shortwave radio

bandaidman

bandaidman

Basic Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2001
Messages
1,149
i had a little sony one for years and it worked great

i would like to upgrade to one with digital tuning and has really good reception...dont want a big desktop unit though ... would like one that can be moved around easily and has the option of ac power and batteries

any suggestions????
 
Sangean 909 is a pretty good performer. Reception off the whip antenna is not as good as some, but I would think you'd want to use a reel antenna with any small radio to improve reception.

It's also sold as the discontinued radio shack DX 398 and can be found at a bargain sometimes.

G.
 
If you want to spend the big bucks look into an AOR AR7030. It's the only modern rig I have found that is close to running with a Collins R390A.
 
I have a Grundig 404 PE I thin is the mod #, don't use it
much though.
They are supposed to be pretty good.

How would you rate them to the ones youv'e mentioned.
 
I've had the Sangean 818 for years now and it is a terrific receiver. It's bigger than the classic Grundig Yachtboy 400, but it sounds great. I do wish it had a "synchronous detection" circuit in it to help with the fading on a lot of shortwave stations, like the Sony 7600 has. It's been a great radio and we use the alarm feature to wake up by every day.

Paul
 
I've been a shortwave fan for many years, but not heavy duty gear. Sony has some excellent models, especially because of the synchronous lock circuitry. But i also like Sangean quite a bit. I'm listening to the 909 right now :) but it's a bit large. The 606 is almost as good in a smaller package, but without the manual dial.
I'm not a grundig fan. It's very sensitive to changes in voltage and I've fried more than one simply by plugging and unplugging.
Radio shack has some decent Sangean designs too, but I would suggest Sony or Sangean. Sangean lasts longer and has the auto station finding Sony lacks..
 
I can't speak for their shortwave models, but I have a C.C. Radio Plus (built by Sangean) and can honestly say it is the absolute best radio I have ever seen.

Paul
 
thank you for the suggestions

is the "synchronous detection" feature of the sony's a big enough technological advance to make it a clear favorite over the sangean?
 
Not exactly what he asked, but related...
does anyone have a portable (out-of-car) XM radio? How do they compare with shortwave?
 
What are the uses of a shortwave radio? I assume they are for Bug Out Bags. If so, what is transmitted on a shortwave that isn't on a FM or AM radio?
 
I second that question. I've tried to listen to a few little radios with shortwave. 25 years ago it seemed exotic, but is it still useful to a non-affectionaldo today?
 
The 3 main problems with shortwave are 1) reception 2) content and 3) bandwidth. :)
1. Reception can be extremely lousy during the day, especially in cities, without a substantial antenna. But in more open areas and at night you can get quite a few stations from around the world as the signals bounce off the ionosphere for great distances. I'm not sure that the Sony locking circuitry (PLL Synthesis) is such a big factor. My little ICF-SW100 is much better for it, and nothing that size could do the same job without it, but my Sangean ATS 909 pulls in much more without.
2. Want to hear where all the holy rollers and religious and racist fanatics of all denominations live? They rule shortwave. You can also get the usual like DW, BBC Radio Canada, a variety of latin American and Cuban stations, China, Russia etc. There is some superb programming simply not available anywhere else except to alimited extent on CBC Overnight where they replay some shortwave, and on the internet. If you can receive internet signals you can get more shortwave stations more reliably than on a shortwave radio. I know nothing about these satellite/internet radios.
3. The sound is horrible. Ever listen to sideband for long? Donald Duck will sound like Olivier to you after a while.

On the other hand, if you are out in a remote area, shortwave is essential. I have always taken a little radio shack special with me on my trips. It has manual tuning, to consume minimal energy. is bulletproof and also a stereo fm section for when I'm laying over in town. It will pick up quite a few signals in most areas. When I was in Antarctica I used to catch the news twice a day and that's how I heard about the strikes in Argentina. I got out just ahead of the airport and most of the country shutting down. Without my shortwave I would have had to walk to Chile or something equally lousy. It also helps you feel you're in touch just a little when you're in the middle of nowhere.
But in the city, sw may need bigger rigs than I use or know anything about.
 
I've lurked for several months On Bladeforums. I like this topic.

I Love small SW radio.
You might check out Kaito 1102. Blew me away with extra features my others don't have.
" 190 memory luminated key pad (blue color) Wrist strap.
When radio is off you can charge the 3-AA batteries in radio.
I can pick up NBC and ABC TV stations. It's 3 x 5 inchs. Like my Shabaria opened lol. I think good sound quaility for it's size. It's under a $ 100.00
If C.Crane would put SW in there C.C.Crane radio no doubt I would buy one.
Thanks.
Edgeseeker
( sorry not sure how to post photos yet..)
 
Welcome to the forums. Great post!
An illuminated keypad would be great. At least where batteries aren't a problem. I can't tell you the number of times I have to fumble around at night blind guessing what buttons are what. I'll have to check that one out. Thanks :cool:
 
HJK,
I've been reading your 9-19-04 post. And the amount of shoe leather you saved by having a radio. That's justification for owning one. lol.
Glad you had one with you. Never know anymore what is going on in the world.

I do have different prespective of world situation since listening to SW . CBC in the AM and late evenings are good programs.
Thanks again,
edgeseeker
 
Hello Josh,
Your 909 is top of the Sangean line. No question.

All Sangean products are premo. I have 3-Sangean SW.
What drew me to the Katio 1102 was the extra features offered and it's small size.
( like I really needed another SW or another knife ).

Hope we are not confusing "bandaidman" or anyone else. All products are great. Have AC adapter's. Inside ant. Ear buds.
 
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