Stryker SR-955HPC Review – Features Galore!

By: Jeremy Neisser

The highly anticipated Stryker SR-955HP made its debut in May 2012 after an extensive development process. The initial whispers about this radio began circulating more than two years prior, reflecting the dedication Stryker invested in collaborating with the factory. The objective was to engineer an SSB radio that would not only preserve the exceptional qualities of their previous AM radios but also offer enhanced SSB stability.

What to Expect in Terms of Features?

The Stryker SR-955HPC is equipped with an array of impressive features, including high-performance SSB operation and exceptional AM audio quality. This 10-meter radio also boasts an LED backlit faceplate with a selection of seven different colors to suit any preference.Looking for a lightweight CB radio? Well, you just found it because the Stryker SR-955HPC only weights around six pounds. Not only is it very light, but the radio is also compact so you won’t have any trouble finding a suitable place for it in your car.

The different color options provide operators with varying levels of intensity, allowing them to customize the lighting based on the time of day they are driving. This radio is an excellent choice for both amplitude modulation (AM) and single-sideband modulation (SSB). In fact, the Stryker SR-955HPC is quite unique, as it is difficult to find another radio at a similar price point that offers SSB functionality.

I like noticed the built-in microphone delivers exceptional quality and produces clear sound. In other words, there is no need to invest in a separate power microphone because the radio already provides an excellent one.

Although not technically a CB radio in its original state, the Stryker SR-955HPC can easily access CB channels through a few simple modifications. This powerful device operates on a user-friendly software platform based on Windows 7 64-bit. Packed with a range of impressive features such as power safety control and SWR cutoff, the Stryker SR-955HPC offers a seamless and enhanced user experience.

You can also use the software to customize and assign certain channel frequencies to each band. The radio is pretty quiet right off the bat but you can make it even quieter by cranking up the RF gain.

Software is now available for direct download from their website

Most of the radios you could find prior to the release of the Stryker SR-955HPC either worked well on AM or SSB but never both. Thanks to this radio, operators can now finally experience good performance on both AM and SSB, as well as FM.

The 60+ watts PEP output of the Stryker SR-955HPC allows for crystal clear signal reception. You can also expect a high degree of customization with this radio. An example is that you’re allowed to choose between various roger beeps by pressing a front panel switch.

FREQUENCY CONVERSION

To expand the frequency operation of the radio, a small resistor must be removed. This resistor is so tiny that it could easily fit under your fingernail. De-soldering this minuscule component requires a soldering iron with a very fine tip and keen eyesight.

I strongly advise against attempting to remove this resistor unless you are proficient with a soldering iron or have experience working with radios that use SMT (surface mount technology).

Before the conversion, the radio operates exclusively in a 10-meter mode, specifically for ham frequencies. However, after the conversion, its frequency range expands to 24.000 MHz to 30.0150 MHz.

RADIO LIGHTING AND COLORS

Upon powering on the radio, a brief two-second delay precedes any activity—a unique characteristic not observed in other radios. However, once it springs to life, its radiance becomes evident, as the vibrant backlighting illuminates the entire device. This luminosity is perhaps the radio's most striking feature.

Initially, it may seem slightly overwhelming, but fear not, as a dimming feature exists, which we shall explore shortly. The radio's labeling is exceptionally well-lit, allowing for effortless use during nighttime hours. Moreover, the front face of the radio is adorned with ambient lighting, complementing the digital frequency/channel and meter displays, harmonizing with the rest of the device's backlighting.

There are seven color options available: two shades of green, two shades of blue, a purple, a red, and a bluish-white color. Additionally, there is a feature that allows the radio to cycle through all the colors in a sequence. You can even adjust the time delay between each color change. Personally, I have never been particularly interested in the rotating light feature, but I must admit that this radio offers a delightful range of colors to choose from. It's refreshing to see a radio where the color consistency throughout the display is maintained.

As previously stated, the color display can be excessively bright at its highest level during nighttime. However, there is a convenient dim switch on the radio to alleviate this issue. By switching it to the DIM position, you can then use the channel knob to select from 31 levels of dimming. This allows you to set the brightness anywhere between super bright and completely off, catering to your preference.

The Features:

Starting on the left side of the face of the radio you’ll find three buttons.

FUNC – By clicking on this (function) button, you can access the function menu, which offers a variety of available options.

SCAN – By pressing this button, the radio initiates a scanning process to search for frequencies. It continues scanning until it detects a signal with sufficient strength to overcome the squelch.

COLOR – The button enables you to modify the display color or set the radio to cycle through a sequence of colors.

MON/PWR – This dual control knob features an adjustable talkback control on the inside. You have the freedom to set the talkback at your desired level or completely turn it off. The talkback functionality works exceptionally well, providing clear communication without being excessively loud. However, I did observe that occasionally, even when the talkback was switched off, I could faintly hear some residual talkback. I was uncertain whether this was caused by stray RF interference entering the speaker, but it was a minor issue and hardly noticeable.

The power variable can be placed anywhere you prefer and it functions in all modes. In AM, when set to the low position, it generates a carrier of 1-2 watts, while in the high position, it produces a carrier of 15 watts.

MODE SELECTOR – Adjacent to the MON/PWR control, you'll find the versatile mode selector. This allows you to effortlessly switch between AM, FM, LSB, USB, and PA modes, catering to your specific needs and preferences.

BAND/VFO Switch – The radio can be operated in either "band" mode, similar to other Export radios, or in "VFO" mode, which allows continuous tuning throughout the radio's frequency range. This versatile switch provides flexibility in how you control the radio's settings.

DIM/HIC Switch – This switch provides the ability to adjust the display brightness. When set to the DIM position, a menu option will appear. By using the channel changing knob, you can select the desired level of dimming. The High Intensity Control (HIC) is also included.a “hi-cut” feature and will cut out a lot of the high frequency hiss and noise.

ANL/NB – With the switch, you have the option to enable either the Automatic Noise Limiter (ANL) or the Noise Blanker (NB). When in the ANL position, it will activate the ANL function. However, in the NB position, it will activate both the ANL and NB functions simultaneously.

RB/PRG – The "roger beep" is activated when the RB position is selected. In the PRG position, you have the ability to customize the roger beep from a selection of five options. Additionally, you can manage the channels included in the scan mode by adding or deleting them as needed.

TSQ/ECH – The TSQ option is intended for activating a CTCSS board, but as there is no board installed, this position serves no function. On the other hand, the ECH option enables the echo when the switch is moved to this position. However, it's important to note that the echo settings still need to be adjusted using the echo knob controls.

VOL/SQ – The volume control (on/off) is adjusted using the inner knob, while the squelch control is located on the outer portion.

MIC/RF – The microphone gain control is located on the inner knob, while the RF gain adjustment can be found on the outer knob.

VOL/DEL – The volume control for echo effects is adjusted using the inside knob, while the outside knob is used to control the delay of the echo.

FIN/COA – The fine clarifier control is located on the inside knob, while the coarse clarifier control can be found on the outside.

FREQ – Changes frequency and also options in menu modes.

MENU OPTIONS

You can read through the Manual for all of the info.

FIN/COA – There are two menu modes available that enable you to adjust the range of the clarifier control. This provides the flexibility for the clarifiers to tune in various increments.

FinM – You have the option to use the fine clarifier for the RX, TX, or both.

CHS – This feature provides you with the ability to modify your channel settings.

PROGRAMMING OPTIONS

Scan – This feature empowers you to effortlessly add or remove frequencies from the scanning function, enhancing your control and flexibility.

RB – Allows you to choose between the different roger beeps.

SOFTWARE OPTIONS

As mentioned above, you can download the updated software from their website. 

RECEIVE

The reception on the Stryker is excellent, although it does have a noticeable amount of background noise. The newer radios with these updated boards appear to have a high sensitivity to reception, often requiring the RF gain to be set at around 3/4 as the standard. They are susceptible to picking up electrical interference, so if you live near neon signs or dense power lines, you may experience more noise. Additionally, these radios are prone to bleedover, which is something to consider if you are located near high-power stations or if you are a truck driver.

The SSB receive is great and with no drift after a one-minute warmup the radio stays on frequency and stations sound natural through the speaker.

TRANSMIT/SEND

The Stryker 955HP boasts impressive power output, delivering 75-85 watts on SSB and approximately 65 watts on AM. This radio maintains frequency accuracy even during lengthy conversations. While the heat sink may become quite warm, I observed no stability issues and only a slight decrease in wattage when the radio heated up.

AUDIO/MODULATION

The stock microphone on this radio is fantastic. I experimented with different microphones, but everyone insisted that I stick with the stock one. Despite its inexpensive build, the audio reports were exceptional. I received an abundance of positive feedback on the air, with people repeatedly inquiring about the type of radio I was using.

The AM audio quality of this radio was impressive. While it may not have been as loud as some other Strykers I've used, it definitely outperformed many of the SSB exports I've tried. On SSB, this radio truly excelled, delivering punchy, crisp, loud, clean, and natural-sounding audio. When I listened to my recorded transmissions, I was genuinely amazed by the exceptional sound quality of this radio.

FREQUENCY STABILITY

This radio demonstrates exceptional stability, exhibiting no discernible frequency drift throughout its operation. I did observe a very minimal amount during the warm-up phase (1-2 minutes), but after that, it remained perfectly stationary. Both the RX and TX were precise, requiring no adjustments during all of my testing.

What's Inside

Once you remove the covers, you will notice that the inside of the radio utilizes SMT (surface mount technology). The pots within the radio are all clearly labeled, making it easy to identify the adjustment points. However, achieving excellent sound quality on the air requires very little tuning, if any.

While adjustments to the internals can slightly increase output, significant changes in audio are unlikely. Initially, a minor adjustment may be necessary to raise the SSB output to around 70-80 watts and to enhance the AM swing slightly.

However, for the most part, there should be minimal need to tamper with the internal components of this radio.

No tuning or alignment is truly necessary right out of the box, so there is no need to pay for an "alignment" service from a CB shop. If you are not comfortable making adjustments yourself, a skilled technician can assist in optimizing power and audio for increased output and swing.

PROS

SSB Stability – The utilization of cutting-edge technology in the Stryker 955HP has resulted in a radio that exhibits negligible drift, rendering it inconsequential. This development holds significant value for SSB operators who rely on export radios.

Output – This SSB radio is capable of tuning up to approximately 85+ watts (although some reports suggest it may reach up to 100 watts, I haven't personally witnessed it). These output numbers make it an excellent choice for operators who prefer not to use a linear amplifier. The output is consistently smooth and reliable, and while the AM output doesn't quite match the SSB numbers in my testing, it should still be sufficient for local communication and even some long-distance contacts.

Controls and Design – The Stryker radio strives to stay true to its origins. While the radio offers programming and menu options, its interface remains reminiscent of older exports. The user-friendly controls and design cater to CB enthusiasts, striking a balance between nostalgia and modernity. This blend of old-school charm and contemporary features makes the radio a winning choice for those seeking the best of both worlds.

Microphone – It is quite uncommon for the stock microphone to be the optimal choice for any radio. However, in my extensive testing with different microphones, it surprisingly outperformed my power mikes and desk mikes. Therefore, I must commend Stryker for their accomplishment in enhancing the sound quality of their stock microphone on their radio.

Audio – The AM and SSB audio on this radio is truly remarkable. It surpasses all others in the export market, boasting loud, clean, and punchy audio that sounds incredibly natural.

CONS

Oversensitive Receive – When operating the radio with the RF gain turned down, you may experience challenges, especially in urban areas or places with high electrical noise. Additionally, these radios can be prone to bleedover, causing nearby AM signals to interfere with SSB reception. If you reside in a city or commute through downtown areas regularly, it is worth considering these factors. It is important to note that if you already face reception issues with a radio like the Cobra 2000 due to noise, acquiring this radio may not improve your situation.

Price – This radio comes with a hefty price tag, ranging from $379 to $399 depending on the retailer. If you're willing to spend around $400. It seems that Stryker is counting on the die-hard export radio enthusiasts to justify the premium cost of a radio packed with these features.

Conclusion

Stryker accomplished something remarkable with this radio by actively listening to their customer base. While the radio took a while to develop, they successfully merged the user-friendliness and features of the older export radios with the enhanced power, software options, and frequency stability of the newer models.

Although some have criticized the different roger beeps, echo, and colors, claiming it leans more towards being a trucker radio than a serious SSB radio, Stryker understands their customers and included the necessary functions to appeal to a wide range of users. Notably, the SSB audio on this radio surpasses that of most exports I've tested, even outperforming some of my Ham rigs. This suggests that it has the potential to be a top-notch SSB rig.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that there isn't a one-size-fits-all perfect radio for everyone. However, for many fans of export radios, if this radio falls within their budget, they will undoubtedly appreciate its robust output and pristine SSB audio quality.