HFU HF Underground

Technical Topics => Equipment => Topic started by: Mystery on December 07, 2011, 0014 UTC

Title: Confused about what new Radio I should get
Post by: Mystery on December 07, 2011, 0014 UTC
Ive had my eyes on the Sangeon ATS 909,,, but Its now discontinued and replaced with the ats 909 X....  Which model should I get,, Or do you have any other suggestions for Radios in or below the 200 dollar range that are excellent performers and must tune SSB Signals.  I currently have a Tecsun PL 390 and it is a great radio for 70 bucks,, my only complaint is the lack of SSB.   ALSO,, I see alot of Logs for other pirates that you guys can pick up,, that I cant hear either do to my location  CENTRAL INDIANA,, or the radio not being sensitive enough.  The strongest and easiest pirate signals to listen to at my location are WMPR and that new Family Radio Pirate... I received many others but not without alot of static.
Title: Re: Confused about what new Radio I should get
Post by: Pigmeat on December 08, 2011, 0551 UTC
I've owned two of the ATS 909's and recommend them highly. If you can get one for 200 bucks,grab it.

The only knock I have on the 909's are they're battery eaters. Get a power adapter if it's not offered.

The 909 can handle a full sized antenna w/o overloading,something rare in portables. Plus,it's SSB tuning is superb.

40 feet of wire out the window,and you'll be able to hear most NA pirates easily.
Title: Re: Confused about what new Radio I should get
Post by: cmradio on December 08, 2011, 0620 UTC
G3 is on for $100

http://www.etoncorp.com/product_card/?p_ProductDbId=916030

Peace!
Title: Re: Confused about what new Radio I should get
Post by: Mystery on December 09, 2011, 0239 UTC
Ive had a G3,, Was a great radio,, but the antennas seemed to break off alot.    I think im gonna go with the older model 909.. Thanks for the reviews guys.
Title: Re: Confused about what new Radio I should get
Post by: Zoidberg on December 12, 2011, 0337 UTC
While you're shopping around, check into the Sony 7600G (or GR?) too, whichever model offers AM sync detection.  I've had a Sony ICF-2010 for around 15 years and it really helps with weak AM signals, or on the crowded 49m band where stations are often only 5 kHz apart.

Regarding battery life with the 7600G, check eham reviews or elsewhere.  The Sony 2010 gets very good life from only 3 D cells, but I don't know about the 7600G.  The main problem with larger portables like the 2010 is they're not very convenient for traveling.  I mostly use the 2010 for the back yard, and take a smaller Panasonic for traveling.

As for pirate listening, it's very hit or miss right now, mostly due to propagation.  If you try some online web-controlled tuners you'll notice the same problem, so it's not just your radio, antenna or location.  Even with tabletop receivers and good outdoor antennas, it's a real challenge right now.