President Washington 100 Watt Radio Description: Features, Power, and What Changed

The President Washington 100 watt model is a 10 and 12 meter radio built on the same familiar platform as the earlier Washington version, but with higher output right out of the box. For anyone comparing versions or shopping for a full featured desktop style mobile-capable rig, the President Washington stands out for its easy controls, strong SSB performance, repeater-friendly features, and proven overall design.

This version keeps the same chassis, front panel layout, and general operating experience while raising peak output to roughly 95 to 100 watts on single sideband in stock form. It is aimed at operators who want a capable radio for 10 meter and 12 meter use, especially those who value straightforward menus, memory functions, scan features, and access to 10 meter repeaters through CTCSS and DCS support.

Key Features and Specifications

• 10 Meter/ 12 meter radio
• Frequency ranges: 28.000 MHz to 29.700 MHz / 24.890 MHz to 24.990 MHz
• AM/FM/SSB/PA modes
• ON/OFF/Volume adjustment
• ASC/Manual squelch control
• LCD display with a choice of 7 colors
• Dimmer function
• Roger Beep
• Key lock function
• Digital multifunction meter with 4 scales: SRF/RF Power/Mic Gain/RF Gain
• 4 Channel memory
• Talkback/Echo
• VOX
• ANL/NB/HI-CUT filters
• NRC
• 2 Emergency channels
• RF gain/Mic gain
• Clarifier
• Scan/Scan Skip/Dual Watch
• CTCSS/DSC function
• APM (Automatic Power Management) system
• 6-Pin microphone plug (front)
• VOX microphone jack (back)
• External speaker jack (back)
• PA speaker jack (back)
• Size (W x D x H): 7.28 x 6.77 x 2.2 inches /185 x 172 x 56 mm
• 2-Year warranty or an extended 5-year warranty if buying a President antenna with the radio
  

What the President Washington 100 Watt Model Is

The President Washington is a multi-mode 10 and 12 meter radio with AM, FM, and single sideband operation. This newer version follows the discontinued 80 watt model and keeps the same overall design while delivering more output without requiring internal adjustment just to reach its advertised range.

It uses the same physical platform as the earlier version, including:

• Same chassis size

• Same front panel layout

• Same general control feel and menu structure

• Similar internal board layout

For current Washington or George owners, the transition to this President Washington model should feel very familiar.

Key Features of the President Washington

100 watt class SSB performance

The main upgrade is output power. The new President Washington can reach about 95 to 100 watts PEP on single sideband in stock condition. That is the biggest practical difference versus the earlier 80 watt version, which commonly fell short of that level without additional adjustment.

Multi-power operation

The radio includes high, medium, and low power settings:

• Low: about 4 watts

• Medium: about 10 watts

• High: full output mode

This gives the President Washington flexibility for local use, general operation, and higher output where allowed and appropriate.

10-meter repeater support

One of the strongest selling points of President Washington is its suitability for use with 10-meter repeaters. It includes CTCSS and DCS tone encoding, which is important for repeater access. For operators looking for a dedicated 10-meter repeater radio, this is one of the more useful features in the package.

Wide coverage across 12 and 10 meters

The President Washington covers from 12 meters up through the top end of 10 meters, making it a versatile choice for operators who want more than a single-band experience.

Noise reduction and receiver tools

This radio includes several receive-side tools that add day-to-day value:

• NRC noise reduction

• Noise blanking behavior for interference control

• RF gain adjustment

• Clarifier for receive and transmit

The noise reduction system is generally smooth and usable when set to moderate levels. Lower to mid settings can help clean up audio without making signals sound unnatural.

Useful convenience features

The President Washington also includes a feature set that makes it practical for regular mobile or station use:

• VOX

• Talkback

• Programmable memories

• Scan

• Scan skip

• Up/down mic key lock option on the newer version

The added lockout for the up and down controls is especially useful in mobile use, where accidental channel changes can happen.

President Washington Power Output

For many buyers, output is the first question. In actual operation, the President Washington 100-watt model shows the following approximate performance on high power:

• AM dead key: adjustable

• AM peak voice output: 90 watts plus

• FM carrier: 50 watts

• SSB PEP: 90 watts plus

The important takeaway is that the President Washington reaches its advertised performance more easily than the prior version.

What Changed From the Earlier President Washington

The newer President Washington does not appear to be a complete redesign. Most of the visible and physical characteristics remain the same. The difference seems to be focused on internal revision and output performance rather than a new operating concept.

What stayed the same:

• Chassis and size

• Front panel layout

• General internal component arrangement

• Overall feature set

What changed:

• Higher AM and SSB output

• Menu addition for up/down key lock

• Possible efficiency improvement in the PA section

• cooler running behavior

So while the President Washington is very familiar in operation, the power increase and small usability update make it a more refined version rather than an entirely different radio.

Who the President Washington Is Best For

The President Washington fits several types of users especially well:

• Operators who want a strong 10 and 12 meter radio

• Users who prioritize single sideband performance

• Anyone setting up a 10 meter repeater station

• People upgrading from the earlier Washington platform

• Those who want a dependable, feature-rich rig with a familiar interface

The President Washington is especially attractive if repeater access, multi-mode operation, and easy 90-plus-watt class AM and SSB performance are near the top of your list.

Receiver Behavior and Everyday Use

The President Washington has a very sensitive receiver, which can be a benefit when used with lower gain antennas or in quieter RF environments. That extra sensitivity can help when operating from portable or less-than-ideal antenna setups.

At the same time, there are a couple of receiver-related characteristics worth knowing:

• RF gain may need to be set by ear rather than simply left at maximum

• AGC behavior can feel fast or choppy in noisy locations

• Higher RF gain settings may increase choppy receive behavior

For practical use, moderate RF gain settings can offer a smoother listening experience. On the President Washington, that balance can be more important than chasing the highest meter indication.

Audio Performance

The President Washington has solid transmit capability, but one area that may matter to some buyers is speaker audio power. The internal audio amplifier can feel limited, especially in loud vehicles. As the volume is raised, distortion may become noticeable before reaching the level some mobile users want.

This is less of a problem in a quiet indoor station. In a noisy mobile environment, an external powered speaker may provide a much better result.

If strong receive audio in a loud vehicle is a top priority, this is one of the main limitations to consider with the President Washington.

Cooling and Fan Support

The President Washington does not include cooling fans by default. If you plan on long transmissions or higher duty cycle operation, adding a fan kit is the practical next step.

That matters even more if you want to use the radio heavily on FM or for repeater service. A fan-equipped President Washington is better suited for sustained operation than a stock unit without additional cooling.

There is also an indication that this updated version may run a bit cooler than the earlier one, but added cooling is still the safer choice for demanding use.

Reasons to Choose the President Washington

• Near 90 plus watts on AM and SSB performance out of the box

• Same familiar Washington layout and operation

• CTCSS and DCS for 10 meter repeater access

• Coverage from 12 meters through the top of 10 meters

• Useful scan and scan-skip functions

• Smooth, easy-to-learn menu system

• Good overall build feel and dependable platform

Things to Know Before Buying

• No included fan kit

• Speaker audio may be light for loud vehicles

• Receiver can sound choppy at higher RF gain in noisy environments

• Price is on the higher side compared with lower-output alternatives

These are not deal-breakers for everyone, but they are worth factoring into a purchase decision, especially if your main use will be mobile or high duty cycle operation.

Is the President Washington Worth the Upgrade?

If you already like the Washington platform, the newer President Washington offers a simple answer: more stock power with the same overall experience. The extra output does not transform the radio into something completely new, but it does make the package more appealing for buyers who wanted the earlier version to meet its rating more convincingly.

The President Washington is best understood as a refined continuation of an established design. It keeps the features people already liked, adds easier 100 watt class performance, and remains especially attractive for 10 meter repeater duty.

Quick Product Summary

• Model: President Washington 100 watt version

• Bands: 12 meter and 10 meter coverage

• Modes: AM, FM, SSB

• Peak SSB and AM output: roughly 90 watts plus

• FM output: about 50 watts

• AM carrier: adjustable

• Repeater features: CTCSS and DCS

• Cooling: external fan kit recommended for demanding use

• Best use case: feature-rich 10 and 12 meter operation, especially repeater and SSB use

Bottom Line

The President Washington 100 watt model delivers what many buyers want most: familiar operation, strong feature depth, and true high-output SSB performance without needing immediate adjustment. It is not a dramatic redesign, but it is a meaningful power upgrade on an already well-liked platform.

For operators looking for a capable 10 and 12 meter radio with repeater support, scan tools, good ergonomics, and stock 100 watt class output, the President Washington remains a strong option.

President Washington FAQ

Is the President Washington pro tuned and aligned out of the box?

Not by default. The President Washington ships stock from the factory. If you want yours bench-tested, peaked, and tuned for maximum output and receive performance, add our 10 Meter Pro Tune and Alignment service to your order.

Do I need a license to operate the President Washington?

Yes. The President Washington is a 10 and 12 meter amateur radio, and operation on these bands is regulated by the FCC. You need an amateur (ham) radio license before transmitting.

What microphone and antenna do you recommend for the President Washington?

The President Washington uses a 6-pin front microphone jack, so it is not compatible with standard 4-pin CB microphones. For an upgrade, we recommend the President DIGIMIKE 6 Pin Noise Reducing Microphone. For range and output, pair the radio with the Stryker SR-A10 Antenna.

Does the President Washington come with a cooling fan?

No, it does not include a fan by default. If you plan on long transmissions, higher duty cycle operation, or heavy repeater use, adding a fan kit is recommended to keep the radio running cool.