"janospetrik" wrote in message
ups.com...
Sorry for my naivete, but :

When I was a kid, a decent shortwave radio cost over $300.00, weighed
about 10 pounds and required a roof antenna.

Could I get a portable SW for under $100, and what could I expect for
this price? (I just want to listen).

Thanks.


If no one else answers, I will. I am in pretty much the same boat, but a
couple years further down the road. Bought a Grundig (now Eton, I think)
FR-200 for the wind-up AM/FM feature as an emergency radio, and immediately
found out I could get Voice of Russia off of the whip antenna. For +/-
$40.00 I was amazed. The volume control has since become a source of noise
while adjusting it, but it still works like a charm. Just doesnt' have
digital readout, which is really a failure.

Picked up a Radio Shack DX-402 (just like the Sangean ATS-505) at clearance
price and found the BBC and a host of others, with the help of a copy of
Passport to World Band Radio from the library.

Bought a slightly defective (the volume control doesn't control very well)
Sony ICF-SWF7600GR off of eBay for too high a price (could have gotten one
brand new, after shipping) and came to the conclusion that this has got to
be the best portable for the money (around $150.00). The DX-402 is almost
as sensitive, but doesn't have the superior tuning or memory cababilities
(100 station memory). It is what I would recomend, for any portable
capacity. I know it's over $100.00 but it is worth the extra. And I would
not pay that for any other portable.

If you honestly just want to get your feet wet, pick up one of the
second-mentioned radios (DX-402, or a used Sangean ATS-505 they have digital
readout and tuning, which is practically essential), but don't pay more than
$75.00. If you can't find one of those at that price, go with the brand-new
7600GR. It's worth it, and you can get most of your money back if you don't
like it. Only you'll like it. And pick up a copy of Passport to World Band
Radio. Current edition if possible. Older ones are still useful, but won't
contain as reliable information.

Just my $.02. Worth at least what you paid for it, and as accurate and
honest as I can make it.

Good luck,

Dave