"DeWayne" wrote in message
...
Sangean's top of the line ATS-909/DX-398 is well known to have had
problems
with lock-ups. My question is, is Sangean still shipping brand new 909's
with these same problems that have been known about for years? The 909 is
not a 'cheap' radio. They sell for well over $200. I would be very
interested to know if anyone has purchased a recent brand new 909 with any
of the well known problems they have had for several years. If Sangean is
selling new defective radios, I would have to ask do most manufacturers do
this? We have been discussing this topic in the DX-398 Yahoo group. One
person is having a real problem with his DX-398. He has not been getting
much help, even from Sangean. He has tried most of the common 'fixes' but
without remedy. These are very popular radios and I hope someone has some
info to help us out. And I would really like to know what, if anything,
Sangean has done to help us. Or is Sangean still selling defective 909's?
Thanks!

DeWayne


DeWayne, I've been reading that as well. That guy has a broken radio, and
doesn't seem to want to face the fact. But instead, wants some sort of
"magic" fix because the light comes on, but there isn't any sound, etc. The
sooner he sends his radio off, the sooner he'll get it back.

First thing, the "lock-ups" are not "common." I've had a 909 for some time
now, and have never had any problem at all (through a LOT of use). However,
if one does occur, Sangean thoughtfully put a "reset" switch onboard to fix
it. It works, but may reset your memories to European standard stations.
If that doesn't work, you don't have a lock-up -- plain and simple.

Another problem can occur if the radio is stored for an extended time with
low batteries, but that is easily fixed by taking out the batteries and
letting the radio sit for a day (so internal components discharge -- there
is a "power-user" way to do this, but it's beyond the reach of most users --
just let it sit). This isn't a lock-up -- the symptom of this is when the
radio doesn't turn on at all.

Anyway, the Sangean 909 is a great portable radio, with a tried-and-true
design, and Sangean has a very good reputation for making quality radios.

Unfortunately, the bottom line is that you can idiot-proof anything, but
nature will create a better idiot.

-- Stinger