Radio Review: C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioSports.com

As I write my review of C. Crane’s latest shortwave-capable radio, the CC Skywave SSB 2 pocket/portable radio, I can’t believe my ears. At just 3 in. x 4.75 in. x 1.1 in, this AM/FM/Weather/Weather Alert/Airband/Shortwave/Alarm radio proves once again that size doesn’t matter when it comes to big performance. Still, weighing in at just 6.7 oz (minus required two AA batteries), I did not expect this radio to sound as rich as it does.

What I did expect from the CC Skywave SSB 2 was great AM reception – a C. Crane trademark – and it delivers in spades. The FM reception and sound is also outstanding – nice sensitivity. Using the included CC Shortwave Reel Antenna, I was able to pull in shortwave stations in and admirable fashion. But this radio really showed its chops when I attached my exterior shortwave wire antenna, via the included adapter (two wire to mono plug type). Indeed, my antenna farm continues to grow as does my shack.

That’s not to say the CC Skywave SSB 2 doesn’t perform well with the reel or top-attached telescopic antenna – it does. But in order to truly showcase a portable radio, and hear stations you would otherwise miss out on, then you need an external antenna.

Speaking of versatility, the design team at C. Crane has outdone themselves with the CC Skywave SSB 2 portable. It’s hard to believe they’ve included the myriad of function keys and display features on such a small footprint. But this radio includes features you would expect only with larger, higher-priced portable multi-band/shortwave radios. And with the inclusion of a special built-in SSB mode, it’s now possible to pull in ham radio operators, and even global aviation, maritime, space and spy transmissions.

CC Skywave SSB 2: The Works

If the CC Skywave SSB 2 radio was a menu, it would offer the works – and more. The front panel features a 1.5-in. 25 Ohm speaker, but its 0.5 watts pack an adequate amount of punch – it is a small portable, after all. The lighted LCD display screen is plenty big enough – especially for a radio of this size. No fewer than 24 buttons, some with multiple functions, grace the front of this beauty which fits in the palm of your hand. It’s a pleasure to be able to bring a radio of this magnitude with you on the road. And its performance doesn’t disappoint.

This radio is one of the smallest multiband radios on the market today, and certainly for a radio this size, it outperforms any of the competition in my estimation. As part of the upgrades, the new shortwave antenna jack, as mentioned, provides enormously-improved pull-in of stations with an external antenna. In addition, a new micro-USB connector allows you to operate this radio from any USB port, and lets you charge two AA NiMH rechargeable batteries. The speaker is better than that of its predecessor, too. And, there are even longer feet on the bottom of this radio for improved stability. A rear flap/hinged stand allows you to rest the radio at an approximate 45-degree angle for optional viewing/listening.

Featuring a rotary dial, stereo headphone jack (sound is excellent with my Kenwood HS-5 communications headphones), clock, alarm, sleep timer, 400 memory presets, adjustable squelch, lighted LCD display and 9/10 kHz tuning, the CC Skywave SSB 2 operates for approximately 65 hours on battery power. Even if you store this radio, or lose battery power, you won’t lose the memory presets nor your stored frequencies and other settings. C. Crane says if you change batteries within 30 seconds, then you won’t lose your clock and alarm settings.

When you are tuning SSB stations, you can go to the slow 1kHz tuning mode by pressing the main dial inward and releasing. For all tuning, the up and down tuning buttons provide next frequency, or next-strong-station tuning when pressing and holding the up or down button for two seconds. Memory preset buttons 0-9 allow you to save your favourite stations – no need to manually save the mode i.e. stereo or mono, or FM versus AM: this radio saves modes automatically when saving favourite stations. And a page button allows you to save 10 additional stations per band via each memory page.

Other CC Skywave SSB 2 features include button choice of Music or Voice tones; 12/24-hour clock choice; scanning of your 10 favourite aviation bands; squelch adjustment; disabling of beep tones; and designation of frequency or clock while listening to the radio.

The included manual is what you would expect from C. Crane – well written and easy to understand the first time you read instructions. Don’t we wish all instruction manuals were written in this fashion?

The CC Skywave SSB 2 package includes this outstanding portable radio, carry case, reel antenna, CC Buds earbuds and shortwave wire antenna adaptor. It carries a MSRP price of $169.99 US.

What you compromise in size, you get back ten-fold with the CC Skywave SSB 2. You will compromise slightly on sound power and acoustics, as well as reception strength, compared to when using larger, more expensive portables. But perhaps the best feature of this radio is the fact you don’t have to compromise on solid performance and features in order to carry the ultimate travel radio. Pound for pound, it’s a winner.

For more information on the CC Skywave SSB 2 radio, visit ccrane.com.

CC Skywave SSB 2 Specs
Input Power: AC Adapter: 5V DC 1 Amp, 5W with micro USB Tip (not included)
Batteries: (2) AA (not included)
Power Consumption: 30-100 mA DC (depending on headphone, speaker usage, and volume)
Run Time (on batteries): ±70 hours (earbuds), ±60 Hours (built-in speaker)
Audio Output: 0.5 Watts
1/8″ Stereo Earphone Jack
Speaker Specifications: 1.5″, 25Ω, 0.5W
Frequency Coverage: AM: 520 – 1710 kHz (10 kHz Steps)
AM: 522 – 1620 kHz (9 kHz Steps – International)
FM: 87.5 – 108 MHz (Regular Mode)
FM: 76 – 108 MHz (When 9kHz is Selected)
Shortwave: 1711 – 29999 kHz
Aviation: 118 – 137 MHz
Weather Band: Ch. 1: 162.400 MHz
Ch. 2: 162.425 MHz
Ch. 3: 162.450 MHz
Ch. 4: 162.475 MHz
Ch. 5: 162.500 MHz
Ch. 6: 162.525 MHz
Ch. 7: 162.550 MHz
AM Antenna: Internal Ferrite Bar – 5.5mm High x 7.65mm Wide x 70mm (2.75″)Long
FM, Weather, Shortwave and Aviation Antenna: 21.5″ Whip Antenna
Presets: 400 Total
Lock Switch: Yes
Sleep Timer: 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 Minutes
Alarm: Yes
Clock: 12/24 Hour Format
Display: Lighted LCD
Dimensions: 4.8″ W x 3″ H x 1″ D
Weight: 6 Ozs. Without Batteries
Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty
Included Accessories: CC Earbuds
SkyWave SSB 2 Carry Case
CC SW Reel Antenna
SW Wire Antenna Adapter

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Award-winning journalist Jeffrey Reed is a life-long radio hobbyist/enthusiast, and a former lead contributing writer with Popular Communications, the world’s leading communications magazine published 1982-2013. Reach Jeffrey at jeff@londonontariosports.com.