Lucky wrote:
"Mark S. Holden" wrote in message

On the difference between the Europa and the regular HF-150, I'd take the
Europa. The input filtering is likely to be more useful than any loss in
sensitivity.


He says:
"Incorporating these RF bandpass filters should theoretically reduce
spurious responses and noise. I compared the '150E to my early model '150.
When the original '150 was connected to my 90/60 meter parallel dipole,
there were several frequencies below 3 MHz which had images of local
broadcasters. With the '150E , there were no audible images present, but
there was increased noise on the same frequencies".

and

"I found that the original HF-150 was about 0.5 microvolts more sensitive
across the HF spectrum, however, the HF-150E was within specification of
less than two microvolts throughout the HF spectrum, and was typically in
the range of one microvolt. I think that the higher sensitivity of the
original may not be a virtue, given the radio's susceptibility for
overloading. I don't think that this difference is significant, and
switching in the pre-amp on the HF-150E improved the sensitivity to the
level of the '150 without pre-amp"

So basically he had to switch on the pre amp to bring it up to the 150's
sensitivity. If you don't live in areas with strong stations, I'd rather
have the sensitivity.

Plus, I didn't know the backlight option can't be turned off in the E. So,
it will drain your batteries if you ever use it as a portable.

Lucky



I'd be interested in hearing more about the "increased noise" in the
Europa - the reviewer didn't say anything other than he noticed it. Who
knows if it's significant?

I bring plenty of power for recharging battery packs when I'm camping.
I'd gladly trade the convenience of a backlight for a little battery
drain.

Unless you've taken heroic measures or live in the woods, odds are the
noise floor for your antenna will be higher than 2 microvolts.

My primary home antenna is 225 feet away from the house, with
underground coax, and according to my Harris, the noise floor is right
around the limit of the Europa.

If you were using the radio to chase DX in the woods, you could use an
outboard preamp or an active antenna.

When I was looking for a HF-150e or a 7030+ my primary concern was
finding a good radio for use when camping, and for when I'm hanging out
by the pool or fishing for snook on the other side of Alligator Alley.

The HF-150e had the edge on size and would probably have cost less, the
7030+ had the edge on performance, and availability.

Both radios were designed by the same person.