{"id":56521,"date":"2023-05-06T05:00:44","date_gmt":"2023-05-06T09:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=56521"},"modified":"2023-05-03T09:50:04","modified_gmt":"2023-05-03T13:50:04","slug":"jack-examines-the-c-crane-cc-skywave-ssb-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/jack-examines-the-c-crane-cc-skywave-ssb-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Jack examines the C.Crane CC Skywave SSB 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many thanks to SWLing Post<\/em> contributor, Jack Kratoville, who shares the following guest review:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

CC Skywave SSB 2: Thoughts and impressions<\/h1>\n

by Jack Kratoville<\/strong><\/p>\n

I had no intention of purchasing this radio. I already own two of the original Skywaves and, not big into Ham communications, saw little need for the upgrade. But as I was looking at the new SSB 2, my wife walked by and said, \u201cDon\u2019t you already have that one?\u201d I told her it was the updated model and it\u2019s on sale. \u201cYou should get it,\u201d she replied. Sometimes it is best to listen to your wife.<\/p>\n

My curiosity in the SSB 2 was the \u201cslightly improved\u201d audio and other updated features. It was shipped to my home for $149 complete and I eagerly opened the box. Putting it through the initial paces, I was highly disappointed. Some buttons didn\u2019t work, and the \u201cslightly improved\u201d audio was harsher than the original. It was going back. In a final desperation, I stuck a paper clip in the reset hole and all functions came to life. While I still wasn\u2019t impressed with the overall audio, I would spend more time with it. I\u2019ll address the audio later, but let\u2019s look at what this radio was intended for and how it stacks up to that challenge. This is a communication device, designed specifically for people looking for interesting and far away signals. As far as I can tell, it\u2019s the only radio with \u201cSSB\u201d in its name \u2013 so let\u2019s start there.<\/p>\n

I have the Digitech AR1780 and the Eton Executive Satellit with SSB capability. I\u2019ve explored both upper and lower sidebands on both. It always seems like too much work; pressing multiple buttons multiple times adding that the Digitech is a notoriously slow scanner. I enjoy them both, but SSB seems like an afterthought. The Skywave SSB 2 is far easier to track down and tune in signals. CCrane includes some tips in the booklet, and I find myself hunting for Ham conversations almost nightly. I haven\u2019t had to attach an external antenna as of yet as I find something without them. If the primary purpose of this radio is to bring a capable SSB portable to your pocket on any adventure, CCrane has scored big. I\u2019m still not a hard core listener, but this radio is very satisfying and I tend to check out the side bands much more frequently.<\/p>\n

Next up is the SW band. The SSB2 has a longer antenna and I think it serves well pulling in more distant signals. First thing I noticed is that the SSB2 scans slower than the original Skywave. Perhaps this is due to the ability to detect single side band signals, but I\u2019m not so sure. The original is quite speedy, the SSB 2 seems more normal. The best features are the external antenna options and the hardware provided in the box. Wherever you travel, you can easily hook up an antenna directly into the radio, simply using wire that attaches to the accessories in the box. There is a provided reel antenna, so your options are plentiful. I don\u2019t get any overload, but I\u2019m also not on top of any local signals. I have to say, as a communications device, this radio is designed to please.<\/p>\n

Aircraft also benefits from a longer whip and external options. I can just get the feed from my local airport (about 5 miles away). The SSB2 gets the airport weather service clearly. There\u2019s an updated scanner that is perfect for monitoring 2-3 signals at a time. This is a big improvement.<\/p>\n

The weather band is one of my favorites and have always enjoyed it on the Pocket and Skywave. Here we have one step forward and one back. I understood why the original Skywave didn\u2019t employ the tone switch on WX. There\u2019s not a lot of dynamic audio here. But the SSB2 does which makes it a bit clearer and certainly louder. Very happy with that update, however when I push the presets on the SSB2, nothing! On the original, pushing 1 through 7 moved you to that WX channel. Now you have to slew through signals using the knob or buttons. Why would they omit this? At my home location, I receive 1, 4 & 7 and would simply press the preset I wanted to hear. Losing this capability makes no sense at all.<\/p>\n

AM\/MX. This band is always a CCrane strength and the SSB2 will not disappoint. Excellent sensitivity, filtering and scanning options makes this a top tier pocket portable.<\/p>\n

FM. Better antenna, better reception. I think it\u2019s a hair more sensitive and selective than the original Skywave, but listening to the FM band leads me into my biggest gripe, the audio.<\/p>\n

\u201cSlightly Improved\u201d is a way of saying \u201cdon\u2019t expect too much.\u201d At first, I was highly disappointed. Even on \u201cVoice,\u201d the FM band sounded shrill and fatiguing. I almost returned it that first day. I decided that it was better to give time and put it through various paces and locations. Here\u2019s my personal assessment. While audio dynamics is as personal as one\u2019s favorite color, I must start by saying they did make a sizeable effort to improve this radio\u2019s sound \u2013 to a degree. Excluding FM, the audio is louder and fuller. I would go as far to say it\u2019s a bigger improvement than they give themselves credit for, especially with SW, SSB and WX. But with FM, they could have trimmed that high end 1-2db and it would have been so much better. U.S. FM signals are overprocessed to begin with and this radio highlights that flaw immensely. (The PL-310et does as well, but with slightly better low end to balance the sound). I\u2019ve brought the radio outside, listened to the non-commercial locals and various low key programming \u2013 when the high frequencies are more muted, this model sounds much better than the original. OK, admittedly people are not laying out $160 for this radio to listen to the Zombies, U2 or even Doja Cat, but I don\u2019t think it would have taken much to make this radio audibly more pleasant on all bands.<\/p>\n

Where the audio does suffer is at low, low levels. This is not for listening in bed late at night. The improved amplifier has to send more energy to the speaker and that creates a low-level hiss \u2013 even when the volume is at zero. This is not a Skywave SSB2 issue, it is an issue with most audio devices trying to pump more into a smaller speaker. Most radios suffer from this to a degree (the original Skywave does not), but some are better than others. The SSB2 is very noticeable.<\/p>\n

I honestly feel CCrane put in a big effort trying to please their core base with multiple adjustments to this radio. The screen light is better dispersed. When you shut the unit off, it gives you the time before the light extinguishes. Switching on and off or between bands, the audio fades up and down – better than unexpected loudness. The tuning knob is vastly improved with satisfying clicks and no jumping over frequencies. The volume knob is stiffer with less play. The buttons are better, and the adjusted layout is extremely intuitive. I\u2019m not a huge fan of the current style, but it makes sense. CCrane designed this radio to be more in line with the CC Pocket, giving their portable lineup familiarity between models. I\u2019d prefer the page and memory numbers to remain on screen, but it\u2019s extraneous information. I don\u2019t listen through the earbuds, but they are working on whatever clicking problems occur when switching between bands.<\/p>\n

No radio will ever be perfect nor please everyone, but I remain a fan of CCrane. For Ham and SW enthusiasts on the go, this radio is worth your consideration. You can buy cheaper, but you will only get what you pay for. My original Skywave, purchased in 2015, continues working like it did brand new and remains my #1 travel companion. Well, number two behind my wife.<\/p>\n

Click here to check out the Skywave line at C.Crane.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Jack Kratoville, who shares the following guest review: CC Skywave SSB 2: Thoughts and impressions by Jack Kratoville I had no intention of purchasing this radio. I already own two of the original Skywaves and, not big into Ham communications, saw little need for the upgrade. But as I […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3194,3,3196,129,43,154],"tags":[190,9988,6726,4086],"class_list":["post-56521","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-guest-posts","category-news","category-portable-radio","category-reviews","category-shortwave-radio","category-shortwave-radio-reviews","tag-ccrane","tag-c-crane-cc-skywave-ssb-2","tag-jack-kratoville","tag-shortwave-radio-reviews"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-eHD","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":55018,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2022\/12\/making-a-good-thing-better-the-c-crane-cc-skywave-ssb-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":56521,"position":0},"title":"Making a good thing better: The C.Crane CC Skywave SSB 2","author":"Thomas","date":"December 13, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Last month, C.Crane sent me (and the infamous Jock Elliott--read his review here) a pre-production CC Skywave SSB 2 portable shortwave radio. In full disclosure and to be clear: these pre-production units were sent to us free of charge by C.Crane who is a long-time sponsor of the SWLing Post.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "AM"","block_context":{"text":"AM","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/am\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/CC-Skywave-SSB-2-3.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/CC-Skywave-SSB-2-3.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/CC-Skywave-SSB-2-3.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/CC-Skywave-SSB-2-3.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/CC-Skywave-SSB-2-3.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":54410,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2022\/10\/c-cranes-new-cc-skywave-ssb-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":56521,"position":1},"title":"C.Crane’s new CC Skywave SSB 2","author":"Thomas","date":"October 25, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"If, like me, you received your latest C.Crane catalog, you've no doubt noticed the new C.Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 on page 3. The CC Skywave SSB is one of my favorite all-time travel portables. I love it for its versatility, frequency coverage, and overall performance. Click here to read\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "New Products"","block_context":{"text":"New Products","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/new-products\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/C.Crane-CC-Skywave-SSB-2-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":54841,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2022\/11\/checking-out-the-new-c-crane-cc-skywave-ssb-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":56521,"position":2},"title":"Checking out the new C.Crane CC Skywave SSB 2","author":"Jock Elliott","date":"November 28, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"By Jock Elliott, KB2GOM Folks who are regular readers of my posts here have already figured out that I am a big fan of the CCrane Skywave SSB. It is easily the most versatile radio I own, receiving AM (medium wave), FM, shortwave, HF single sideband, NOAA weather stations with\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/CCrane-Skywave-SSB-2-001-1-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/CCrane-Skywave-SSB-2-001-1-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/CCrane-Skywave-SSB-2-001-1-1024x683.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":27441,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2017\/08\/breaking-the-cc-skywave-ssb-is-c-crane-developing-a-holy-grail-travel-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":56521,"position":3},"title":"The CC Skywave SSB: Is C.Crane developing a Holy Grail travel radio?","author":"Thomas","date":"August 6, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Earlier today, intrepid SWLing Post contributor, Cap Tux, spotted an interesting link on Google when he searched for \"C.Crane Skywave SSB\": Turns out, it's a product sheet for a new C.Crane radio: the CC Skywave SSB. Ther is no mention of this radio on C.Crane's website yet. Here's a screenshot:\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "New Products"","block_context":{"text":"New Products","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/new-products\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/CCrane-CC-Skywave-SSB-Closeup.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/CCrane-CC-Skywave-SSB-Closeup.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/CCrane-CC-Skywave-SSB-Closeup.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":20132,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/07\/grundig-g6-vs-cc-skywave-post-reader-seeks-a-travel-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":56521,"position":4},"title":"Grundig G6 vs CC Skywave: Post Reader seeks a travel radio","author":"Thomas","date":"July 24, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post\u00a0reader, Neil Bernstein,\u00a0who writes: I travel quite a bit for my job and I want your opinion and your readers' opinions on whether it is more important to have the NOAA weather radio stations or shortwave radio (with or without SSB), in a compact travel emergency\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"The Grundig G6 (top) and C.Crane CC Skywave (bottom)","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/CC-Skywave-And-Grundig-G6.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/CC-Skywave-And-Grundig-G6.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/CC-Skywave-And-Grundig-G6.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":31281,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/03\/colins-review-of-the-cc-skywave-ssb\/","url_meta":{"origin":56521,"position":5},"title":"Colin’s review of the CC Skywave SSB","author":"Thomas","date":"March 21, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Colin Newell of DXer.ca who shares part one of his review of the CC Skywave SSB. 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