RadioBanter - View Single Post

November 14th 03, 02:18 AM

(John) wrote in message . com...
(Diverd4777) wrote in message ...
Alee
Ditto:
Sangean 606A;
GREAT portable for program listening

I have used this model in Southeast Asia as well with great success
for BBC. But I wonder for my next month long trip coming up soon
about buying a model with single side band capability. Would this
give me reception of AFRTS SW broadcasts? Can those broadcasts be
picked up in Thailand/Cambodia/Vietnam? It looks like the main voice
channel has NPR and lots of interesting programming.

Yes, a portable with SSB capability would allow you to receive AFRTS
broadcasts, assuming those broadcasts are beamed to that area of the
world (check Passport to find out AFRTS coverage). I would suggest
you purchase a model with a clarifying control, one which will permit
you to resolve the signal received exactly. For instance, the RS
DX-398/Sangean 909 does not have a clarifying control. It resolves
SSB signals in 40Hz steps, which although not bad does sound somewhat
unnatural. As your intent is to listen to what amounts to broadcast
programming for hours on end, I think you would become fatigued
listening to the 398/909's slightly distorted SSB audio. The Sony
7600GR on the other hand has this control and SSB signals can be
resolved precisely such that the signals received sound totally
natural. The 7600GR's speaker is a little harsh to listen to, but
this shortcoming can be worked around either through the use of
headphones or by running the audio through a pair of unamplified
walkman or computer speakers. You might also look into the Degen
DE1102/Kaito KA1102, a new model which the 2004 Passport has given
high marks to. For one hundred smackers, this model sounds hard to
beat. As Passport says, nothing "...else under $100 with
single-sideband capability even comes close." This model is smaller
than the Sangean 606A, has a three inch speaker which has better than
average audio for its class, comes with a power adaptor, three
rechargeable batteries which recharge inside the radio, and very
clever, has a backlit display and keypad for nighttime operation. The
Kaito version comes with a 120V adaptor, the Degen with a 220V
adaptor. I'm mighty tempted to purchase one of these myself.

Regards,

Grumpus