President Richard II 10 Meter Amateur Radio – 50W PEP AM/FM
The President Richard II 10 Meter Amateur Radio is the second-generation update to one of President Electronics' most popular full-size mobile radios. Built for truckers, licensed amateur radio operators, and drivers who want serious 10-meter performance in a full-featured mobile chassis, the Richard II delivers up to 50 watts PEP on AM and 40 watts on FM across the 10-meter and 12-meter amateur bands — with a large seven-color multifunction LCD, dual-band coverage, and a built-in SWR/power meter for on-the-fly install tuning.
This is the direct successor to the original President Richard 10 Meter Radio, upgraded with refined controls, cleaner audio, and improved SWR protection circuitry.
Who the Richard II Is For
The Richard II is aimed at:
- Truckers upgrading from CB to a licensed 10-meter setup — the Richard II's OEM truck-size faceplate fits the same dash cutouts as most factory-style CB radios in Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Volvo, and International cabs.
- Licensed amateur radio operators who want a rugged, no-frills mobile radio for daily driving that also handles the 12-meter amateur band.
- Owner-operators looking for a solid mid-power radio at a fair price point ($219) — less power than a Stryker SR-655HPC+ (100W), but more than plenty for typical mobile operation and cleaner on the FM side.
Why We Like the Richard II
President Electronics has been building mobile radios since 1974, and the Richard line has been in the catalog for years — the Richard II keeps everything that made the original popular (front-panel mic connection, dual watch, seven-color display, PA and VOX capability) and adds cleaner FM audio, USB charging out, and refined noise-reduction filtering. For truckers running long hauls who want a radio that just works, this is a strong pick.
Key Features
- 10-meter (28.000–29.700 MHz) and 12-meter (24.890–24.990 MHz) amateur-band coverage
- Up to 13W AM carrier / ~50W PEP AM / 40W FM output
- Seven-color multifunction LCD with frequency display
- Built-in SWR/power display and digital S-meter
- Automatic Squelch Control (ASC) + manual squelch
- ANL, Noise Blanker, and Hi-Cut filtering — critical for engine and alternator noise in truck cabs
- RF gain, mic gain, talkback, echo, and tone controls
- Channel scan, Dual Watch, memory presets, and emergency channels
- VOX (hands-free) and public-address (PA) capability
- Front-panel USB charging port (5V / 2.1A) — no more cluttered dash chargers
- 6-pin front microphone connection
- SO-239 antenna connector and external-speaker jack
- Time-Out Timer, key lock, roger beep, and voltage/SWR protection
Technical Specifications
- Frequency range: 24.890–24.990 MHz and 28.000–29.700 MHz
- Modes: AM / FM
- Power output: 13W AM carrier, ~50W PEP AM, 40W FM
- Power supply: 13.8V DC
- Antenna impedance: 50 ohms
- Antenna connector: SO-239
- Microphone connector: 6-pin (front panel)
- Dimensions: 185 × 190 × 55 mm (7.28 × 7.48 × 2.17 in.)
- Weight: ~2.43 lb (1.1 kg)
Recommended Antennas for the Richard II
The Richard II uses a standard SO-239 antenna jack and requires a properly tuned 50-ohm antenna system. Our top antenna picks paired with the Richard II:
- President Maryland RW Radial Whip — same-brand 5/8-wave whip, easy-tune SWR rings, 500W PEP rated, 10-year warranty. When purchased with a President radio, warranty on the radio extends to 5 years. This is our recommended pairing.
- Stryker SR-A10 10-Meter Antenna — silver-plated copper coil, 10,000W rated, ideal if you're planning to upgrade the radio later.
Complete Combo Kits Featuring the Richard II
Building a complete install kit for your truck? See our pre-configured combos:
- Richard II + Maryland RW Antenna Install Combo — Richard II radio, President Maryland RW antenna, DRX-3402 heavy-duty mirror mount, and DRX-1518 18-foot M213 premium coax. Complete RF chain, ready to install.
What's In the Box
- President Richard II 10-meter AM/FM transceiver
- Electret microphone with hanger
- Fused DC power cord
- Mounting bracket and hardware
- Owner's manual
Optional: 10 Meter Pro Tune and Alignment Service ($50)
We offer professional peak-and-tune alignment on the Richard II before it ships. Our tech optimizes AM/FM modulation, sets deviation, verifies frequency accuracy, and tunes for maximum efficiency on the 10-meter band. Add the 10 Meter Pro Tune and Alignment service at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the President Richard and the Richard II?
The Richard II is the second-generation update to the original President Richard. Both share the same seven-color display and full-size faceplate, but the Richard II offers refined noise filtering (ANL, Noise Blanker, Hi-Cut), improved SWR protection, a front-panel USB charging port, cleaner FM audio, and adds 12-meter amateur band coverage (24.890–24.990 MHz). If you own the original Richard and love it, the Richard II is a straightforward upgrade with the same footprint.
Do I need a license to use the President Richard II?
Yes. The Richard II is a 10-meter and 12-meter amateur (ham) radio — not a CB radio. To transmit legally in the United States, you need at least an FCC Technician-class amateur radio license. The exam is roughly $15, study materials are widely available online, and most people pass on their first attempt after a few weeks of prep.
Is the Richard II a CB radio?
No. The Richard II operates on the 10-meter and 12-meter amateur bands and is not FCC Type-Accepted for CB (27 MHz Citizens Band) use in the U.S. It requires an amateur radio license. If you need a Type-Accepted CB radio, look at our CB radio collection.
What antenna works best with the Richard II?
Any properly tuned 50-ohm antenna cut for the 10-meter band will work. Our top pick is the President Maryland RW Radial Whip — it's from the same manufacturer, uses easy-tune SWR set rings so no cutting is required, and buying the antenna and radio together extends the Richard II warranty from 2 years to 5 years. For higher-power upgrades later, the Stryker SR-A10 is a great choice.
How does the Richard II compare to the Stryker SR-655HPC+?
Different tier of radio. The Stryker SR-655HPC+ is a 100W PEP radio with a bigger chassis, higher-end components, and premium features — around $500. The Richard II is a compact 50W PEP mobile radio at $219, better suited if you don't need the top-tier power. Both require an amateur radio license. If you're just getting started or want cleaner mobile audio, the Richard II is the smarter buy.
Does the Richard II fit standard DIN dash cutouts?
The Richard II uses a full-size (non-DIN) footprint — 185 mm wide × 190 mm deep × 55 mm tall — which matches the traditional CB/10-meter radio slot in most Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Volvo, Mack, and International trucks. It will not fit a single-DIN car head unit slot without a custom bracket.
What's included with the Richard II?
The box includes the Richard II transceiver, an electret microphone with hanger, a fused DC power cord, a mounting bracket with hardware, and the owner's manual. You will need to supply your own antenna, coax cable, and mount (or purchase the Richard II install combo which includes all three).
Can I use the Richard II as a base station?
Yes, with a properly regulated 13.8V DC power supply rated for at least 10 amps continuous, plus a base-station antenna cut for 10 meters (a vertical or dipole for 28 MHz). Contact us if you want a base-station build recommendation.
Does the Richard II have SSB (single-sideband)?
No. The Richard II is an AM/FM radio only. It does not include SSB modes. If you need SSB capability, look at higher-end amateur radios in our 10-meter radio collection.
Is the pro tune and alignment service worth it?
For most drivers running the Richard II at stock power, the factory alignment is fine. If you plan to run at maximum output, want the cleanest AM/FM modulation possible, or want deviation and frequency accuracy verified before install, the $50 pro tune and alignment is a smart addition. It's done in-house by our tech, not shipped out.
Warranty and Licensing Notes
The Richard II carries a 2-year manufacturer warranty from President Electronics. Warranty extends to 5 years when purchased together with a President Maryland RW antenna. Buyers are responsible for compliance with all FCC rules and applicable regulations. Use only with a properly tuned 50-ohm antenna system.
Where to Buy the President Richard II
At CB Radio Supply, we've been an authorized President Electronics dealer for years and stock the full President lineup. The Richard II ships fast from our Indiana warehouse. If you're comparing radios or trying to decide between the Richard II and other President or Stryker models, contact us — we can talk through fitment, power supply needs, and antenna pairings for your truck or base setup.