The Galaxy DX-959 has been in the market for quite some time now. Galaxy continues to impress their loyalists with features such as the particularly large meter, which you cannot miss while in the presence of this CB. On top of that, it comes with other favorites like GNF and configurable roger beeps making it a favorite pick for many aspiring CB owners. Galaxy dedicated their time to the unit and the results show it. Most users are impressed with its performance and reliability, but there’s much more to the radio than what meets the eye.
Quick Summary
Best Features
- Large and easy-to-read meter
- Five-digit frequency counter
- Variable dimmer control
- Automatic SWR circuit and an SWR alert LED
- Scales for power output, modulation and SWR
- Galaxy Noise Filter (GNF)
- Roger Beep with on/off switch
What’s in The Box
- Radio
- Handheld Microphone
- Radio Mounting Bracket
- Microphone Mounting Hardware
- Power Cord
- Owner’s Manual
Useful Specifications
- Dimension: 9.2 (L) x 7.9 (W) x 2.4 (H) inches
- Weight: 4.4 lbs.
Why Do We Like It?
The Galaxy DX-959 has the punchy and loud audio Galaxy radios are known for. Even with the AMC turned up high, the SSB radio was loud and clear. Adding a power microphone will improve the experience further. All this makes for easy and pleasant communication. This alone makes it worthwhile to purchase the DX-959 but there is more.
This radio has many other features such as an end-of-transmission roger beep, variable output power, high-SWR alert, mic gain RF gain, PA, automatic SWR calibration and long-range SSB operations. Because SSB transmissions utilize frequencies on either side of the standard 40 CB channels, owners of the Galaxy DX-959 can legally transmit at 12 watts instead of the usual four.
We were also impressed by the Galaxy DX-959’s compatibility. For starters, this radio is compatible with all CB antennas on the market. Also, it employs the “U” mounting bracket system, making it a breeze to mount to any flat surface. This gives users the flexibility to look for the most suitable place to mount the unit in a cabin.
Key Features of The Galaxy DX 959
PA Capable
You can use the Galaxy DX-959 as a PA system. It is equipped with a microphone gain control feature, for controlling the microphone’s volume. This is quite handy as it allows the PA system to be loud or quiet, as you desire. The rear panel of the radio has connection jacks for external speaker connections and other public address system accessories needed.
Multi-Mode
The DX-959 comes with a multi-mode functionality which gives it the capability to handle both AM and SSB. Many confuse or label this functionality as a mere addition of frequencies or channels, but this is not the case. It is a different mode, in which you can use on the same frequencies. It operates by suppressing the carrier signal and then using just half the AM signal. This allows the radio to give you two modes; lower and upper sideband.
Built-In SWR Meter
This is a neat feature that avid CB users will appreciate. Built in SWR meters on CB radios are not always as accurate as standalone SWR meters. As such, professional installers always prefer to set up an antenna using standalone SWR meters. However, having a built-in one is handy to keep an eye on things. This is because CB radio antennas aren’t necessarily “set and forget” items. They demand attention and when you need to take care of them, there is never an SWR meter in sight. This is why having a built-in SWR meter is so handy.
Dimmer
This CB/SSB radio features an adjustable display brightness function. It has a dedicated button which also doubles as a rotary switch, to control multiple levels of brightness. Pushing the button will turn off the dimming function off completely. It comes in handy when you are using the CB while driving at night or in any other tricky environmental conditions.
Configurable Roger Beep/Tone
The DX-959 has a switch that can be used to set the roger tone to either low, medium, or high. This comes in handy in situations where there is a lot of static. Also, as the operator, you are able to adjust how loud you want the tone to be; sounds can be quite annoying on some occasions and having the ability to adjust them makes this CB much better. For those who do not know, roger tone is added to the end of each transmission to signal the listener that you have finished speaking. Pushing the Mic Gain knob turns it on and off.
Pros of the Galaxy DX 959
- Long range and the reception are excellent
- Advanced PA system
- An inbuilt SWR meter
- Illuminated display
- High-quality audio
Cons of the Galaxy DX 959
- Control knobs are of poor quality
- Not recommended for heavy industrial use
Final Verdict
The Galaxy DX 959 is equipped with more bells and whistles relative to other CB’s on the market. Most importantly, the features are all useful to avid CB users. Features such as the variable power and talkback now come built into the system. It is also jam packed with all the other important features such as backlit displays, SWR meter and many more.
This receiver is sensitive with nice clear transmit coupled with great modulation, making for a great communication experience. Galaxy went all in with this unit, and it explains why the Galaxy DX 959 has been one of the best-selling radios ever for the company.
We would thus recommend the Galaxy DX 959 for users who want long-range SSB communications in a full-featured radio. It is best used in semis, pick-ups and other vehicles with ample room for mounting a full-sized radio. The Galaxy DX 959 may not be the best CB radio for industrial or high-impact use, but, other than this, the radio is perfect. Seriously though, this radio excels in nearly all departments that are important to any CB radio user.