What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

I've listened to shortwave on and off for awhile but it seems to me
that some of the build quality these days isn't that long.

I had a grundig s350...lasted until I donated it but it had drift...

I tried a redsun 2100...the thing died after the first month...so I
bought the USA equivalent of the kaito ka2100...that just died the
other day (lasted a year and a half)

I had a kaito 1103 worked fantastic until I bumped something and a
chunk of the antenna snapped off and the job dial didn't fully
correspond.

Don't get me wrong when this stuff worked it was great...but there's
some newer models I'm interested in.

I don't need stuff like wefax or rtty etc. I like SSB as I can listen
to ham's...I'd like to start recording too. I know there's a Degen but
the operations of that thing look so complicated and it's degen...if
it breaks...

I'm thinking maybe a grundig g6...adding the aircraft band is
interesting...the G4 looks interesting but I didn't see anything of
SSB so it looks like $100 more just to record.

Anyone use those portible recorders that could work on the line in? I
definatly don't want to use tapes...

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

Dear Sir,

The best constructed compact portable communications receiver
currently being manufactured is the Sony ICF-SW7600GR. This is my
opinion.

But I must state that if you are going to bang your radios around,
none of them will last. All of these instruments are complex and
relatively delicate; they are also relatively expensive and, thus,
deserve special care. That's not to say that you can't take them
outdoors or on trips but you must treat them with care. You did not
say why your KA-2100 "died," but, from what I have read, this model is
well-made and certainly should last longer than a year and a half. (I
do NOT own one.) Did you cause any physical damage to it?

Only you know how you have and will treat your radios. If you have
just had bad luck, then I apologize (and I mean it!) for this
"lecture." If not, well, you may have to change your ways.

Do investigate the Sony ICF-SW7600GR (and take note that its "weak
point" is its whip antenna; I myself have purchased several spares and
I have had to replace one of them - the whole process takes about 45
seconds! However, for the most part nowadays, I use a Sony AN-LP1
external shortwave antenna rather than the whip). I own five of them
(and two of its predecessor model the ICF-SW7600G) and, other than
that whip on my oldest 'GR sample, all have held up just fine (my
oldest 'GR is seven years old; I have owned my oldest 'G for ten
years).

This Sony model has an excellent line output to which you can connect
the recorder of your choice.

Best,

Joe

On Jul 25, 5:13*pm, mpd wrote:
I've listened to shortwave on and off for awhile but it seems to me
that some of the build quality these days isn't that long.

I had a grundig s350...lasted until I donated it but it had drift...

I tried a redsun 2100...the thing died after the first month...so I
bought the USA equivalent of the kaito ka2100...that just died the
other day (lasted a year and a half)

I had a kaito 1103 worked fantastic until I bumped something and a
chunk of the antenna snapped off and the job dial didn't fully
correspond.

Don't get me wrong when this stuff worked it was great...but there's
some newer models I'm interested in.

I don't need stuff like wefax or rtty etc. I like SSB as I can listen
to ham's...I'd like to start recording too. I know there's a Degen but
the operations of that thing look so complicated and it's degen...if
it breaks...

I'm thinking maybe a grundig g6...adding the aircraft band is
interesting...the G4 looks interesting but I didn't see anything of
SSB so it looks like $100 more just to record.

Anyone use those portible recorders that could work on the line in? I
definatly don't want to use tapes...

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

On Jul 26, 12:01*am, Joe Analssandrini
wrote:
Dear Sir,

The best constructed compact portable communications receiver
currently being manufactured is the Sony ICF-SW7600GR. This is my
opinion.

But I must state that if you are going to bang your radios around,
none of them will last. All of these instruments are complex and
relatively delicate; they are also relatively expensive and, thus,
deserve special care. That's not to say that you can't take them
outdoors or on trips but you must treat them with care. You did not
say why your KA-2100 "died," but, from what I have read, this model is
well-made and certainly should last longer than a year and a half. (I
do NOT own one.) Did you cause any physical damage to it?

Only you know how you have and will treat your radios. If you have
just had bad luck, then I apologize (and I mean it!) for this
"lecture." If not, well, you may have to change your ways.

Do investigate the Sony ICF-SW7600GR (and take note that its "weak
point" is its whip antenna; I myself have purchased several spares and
I have had to replace one of them - the whole process takes about 45
seconds! However, for the most part nowadays, I use a Sony AN-LP1
external shortwave antenna rather than the whip). I own five of them
(and two of its predecessor model the ICF-SW7600G) and, other than
that whip on my oldest 'GR sample, all have held up just fine (my
oldest 'GR is seven years old; I have owned my oldest 'G for ten
years).

This Sony model has an excellent line output to which you can connect
the recorder of your choice.

Best,

Joe

Nice reply Joe - I still have a Sony ICF7600D but many things are
wrong with it and many of the keys on the keypad have stuck. The
longest lasting radio I have is a Sangean ATS803A which is still
performing fine after 23 years.

Pity mpd has two failed 2100's - my Redsun RP2100 is now two years old
and I love it. It's been on several field trips and has a very robust
whip antenna. It's a superb performer on long distance MW reception
and is great on FM and SW too.

I agree with Joe that the hobby portables are fragile - built down to
a price bracket. You can't expect them to perform like an army field
radio built to milspec, they cost big bucks to produce.

John Plimmer, Montagu, Western Cape Province, South Africa
South 33 d 47 m 32 s, East 20 d 07 m 32 s
Icom IC-7700, Icom IC-756 PRO III with MW mods
ERGO software
Drake SW8. Sangean 803A
Sony 7600D, GE SRIII, Redsun RP2100
Antenna's RF Systems DX 1 Pro Mk II, Datong AD-270
Kiwa MW Loop.
http://www.dxing.info/about/dxers/plimmer.dx

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

On Jul 25, 2:13*pm, mpd wrote:
I've listened to shortwave on and off for awhile but it seems to me
that some of the build quality these days isn't that long.

I had a grundig s350...lasted until I donated it but it had drift...

I tried a redsun 2100...the thing died after the first month...so I
bought the USA equivalent of the kaito ka2100...that just died the
other day (lasted a year and a half)

I had a kaito 1103 worked fantastic until I bumped something and a
chunk of the antenna snapped off and the job dial didn't fully
correspond.

Don't get me wrong when this stuff worked it was great...but there's
some newer models I'm interested in.

I don't need stuff like wefax or rtty etc. I like SSB as I can listen
to ham's...I'd like to start recording too. I know there's a Degen but
the operations of that thing look so complicated and it's degen...if
it breaks...

I'm thinking maybe a grundig g6...adding the aircraft band is
interesting...the G4 looks interesting but I didn't see anything of
SSB so it looks like $100 more just to record.

Anyone use those portible recorders that could work on the line in? I
definatly don't want to use tapes...

The good old Panasonic RF-2200 Radio was
very well build and seems to last forever.
http://www.radiointel.com/restoring-panasonicrf2200.htm
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4922

Add to the list the legendary Sony ICF-2010 Radio
with AM-Sync.
http://www.mwcircle.org/res-receiver-sony2001d.htm
http://www.dxing.com/rx/icf2003.htm

For AM & FM Radio listening the GE Superadios I and II
have withstood the Test-of-Time.
http://www.pocketcalculatorshow.com/...cs/gesuper.jpg
http://www.transistor.org/collection/ge/ge19.html

An older Grundig Satellit 650 and Grundig Satellit 700
are both solid performers.
http://www.dxing.com/rx/sat650.htm

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

The best constructed compact portable communications receiver
currently being manufactured is the Sony ICF-SW7600GR. This is my
opinion.

Ok... I've heard of that one. I have no problem paying some money as
long as it will last.
But I must state that if you are going to bang your radios around,
none of them will last. All of these instruments are complex and
relatively delicate; they are also relatively expensive and, thus,
deserve special care. That's not to say that you can't take them
outdoors or on trips but you must treat them with care. You did not
say why your KA-2100 "died," but, from what I have read, this model is
well-made and certainly should last longer than a year and a half. (I
do NOT own one.) Did you cause any physical damage to it?

Well to note I never opened either of these up I don't know anything
on soldering or inners with them. It frankly after awhile didn't turn
on. I think the redsun was horrible as I found out to send it back it
would cost nearly the same amount as getting one again. the kaito
worked great...until the other day. If I put in batteries or the a/c
adapter I get that slight hiss thing from the speaker indicating power
but nothing comes on the screen or audio. I've even tried to reset it
a number of times.

I don't bang or drop these thing at all. I had a early version of the
portible 1103 and that's what I heard from others on a group about it
reguarding the jog dial. The snapping of the antenna was my own
fault.

The reason why I'd like a recorder is even in 2008 there's still a
fair amount of broadcasts that I can't find say podcasted on the
internet. And sometimes you don't know what might come up. It was a
powerful feeling getting CRI at work (steel building) even though I
couldn't get a local am station....or at a friends house around nearly
3 years ago getting whri which was rebroadcasting wwl during katrina.

There's far more content one can find with these than with a hd set
out of the box (extra channels for OTA might add up to 24 total)

yes the audio quality might not always be good but if people didn't
listen to stuff that was bad quality than mp3's wouldn't have taken
off!

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

On Jul 25, 8:00*pm, mpd wrote:

yes the audio quality might not always be good but if people didn't
listen to stuff that was bad quality than mp3's wouldn't have taken
off!

Well, also some of the MP3 players come with relatively lousy
headphones and get used in noisy environments. I suspect many people
learn to "tune out" how mediocre some MP3s sound.

Years ago I was getting ready to encode all my CDs, and wanted to
choose the encoding rate by syncing up the playback between CD and
previous ripped file and switching back and forth between them. 128K
bit/sec. is obviously inferior to the CD and it was quite obvious
which was the CD. Interestingly, at 192K bits/sec., which uses only
1.5 times more storage, the quality goes up so much that it starts to
take critical listening to determine which is the CD.

On a related note, anyone notice how the human ear can enjoy music
even when it has been battered by tough propagation and distortion? I
guess that's the basis for cheap MP3 players and accessories. :)

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

I own a Panasonic RF-2600 which I bought new back in the 1980s.It is a
piece of crap! It started drifting (it wont stay on station unless I jam
a piece of cardboard or something between the tuning thingy and the
plastic cabinet) like crazy soon after I bought the radio at a Service
Merchandise store and the radio will not play unless I stick a little
wedge between the earphone jack and the plastic cabinet area surrounding
the earphone jack.I have never used the earphone jack before.I never use
earphones or ear buds.

eham said it is a collector radio.Phooey! it is a piece of junk!
cuhulin

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

Dear Sir,

Another option for you, if you like the KA-2100, is to buy C. Crane's
version http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwa...cradio-sw.aspx
. This is almost exactly the same as your Redsun/Kaito, priced
somewhat higher, but sold by a company that, for all its faults, will
stand behind your radio and will offer excellent after-the-sale
service and support.

Best of luck,

Jor

On Jul 25, 11:00*pm, mpd wrote:
* The best constructed compact portable communications receiver

currently being manufactured is the Sony ICF-SW7600GR. This is my
opinion.

Ok... I've heard of that one. I have no problem paying some money as
long as it will last.

But I must state that if you are going to bang your radios around,
none of them will last. All of these instruments are complex and
relatively delicate; they are also relatively expensive and, thus,
deserve special care. That's not to say that you can't take them
outdoors or on trips but you must treat them with care. You did not
say why your KA-2100 "died," but, from what I have read, this model is
well-made and certainly should last longer than a year and a half. (I
do NOT own one.) Did you cause any physical damage to it?

Well to note I never opened either of these up I don't know anything
on soldering or inners with them. It frankly after awhile didn't turn
on. I think the redsun was horrible as I found out to send it back it
would cost nearly the same amount as getting one again. the kaito
worked great...until the other day. If I put in batteries or the a/c
adapter I get that slight hiss thing from the speaker indicating power
but nothing comes on the screen or audio. I've even tried to reset it
a number of times.

I don't bang or drop these thing at all. I had a early version of the
portible 1103 and that's what I heard from others on a group about it
reguarding the jog dial. The snapping of the antenna was my own
fault.

The reason why I'd like a recorder is even in 2008 there's still a
fair amount of broadcasts that I can't find say podcasted on the
internet. And sometimes you don't know what might come up. It was a
powerful feeling getting CRI at work (steel building) even though I
couldn't get a local am station....or at a friends house around nearly
3 years ago getting whri which was rebroadcasting wwl during katrina.

There's far more content one can find with these than with a hd set
out of the box (extra channels for OTA might add up to 24 total)

yes the audio quality might not always be good but if people didn't
listen to stuff that was bad quality than mp3's wouldn't have taken
off!

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

On Jul 25, 9:53 pm, RHF wrote:
On Jul 25, 2:13 pm, mpd wrote:



I've listened to shortwave on and off for awhile but it seems to me
that some of the build quality these days isn't that long.

I had a grundig s350...lasted until I donated it but it had drift...

I tried a redsun 2100...the thing died after the first month...so I
bought the USA equivalent of the kaito ka2100...that just died the
other day (lasted a year and a half)

I had a kaito 1103 worked fantastic until I bumped something and a
chunk of the antenna snapped off and the job dial didn't fully
correspond.

Don't get me wrong when this stuff worked it was great...but there's
some newer models I'm interested in.

I don't need stuff like wefax or rtty etc. I like SSB as I can listen
to ham's...I'd like to start recording too. I know there's a Degen but
the operations of that thing look so complicated and it's degen...if
it breaks...

I'm thinking maybe a grundig g6...adding the aircraft band is
interesting...the G4 looks interesting but I didn't see anything of
SSB so it looks like $100 more just to record.

Anyone use those portible recorders that could work on the line in? I
definatly don't want to use tapes...

The good old Panasonic RF-2200 Radio was
very well build and seems to last forever.http://www.radiointel.com/restoring-...ws/detail/4922

Add to the list the legendary Sony ICF-2010 Radio
with AM-Sync.http://www.mwcircle.org/res-receiver...rx/icf2003.htm

For AM & FM Radio listening the GE Superadios I and II
have withstood the Test-of-Time.http://www.pocketcalculatorshow.com/...n/ge/ge19.html

An older Grundig Satellit 650 and Grundig Satellit 700
are both solid performers.http://www.dxing.com/rx/sat650.htm

How about one the LOWE receivers?
I have an HF-150 & I think its a great radio for the used price, size
& features like Synconous detection & memories plus receives all modes.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

On Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:53:01 UTC, Joe Analssandrini
wrote:

Dear Sir,

Another option for you, if you like the KA-2100, is to buy C. Crane's
version http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwa...cradio-sw.aspx
. This is almost exactly the same as your Redsun/Kaito, priced
somewhat higher, but sold by a company that, for all its faults, will
stand behind your radio and will offer excellent after-the-sale
service and support.

Best of luck,

I bought the CCrane version and am very happy with it. As you said,
it is from a company that will stand behind it and not some Ebay
seller/importer who has no reason to keep customers happy.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

On Jul 25, 5:13*pm, mpd wrote:
I've listened to shortwave on and off for awhile but it seems to me
that some of the build quality these days isn't that long.

I had a grundig s350...lasted until I donated it but it had drift...

I tried a redsun 2100...the thing died after the first month...so I
bought the USA equivalent of the kaito ka2100...that just died the
other day (lasted a year and a half)

I had a kaito 1103 worked fantastic until I bumped something and a
chunk of the antenna snapped off and the job dial didn't fully
correspond.

Don't get me wrong when this stuff worked it was great...but there's
some newer models I'm interested in.

I don't need stuff like wefax or rtty etc. I like SSB as I can listen
to ham's...I'd like to start recording too. I know there's a Degen but
the operations of that thing look so complicated and it's degen...if
it breaks...

I'm thinking maybe a grundig g6...adding the aircraft band is
interesting...the G4 looks interesting but I didn't see anything of
SSB so it looks like $100 more just to record.

Anyone use those portible recorders that could work on the line in? I
definatly don't want to use tapes...

Well, you might have to buy an older model, well built perhaps. Or buy
a newer one but get a good protective case for it and take really good
care of it.
I own a Sony ICF-2002, (the same as the ICF-7600D, only difference
is one was for Euope, the other for North America). I purchased the
radio new in the early '80s when it came out. I've taken good care of
it and it still has nothing wrong with it and runs like brand new. Was
I just lucky? Perhaps. But it is a great radio and I've certainly
gotten my money's worth from it. Sorry, not for sale.
Try to find a good used one and buy it perhaps.
Here is some info.. http://stephan.win31.de/sony7600.htm
I also own a Panasonic RF2200. The volume adjustment started
souinding scratchy and I had to open it up and use canned air and
contact cleaner, and it fell and the whip antenna connection broke.
But it still works. Great radio.

My Kaito KA1102 I bought when they first came out, how many years
ago? Five? Not sure. I went to Wal-Mart here in Canada and found a
perfect protective case for it. It's a Nintendo DS case that zips
closed and fits it like it was made for it. Like a glove. With some
room for an extra set of recharegeable batteries and it's manual and a
Degen active loop.
he case has just the right amount of padding for protection, and is
really well made.
My Kaito KA1102 still works like brand new. I love that little
radio. I also own a Kaito KA11 that I bought a well fitting cell phone
case for. Padded protection and room for an extra set of rechargeables
and its fold up wire antenna..

My case for my KA11 is made by Lowepro. I also bought one that fits
my handheld GPSr. They make cases in various sizes, and they are well
made to take a beating and hold up just fine. All I added was a dome
fastener to the outside pocket flap in addition to the velcro already
there. I found a dome fastener kit, and it easy to add one and it
looks like that is the way it was made.
www.lowepro.com
No.. I don't work for them. I just think they make a great product.
I hate the flimsy cheap fabric bags that they give you for these
radios.
So.. I don't know if I am just lucky, or if it is the great care I
take with my good radios. I have other radios, and I'm happy with my
Eton E100 and a couple others..
But I really think that extra care and protection, and cleanliness
goes a long way to making things last.

Good luck.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

On Jul 25, 5:13*pm, mpd wrote:
I've listened to shortwave on and off for awhile but it seems to me
that some of the build quality these days isn't that long.

I had a grundig s350...lasted until I donated it but it had drift...

I tried a redsun 2100...the thing died after the first month...so I
bought the USA equivalent of the kaito ka2100...that just died the
other day (lasted a year and a half)

I had a kaito 1103 worked fantastic until I bumped something and a
chunk of the antenna snapped off and the job dial didn't fully
correspond.

Don't get me wrong when this stuff worked it was great...but there's
some newer models I'm interested in.

I don't need stuff like wefax or rtty etc. I like SSB as I can listen
to ham's...I'd like to start recording too. I know there's a Degen but
the operations of that thing look so complicated and it's degen...if
it breaks...

I'm thinking maybe a grundig g6...adding the aircraft band is
interesting...the G4 looks interesting but I didn't see anything of
SSB so it looks like $100 more just to record.

Anyone use those portible recorders that could work on the line in? I
definatly don't want to use tapes...

Oops .. sorry.,... it was not a cell phone case that I bought from
Lowpro,., it was a camera case,. Sorry for any confusion. The
camera case I bought for my KA11 and GPSr are perfect fro my needs.
www.lowepro.com

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

On Jul 26, 4:42*pm, Cato wrote:
On Jul 25, 5:13*pm, mpd wrote:





I've listened to shortwave on and off for awhile but it seems to me
that some of the build quality these days isn't that long.

I had a grundig s350...lasted until I donated it but it had drift...

I tried a redsun 2100...the thing died after the first month...so I
bought the USA equivalent of the kaito ka2100...that just died the
other day (lasted a year and a half)

I had a kaito 1103 worked fantastic until I bumped something and a
chunk of the antenna snapped off and the job dial didn't fully
correspond.

Don't get me wrong when this stuff worked it was great...but there's
some newer models I'm interested in.

I don't need stuff like wefax or rtty etc. I like SSB as I can listen
to ham's...I'd like to start recording too. I know there's a Degen but
the operations of that thing look so complicated and it's degen...if
it breaks...

I'm thinking maybe a grundig g6...adding the aircraft band is
interesting...the G4 looks interesting but I didn't see anything of
SSB so it looks like $100 more just to record.

Anyone use those portible recorders that could work on the line in? I
definatly don't want to use tapes...

*Oops .. sorry.,... it was not a cell phone case that I bought from
Lowpro,., it was a camera case,. * Sorry for any confusion. *The
camera case I bought for my KA11 and GPSr are perfect fro my needs.
*www.lowepro.com- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I think the one I got for my KA11 is the Rezo 50.. same as the Rezo 30
and 40.. just a little bigger and the accessory pocket zips closed as
well as has velcro. I added a dome fastener. I don't bother with the
shoulder strap. The case has a really well made reinforced belt loop.
But usually I just toss it into my backpack.
http://products.lowepro.com/catalog/Compact,25.htm

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

Richie wrote:
On Jul 25, 9:53 pm, RHF wrote:
On Jul 25, 2:13 pm, mpd wrote:



I've listened to shortwave on and off for awhile but it seems to me
that some of the build quality these days isn't that long.
I had a grundig s350...lasted until I donated it but it had drift...
I tried a redsun 2100...the thing died after the first month...so I
bought the USA equivalent of the kaito ka2100...that just died the
other day (lasted a year and a half)
I had a kaito 1103 worked fantastic until I bumped something and a
chunk of the antenna snapped off and the job dial didn't fully
correspond.
Don't get me wrong when this stuff worked it was great...but there's
some newer models I'm interested in.
I don't need stuff like wefax or rtty etc. I like SSB as I can listen
to ham's...I'd like to start recording too. I know there's a Degen but
the operations of that thing look so complicated and it's degen...if
it breaks...
I'm thinking maybe a grundig g6...adding the aircraft band is
interesting...the G4 looks interesting but I didn't see anything of
SSB so it looks like $100 more just to record.
Anyone use those portible recorders that could work on the line in? I
definatly don't want to use tapes...
The good old Panasonic RF-2200 Radio was
very well build and seems to last forever.http://www.radiointel.com/restoring-...ws/detail/4922

Add to the list the legendary Sony ICF-2010 Radio
with AM-Sync.http://www.mwcircle.org/res-receiver...rx/icf2003.htm

For AM & FM Radio listening the GE Superadios I and II
have withstood the Test-of-Time.http://www.pocketcalculatorshow.com/...n/ge/ge19.html

An older Grundig Satellit 650 and Grundig Satellit 700
are both solid performers.http://www.dxing.com/rx/sat650.htm

How about one the LOWE receivers?
I have an HF-150 & I think its a great radio for the used price, size
& features like Synconous detection & memories plus receives all modes.


If you can find one, it's a GREAT choice. Portable. Works with a
variety of antennae...and it sounds good.

Other Lowe's are a bit larger. And some have more features, but none
represents a better value.

If you can swing a higher price point, look also at Used Drakes,
Icoms, and AOR's.

Drake's SW-2 is very high performance, though somewhat basic, and
only a little larger than HF-150.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

Well, you might have to buy an older model, well built perhaps. Or buy
a newer one but get a good protective case for it and take really good
care of it.
I own a Sony ICF-2002, (the same as the ICF-7600D, only difference
is one was for Euope, the other for North America). I purchased the
radio new in the early '80s when it came out. I've taken good care of
it and it still has nothing wrong with it and runs like brand new. Was
I just lucky? Perhaps. But it is a great radio and I've certainly
gotten my money's worth from it. Sorry, not for sale.
Try to find a good used one and buy it perhaps.
Here is some info.. http://stephan.win31.de/sony7600.htm




My 2002 was also purchased when it first came on the market. I have used it
almost daily for about a quarter of a century. It has sat in the sun and the
dirt when I am gardening, been dropped more times than I can remember -
currently is in the garage workshop where I use it at least 3 or 4 days a
week. Works as well as it ever did, but shows some cosmetic injury from 25
years of rough use.

It can't compare with my Lowe HF-150 for SWBC performance on the weak ones,
and SSB leaves quite a bit to be desired; but it always works when I ask it
to.

It is not in the same class as a 'real' receiver with multiple filters,
notch filters, DSP etc. etc. but for an affordable, portable, reliable
receiver it has been very good to me.

If you really want one that will last you need one of those heavyweight
'boat anchors' from the 1930s to 1960s - they seem to last forever with a
bit of care and capacitor replacement, but tend to be a tad large and heavy.
I've had a few, both tube and solid state and they are fun, keep the shack
warm in winter, but need to be left in one place. I have a BC-348 which will
probably still be a reliable receiver a hundred years from now, if I ever
get around to replacing the wires the mice chewed on - at least the first 70
years don't seem to have bothered the hundreds of them still in use.

Dave

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:22:20 -0400, "Dave Holford"
wrote:


Well, you might have to buy an older model, well built perhaps. Or buy
a newer one but get a good protective case for it and take really good
care of it.
I own a Sony ICF-2002,
snip


It can't compare with my Lowe HF-150 for SWBC performance on the weak ones,
and SSB leaves quite a bit to be desired; but it always works when I ask it
to.

snip
to me.

If you really want one that will last you need one of those heavyweight
'boat anchors' from the 1930s to 1960s - they seem to last forever with a
bit of care and capacitor replacement, but tend to be a tad large and heavy.
I've had a few, both tube and solid state and they are fun, keep the shack
warm in winter, but need to be left in one place.



I have a BC-348 which will
probably still be a reliable receiver a hundred years from now,
snip
Dave
I don't get it. I have had enough solid state devices to believe that
the Kaito KA-1101 KA1102 and KA-1103 will last many years.

And the ergonomics of my mint, three years old KA-1102 have not been
a problem for me.

The KA-1121? It has an integrated mp3 player that is integral and
garage logic tells me that piece can be fragile.

For the price the KA-1101 KA1102 and KA-1103 are a good investment.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

On Jul 29, 6:10*am, TinyTim wrote:
On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:22:20 -0400, "Dave Holford"
wrote:



Well, you might have to buy an older model, well built perhaps. Or buy
a newer one but get a good protective case for it and take really good
care of it.
*I own a Sony ICF-2002,

snip









It can't compare with my Lowe HF-150 for SWBC performance on the weak ones,
and SSB leaves quite a bit to be desired; but it always works when I ask it
to.

snip
to me.

If you really want one that will last you need one of those heavyweight
'boat anchors' from the 1930s to 1960s - they seem to last forever with a
bit of care and capacitor replacement, but tend to be a tad large and heavy.
I've had a few, both tube and solid state and they are fun, keep the shack
warm in winter, but need to be left in one place.
I have a BC-348 which will
probably still be a reliable receiver a hundred years from now,
snip
Dave

I don't get it. *I have had enough solid state devices to believe that
the Kaito *KA-1101 *KA1102 and KA-1103 will last many years.

And the ergonomics of my *mint, three years old KA-1102 have not been
a problem for me.

The KA-1121? *It has an integrated *mp3 player that is integral and
garage logic tells me that piece can be fragile.

For the price the *KA-1101 *KA1102 and KA-1103 *are a good investment.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

In article BJ4mQCBKg9HM-pn2-yvZ6c2p38wd9@localhost,
Count Floyd wrote:
On Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:41:42 UTC, (Bruce Watson)
wrote:

In article ,
Joe Analssandrini wrote:

Another option for you, if you like the KA-2100, is to buy C. Crane's
version http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwa...cradio-sw.aspx
. This is almost exactly the same as your Redsun/Kaito, priced
somewhat higher, but sold by a company that, for all its faults, will
stand behind your radio and will offer excellent after-the-sale
service and support.

I have the CCRadio-SWP. I really like it. It works almost
as well as my Sony ICF-2002.

I have the CCRadio-SW also and it is great on MW DX, have not really
tried it on shortwave, using my HQ-145XC for that part. I got the
radio on the advice of John Plimmer, who is very knowledgeable on MW
DX'ing.

Mine is the smaller SWP. It, too, works great on MW DX. Last
winter I was able to bring in Minneapolis at 1200 from Denver.
SW performance is pretty good. FM is not good. My Aiwa CR-LD100
is much better with FM.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

MPD-

Take a look at the Kenwood R-1000 (Ebay, ham swaps). It is not only an
excellent receiver but it's one beautiful radio as well.

Dan...VR2HF


On Aug 2, 12:36*am, (Bruce Watson) wrote:
In article BJ4mQCBKg9HM-pn2-yvZ6c2p38wd9@localhost,



Count Floyd wrote:
On Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:41:42 UTC, (Bruce Watson)
wrote:

In article ,
Joe Analssandrini wrote:

Another option for you, if you like the KA-2100, is to buy C. Crane's
version http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwa...cradio-sw.aspx
. This is almost exactly the same as your Redsun/Kaito, priced
somewhat higher, but sold by a company that, for all its faults, will
stand behind your radio and will offer excellent after-the-sale
service and support.

I have the CCRadio-SWP. I really like it. It works almost
as well as my Sony ICF-2002.

I have the CCRadio-SW also and it is great on MW DX, have not really
tried it on shortwave, using my HQ-145XC for that part. *I got the
radio on the advice of John Plimmer, who is very knowledgeable on MW
DX'ing.

Mine is the smaller SWP. It, too, works great on MW DX. Last
winter I was able to bring in Minneapolis at 1200 from Denver.
SW performance is pretty good. FM is not good. My Aiwa CR-LD100
is much better with FM.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

In my opinion,

the Chinese haven't figured out
how to make durable volume controls.

I've got three or four radios that have failed audio controls.
( scratchy... noisy... dead spots )

In days of yore, you could goto RadioShack
and buy a replacement pot to solder in.
But now, RadioShack has become a cell phone/toy store.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

In article ,
I.P. Yurin wrote:
On 30 Jul 2008 15:41:42 GMT, (Bruce Watson) wrote:
In article ,
Joe Analssandrini wrote:

Another option for you, if you like the KA-2100, is to buy C. Crane's
version http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwa...cradio-sw.aspx
. This is almost exactly the same as your Redsun/Kaito, priced
somewhat higher, but sold by a company that, for all its faults, will
stand behind your radio and will offer excellent after-the-sale
service and support.

I have the CCRadio-SWP. I really like it. It works almost
as well as my Sony ICF-2002.

I just ordered an "orphaned" CCrane model that was $30 off (yep,
that's what made me pull the trigger).

I'd buy a second one at that price.

No SSB, which is annoying; but
I figure for the bedside i can live w/o local weather reports or
political insights from the hams. For the pirates, I'll have to switch
to another radio.

I nearly never monitored SSB stations. AFRTS is so low powered
and utility stations really need scanning (a large, expensive
desktop model) to be interesting. Ham traffic sounded all too
monotonous.

Still, I look fwd to putting it through its paces
and comparing it to the 7600gr. (Something tells me the audio will be
better on the new one. We'll see about the reception.)

I use the earbuds nearly exclusively. The headphones-stereo out
is a feature I like. But FM performance is not all that good.
When traveling, I can take along both the SWP and the matchbook Sony.
I think you'll prefer the audio from the 7600. It's has a larger
speaker and I don't think speaker technology has changed all that
much in the interval.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

Just bought the Grundig G6 Aviator. So far I like this radio. At the
store, I told the salesman that I wanted to see three of them with
fresh batteries and compare reception. One was definitetely a bit
better in reception so I bought that one.
It comes down to how well you take care of your electronics.
And that is why a few of us here have radios that we have owned for
years still working fine. Like my Panasonic RF2200and my Sony
ICF-7600D (ICF-2002) that I have had since the early 1980's
If you find a good protective case for them, don't knock them
around, keep them clean, they should last for a great many years.

Even my Kaito KA1102 was purchased when they first came out and is
still like brand new after five years.
ON Ebay you can find replacement antennas for many radios. I
purchased a spare KA1102 antenna and a spare KA11 antenna just to keep
in their cases with them.

The secret is taking really good care of them. Sure, the odd bad
one can sneak past quality control inspection, but they should be
rare. That's why we have warrantys.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

Bruce Watson wrote:


I nearly never monitored SSB stations. AFRTS is so low powered
and utility stations really need scanning (a large, expensive
desktop model) to be interesting. Ham traffic sounded all too
monotonous.


Squelch-based HF scanners don't work very well, regardless of the price.
If you want to monitor lots of utes, you need a lot of radios.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

Keep one of your radios inside of a metal can/container with a tight
fitting lid/cover in case of EMP.
cuhulin

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

Dave wrote:

wrote:
Keep one of your radios inside of a metal can/container with a tight
fitting lid/cover in case of EMP.
cuhulin


OK, boss. What will you be listening to on that post-apocalypse radio?

It's believed that some of the stations and their programming are so far
removed from the human experience that they actually emulate
cockroaches. Cockroaches are believed able to survive almost anything.
So, all that will be left are these stations, Cuhulin and Keith Richards.



mike


--
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
/ /\ / /\ / /\ / /\ / /\ / /\ / /\ / /
/ /\ \/ /\ \/This space for rent/\ \/ /\ \/ /
/_/ \/_/ \/_/ \/_/ \/_/ \/_/ \/_/ \/_/

Densa International©
'Think tanks cleaned cheap'

Due to the insane amount of spam and garbage,
I block all postings with a Gmail, Google Mail,
Google Groups or HOTMAIL address.
I also filter everything from a .cn server.

http://improve-usenet.org/

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

m II wrote:
Dave wrote:

wrote:
Keep one of your radios inside of a metal can/container with a tight
fitting lid/cover in case of EMP.
cuhulin

OK, boss. What will you be listening to on that post-apocalypse radio?

It's believed that some of the stations and their programming are so far
removed from the human experience that they actually emulate
cockroaches. Cockroaches are believed able to survive almost anything.
So, all that will be left are these stations, Cuhulin and Keith Richards.



mike


Mike. the story i was told, is Keith is so pickled, he
died 7 years ago. he just ain't laid down yet.

Drifter...

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

On Aug 7, 8:37*am, wrote:
Keep one of your radios inside of a metal can/container with a tight
fitting lid/cover in case of EMP.
cuhulin

Common sense insurance cuhulin. Good for mentioning that. I keep one
in its original box, (so it doesn't come into contact with the metal
box) and sealed in an ammo can for a Faraday cage. But just wrapped
in tinfoil would work good as a Faraday cage too.

And if you don't have one sealed up, at least its antenna
collapsed. The shorter the better, but at least keep it collapsed
shorter then twelve inches, and keep it away at least four feet from
any E.M.P. collectors like long metal pipes or wires. (The further
from them the better)
That way, they have a decent chance of surviving even if they
aren't sealed up inside a Faraday cage.
Many people think a Faraday cage needs to be grounded like an
antenna. Not so. And as a matter of fact a grounding wire could even
be bad. Because lengths of wire and pipe actually collect E.M.P. Which
is not what you want. Think of airplanes getting hit by lightning.
They are not grounded. They are Faraday cages and you're quite safe
inside them during a strike of powerful bolts of lightning.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

I would just get out my Crystal Radio.No worries about EMP with that
one.
cuhulin

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

In article ,
Dave wrote:

Bruce Watson wrote:


I nearly never monitored SSB stations. AFRTS is so low powered
and utility stations really need scanning (a large, expensive
desktop model) to be interesting. Ham traffic sounded all too
monotonous.


Squelch-based HF scanners don't work very well, regardless of the price.
If you want to monitor lots of utes, you need a lot of radios.

That's funny. I have several SW radios and HF scanners and the squelch
works just fine on all of them.

--
Telamon
Ventura, California

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

Telamon wrote:
In article ,
Dave wrote:

Bruce Watson wrote:

I nearly never monitored SSB stations. AFRTS is so low powered
and utility stations really need scanning (a large, expensive
desktop model) to be interesting. Ham traffic sounded all too
monotonous.

Squelch-based HF scanners don't work very well, regardless of the price.
If you want to monitor lots of utes, you need a lot of radios.

That's funny. I have several SW radios and HF scanners and the squelch
works just fine on all of them.

If you are in the voltage "scan" mode you miss calls.

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

I have two scanner radios.One of them is a Radio Shack Pro-91 150
channels radio and the other one is a Radio Shack 16 channels radio.I
bought both of them at pawn shops.I paid $75.00 for my Pro-91, I don't
remember how much I paid for the other one.
cuhulin

What's a good LONG lasting shortwave radio...
 

On 06 Aug 2008 16:39:43 GMT, (Bruce Watson) wrote:
In article ,
I.P. Yurin wrote:
On 30 Jul 2008 15:41:42 GMT, (Bruce Watson) wrote:
In article ,
Joe Analssandrini wrote:

Another option for you, if you like the KA-2100, is to buy C. Crane's
version http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwa...cradio-sw.aspx
. This is almost exactly the same as your Redsun/Kaito, priced
somewhat higher, but sold by a company that, for all its faults, will
stand behind your radio and will offer excellent after-the-sale
service and support.

I have the CCRadio-SWP. I really like it. It works almost
as well as my Sony ICF-2002.

I just ordered an "orphaned" CCrane model that was $30 off (yep,
that's what made me pull the trigger).

I'd buy a second one at that price.

At the time, there were more than one at that price. I think I got my
head turned by an email from Ccrane. Right now, there is at least one
that is $15 off:

http://www.ccrane.com/orphans.aspx?Keywords=CSWR


No SSB, which is annoying; but
I figure for the bedside i can live w/o local weather reports or
political insights from the hams. For the pirates, I'll have to switch
to another radio.

I nearly never monitored SSB stations. AFRTS is so low powered
and utility stations really need scanning (a large, expensive
desktop model) to be interesting. Ham traffic sounded all too
monotonous.

Agreed. With the 7600gr at my bedside, I can switch to SSB if I'm
interested. But most of the time I don't use it. The real value of
SSB, from my p.o.v., is enjoying pirates. But often they are no more
interesting than the hams.


Still, I look fwd to putting it through its paces
and comparing it to the 7600gr. (Something tells me the audio will be
better on the new one. We'll see about the reception.)

I use the earbuds nearly exclusively. The headphones-stereo out
is a feature I like. But FM performance is not all that good.
When traveling, I can take along both the SWP and the matchbook Sony.
I think you'll prefer the audio from the 7600. It's has a larger
speaker and I don't think speaker technology has changed all that
much in the interval.

At this point, I'm thinking we're discussing different CCrane radios??

Probably my fault. The CCRadio-SW (the rebadged Chinese one) has a
*much* larger and better speaker than the 7600 has. And it should; the
thing's 4 times the size of the Sony. Playing with it for a week or so
(but no time for serious tests), I find the FM and MW reception to be
excellent. I haven't really tested the s/w, either off the whip or the
external antenna.


--
Col. I.P. Yurin
Commissariat of Internal Security

Stakhanovite
Order of Lenin (1937)
Hero of Socialist Labor (1939)