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Best SWL RCVR to buy?
I'm planning to buy a new rcvr and would love some input on the current
scene. Things that pop into my mind that are a must are (1) SSB/CW reception (2) Freq. read out (LCD or whatever) (3) External antenna support (4) High sensitiviy and selectivity I haven't looked at SWL RCVRs in some time and don't really know much of what's best to get with the ones I'm seeing available to buy online. I'm not even keen on where the best place to buy on is. Any help or input would be great! Thanks, OM |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
On 26 Nov 2005 01:14:28 -0800, "OregonMike"
wrote: I'm planning to buy a new rcvr and would love some input on the current scene. Things that pop into my mind that are a must are (1) SSB/CW reception (2) Freq. read out (LCD or whatever) (3) External antenna support (4) High sensitiviy and selectivity I haven't looked at SWL RCVRs in some time and don't really know much of what's best to get with the ones I'm seeing available to buy online. I'm not even keen on where the best place to buy on is. Any help or input would be great! Thanks, OM There are 4 entry level receivers. ICOM R75 Eton E1 Palstar R30 Yaesu FRG-100B |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
The Icom R-75 or Yaesu FRG-100 are your best bets for the price.
FC |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
I agree with David he if portability is an issue (and you're
looking for above average portable performance), then you would be advised to look toward the Eton E1. You might also look into getting your hands on a used Drake SW8 receiver. It's a significantly bulkier than the Eton. In terms of size and layout, it's much like your average tabletop, but it can be run off 6 D cells and has a handle. Bear in mind that this model, which first came into production in, I believe 1994, underwent some design changes from 1997 (sychronous selectable sideband was added, as opposed to double-sideband synch in the earlier models, and also a pre-amp to the internal whip was added from 1996). I've got one of the earlier and one of the latter. Both are excellent, but clearly the sychronous selectable sideband is a significant performance enhancing feature. The SW8 sounds great for program listening, as well. junius OregonMike wrote: Oh, one more thing I forget to mention as a "must" is (5) portability. I'd like to be able to take this wherever while at the same time used it at home connected to an outdoor antenna array. OM |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
The stock Icom R-75 is very nice once you get over the learning curve
with the filters and passband. The Synchronous AM is broken so I just use ECSS . The Yaesu FRG-100 is ok but there is nothing great about it. I would love to have a RB8 but I am still tring to find an owner to part with it. I am going to get a 7030+ before AOR throws in the towel and gets out of the market like Drake did. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
The stock Icom R-75 is very nice once you get over the learning curve
with the filters and passband. The Synchronous AM is broken so I just use ECSS . The Yaesu FRG-100 is ok but there is nothing great about it. I would love to have a RB8 but I am still tring to find an owner to part with it. I am going to get a 7030+ before AOR throws in the towel and gets out of the market like Drake did. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
"Rob" wrote in message ... R8B is a big dissapointment too....as with anything made by DRAKE Yeah, it is essentially the gold standard for AM mode DX, whether MW or SW. There is nothing even close to it in this usage, even for several time the price. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
"Rob" wrote in message
... R8B is a big dissapointment too....as with anything made by DRAKE I would consider myself fortunate if I could claim to have owned a Drake SW receiver long enough to have been able to test it to the point where I could find its weak points. Though I haven't owned this radio, I've listened to those owned by friends, and can say that they are pretty much without peer in the SW receiver world at their price level. I assume from the tone of your post that you had a negative experience with a Drake shortwave receiver? Jackie |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
Rob wrote: R8B is a big dissapointment too....as with anything made by DRAKE LMAO... dxAce Michigan USA |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
OregonMike wrote: I'm planning to buy a new rcvr and would love some input on the current scene. Things that pop into my mind that are a must are (1) SSB/CW reception (2) Freq. read out (LCD or whatever) (3) External antenna support (4) High sensitiviy and selectivity I haven't looked at SWL RCVRs in some time and don't really know much of what's best to get with the ones I'm seeing available to buy online. I'm not even keen on where the best place to buy on is. Any help or input would be great! Thanks, OM In addition to the several new radios mentioned you should give consideration to buying a used receiver such as a Kenwood R-5000, Icom R71a or one of the Japan Radios. The Kenwood R-5000 is my personal favorite, but any of the three will provide excellent reception and have several features that wil help extracting a signal from difficult listening conditions. Good luck in the search and be sure to mention the receiver you finally choose. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
Rob wrote: R8B is a big dissapointment too....as with anything made by DRAKE "David" wrote in message ... On 26 Nov 2005 16:33:30 -0800, wrote: I have the R75 I am dissapointed with it's out of the box performance. It is very distorted and sync doesn't work. I am about to send it off for audio and sync mods. It seems to be well constructed and otherwise easy to operate with nice big display. I hear that the mods will make it work a lot better I thought at one time that it might give my R8B a good run for money with the mods, but I'm backing off from that kinda thinking. The R8B is a damn nice piece of gear. I actually thought that I might sell the Drake once the ICOM got back with the mods. I'll probably keep both Go for a R8B if the price isn't a prob. Otherwise maybe R75 with the mods would be a good choice. 73 NEO My stock R-75 is just fine for what I use it for. I only use the AM mode in the daytime for local broadcasts. The rest of the time I'm in SSB mode, listen to MWDX or HFBC. I have an R8B also, but not next to the bed. Everything I've read tells me the Drake receivers are high performers. In the few times I tried one I was impressed with it's performance and with the sheer number of controls. The only thing I was less than impressed with was it's "feel" - the controls and the display left me unimpressed. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 04:19:10 GMT, "David Eduardo"
wrote: "Rob" wrote in message ... R8B is a big dissapointment too....as with anything made by DRAKE Yeah, it is essentially the gold standard for AM mode DX, whether MW or SW. There is nothing even close to it in this usage, even for several time the price. R-390A |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 01:28:59 GMT, David wrote:
On 26 Nov 2005 17:02:17 -0800, "OregonMike" wrote: Thanks for the reply David. At least I recognize the Icom and Yaesu names :) I have many amateur rigs made by them. I don't need an "entry level" receiver per se, but if one works well then I'm game for getting one. I started SWL in 1983'ish with an old, analog Radio Shack RCVR and listened since the late 80's with various HF amateur radios. So, 1983 was the last time I had a SWL specific radio! I'm stuck using my Yaesu FT-847 as my SWL RCVR and want something that's portable (battery powered as well as DC in). You probably would like the Eton (they own Grundig name in some places). Well built. I've been trying to figure out who Eton is. They're selling what used to be called "Grundig" radios? Seen their ads; just don't know who they are. bob k5qwg |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
I suggest picking up a used Lowe HF-150. It's very portable, very
rugged and a good performer. The E1 is way overpriced. |
Best 'portable' Shortwave Receiver ? Icom IC-75 Communications Receiver -or- Eton E1 AM/FM Shortwave Radio
OregonMike,
Best 'portable' Shortwave Receiver ? Icom IC-75 Communications Receiver -or- Eton E1 AM/FM Shortwave Radio - - - Sort of Depends on what you call 'portable' ! - imho ~ RHF http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortw...a/message/6730 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ETON-E...o/message/1863 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/icomr75/message/10957 "IF' by being 'portable' you mean "Mobile" then the Icom IC-R75 is reasonably small enough to tote-around and use in a "Mobile" Mode running-off the 12 VDC Power of your Car or Truck. * Icom IC-R75 AM/MW Shortwave Receiver http://www.grove-ent.com/ICR75.html http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...rxvr/0175.html http://www.icomamerica.com/products/receivers/r75/ http://www.icomamerica.com/brochures/ic-r75.pdf http://www.icomamerica.com/images/product/r75.jpg * Icom IC-R75 AM/MW Shortwave Receiver - Specifications http://www.universal-radio.com/catal.../0175spec.html http://www.icomamerica.com/products/.../r75/specs.asp * Optional - OPC-869 DC Fused Power Cable for 12 VDC Operation. http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...r/0175ops.html http://www.icomamerica.com/products/.../specs.asp#acc * Radio Netherlands 'Review" Icom IC-R75 AM/MW Shortwave Receiver http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/en/features/m...ers/icr75.html * ANARC "Review" Icom IC-R75 AM/MW Shortwave Receiver http://www.anarc.org/naswa/issues/19...uip199911.html * RigPix DataBase Icom IC-R75 AM/MW Shortwave Receiver http://www.rigpix.com/icom/icr75.htm * eHAM "Owner's Reviews" Icom IC-R75 AM/MW Shortwave Receiver http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/427 * The Icom IC-R75 AM/MW Shortwave Receiver Information Center featuring the Icom IC-R75 Cookbook - by Dr. Phil INFO = http://www.geocities.com/philsr75infocenter/ COOKBOOK = http://www.geocities.com/philsr75inf...r/PhilCook.pdf * Radio Reference WIKI - IC-R75 AM/MW Shortwave Receiver http://www.radioreference.com/wiki/index.php/IC-R75 * IC-R75 AM/MW Shortwave Receiver Group on YAHOO! GROUP = http://groups.yahoo.com/group/icomr75/ However, 'if' by being 'portable' you mean "Hand-Carrying" then consider the Eton E1 AM/FM Shortwave Radio with the optional XM Satellite Radio. It does in fact Run-Off Batteries 4x"D"s and does have a fairly good average Battery Life Cycle of about 80 Hours for AM/FM and Shortwave. Note - The Battery Life using the 'optional' XM Satellite Radio Tuner/Antenna is only in the range of 12-18 Hours. It can be easily Rigged to Run-Off your Car's 12 VDC Power with an Adapter. * Eton E1 AM/FM Shortwave Radio http://www.grove-ent.com/EX1M.html http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/0101.html http://www.etoncorp.com/US/products/...tID=4&prodID=9 * Eton E1 AM/FM Shortwave Radio - Features http://www.universal-radio.com/catal.../0101feat.html http://www.etoncorp.com/US/products/...2&sub CatID=4 http://www.etoncorp.com/US/resources...E1XM_specs.pdf * XM Tuner/Antenna for XM Satellite Radio http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...e/0101cnp.html * IC Regulated Universal DC Car Converter 800mA http://www.grove-ent.com/DCC3.html eHAM "Owner's Reviews" Eton E1 AM/FM Shortwave Radio http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/5353 * Eton E1 "Photo Review" - by & © HongKongRadioer http://www.radiointel.com/review-etone1photo.htm * Eton E1 AM/FM Shortwave Radio "Review" - by Jay Allen http://www.radiointel.com/review-etone1.htm * Eton E1 Radio -verses- Grundig Satellit 800 Radio - by Dr. Phil - hosted by RadioIntel.Com http://www.radiointel.com/phil/e1xmvssat800.pdf * Modern Shortwave Receiver Survey Eton E1 AM/FM Shortwave Radio http://www.dxing.com/rx/r75.htm * Eton E1 AM/FM Shortwave Radio Group on YAHOO ! GROUP = http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ETON-E1-XM-Radio/ as always more than you wanted to know - iane ~ RHF .. All are WELCOME and "Invited to Join" the Shortwave Listener (SWL) Antenna eGroup on YAHOO ! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/ SWL ANTENNAS GROUP = http://tinyurl.com/an6tw . Some Say: On A Clear Day You Can See Forever . . . I Believe : On A Clear Night - You Can Hear Forever - - - and Beyond, The BEYOND ! = http://tinyurl.com/an6tw http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/ . With a Shortwave Listener SWL Antenna of your own making. "If You Build It {SWL Antenna} You Will Hear Them !" SWL ANTENNAS GROUP = http://tinyurl.com/an6tw http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/ . . .. . |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
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Best SWL RCVR to buy?
On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 14:50:36 GMT, Bob Miller
wrote: On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 01:28:59 GMT, David wrote: On 26 Nov 2005 17:02:17 -0800, "OregonMike" wrote: Thanks for the reply David. At least I recognize the Icom and Yaesu names :) I have many amateur rigs made by them. I don't need an "entry level" receiver per se, but if one works well then I'm game for getting one. I started SWL in 1983'ish with an old, analog Radio Shack RCVR and listened since the late 80's with various HF amateur radios. So, 1983 was the last time I had a SWL specific radio! I'm stuck using my Yaesu FT-847 as my SWL RCVR and want something that's portable (battery powered as well as DC in). You probably would like the Eton (they own Grundig name in some places). Well built. I've been trying to figure out who Eton is. They're selling what used to be called "Grundig" radios? Seen their ads; just don't know who they are. bob k5qwg http://www.rwonline.com/reference-ro...rundig_2.shtml |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
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Best SWL RCVR to buy?
Well, you could have an extra set of batteries in case the ones you're
using run out of steam. Wouldn't cost that much. You could buy a 150 and *several* sets of rechargeables for what you'd spend on an E1. $500 is too much for a portable receiver. The SW77, before it was discontinued, also cost around $500. That doesn't show that the E1 isn't overpriced, but simply that both the SW77 and E1 are/were overpriced. Yes, the E1 has a lot of "features", but you're asking for disappointment if you base your buying decisions on long lists of features. (Features are relevant, of course, but they don't guarantee good performance.) No matter how many features you tack onto the E1, it's still only a portable receiver. A really good portable receiver, no doubt, but if you have $500 bucks to spend, it's time to walk out of the portable aisle--unless you have money to burn and don't care about bang for the buck. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
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Best SWL RCVR to buy?
"Bob Miller" wrote in message ... On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 01:28:59 GMT, David wrote: On 26 Nov 2005 17:02:17 -0800, "OregonMike" wrote: Thanks for the reply David. At least I recognize the Icom and Yaesu names :) I have many amateur rigs made by them. I don't need an "entry level" receiver per se, but if one works well then I'm game for getting one. I started SWL in 1983'ish with an old, analog Radio Shack RCVR and listened since the late 80's with various HF amateur radios. So, 1983 was the last time I had a SWL specific radio! I'm stuck using my Yaesu FT-847 as my SWL RCVR and want something that's portable (battery powered as well as DC in). You probably would like the Eton (they own Grundig name in some places). Well built. I've been trying to figure out who Eton is. They're selling what used to be called "Grundig" radios? Seen their ads; just don't know who they are. Chinese manufacturer, who made most of the Radio Shack SW receivers... and bought the brand when Grundig failed. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
"David" wrote in message ... On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 04:19:10 GMT, "David Eduardo" wrote: "Rob" wrote in message .. . R8B is a big dissapointment too....as with anything made by DRAKE Yeah, it is essentially the gold standard for AM mode DX, whether MW or SW. There is nothing even close to it in this usage, even for several time the price. R-390A Have owned both, and the R8 series is really superior. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
David wrote: On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 04:19:10 GMT, "David Eduardo" wrote: "Rob" wrote in message ... R8B is a big dissapointment too....as with anything made by DRAKE Yeah, it is essentially the gold standard for AM mode DX, whether MW or SW. There is nothing even close to it in this usage, even for several time the price. R-390A ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For true portability I would suggest the 24V version of the R392, the R392. Back in 1970 I was tickled pink with mine. Only ~69lbs. And a pair of car batteries to power it will only add another 60lbs. Which might be one reason why I have a hernia. Terry |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
dxAce (The Star Spangled Boner) wrote:
LMAO... You've laughed it off so many times that it must be getting pretty worn out from hitting the floor..unless of course you ARE still on the floor because of another bout of binge drinking. mike |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
m II wrote: dxAce (The Star Spangled Boner) wrote: LMAO... You've laughed it off so many times that it must be getting pretty worn out from hitting the floor..unless of course you ARE still on the floor because of another bout of binge drinking. LMAO at the dumbass Canuck yet again. When will you ever learn, you stupid piece of human debris? dxAce Michigan USA |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
dxAce wrote:
m II wrote: dxAce (The Star Spangled Boner) wrote: LMAO... You've laughed it off so many times that it must be getting pretty worn out from hitting the floor..unless of course you ARE still on the floor because of another bout of binge drinking. LMAO at the dumbass Canuck yet again. When will you ever learn, you stupid piece of human debris? Your Social Assistance cheque late again? That would explain the temporary sobriety. mike |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
m II wrote: dxAce wrote: m II wrote: dxAce (The Star Spangled Boner) wrote: LMAO... You've laughed it off so many times that it must be getting pretty worn out from hitting the floor..unless of course you ARE still on the floor because of another bout of binge drinking. LMAO at the dumbass Canuck yet again. When will you ever learn, you stupid piece of human debris? Your Social Assistance cheque late again? That would explain the temporary sobriety. Social Assistance? LMAO at the dumbass Canuck yet again! dxAce Michigan USA |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
On 27 Nov 2005 12:36:37 -0800, "junius" wrote:
Make no doubt about it, the HF-150 is a nice radio...although for that class of radio, I twice opted for the SW8 and have been extremely happy with the choice. Still, the E1 fills a specific niche, and I'm personally quite pleased that it has come along to fill that niche. I hope it proves to be a successful seller. Because if the E1 proves a failure, we can well expect the portable market to be left to the cheap, uninspiring, under-$100 Chinese portables (and any new product hype will be over such trivial matters as the inclusion of another 200 memories on the latest Kaito Degen or a cabinet that's .5 cm less wide than the predecessor). I have an HF-150, which is a fine receiver and an excellent piece of sculpture. I just don't consider something that eats 8 AAs in 3 hours ''portable''. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
I use rechargeables. Multiple sets of them. Changing them is very easy.
It works. You might also consider buying larger capacity rechargeables. They will last longer in your 150. If you're unable to grasp these concepts, by all means spend $500 on an E1. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
David wrote: I have an HF-150, which is a fine receiver and an excellent piece of sculpture. I just don't consider something that eats 8 AAs in 3 hours ''portable''. Well, if such battery consumption is typical for the HF-150, then you've certainly got a point there. Do you or anyone else have an idea of how the E1 is on battery consumption? |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
Kind of like voting for the best automobile to buy.Chevrolet is just as
good as Cadillac.Although I don't own a Drake Radio,I reckon I will vote for the Drake and Ten-Tec Radios.What's the best Antenna to buy? cuhulin |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
I think it's battery consumption is comparable to that of other
portables, though of course it depends on volume level and so on. However, my understanding is that, if you listen to XM while using batteries, they'll probably only last around four hours or so. I believe there's a lengthy discussion of the E1's battery consumption on the E1 group on Yahoo. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
Thanks, Steve. & I'll take a look at the E1 group on Yahoo.
Junius wrote: I think it's battery consumption is comparable to that of other portables, though of course it depends on volume level and so on. However, my understanding is that, if you listen to XM while using batteries, they'll probably only last around four hours or so. I believe there's a lengthy discussion of the E1's battery consumption on the E1 group on Yahoo. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
I had a pair for 6 months but gave em to the kids to play with.
Was a big waste of $$$ "Brian Denley" wrote in message ... Rob wrote: R8B is a big dissapointment too....as with anything made by DRAKE Yeah right. That's why it was the top rated receiver for so many years. You own one? -- Brian Denley http://home.comcast.net/~b.denley/index.html |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
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Best SWL RCVR to buy?
On 27 Nov 2005 16:39:01 -0800, "junius" wrote:
Thanks, Steve. & I'll take a look at the E1 group on Yahoo. Junius wrote: I think it's battery consumption is comparable to that of other portables, though of course it depends on volume level and so on. However, my understanding is that, if you listen to XM while using batteries, they'll probably only last around four hours or so. I believe there's a lengthy discussion of the E1's battery consumption on the E1 group on Yahoo. I think it's around 40-50 hours on a set of alkalines. The XM antenna will reduce that by 75%. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
Haven't you ever used batteries in your 150? You can pop out the used
batteries and replace them with fresh ones. Yes, we have the technology. |
Best SWL RCVR to buy?
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Best SWL RCVR to buy?
Well, NiCads are handy things to have around, and the 150 will charge
them. When I'm not using them in the 150 I use them in other things. This is one of my favorite things about the 150, but oh well. |
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