On Oct 16, 11:41 am, FedUp wrote:
I have a mini 300PE Grundig (from Radio Shack) shortwave radio.
It is great for a tiny radio that can pick up FM/AM/Shortwave
channels.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a unit that has better
reception, but
is real easy to use (I don't need a lot of bells and whistles)? It
could be a lot larger, but prefer something that can be easily
packed in a carry-on when traveling. How much would I have to spend
to get
something much better? I saw offerings by Grundig, Sony etc.. up to
about $250,
but was wondering what is the "next step up" in Ham Radio. In other
words, what
are considered "pro models"?

Thanks for any advice on this.

---- Entfred

Dear "FedUp,"

There is another small shortwave radio that is often overlooked when
listeners are making recommendations to others such as yourself. This
is the Sony ICF-SW35. It is a dual-conversion MW/SW/FM radio. PASSPORT
TO WORLD BAND RADIO has never been enamored of this set primarily due
to the fact that it has no keypad. But, with fifty memories, and build-
quality "like a tank" (even though it is made in China), this radio
will perform very well indeed. There are "work-arounds" to minimize
the impact of the lack of a keypad and the radio is quite sensitive
off its whip. (Its MW performance is also very good and its FM
performance is at least what you'd expect, maybe better.) Its image
rejection happens to be first-class. There is no SSB. The set is
extremely easy to use, yet quite sophisticated. Best of all, its price
is "right" - if you search around a bit on the web, you will probably
find it for less than $80.00, sometimes a good deal less. I think this
is quite a bargain for a radio of this quality and longevity.

I own two of them. They are both over five years old. I keep them in
the glove compartments[!] of our cars - winter and summer (with the
batteries out, of course). When I put the batteries in, the radios
always "fire up" perfectly and the only thing one must reset is the
clock. All the memories are retained even without batteries being
installed. Neither has ever even "hiccuped."

I hope you'll consider this one. I think you would be pleased.

Best,

Joe