You’ll get a compact, FCC‑legal 40‑channel AM/FM CB that’s built for simple installation and reliable short‑range comms. It includes the TXUS004 unit, electret mic with 6‑pin plug, cradle, screws, support bracket and fused power cord in a metal chassis with secure mic socket. It runs 13.8 V at 50 Ω with fixed 4 W carrier, LED channel display, scan and squelch, and usable range to about 3 miles depending on antenna and terrain. Continue for full specs and installation tips.
Some Key Takeaways
- The President Ted is a compact FCC‑legal 40‑channel AM/FM CB with fixed 4 W carrier power and 13.8 V operation.
- It includes an electret mic with PTT, mounting cradle, fused power cord, and SO‑239 antenna socket for 50 Ω coax.
- Reception sensitivity is strong (0.5 μV AM, 0.35 μV FM), yielding clear local and short‑range communications.
- Installation is straightforward with supplied hardware, front‑panel squelch/scan, and emergency channel access.
- Best for drivers, RVers, and hobbyists wanting portability and simplicity over DSP, higher power, or ruggedization.
What the President Ted CB Radio Includes and How It’s Built
Although it’s compact, the President Ted comes packaged with everything you need to install and operate a basic CB setup: the TXUS004 unit, an electret microphone with a 6‑pin plug, a mounting cradle and screws, a fused power cord, and a support bracket. You’ll find included accessories sufficient for immediate installation and basic operation. Build quality is utilitarian: a metal chassis with a molded front, consistent connectors, and a secure microphone socket. Controls and LED display sit flush; tolerances are tight for the size. You’ll get a lightweight, well-assembled radio that’s ready for typical mobile or fixed mounting.
Key Specs That Matter for Daily Use (Channels, Power, Range, and Controls)
Now that you know what’s in the box and how the unit is built, let’s look at the specs that determine everyday performance. You get 40 AM/FM channels; channel selectability is straightforward via the LED display and scan function. Power output is fixed at 4 W carrier, matching FCC limits for compact CBs. Range estimation tops out near 3 miles under typical conditions—terrain and antenna affect that. Control layout is compact: PTT on the electret microphone, front‑panel scan, squelch, TOT and key‑beep buttons, plus emergency channel access. Operating voltage is 13.8 V; impedance 50 ohms. This compact, weather‑focused approach makes it a practical choice for beach weather radios used in coastal and outdoor settings.
Real‑World Performance: Reception, Transmission, and Ease of Use
When you put the President Ted on the air, reception is clear and stable for local contacts and short-range skip, with the 20 dB SINAD sensitivity figures (0.5 μV AM, 0.35 μV FM) translating into reliable pick-up of weak signals in typical conditions. You’ll notice consistent signal clarity across AM and FM, limited only by propagation and antenna setup. Transmission delivers clean audio at the rated 4 W carrier power with low spurious emissions. The compact user interface, LED display, simple scan and squelch controls, plus PTT and TOT, make operation straightforward for routine use. For beach outings and coastal use, pairing the radio with a sturdy beach tripod can help keep your antenna steady on sand and surf.
Installation, Accessories, and Compatibility With Antennas
If you mount the President Ted correctly and pair it with a suitable antenna, you’ll get the best performance from its compact 50‑ohm RF interface and 4 W output. You’ll install the unit using the supplied mounting cradle and screws or opt for dash/bracket alternatives; mounting options include fixed under‑dash or removable cradle placement. Connect the fused power cord to a 13.8 V source following polarity and grounding best practices. Use standard SO‑239/PL‑259 antenna connections and quality coax; coax compatibility with 50 Ω feedlines is required to maintain SWR and transmission efficiency. Included mic and support match standard CB fittings.
Who Should Buy the President Ted and How It Compares to Alternatives
Because it’s compact and straightforward, the President Ted suits users who need basic, legal‑limit AM/FM CB capability in a small package—think urban drivers, RVers, or hobbyists who value low weight, simple installation, and compatibility with standard 50 Ω antennas. You’ll find it ideal if you’re a compact traveler or urban commuter seeking 40‑channel AM/FM operation, modest 4 W carrier power, and up to ~3 mile talk range without complex features. Compared with full‑size rigs, it trades advanced DSP, higher power, and water resistance for portability and lower cost. Choose it for simplicity; opt for alternatives if you need range or ruggedization. It’s a good match for users who also want to stay connected in outdoor, beachfront, or similar environments with waterproof walkie talkies.
Some Questions Answered
Does the Unit Include a Removable Faceplate for Security?
No — it doesn’t include a removable panel as a security feature. You get the compact unit, microphone, mounting cradle, screws and fused power cord, but no detachable faceplate for theft deterrence. The radio offers standard controls, LED display and security-related functions like emergency channels and TOT, yet physical anti-theft capability via a removable panel isn’t provided. You’ll need separate theft-prevention hardware or mounting techniques.
Is a Microphone Extension Cable Included or Available Separately?
No — a microphone extension cable isn’t included. You’ll use the supplied electret microphone with its 6‑pin plug; the radio has external microphone extension compatibility, so you can add a separate external microphone extension cable. When buying, match the 6‑pin connector and 50‑ohm impedance to guarantee proper PTT and audio function. Check cable length, shielding, and connector wiring diagram for compatibility with other microphones and accessories before purchase.
Can Firmware or Channel Settings Be Backed up or Updated?
No — you can’t perform firmware backup or channel cloning on this unit. The radio has no user-accessible firmware update port or memory-export feature, so you can’t back up settings or clone channels digitally. You’ll need to manually note channels and settings or reprogram them by hand. For fleet cloning or firmware updates, contact President Electronics support to confirm service options or proprietary tools that a dealer or service center might offer.
Does the Radio Support Weather Alerts or NOAA Channels?
No — it doesn’t support NOAA weather channels or weather alerts. You’ll get standard 40 AM/FM CB channels only; there’s no built‑in weather channels receiver or alert compatibility. The unit provides LED display, scan, and emergency channel markers, but it won’t decode NOAA/Weather Radio broadcasts or trigger weather alert tones. For weather channels and alert compatibility, you’ll need a dedicated NOAA/weather radio or a communications receiver with that feature.
Are Hands‑Free or Bluetooth Accessories Compatible?
No, the unit doesn’t natively support Bluetooth pairing or built‑in voice control. You can use wired hands‑free accessories via the 6‑pin microphone jack and PTT functions, and third‑party Bluetooth adapters that convert microphone/aux lines may work but will vary in latency and functionality. If you need true wireless Bluetooth pairing or integrated voice control, you’ll want a different model or external interface that explicitly supports those features and matches the radio’s 50Ω impedance.
