Answers to those most often asked questions
General Questions
1. Can I buy direct from Ranger?
Ranger Communications has seperate divisions within the company. The commercial line of products may be purchased direct. However, both the Ranger Communications, Inc. (RCI- Series) Amateur products and the Texas Ranger (TR- Series ) line of CB products are sold only through a network of Ranger Authorized Dealers (RADs). Ranger does not sell these products factory direct. We will be happy to make available direct any parts, accessories, repair and/or service that you may require.
2. But I don't have a dealer in my town, can I now buy direct?
Ranger's strong commitment to our dealer network simply prevents us from selling direct to the consumer. However, if you will call, we will be happy to supply the name of your nearest Ranger dealer. You can also click here "Dealer Links" for a list of online dealers. However, this is a list of only the Ranger Dealers that have web sites featuring Ranger products. Many are equipped to take your order on-line from the internet.
3. If I purchase a radio from a dealer, can Ranger ship it directly to me?
Ranger can only ship it's products directly to the dealer. We are unable, at this time, to drop ship to the consumer market.
4. How do I send my radio in for repair?
1. Simply call Ranger Communications for an RA #.
2. Attach a letter to the radio being returned with a brief explanation of the problems you are having. Note on letter the RA # you received in step 1.
3. Place letter on top of radio.
4. If the radio is covered under warranty, you must enclose a copy of your receipt or proof of purchase - warranty covers manufacturers defects only. Radios that are under warranty will be repaired or replaced and shipped to you at no charge.
5. If the unit is no longer covered under warranty, you may prepay by credit card - Ranger accepts Mastercard, Visa, and Discover only. Be sure to include: type of credit card to be used, credit card number, expiration date and cardholder name within the letter. Ranger will also ship COD - money order or cashiers check only.
6. Carefully pack radio in suitable size box .
7. Using UPS or RPS, ship radio to:
Ranger Communications,
ATTN: Service Department,
401 W. 35th Street, Suite B,
National City, CA., 91950.
8. Be sure to write the RA # plainly on the top of shipping box.
5. How long before I receive it back? What is the turn around time for repairs?
The current turn around time period is about 2 weeks after we receive the unit. Once we ship your repair, experience has shown us the following estimated shipping times ( including weekends ): East Coast: 7-8 days; Mid West: 5-7 days; Mountain States area: 3-5 days; West Coast: 1-3 days.
6. What are the payment arrangements or terms for parts and/or service repair?
Ranger accepts most major credit cards ( American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and Discover ) or will ship COD - money order or cashiers check only.
7. When I order parts, how long before I receive my order?
Obviously this depends on what part of the US you are in. Once we ship the order, we have no control over the delivery schedule. However, experience has shown us the following estimated shipping times: East Coast: 7-8 days ( including weekends ), Mid West: 5-7 days ( including weekends ), Mountain States area: 3-5 days ( including weekends ), West Coast: 1-3 days ( including weekends ).
8. Do you service Galaxy, RG-99, etc. radios?
We receive calls regarding other radios including the Galaxy, Galaxy DX, RG-XX line, General, and Connex for parts and service. To help unravel any confusion: yes, Ranger manufactures the radios for these companies, but under a strict private label agreement, often times at a different factory. However, under that agreement, we (RCI - Ranger USA) do not sell, warranty, service or handle parts, for those products and are not affiliated with them in any other way. The respective companies maintain and service their own products.
9. I would like to install a different mic, can I get the wiring diagram for my radio?
Sure, and to make matters even easier, Ranger has a special web page that will give you the pin-out wirings for each of the different microphones that we use. You can see them at Microphone Wiring.
10. What power supply should I buy if I want to use my mobile radio at home as a bast station?
A good quality power supply will make all the difference in using mobile transceivers as double duty for base stations. In your selection of a power supply, please be aware that some "switching type" power supplies can introduce noise into the radio. As a guide, below is an example of the power supplies suggested for the different mobile radios that Ranger has available.
Ranger Model Current Draw Power Supply All CB mobiles 1.0 Amp Astron RS-3A or equivilent RCI-2950 DX 3.8 Amps Astron RS-5A or equivilent RCI-2970 DX 18 Amps Astron RS-20A or equivilent RCI-5054 DX 3.8 Amps Astron RS-5A or equivilent RCI-6300 FHP/F25 3.8 Amps Astron RS-5A or equivilent RCI-6300 FTB 18 Amps Astron RS-20A or equivilent RCI-6900 FHP 3.8 Amps Astron RS-5A or equivilent RCI-6900 FTB 18 Amps Astron RS-20A or equivilent
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Amateur Related Questions
1. What's the difference between the RCI-6900 and the RCI-2950DX?
There are quite a few differences. Aside from the styling and case design, first is the display: the 2950DX has a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) readout, the 6900 has a LED (light Emitting Diode) readout. The 2950DX frequency range is 28.000 - 29.699 MHz, the 6900 range is 28.245 - 29.655. (NOTE: With the introduction of the new RCI-2950DX, the frequency range was expanded to include the 12 meter band of 24.8900 - 24.9900 MHz. ) Most of the functions for the 2950DX are accessed through push buttons, while for the 6900 it is with conventional knobs. The RCI-2950DX has 10 programmable memory channels, and a scan feature. The RCI-2950DX is micro-processor controlled, while the RCI-6900 is not. The RCI-6900 series has the addition of adjustable echo and talk back. If you would like to compare the features of all the radios, please see the Amateur Comparison Chart for a full list of features, listed side-by-side, of the various models of Ranger Amateur radios.
2. Does Ranger sell the 2960?
No, the 2960 is not an RCI product. This model was manufactured by Ranger as a special private label radio that accidentally had the RCI name printed on the radio. This proved to be rather confusing within the market place to customers. To lessen the confusion and clear up that area, RCI acquired the remaining 2960F radios (not the 2960's) and marketed them on a limited availability basis, with full warranty from Ranger. The radios were functionally & electronically identical to the TR-6900FJB ( replaced by the RCI-6900 Series ) with the case appearance similar to the TR-296F.
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Citizens Band Related Questions
1. What's the difference between the TR-396F and the TR-696F?
Mainly, the TR-396F is an AM only radio, while the TR-696F has both AM and SSB. Additionally, the TR-396F has Roger beep, but the TR-696F does not. You may also refer to the CB Comparison Chart for a full list of features, listed side-by-side, of the various models of Ranger CB radios.
2. Can the TR-121 be modified?
No, the TR-121 is not able to have modifications performed on it. Also see item #3 below.
3. Which models of Ranger radios can be modified?
While Ranger is aware that modifications are performed on some models of the radios that we manufacturer, Ranger does not condone, assist, or authorize any frequency or power related modifications. Expanding the frequency coverage or increasing the power output is against the FCC regulations for the type accepted radios TR line of CB radios, and voids the warranty.
4. Which one of the Ranger radios is closest the the Cobra 29?
The new TR-900 Series offers a model that is very similar to the Cobra 29, but with improved technology. Within the radio you can have additional features that the Cobra 29 does not offer such as Talk Back and Roger Beep. Read about this radio at TR-900 Series and find out how this model better can serve your needs.
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Technical Service Related Questions
1. Do you have manuals for all radios?
All owners/operators manuals are available from Ranger. Complete service manuals are available for the following products:
Amateur Radio
- RCI-2950/2970 Series of Amateur Radios - Part # DOC-3120-F91
- RCI-2950DX/2970DX Series of Amateur Radios - Part # AT2950040A
- RCI-2980/2990 Series of Amateur Radios - Part # DOC-3120-F91 + Schematic for 2980/2990
- RCI-2985DX/2995DX Series of Amateur Radios - Part # AT299504A
- RCI-5054DX/5054DX-100 Series of Amateur Radios - Part # AT5054040A
- RCI-6300 Series of Amateur Radios (FHP & FTB ) - Part # DOC-6300-500
- RCI-6900 Series of Amateur Radios (FHP & FTB ) - Part # DOC-6900-500
Citizens Band Radio
- TR-296 Series of CB Radios ( All Models ) - Part # AT0296040A
- TR-396F / 696F Series CB Radios - Part # AT0696040A
- TR-696F SSB Base Station CB Radio - Part # ATSSBF040A
- TR-939WX/969WX Series CB Radio - Part # AT0699040A
Business Band
2. Can I get the alignment instructions for the RCI-2950?- RCI-1000 / 1001 Series of Handheld VHF Radios ( All Models ) - Part # DOC-1193-D96
- RCI-7100 Programmable Handheld Radio - Part # DOC-7100-VHF
Also some of the manuals above are available for you to download and use from our Web Site Support page. Not all manuals are available at this time, but we will be adding new manuals as they are available and plan on having the complete list available. Some selections include both Adobe .pdf and MS Word format.
Yes, and you can have them now! As a matter of fact, you can view all the models on-line at our Web Site Support page.
3. Do you have complete parts list and prices?
Not available for general publication, as our complete list is over 150 pages long. With the introduction of 11 new radios since the middle of 2000, this increased the length of our parts. A complete parts list for a specific model is available within the service manuals for that model radio.
4. Can we get large workbench size schematics?
Yes, we now have available 24" X 36" wall mount schematics of the RCI-6300 and the RCI-6900. And to compliment them, we have matching drawings of the PCB - both component side and foil side ( 2 color ) available. All are printed on heavy duty paper designed to with stand the rigors of shop use. Please call for more information.
5. Do you have any information about modifying the radios?
Ranger does not support nor condone any modifications to Ranger radios. Expanding the frequency coverage or increasing the power output is against the FCC regulations for these radios, and voids the warranty on these units.
6. How do I receive technical assistance on repair of my radio?
Ranger only offers technical assistance for repairing your radio via email. You may contact us at: techsupport@rangerusa.com .
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Which models of the FRS radios do you make?
Ranger does not manufacturer, nor service, any of the FRS ( Family Radio Service ) lines of radios. For a short period of time, there were some FRS radios being sold at one of the large discount chain stores with the Ranger name on it. Ranger did not manufacturer this unit and it was stopped. We do however, manufacturer the RCI-1000 Series radios which provide a longer distance of coverage. You may find more information about them at RCI-1000
RCI Home
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Ranger Communications, Inc. 401 W. 35th Street National City, CA 91950-7909 |
| Hours of Operation - Mon-Fri | Technical Support Hours - Mon-Fri | Local Telephone | Fax Number |
| 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time |
10:00 AM
- 12:00 PM and |
(619) 426-6440 | (619) 426-3788 |