Hello Chris.

Your letter does not make clear whether you are totally blind or have
partial sight. If you do have partial sight, the Grundig Satellit 800
might be a good choice for you. It is big, it has well-spaced controls,
and each of the controls performs only one function. The display is
very large with very big LCD characters and good LED lighting. While it
cannot be computer-controlled and does not have a notch filter, it does
have one of the best synchronous selectable sideband circuits available
and its sound is superb. The memory function would be exactly as you
require in (1.) in your letter.

Even if you are totally blind, the controls are easy to find by touch
and easy to use. Once you know their function, it is no problem to
operate the receiver to full advantage.

Also, at least at first, you need no external antenna. Its built-in
amplified whip is very good for listening to the more powerful stations
and, if you are located in a relatively electrically-quiet area, it may
suffice for some good DX as well. The radio has facilities for adding
three external antennas: two for LW/MW/SW and one for FM broadcast.

It is one of the very best receivers for program listening. While there
are some receivers which are better overall, they cost at least $1000
more than the Satellit 800. The Grundig sells new for only $450.00 and
it needs no third-party modifications as does the ICOM IC-R75.

If you are interested in more information about this receiver, you can
ask me, or, better yet, telephone et=F3n-Grundig toll-free at
1-800-872-2228 or Universal Radio at 1-800-431-3939. If you order a
Grundig Satellit 800 from Universal, they will, upon your request,
bench-test the particular unit they are going to ship to you, free of
charge, so you will have no "surprises" when you receive it.

The ICOM IC-R75 is a good receiver but it has too many shortcomings for
my taste, including so-so sound and an essentially non-functioning sync
circuit. (That can be overcome by ECSS tuning technique, but that is
rather complex and inconvenient for a program listener.)

I hope you will investigate the Grundig Satellit 800. I think you would
like it.

Best,

Joe