On 08 Apr 2004 20:05:56 GMT, ocom (Michael Bryant)
wrote:

Sat 800 Problems:

1. Obviously a good receiver for program listening, but not sensitive enough
for anything approaching DX.

2. Gigantic size and weight makes it unwieldy.

3. Bandscanning hampered by digital hash from the display.

4. Low-level AC hum in audio overwhelms DX.

5. Requires 6 D batteries and will drain them in three hours.

I've ended up listening to my DX398 more than the SAT800. Much prefer my old
Sony 6800W to the 800.


Michael Bryant, WA4009SWL
Louisville, KY
R75, S800, RX320, SW77, ICF2010K,
DX398, 7600G, 6800W, RF2200, 7600A
GE SRll, Pro-2006, Pro-2010, Pro-76
(remove "nojunk" to reply)


I would also add that there are only 2 watts out. The old Grundigs
hit 15. Plus they just feel cheap. Like plastic China cheap. You
will be disappointed.

In article ,
B Banton wrote:

I would also add that there are only 2 watts out. The old Grundigs
hit 15. Plus they just feel cheap. Like plastic China cheap. You
will be disappointed.

Yeah, I have a 650 here. I just picked up an 800 for a good price.
It will be here next Tuesday, with any luck.

My 700 should be here about the same time. It'll be interesting to
compare a 650, a 700 and an 800, along with my other radios (see
tagline).

Dan

Drake R8, Radio Shack DX-440,
Grundig Satellit 650, Satellit 700, YB400
Tecsun PL-230 (YB550PE), Kaito KA1102
Hallicraters S-120 (1962)
Zenith black dial 5 tube Tombstone (1937)
E. H. Scott 23 tube Imperial Allwave in Tasman cabinet (1936)

B Banton wrote in message I would also add that there are only 2 watts out. The old Grundigs
hit 15. Plus they just feel cheap. Like plastic China cheap. You
will be disappointed.

Although I am a little disappointed in the 2-watts and lack of bass,
reception on my Satellit 800 exceeds that of the Satellit 650 I had
mainly because of the great sideband-selectable sync detector. I also
like the SLOW/FAST AGC on the 800 much better than the manual gain
control on the 650. And since the 800 cost half as much as the 650, I
am very much satisfied with it. The fact that it is made of plastic
doesn't both me as I use it on as a tabletop and to me it doesn't look
or feel cheaply made. I would have loved the 650 if they had added a
sideband-selectable sync detector and a fast/slow AGC. Then it would
have been outstanding.

"Gary" wrote in message
m...
B Banton wrote in message I would also add that
there are only 2 watts out. The old Grundigs
hit 15. Plus they just feel cheap. Like plastic China cheap. You
will be disappointed.

Although I am a little disappointed in the 2-watts and lack of bass,
reception on my Satellit 800 exceeds that of the Satellit 650 I had
mainly because of the great sideband-selectable sync detector. I also
like the SLOW/FAST AGC on the 800 much better than the manual gain
control on the 650. And since the 800 cost half as much as the 650, I
am very much satisfied with it. The fact that it is made of plastic
doesn't both me as I use it on as a tabletop and to me it doesn't look
or feel cheaply made. I would have loved the 650 if they had added a
sideband-selectable sync detector and a fast/slow AGC. Then it would
have been outstanding.

I dearly loved my Sat. 650, which I bought when they were first released for
a whopping $1199.00 from Lextronics. It was a very good radio for it's
time, but in light of several improvements made in the lines of actual
receiving ability, the 700 and 800 are superior in many ways. Mind you,
nothing beats the sound of older Grundig radios, especially the 600/650,
which were absolutely wonderful for program listening.. However, leaving
aside the selectable sideband synchronous detector, the SSB reception on the
600/650 was particularly atrocious, I never was able to get a clear SSB
signal on it, even when turning the RF gain nearly all the way down (the RF
gain controls seem to be a bit sharp, meaning they go rapidly from zero gain
to too much). I did like the preselector on the 600/650 better than the one
on the 700, mainly because the one on the 700 does not have a memory, and is
difficult to set manually.

On Fri, 9 Apr 2004 13:57:02 +0900, "Brenda Ann Dyer"
wrote:


"Gary" wrote in message
om...
B Banton wrote in message I would also add that
there are only 2 watts out. The old Grundigs
hit 15. Plus they just feel cheap. Like plastic China cheap. You
will be disappointed.

Although I am a little disappointed in the 2-watts and lack of bass,
reception on my Satellit 800 exceeds that of the Satellit 650 I had
mainly because of the great sideband-selectable sync detector. I also
like the SLOW/FAST AGC on the 800 much better than the manual gain
control on the 650. And since the 800 cost half as much as the 650, I
am very much satisfied with it. The fact that it is made of plastic
doesn't both me as I use it on as a tabletop and to me it doesn't look
or feel cheaply made. I would have loved the 650 if they had added a
sideband-selectable sync detector and a fast/slow AGC. Then it would
have been outstanding.

I dearly loved my Sat. 650, which I bought when they were first released for
a whopping $1199.00 from Lextronics. It was a very good radio for it's
time, but in light of several improvements made in the lines of actual
receiving ability, the 700 and 800 are superior in many ways. Mind you,
nothing beats the sound of older Grundig radios, especially the 600/650,
which were absolutely wonderful for program listening.. However, leaving
aside the selectable sideband synchronous detector, the SSB reception on the
600/650 was particularly atrocious, I never was able to get a clear SSB
signal on it, even when turning the RF gain nearly all the way down (the RF
gain controls seem to be a bit sharp, meaning they go rapidly from zero gain
to too much). I did like the preselector on the 600/650 better than the one
on the 700, mainly because the one on the 700 does not have a memory, and is
difficult to set manually.



My 800 hums slightly when I turn the light on. Does a sync detector
help with that? My battery indicator flashes after about 3 hours of
use. Does turning the gain control up have an effect on that? My 800
can't display the letters USB. How would you have me fix that? They
doubled up the BATT and Attenuate letters. Do you know that? I can't
turn the damn volume knob past 3 before sound distorts. Care to tell
me why they included volume control past that point? Even past the
half-way point? The 800 is an absolute mess. For anyone to defend it
is absolutely incredible IMO. And just another reason why mediocrity
is becoming acceptable. Tell Grundig to stuff that unit up their ever
loving a**.

Regards

B Banton wrote in message My 800 hums slightly when I turn the light on. Does a sync detector
help with that? My battery indicator flashes after about 3 hours of
use. Does turning the gain control up have an effect on that? My 800
can't display the letters USB. How would you have me fix that? They
doubled up the BATT and Attenuate letters. Do you know that? I can't
turn the damn volume knob past 3 before sound distorts. Care to tell
me why they included volume control past that point? Even past the
half-way point? The 800 is an absolute mess. For anyone to defend it
is absolutely incredible IMO. And just another reason why mediocrity
is becoming acceptable. Tell Grundig to stuff that unit up their ever
loving a**.

Regards

I'd say you have a defective unit. As far as the display not
displaying the letters USB - that was taken directly from the Drake
SW8 which also cannot display the letters USB. Some of the early
sets, including mine, have a bad adjustment for the battery indicator
and it flashes, like you say, after about 3 hours of use. That was
corrected on later units, so I understand. The other problems you
have seem to be on your set as I do not have those problems with mine.
Mine actually came from the VERY FIRST production batch sent to
Universal Radio and it has been a gem, except for the battery
indicator. But because the set eats up a set of batteries so quickly,
I use the 3-prong AC adapter so don't have the problem anyway. The
amplifier is the same as that used in the Drake SW8. Funny how no one
complains about the Drake units same faults. As far as actual
performance, the Satellit 800 outperforms the SW8, according to lab
tests I have read. Plus the 800 has an internal MW ferrit bar antenna
which is missing on the SW8. Not to mention the S-meter and larger,
better-sounding speaker. Yet the 800 costs hundreds less than the
SW8. No complaints from me. Had I gotten a defective unit, I would
have returned it for another, like I did with my Satellit 700.

On 9 Apr 2004 20:06:28 -0700, (Gary) wrote:

B Banton wrote in message My 800 hums slightly when I turn the light on. Does a sync detector
help with that? My battery indicator flashes after about 3 hours of
use. Does turning the gain control up have an effect on that? My 800
can't display the letters USB. How would you have me fix that? They
doubled up the BATT and Attenuate letters. Do you know that? I can't
turn the damn volume knob past 3 before sound distorts. Care to tell
me why they included volume control past that point? Even past the
half-way point? The 800 is an absolute mess. For anyone to defend it
is absolutely incredible IMO. And just another reason why mediocrity
is becoming acceptable. Tell Grundig to stuff that unit up their ever
loving a**.

Regards

I'd say you have a defective unit. As far as the display not
displaying the letters USB - that was taken directly from the Drake
SW8 which also cannot display the letters USB. Some of the early
sets, including mine, have a bad adjustment for the battery indicator
and it flashes, like you say, after about 3 hours of use. That was
corrected on later units, so I understand. The other problems you
have seem to be on your set as I do not have those problems with mine.
Mine actually came from the VERY FIRST production batch sent to
Universal Radio and it has been a gem, except for the battery
indicator. But because the set eats up a set of batteries so quickly,
I use the 3-prong AC adapter so don't have the problem anyway. The
amplifier is the same as that used in the Drake SW8. Funny how no one
complains about the Drake units same faults. As far as actual
performance, the Satellit 800 outperforms the SW8, according to lab
tests I have read. Plus the 800 has an internal MW ferrit bar antenna
which is missing on the SW8. Not to mention the S-meter and larger,
better-sounding speaker. Yet the 800 costs hundreds less than the
SW8. No complaints from me. Had I gotten a defective unit, I would
have returned it for another, like I did with my Satellit 700.


Well then - it's you my friend that has a problem. You see, many 800
owners claim 20 hours or so of battery run time. You don't get nearly
that and even admit that it's an issue with your "perfect" radio. But
you see it's not perfect. The battery thing sucks because when I want
to lug the anchor down to the porch for awhile I have Mr. Blinking
Battery indicator with me in no time. Quite simply - it's damn
annoying. You've settled my friend. You've lowered the bar. Thanks
to you we all know what to expect from the new 900. I can hear it now
from you - "Well, my first production run 900 is a perfect radio. Oh
it's just that the display goes out periodically. But you can't beat
the SSB. And heck - sometimes I use it in the dark before I go to bed
so who needs the display anyway?. Good luck.

B Banton wrote in message
Well then - it's you my friend that has a problem. You see, many 800
owners claim 20 hours or so of battery run time. You don't get nearly
that and even admit that it's an issue with your "perfect" radio. But
you see it's not perfect. The battery thing sucks because when I want
to lug the anchor down to the porch for awhile I have Mr. Blinking
Battery indicator with me in no time. Quite simply - it's damn
annoying. You've settled my friend. You've lowered the bar. Thanks
to you we all know what to expect from the new 900. I can hear it now
from you - "Well, my first production run 900 is a perfect radio. Oh
it's just that the display goes out periodically. But you can't beat
the SSB. And heck - sometimes I use it in the dark before I go to bed
so who needs the display anyway?. Good luck.

No where did I say how many hours I get with batteries - I merely said
the set eats them up quickly. I get at least 20 hours on batteries
which, to me, is a waste of money. I've heard of others having the
battery meter problem fixed, so no big deal. Every radio on the
market has had some problems. It took SONY several YEARS to correct
all the initial production problems with the 2010, which most everyone
thinks is one of the best portable radios available.
What radio do you own that is perfect in everything?

In article ,
says...
On 9 Apr 2004 20:06:28 -0700, (Gary) wrote:

B Banton wrote in message My 800 hums slightly when I turn the light on. Does a sync detector
help with that? My battery indicator flashes after about 3 hours of
use. Does turning the gain control up have an effect on that? My 800
can't display the letters USB. How would you have me fix that? They
doubled up the BATT and Attenuate letters. Do you know that? I can't
turn the damn volume knob past 3 before sound distorts. Care to tell
me why they included volume control past that point? Even past the
half-way point? The 800 is an absolute mess. For anyone to defend it
is absolutely incredible IMO. And just another reason why mediocrity
is becoming acceptable. Tell Grundig to stuff that unit up their ever
loving a**.

Regards

I'd say you have a defective unit. As far as the display not
displaying the letters USB - that was taken directly from the Drake
SW8 which also cannot display the letters USB. Some of the early
sets, including mine, have a bad adjustment for the battery indicator
and it flashes, like you say, after about 3 hours of use. That was
corrected on later units, so I understand. The other problems you
have seem to be on your set as I do not have those problems with mine.


"snip"

I've run my Sat 800 (second series) for the last year on a car
battery. The supply voltage as listed in the manual is 9 volts, but
cast in plastic above the supply input jack is "9-15 volts". The radio
is very happy with even a fully charged battery at 13.8 v and will last
for *weeks* of my teenager listening to loud rock music between charges.

Well, here's another bad experience....I just sent back my second Sat800 as
both were defective. The first one had a loud hum in the background when
using earphones, and the 2nd one was a real mess...it had the same loud hum,
plus the Air Band didn't work, the battery cover fit so tight, it pulled the
batteries away from their contacts and shut down when you slid the battery
cover closed, and, finally the antenna wouldn't pull all the way out,
because the bottom piece with the swivel ball had gotten bent inside and it
only went straight up...wouldn't rotate or bend...It's too bad...I really
like the looks of the radio but I will not try another...people seem to love
it if they get a good one, but far too many have problems...
73
Rob R




"Gary" wrote in message
om...
B Banton wrote in message My 800 hums slightly
when I turn the light on. Does a sync detector
help with that? My battery indicator flashes after about 3 hours of
use. Does turning the gain control up have an effect on that? My 800
can't display the letters USB. How would you have me fix that? They
doubled up the BATT and Attenuate letters. Do you know that? I can't
turn the damn volume knob past 3 before sound distorts. Care to tell
me why they included volume control past that point? Even past the
half-way point? The 800 is an absolute mess. For anyone to defend it
is absolutely incredible IMO. And just another reason why mediocrity
is becoming acceptable. Tell Grundig to stuff that unit up their ever
loving a**.

Regards

I'd say you have a defective unit. As far as the display not
displaying the letters USB - that was taken directly from the Drake
SW8 which also cannot display the letters USB. Some of the early
sets, including mine, have a bad adjustment for the battery indicator
and it flashes, like you say, after about 3 hours of use. That was
corrected on later units, so I understand. The other problems you
have seem to be on your set as I do not have those problems with mine.
Mine actually came from the VERY FIRST production batch sent to
Universal Radio and it has been a gem, except for the battery
indicator. But because the set eats up a set of batteries so quickly,
I use the 3-prong AC adapter so don't have the problem anyway. The
amplifier is the same as that used in the Drake SW8. Funny how no one
complains about the Drake units same faults. As far as actual
performance, the Satellit 800 outperforms the SW8, according to lab
tests I have read. Plus the 800 has an internal MW ferrit bar antenna
which is missing on the SW8. Not to mention the S-meter and larger,
better-sounding speaker. Yet the 800 costs hundreds less than the
SW8. No complaints from me. Had I gotten a defective unit, I would
have returned it for another, like I did with my Satellit 700.