SuperStar SS-158VC6 High-Power 10-Meter Amateur Radio

The SuperStar SS-158VC6 is a full-size 10-meter amateur mobile transceiver built by Ranger USA on a traditional through-hole main board, engineered for licensed amateur operators who need serious RF power in a mobile chassis. It runs all four modes — AM, FM, USB, LSB, plus CW — across the 28.245–29.655 MHz 10-meter band, with a built-in 400W final amplifier stage, dual internal cooling (rear-mounted fan plus louvered heatsink airflow), and a six-digit frequency counter that reads directly off the PLL. Ships with the Ranger SRA-198NC noise-cancelling 4-pin dynamic microphone.

SS-158VC6 buyers pick this radio when they want a true high-power all-mode mobile — SSB voice quality, AM/FM flexibility, CW capability, and enough RF headroom to drive a properly tuned 102″ whip or Stryker SR-A10 without an external amplifier. The chrome front panel and cool-white LED meter/display lighting keep the classic Ranger high-power mobile look, and the auto-dim photo sensor drops brightness at night so the faceplate doesn't wash out the cab.

Key features

• All-mode 10-meter amateur transceiver: AM / FM / USB / LSB / CW
• Built-in 400W final amplifier
• Rated output: 200W AM / FM / CW, 400W PEP SSB, 400W PEP AM
• 240 channels across 28.245–29.655 MHz
• Phase-Lock-Loop (PLL) synthesizer, 0.001% frequency stability
• Six-digit built-in frequency counter
• Fine and coarse clarifier (RIT) control
• Variable RF power output — deadkey adjustable from the front panel
• Variable talkback with on/off
• Built-in echo with time-setting control
• Roger Beep
• NB (Noise Blanker) and ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter)
• Multi-function meter — signal strength, RF output, SWR, modulation
• Auto-dim brightness sensor for day/night use
• Cool-white LED meter and display lighting
• Classic chrome front panel
• Rear cooling fan plus louvered top cover for internal airflow
• External speaker jack, 3.5mm TS, 8Ω
• SO-239 antenna connector, 50Ω
• 4-pin locking-ring microphone jack (standard 4-pin CB pinout)
• Ships with Ranger SRA-198NC noise-cancelling dynamic mic, power cord, mounting bracket, mic clip

Specifications

• Frequency range: 28.245 – 29.655 MHz (10-meter amateur band)
• Channels: 240
• Modes: AM / FM / USB / LSB / CW
• RF output: 200W AM/FM/CW, 400W PEP SSB, 400W PEP AM
• Frequency control: Phase-Lock-Loop (PLL) synthesizer
• Frequency stability: 0.001% (–30°C to +50°C)
• Antenna impedance / connector: 50Ω / SO-239
• Input voltage: 13.8V DC
• Audio output: 2.5W @ 10% THD
• Receiver sensitivity: AM/CW <1.0 μV (10 dB S+N/N), FM <0.5 μV (20 dB S+N/N), SSB <0.25 μV (10 dB S+N/N)
• Image rejection: >65 dB
• Squelch sensitivity: <0.5 μV
• Dimensions: 8.26″ W × 11.02″ D × 3.54″ H
• Weight: 7.94 lbs
• Microphone: Included — Ranger SRA-198NC noise-cancelling dynamic, 4-pin

Complete SS-158VC6 kits & combos

Save on the SS-158VC6 paired with the accessories most owners install with it:

• SS-158VC6 + DRX-9010 speaker + DRX-6560 noise-cancelling mic (audio combo) — upgrade the receive audio and the mic in one package.
• SS-158VC6 + Stryker SR-A10 antenna + DRX-3402 mirror mount + DRX-1518 18ft M213 coax (truck install combo) — everything a Class 8 install needs paired to the radio.

Related SuperStar 10-meter radios

The SS-158VC6 sits at the top of the SuperStar 10-meter mobile lineup. Owners cross-shopping it usually consider:

• SuperStar SS-99VHP — 100W high-power AM/FM/SSB in a full-size chassis
• SuperStar SS-148 Pro — 300W all-mode with external amplifier
• SuperStar SS-676 — slim 80W AM/FM/PA
• SuperStar SS-656 — compact AM/FM/PA

Licensing and legal use

The SS-158VC6 operates on the 10-meter amateur (ham) radio band and requires a current FCC amateur radio license for transmit use. This is not a Part 95 CB radio and is not authorized for CB use. Learn more about licensing on our 10-meter radio licensing page.

Optional at checkout — Pro Tune and Alignment

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.

Frequently asked questions

What band does the SS-158VC6 operate on?

The SS-158VC6 is a 10-meter amateur radio operating on 28.245–29.655 MHz. It is not a CB radio and is not authorized for CB (11-meter) use. Operation requires a current FCC amateur radio license.

How much power does the SS-158VC6 put out?

The SS-158VC6 is rated for 200W on AM, FM, and CW, and 400W PEP on SSB. Peak output on AM is also 400W PEP. RF power is variable from the front panel via the deadkey control.

What modes does the SS-158VC6 support?

All-mode: AM, FM, upper sideband (USB), lower sideband (LSB), and CW.

Does the SS-158VC6 include a microphone?

Yes. It ships with the Ranger SRA-198NC 4-pin noise-cancelling dynamic microphone, which is Ranger's standard high-end noise-cancelling mic. The 4-pin connector uses the standard Cobra/Uniden/Ranger CB pinout, so most aftermarket 4-pin mics are drop-in compatible.

What antenna should I run with the SS-158VC6?

The SS-158VC6 uses a standard SO-239 antenna connector and is designed for 50Ω. Because it can push up to 400W PEP, we recommend antennas rated for high-power service — the Stryker SR-A10 (10,000W rating), a 102″ stainless whip like the Hustler IC56, or a properly SWR-tuned base-station antenna. Our SS-158VC6 truck install combo pairs it with the SR-A10 as a matched high-power kit.

What are the physical dimensions of the SS-158VC6?

The SS-158VC6 measures 8.26″ wide × 11.02″ deep × 3.54″ tall and weighs 7.94 lbs. It is a full-size mobile chassis, larger than compact 10-meter radios like the SS-676 or SS-399, so plan mounting accordingly.

Do I need a license to transmit on the SS-158VC6?

Yes. Transmit use on the 10-meter amateur band requires a current FCC amateur (ham) radio license — Technician class is the entry-level license that grants privileges on 28.3–28.5 MHz SSB and Technician-class privileges on portions of 10 meters. General class or higher grants full 10-meter privileges. See our 10-meter licensing page for details.

Should I add the Pro Tune and Alignment option at checkout?

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.