wrote in message
oups.com...


wrote:
Actually, an Eton employee has been using one of the new E1's for
several weeks now and says it surpasses the Satellit 800. Remember,
the new E1 has THREE bandwidths, a FAST/SLOW AGC, selectable sideband
sync detection, as well as PASSBAND tuning. So the set is actually
somewhere between the Drake SW8 and the Drake R8B.

I'd love to believe this that the E1 will be this good. However, a long
list of bells and whistles doesn't mean much, as they're often tacked
onto a receiver that's unable to do them justice. In many cases, you'll
hear far more on a qualify receiver that *lacks* those bells and
whistles, like the Lowe HF-150.

But even if the E1 turns out to be problem free, it's in all likelihood
a mistake to even utter its name in the same sentence as the R8B.


The only main
features missing on this portable are a Noise Blanker and extra
bandwidth filters for CW reception. It is also missing a ferrit
antenna for MW reception but instead uses the whip antenna, as does the
Drake SW8. I would have preferred a large ferrit antenna for complete
portability rather than have to hook up a loop or other external
antenna for MW DXing. This should be (and I am told IS) a killer
portable.

The reason given to me as to why the delays -- they are working out all
quality control issues BEFORE they release any production units for
retail as they don't want a repeat of what happened when the Satellit
800 came out.

Even so, the fact that this thing has been in the works for what...ten
years...does not inspire confidence.

Steve


I dunno on this one yet Steve. Eton might want to hit the market with a
perfect radio with fantastic working features and ready to sell in fast
steady volume. I think they just put so much time, effort and improvements
into it that there is just no way it will be a dud. I bet this radio becomes
the next best thing to own.

Plus, if the fancy hits you one day,
you can subscribe to XM sat radio also.
I also wouldn't be surprised if XMSR had a hand into offering improvements
of this radio as well as possible resourses.

Anyway I have faith in this one and will buy it the day it's availible for
sale. I'll have 2 months to see if I like it also. That's a perfect amount
of time to use a receiver every day to see if you really like it. I'm
actually excited about getting it!

Lucky