The Ranger RCI-99N2 is a 10 meter mobile amateur radio with a factory-integrated amplifier stage and a front-panel AMP ON/OFF switch. It offers 200W+ PEP AM/SSB output with the amplifier engaged, AM/USB/LSB operating modes, and a PA function. Ranger's SRA-198NC chrome noise-canceling microphone is included.

What makes the 99N2 different

The factory AMP ON/OFF switch lets you use the radio with or without its internal RF amplifier deck. With the amp off, adjustable AM carrier output is approximately 0.5–5W. With the amp on, the radio provides 200W+ PEP AM/SSB output. AM carrier and peak envelope power are different measurements; turning the amplifier off does not make this a CB radio.

The integrated amplifier keeps the radio and RF deck in one chassis. Use a properly fused direct-to-battery connection for vehicle installation; for base-station use, choose a regulated 13.8V DC supply rated for 40A continuous output.

Modes and coverage

The RCI-99N2 provides AM, USB and LSB operation plus a PA function. It does not provide FM or CW operating modes. The manufacturer's listed amateur frequency coverage is 28.315–29.660 MHz; transmit only where your license privileges permit.

The fine clarifier is receive-only, with ±1.0 kHz adjustment as listed in the owner's manual. It helps tune in SSB signals without changing the transmit frequency or the frequency-counter display. There is no coarse clarifier control.

Display, metering, and cooling

The 5-digit LED frequency counter and separate channel display help you identify the selected channel and frequency. The faceplate offers seven selectable backlight colors and a dimmer. The analog multifunction meter displays received signal strength, RF output, AM modulation and SWR; the SWR function is auto-calibrating and a separate high-SWR warning light alerts you to check the antenna system.

The amplifier assembly uses a heavy-duty heat sink. Leave room around the radio for ventilation and cable connections when choosing a mounting location.

Controls and connections

• Amp ON/OFF switch (the reason to buy this radio)
• Variable RF power output
• RF gain, mic gain, squelch, volume
• Echo / reverb variable control with talkback
• Switchable talkback (hear yourself through the speaker)
• Fine clarifier (RX only, ±1.0 kHz)
• Backlight color select + brightness dimmer
• NB/ANL noise blanker and automatic noise limiter
• PA output (rear-panel jack)
• Antenna warning light

What's in the box

• Ranger RCI-99N2 transceiver
• Ranger SRA-198NC 4-pin chrome noise-canceling microphone
• DC power cord
• Mounting bracket
• Ranger factory owner's manual

Specifications

• Type: 10 meter mobile amateur transceiver with integrated amp deck
• Frequency range: 28.315–29.660 MHz (manufacturer-listed amateur coverage)
• Modes: AM, USB, LSB, PA (no FM, no CW)
• RF output (amp ON): 200W+ PEP AM/SSB
• AM carrier: Approximately 10–50W with amp on / 0.5–5W with amp off
• Frequency control: PLL synthesizer
• Frequency stability: 0.001%; operating temperature –20°C to +50°C
• Clarifier: Fine RX only, ±1.0 kHz
• Antenna connector: SO-239, 50 ohm
• Microphone: Standard 4-pin connector with metal locking ring
• Power supply: 13.8V DC; 40A continuous supply recommended for base-station use
• Heat sink: Heavy-duty amplifier heat sink
• Metering: RF output, modulation, auto-calibrating SWR, high-SWR alert light
• Display: 5-digit LED frequency counter, 7-color selectable backlight, dimmer
• Dimensions: 7⅞" W × 11⅛" D × 3¼" H (manufacturer-listed dimensions)
• Warranty: Factory warranty support through Ranger USA

Recommended accessories

• Stryker SR-A10 CB/10-meter mobile antenna: tune for your intended operating frequency after installation
• DRX-9010 external speaker — the internal speaker is adequate; an external cabin speaker clears up SSB voice at road noise
• DRX-6560 extra noise-canceling microphone for the standard four-pin microphone connection

Complete RCI-99N2 Kits & Combos

• RCI-99N2 Audio Combo with DRX-9010 Speaker and DRX-6560 Extra Microphone: add an external speaker and a second noise-canceling microphone to the radio package.
• RCI-99N2 Truck Install Combo with Stryker SR-A10, DRX-3402 Mount and DRX-1518 Coax: combine the radio with an antenna, mirror mount and 18-foot coax cable for your installation. Check and adjust antenna SWR at the intended operating frequency.

Don't forget to add the Pro tune and alignment option at checkout so that your radio is professionally bench-tuned for best performance per the manufacturer's service manual.

10 meter licensing

Operating this amateur radio requires an FCC amateur radio license. Frequency, mode and power privileges depend on license class; the AMP ON/OFF setting does not change those requirements. See our 10 meter radio license guide before operating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the RCI-99N2 a CB radio?

No. The RCI-99N2 is a 10 meter amateur transceiver, not a Part 95 CB radio. It requires an appropriate amateur radio license and operation within the privileges of that license.

Does the RCI-99N2 have FM or CW?

No. Its radio operating modes are AM, USB and LSB. It also has a PA function for use with a separate PA speaker.

How does the amp on/off switch work?

The front-panel switch enables or disables the internal RF amplifier deck. With the amp off, adjustable AM carrier output is approximately 0.5–5W. With the amp on, the radio provides 200W+ PEP AM/SSB output. AM carrier and PEP are different measurements.

What power supply does the RCI-99N2 need?

Use a properly fused direct-to-battery connection for a vehicle installation. For base-station use, a regulated 13.8V DC supply rated for 40A continuous output is recommended. A cigarette-lighter socket is not an appropriate power connection for this radio.

What are the RCI-99N2 dimensions?

The manufacturer lists 7⅞ inches wide × 11⅛ inches deep × 3¼ inches high. Allow additional installation space for the mounting bracket, ventilation and cable bends.

Does the RCI-99N2 have a coarse clarifier?

No. It has a receive-only fine clarifier with ±1.0 kHz adjustment. The control changes the receive frequency without changing the transmit frequency or the frequency-counter display.

What antenna should I use?

Use an antenna suitable for the intended 10 meter operating frequency and the radio’s output power. The truck-install package includes a Stryker SR-A10 antenna, DRX-3402 mirror mount and DRX-1518 18-foot coax cable. Check and adjust antenna SWR after installation before transmitting.

Is Pro Tune and Alignment included automatically?

No. Pro Tune and Alignment is an optional service selected at checkout.

Is the noise-canceling microphone included?

Yes. The radio includes a Ranger SRA-198NC four-pin noise-canceling microphone. The audio combo adds a Driver Extreme DRX-6560 extra microphone and DRX-9010 external speaker.

Who provides warranty support?

Factory warranty support is provided by Ranger USA. Contact Ranger for the applicable warranty terms and service instructions.