit of good if the receive audio is horrible and you can't understand the person on the other end. I cannot recommend these radios. Amazon and the seller were very helpful. The radio defect is no fault of either Amazon or the seller.
***** UPDATE*****
*****February 22, 2017*****
THIRD TIME'S A CHARM!
I must be a glutton for punishment, I ordered a third DX-979 because I really like the looks, features and size of the radio. This radio does not exhibit the same garbled receive / AGC problems that the other two suffered from. Receive is every bit as good as my Uniden 980SSB which has excellent receive, no discernible difference even on weak signals. Excellent reports on transmit. SSB seems very stable. Noise limiter works very well. I have run this radio on my bench approximately 6-8 hours a day about 4 days a week for 2 weeks. No problems at all. This one is going to stay inside as a base radio. I am giving this radio four stars for now. I believe I got a good one this time. I did order another for my truck and will report back on that one in the near future.
*****UPDATE March 1, 2017*****
^^^^^ LACK OF QUALITY CONTROL ^^^^^
Received the radio that was ordered for my truck. Amazon box was perfect, factory Galaxy box was perfect, Radio was sealed in plastic and bubble wrap just like all new Galaxy radios. Took radio out of plastic and the lower radio housing is bent outward near the bezel, this should not have left the factory. Called Amazon, they sent a replacement and a return shipping label. Received the new radio 2 days later. Amazon box perfect, Galaxy box perfect, radio sealed in plastic and bubble wrap. Removed from plastic. Large blemish on chrome bezel and multiple very noticeable scratches on bezel chrome. Tried to wipe off blemish with cotton cloth and window cleaner because it looked like it was possibly a smudge. Turned out it was some type of abrasion and could not be wiped off, so it was sent back also. I know some of you will say it's gonna get nicked up anyway. That's true, but for One-Hundred Sixty Dollars, I should be the one that gets to nick it up. These radios should not be leaving the factory in "pre-distressed" cosmetic condition. What I find interesting is that each of these radios had a signed Quality Control label on the back. I would like to know Galaxy's QC standards if this is what goes out the door. I have never received a Cobra or Uniden radio with any cosmetic damage. Guess I'll just stick with the good DX-979 I received in February. Purchase a few and you'll probably get a good one, then send the others back.
| Item Weight | 4.1 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 9 x 7.25 x 2.5 inches |
| Item model number | DX-979 |
