wrote in message
oups.com...
I don't know whether you wanted the 150E as a collectible or because
you wanted something that would perform better than the standard 150.
However, if the latter is what you wanted, then you may be better off
having lost the auction. At least one (apparently well-informed) SWL
site

http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/pi...ent/lowe1.html


compares the HF-150 and HF-150E this way:

"A higher specification HF-150 was later released named the HF-150
Europa. This higher specification radio offered band-pass filtering
similar to that offered in the HF-225, a back light for the frequency
read-out and a black anodised aluminium case rather than the standard
brown. However it is claimed that in use the HF-150 Europa is not as
good as the straight HF-150 because the additional front end filtering
reduces the ultimate sensitivity of the radio from 0.4uV to 1.5uV.
Additionally while the I.F. (Intermediate Frequency) remained at 45 MHz
and thus the 'second channel' or 'image' lies between 90.03 MHz and 120
MHz, depending on where the radio is tuned (i.e. across much of the
v.h.f. Band II FM), because of compromised filtering performance
employed in the "E" version this could result in breakthrough of
wide-band FM signals if the listener's aerial picked up these
frequencies. For these reasons we would recommend that anyone looking
to buy a Lowe HF-150 today should look for the standard (and superb)
version of the HF-150, rather than the ulimately poorer performing
Europa version."

I can't vouch for this view personally, as I've never used a 150E.
However, I've seen these claims made not only on this particular site
but in other places as well.

I'd be interested to hear from people who've used both receivers.

Steve


Yes I read that Steve

I pointed that out in a thread about the Europa once. But Mark Holden who I
repect a lot, had this to say about article:

Mark S. Holden Feb 2, 12:51 pm show options

Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
From: "Mark S. Holden" - Find messages by this author
Date: Wed, 02 Feb 2005 12:51:17 -0500
Local: Wed,Feb 2 2005 12:51 pm
Subject: HF-150 Europa on Ebay?
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- Show quoted text -

Lucky wrote:
"Mark S. Holden" wrote in message

On the difference between the Europa and the regular HF-150, I'd take the
Europa. The input filtering is likely to be more useful than any loss in
sensitivity.


He says:
"Incorporating these RF bandpass filters should theoretically reduce
spurious responses and noise. I compared the '150E to my early model '150.
When the original '150 was connected to my 90/60 meter parallel dipole,
there were several frequencies below 3 MHz which had images of local
broadcasters. With the '150E , there were no audible images present, but
there was increased noise on the same frequencies".


and


"I found that the original HF-150 was about 0.5 microvolts more sensitive
across the HF spectrum, however, the HF-150E was within specification of
less than two microvolts throughout the HF spectrum, and was typically in
the range of one microvolt. I think that the higher sensitivity of the
original may not be a virtue, given the radio's susceptibility for
overloading. I don't think that this difference is significant, and
switching in the pre-amp on the HF-150E improved the sensitivity to the
level of the '150 without pre-amp"


So basically he had to switch on the pre amp to bring it up to the 150's
sensitivity. If you don't live in areas with strong stations, I'd rather
have the sensitivity.


Plus, I didn't know the backlight option can't be turned off in the E. So,
it will drain your batteries if you ever use it as a portable.


Lucky



I'd be interested in hearing more about the "increased noise" in the
Europa - the reviewer didn't say anything other than he noticed it. Who
knows if it's significant?

I bring plenty of power for recharging battery packs when I'm camping.
I'd gladly trade the convenience of a backlight for a little battery
drain.


Unless you've taken heroic measures or live in the woods, odds are the
noise floor for your antenna will be higher than 2 microvolts.


My primary home antenna is 225 feet away from the house, with
underground coax, and according to my Harris, the noise floor is right
around the limit of the Europa.


If you were using the radio to chase DX in the woods, you could use an
outboard preamp or an active antenna.


When I was looking for a HF-150e or a 7030+ my primary concern was
finding a good radio for use when camping, and for when I'm hanging out
by the pool or fishing for snook on the other side of Alligator Alley.


The HF-150e had the edge on size and would probably have cost less, the
7030+ had the edge on performance, and availability.


Both radios were designed by the same person.