HFU HF Underground

Technical Topics => Equipment => Topic started by: Treehouse SWL on December 31, 2019, 0047 UTC

Title: SW/MW radio recommendation?
Post by: Treehouse SWL on December 31, 2019, 0047 UTC

OK, here's my scenario: I have a Eton Grundig Edition Satellit portable receiver (love that one), along with a few older radios, and I have up to $75 (U.S.) to spend on another portable.

SSB isn't necessary, but something that'a good with both shortwave and mediumwave would be great. Recommendations?

Title: Re: SW/MW radio recommendation?
Post by: dxace1 on December 31, 2019, 0058 UTC

Wow that is a huge question -- if you only have $75 to spend there are a zillion choices.  I would say go for a used Tecsun PL-660 or PL-680. 

Some of the older but very good portables, such as the Panasonic RF-B65 and Sony ICF-SW55 may be out of your price range.

Title: Re: SW/MW radio recommendation?
Post by: Treehouse SWL on December 31, 2019, 0104 UTC

I was looking at the PL-660. Via Anon-Co's website, you can get that radio for $85 (+ shipping), which is close enough to my price range.

Title: Re: SW/MW radio recommendation?
Post by: pinto vortando on December 31, 2019, 2255 UTC

Take a look at the PL-600... it fits your price range.
It works well on SW and...  with an inductively coupled loop or "longwire"
is also a very good MW and even LW receiver.
It also does SSB.  You say that SSB is not necessary but you won't hear
hams or utility without it. 

Title: Re: SW/MW radio recommendation?
Post by: Josh on December 31, 2019, 2302 UTC

I'd be all over this fine piece of teutonic overengineering if I didn't have multiple project radios in the fire all at the same time;
https://swap.qth.com/view_ad.php?counter=1470772

Title: Re: SW/MW radio recommendation?
Post by: chanito on January 01, 2020, 0308 UTC

I would spend it on a vintage Zenith Royal 1000 or 3000 just because.

Title: Re: SW/MW radio recommendation?
Post by: ThaDood on January 01, 2020, 0829 UTC

Can't go wrong with a Realistic DX-440, the Radio Shack version of the Sangean ATS-803A portable. An AM only Eton E10 portable is a great affordable portable as well. Both can be had cheaply at Hamfests, but if you can get the seller to turn it on to test it out before you, it would be best to do so.

Title: Re: SW/MW radio recommendation?
Post by: arfursmiff on January 11, 2020, 0825 UTC

I got an XHData D808 a couple of months ago. Battery life is excellent and it's really good on MW. I live in a area where MW is really hard to get and this radio picks it up nicely.

https://swling.com/blog/2018/04/a-detailed-review-of-the-xhdata-d-808-and-comparison-with-the-tecsun-pl-660/

Title: Re: SW/MW radio recommendation?
Post by: moof on January 11, 2020, 1827 UTC

Had all but one of these.  Definitely Tecsun 600 to 880.  Ported out to large speakers is awesome.