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Old July 18th 04, 10:20 PM
me
 
Posts: n/a
Default WinRadio Model 313i

I've had my 313i for approx 3 weeks now & I thought I'd post some thought's
about this hf radio.

Do to the very poor wx conditions here in the Wash DC area USA,alot of
electrical storms,I have not been able to run the 313i,or any radio for
that matter,enough to give a better review of its workings.

First of all WinRadio has done a decent job re shielding.I'm getting no
more/less *noise* from the p/c than I get from my stand-alone hf radios,a
JRC 535d & a AOR 3030.I have a CRT monitor & I get the usual noise
depending on the tuned freq.Probably time to get a LCD type monitor.
This hf radio is by far the most sensitive radio I have ever
owned.However,for some odd reason,WinRadio has chosen to give the operator
only one attenuation setting.A on/off setting of 18dB.The 313i also has
what's described as "true IF" as opposed to a RF control.This is taking
some getting used to as the 313i does not allow the IF control to be on
when the AGC is on.I like having both available for use as there are
time's,ie fast fades, when having both AGC AND IF control come's in
handy.Also having both would help when the 313i's strong sensitivity is too
much.
Another option that I hope is added in future software upgrades is
allowing the operator to point & click to a frequency while viewing the
spectrum analyzer.This is standard in just about any software type radio
I've ever used & is sorely missed.

However,over-all,this radio is a definate keeper.Their are alot of
excellent *pros* to this radio.The variable b/w control is GREAT &,when
viewed with the excellent spectrum analyzer,one has minute control.There
are also several fine-tuning controls which is invaluable re utility
trans.The 313i has 1hz tuning,a RIT & a RF-Shift control.The NOTCH filter
works to perfection &,as with most controls,has many different setups.

The 313i is not an easy radio to operate.Sure you can turn it on & begin
to receive lf,mw & hf trans immediately.But for dx'ing the weak
signals,dealing with QRM,ect the owner will need time to bring out all the
radio's tools & to learn how to best operate the radio in general.I would
not reccommend the 313i as a "first" radio

Eventually the wx here just HAS to get better.
Once I get more op-time I'll post more of my pro's & con's re the 313i.

Al
--
ald
at
nexet
net

Here's the WinRadio link re the 313i.You can check out what the radio has
& get general info about it.

http://www.winradio.com/home/g313i.htm