Thanks for the video. I agree with you. I have a Grundig S450DLX and, however it didn't work well at the first time, I've repaired it, and now I LOVE it! ... It's amazing!...it's my favorite radio!
i love my realistic dx-440. ive had it since 1989, ive used it often for 30 years, i NEVER had ANY issues or repairs in 30 years. It has ssb, is accurate, digital, portable. And SUPERB awesome sound quality and depth. All smiles all the way all these years. Realize theres a difference between "a digital readout of frequency" and a "frequency counter" completely different circuits
20 years ago I bought. Grundig SW Radio similar to the one shown. It had such a warm rich sound considering it was mono. It did seriously drift while using. Back then there wasn’t any RU-vid videos describing this issue. Today I have the Tecsun PL 330 however I rarely hear any SW stations here in SoCal.
I'm new to this so i'm going to take your word about the Tecsun PL-880. I don't think I will be disappointed seeing as I know very little about radios and frequencies. But thanks for the video and the information to get me pointed in a direction.
Hi, it yours 1103 a updated version dsp or older version, i heard the dsp version is not as good as the old one, but thats what i can get as i wanted to get a new one, I am currently choosing between degen de1103, Tecsun pl 660 or maybe pl880, any good advice?
great videos live in wales uk been shortwave listener for nearly 40 years big collector of philips portables including the D2999 look out for more videos 73
Is the Degen 1103 presented a recent model? I had a Kaito 1103 twenty years ago. I heard that recently produced Kaito/Degen 1103 radios weren't as sensitive as older ones.
I have RF-562DD. The MW reception is fantastic ( matches my XHData D-808‼️) As stated, a bit of a pain to tune on SW, but I got used to it pretty quickly. For AM/MW DXing on an Analog radio, it’s fantastic. SW reception is very good. FM is fine ( but I dont listen to FM much, except in my truck). Great video 📻🙂
Thanks for the review. I've got a Degen DE1103 and it is really superb! It is very sensitive specially on FM and Shortwave, either with its own whip antenna or connected to an external one. It is excellent to pick up very weak signal transmissions due to its low noise floor and high sensitivity. Unfortunately, it does not reject image very well, specially on MW. And it sometimes does not respond propperly after replacing the batteries. You have to wait some 5 minutes and then it will work well again. Of course, you will have to reset the time. The Degen DE1103 is my favorite portable receiver even when compared to my Sony ICF-SW7600G! If I designed radios for DEGEN I would improve its image rejection, correct some of its bugs, place a dedicated volume knob and add features such as DSP and Synchronious Detection. It would be unbeatable!!! But then it would be costly.
I have both the Grundig S450DLX and the Eton S350DL (Red Edition). My Grundig works great and the only thing I don't like about it is the fact it has no SSB. The Eton was also a great radio when I first got it several years ago, but now it has a problem with tuning. When I turn the slow tuning knob it skips ahead several khz instead 1 kHz at a time and other times it doesn't advance at all then all of a sudden it shoots ahead 10 or more khz.
need to have a video about Cherokee AH-50 handheld 6 meter ham radio and how to change from 500 to 1 meg offset just can't seem to figure it out.. I would appreciate it very much..
Unfortunately, there’s no good old Degen DE1103 anymore because it got replaced by new DSP version and it sucks pretty hard. A lot of people hate it pretty much. However, I do have the DSP radio, and it is my Tecsun PL-365. I bought it used (in brand new condition though) for 40 or 45 bucks, I believe. I really love it for its walkie-talkie form factor, it fits nearly in every pocket. The only SSB capable receiver out there in such a small form factor. But yes, it’s DSP, so be ready for the soft-mute problem because it’s hard to get used to it after analog PLL smooth tuning. I don’t have an analog receiver, I have nothing to compare it with. But I have 2 SDR receivers, and PL-365 goes on par with both of them.
The radio receiver Tecsun BCL-3000 worked normally for the first 2 years. Then the tuning for the frequency broke. During tuning, the frequency swims. Probably it is not possible to repair it.
I find the reviews and demonstrations of various SW radios to be very informative and enjoyable. I keep looking for your review of the Tecsun PL660, but there doesn't seem to be one. I figure it's because you have and have reviewed and demonstrated the PL600. I would appreciate your opinion of the PL660 if you have tested one. Thanks!!!
I've also owned a bunch of sw radio's . For a big radio I own a Redsun RP2100. IMO it's a better radio than the big grundig 450.I dumped my 450 as it was off frequency.That seems to be a common complaint. I also own the tecsun 600 but wish i went with the 1103 though I'm satisfied with the 600 as it has good ssb. Best sub compact radio ever is the Tecsun R9701. Picked one up on ebay for 20.00 . Great little receiver , duel conversion , batteries last forever.
Hey man, I love the review. Thanks for recommending these radios. I have a radioshack shortwave radio, and that's one I would add, but yeah that eton one was horrible quality.
I got this eton s350dl from a yard sale for $10. My radio has the grundig logo on it instead of eton. The radio is in perfect shape, and it even came with both "aa" and "d" size batteries. what a bargan !
I had that retro Panasonic and audio quality is indeed very good for a small radio. Too bad that it doesn't have an AC plug. Short wave is hard to tune and i used it mainly for FM stations. If you tune it a lot then contacts become dirty and it starts to crackle a lot.
Just purchased a Radio Shack 20-629 SW/AM/FM. I used to be a big CB radio dude. Even had a linear booster total output was 275 Watts/with a Wilson 1000 ant. but now my tastes are going towards the ham radio arena. Was wondering if I could get any advice as to starting this. Will I have to learn morse? Or is that not so much a prerequisite? Thanks in advance
Please what do yo mean when you say, "it overloads really fast."? Also I noticed that some of your radios had ssb. Is it a bummer to not have ssb mode? It seems like there would be a lot there to miss out on.
RiverVmanna Overloading here, means that the FM stations are sort of overpowering the radio, and you might be getting the most powerful stations sort of taking over , and you may find they are on more frequencies - on top of other stations, instead of just the one frequency it is supposed to be on. Sometimes shortening the whip antenna can help this problem. Single Side Band (SSB) is used mostly by Amateur Radio broadcasters ( “ Ham” radio. They talk to each other, back and forth across the country, and around the world. It’s a nice feature to have, especially for major emergencies, because, when all other communications is down, the “ Ham” Radio operators will be helping with vital info and coordinating with First Responders. Some people love to listen to their communications in general conversations. Or even the Space Shuttle, ... Me , I’m not big into it, but I like having a couple of radios with SSB.( and I do listen occasionally). I hope this helps answer your questions, ( and I hope you get this) 📻🙂
Do you have an update for this? I had the Kaito 1103 (tuning dial messed up) Now looking at getting a Tecsun R-9700. Also looking for something like that Rf-562.-especially for when the power goes out,possibly for days-- (I live in Jacksonville Florida and just went through hurricane Irma) Would love your advice ‼️ For a digital S.W. I have a 10 year old C.Crane C.C.S.W.
First of all I really enjoy your videos. Second, I'm looking to get a portable General coverage shortwave radio with single sideband. I have a Tecsun PL-380. I really like the ETM feature and the adjustable DSP. I have been looking at is the Tecsun PL-660. Are there any other radios fitting my requirement in that $100 or less price range?
is ther a big difference between the ETON - S450 and the Grundig S450 ? they looks exactly the same. Can I hear some special radio stations ? or just the waves I also can hear with a worldwide reciver (for 20€/$) ?
erny1601 Eton and Grundig are the same ... Eton bought Grundig many years ago ... that's why you see both brands on the same radio .. it depends on the market where they sell it .. so the two radios are exactly the same
OfficialSWLchannel alright, what kind of radio stations can I fetch with this thing ? I want to listen some special radio stations who not on FM and AM and the other standart radios. In germany this thing is a bit expensiv (140€ what might be about 180 $)
The S350 I bought one like it at Radio shack and it says Grundig on it, on back Model S350DL. Great radio now with a Ten Tec BFO DIY board installed for CW and SSB. Nice unit and works every day. Thanks for the Short Wave radio review also BTW. 73 Jimmy, ARRL TC, WX9DX
I bought that grundig 450 About 2 years after you posted this video. Not a bad rcvr for the price. The AC adapter gave off a lot of heat. So much it melted the glue that held it together! For the guy starting out with a short wave this isn't a bad radio to use. Hey mine still works and the volume is great!
Tecsun PL-210 was the best ever portable...(Pocket sized no SSB though) ... when they discontinued them I bought all I could find hahaha. only issue is they last 3 years if you use it daily like I did. For it's size it was awesome. I put in mu pocket to use while working. They were 60.00
I got the Tecsun pl-380. It's FM are better than pl-600 and it's shortwave are merely the same..the only things that is lacking at the pl-380 are it don't have external FM/sw antenna jack and it's not a general coverage receiver ( only 2300 - 21950 khz)
Hi, I have the same radio as the Degen DE1103, only mine is labeled Kaito KA1103. I do not particularly like it, as it is too "hands on". You really need both hands to operate it. You are correct, though, as it is very good as far as reception and sensitivity, and when you get used to it, and use a "long wire" for an antenna and earphones, it is a formidable receiver, especially on SSB. Also, I have to say, it uses too much power. You can go broke if you use batteries. It literally eats batteries.
My Eton 350DL stop working no sound lasted about three years also the selector switch wore out fast. Was great until it went dead. I could not fix it went in the recycle bin. That's okay cause I bought a new shortwave radio.
I've purchased a couple of the 'Survival' radios that were supposed to be weather and handling hardy, but I found same as you, they are the worst and hardest to use and cheapest feeling, especially the buttons. I found Eton to be the worst. For these types of radios, I think the best come from Sony, Crane, Sangean
I love my 450 dlx. Troubles? Allowed my grandchildren to play with the SW. The fine tuning knob rheostat has to much grease in it. Too much movement heats it up, causing the grease to enter the reostatt. Pour spray some electrical contact. Cleaner in there then turn it up side down after. Wash it out and works like new
You will need a ham set ( amature radio set ) for semi-reliable communication, Dont worry about the licence, in emergencys you can use ANY Radio, it's the law, and I'm sure the encorcement people will be helping their own families !!! Ralph
Do you have a video about short wave radios from $5 to $50. I would help some of my friends who are going through poverty. I like most of those radios. I am glad short wave is becoming affordable.
What's the point of owning a shortwave radio when almost all the broadcasters have died out? Radio Australia ended its shortwave broadcasts in late 2017. It is sad to say, but now (2018) my favorite "shortwave" radio is my iPhone with Tunein and other radio Apps....
Michael Menser Their most current models have very poor quality control. Lots of different issues as I have been learning. R.S. has been dying for the past 20 years (longer death than Studebaker). They used to have high quality stuff,back in the day .
I have the Eton hand crank and it is JUNK. Solar charge stinks too. It really is only good for AM radio. The crank only lasts for a couple minutes. I really want one that usable for Shortwave.
Another approach, if you already own a PC is to buy an SDR (software defined radio) - see ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-U3qvjjpzsQQ.html - that will give you SSB, FM and covers Long Wave, medium Wave, Short Wave, Aircraft, FM/VHF, UHF and more. That way a lot of the hard work is done by the PC!
+SDRplay I just saw your post. Thanks for your info!! Have a new HP Desk top. Maybe this may be the way to go while working on my projects. Will check out the link. Thanks bud.
I bought the Kaito 1103 based on a very enthusiastic recommendation on another youtube channel. I thought I can use it for occasional listen to ham bands. It was gone in days. That radio was awful for weak signal SSB reception. I had similar experience with the Radio Shack (aka Sangean) radios (DX-440,DX-390,DX-394). If you want to listen to SSB then buy a used tabletop receiver from a reputable brand. On a low budget I'd look for a Yaesu FT-7700 around $150 or ICOM R-71 with BPT around $200-250 (make sure to replace the memory battery). These are not portable but they really do the job!
Hahaha! My sister bought me an Eton Solarlink FR-500 a number of years ago. It was a nice thought as she knew I liked to camp, prepare for weather emergencies, and so forth. I never really used it but came across it last month & decided to run through its features. The most sloppy, cheaply made, most illogically designed piece of garbage for a radio I've ever tried ... I immediately threw it in the trash. My sister will never know.
FR-500 tunes AM, FM and shortwave like Grundig FR-200, but digital display. No Specific Area Message Encoding on Eton FR-500, FR-600 does have that feature.
You get what you pay for with radio equipment. I have a S350 and it has to be the absolutely worst radio I have owned. Intermod and drift are major problems. It's poorly engineered. I have some 1930 and 1940ish shortwave radios that outperform it. Even the old Worldstar I have does a better job. Thanks for posting the reviews.
Grin! You noticed all the frequencies that the government had blocked out on those? You can't shortwave with a digital radio. You got to get back and get old! You also need a very long wire antenna. I use a DX 160 that was made for rat shack by Drake out of Ohio. Now that is a radio! These digitals are to sell or trade, not use.
HM Dickson The government does not block any frequencies ... the limited coverage goes with the price paid .. most $50 + receivers get the full shortwave spectrum ... portable receivers dont handle long wires very well .. telecopic antenna is enough most of the time ...
OfficialSWLchannel Let me define "block" for you. Modern shortwaves are microprocessor driven with PLL chips to define receivable frequencies. There are several gaps where the receiver can't tune! They don't want you listening there. Only the old analog will tune through those frequency bands. Those are "blocked" to you now with a new digital receiver. Do you believe all radio corporations just picked out all those same bands or blocks of channels and cut them out themselves? Wake up, that was a powers that be or the government move. Longwires don't work on modern receivers because the front end sensitivity sucks real bad :) Is this your first or second day in radio?
Bill Wirepuller Conspiracy theory? This is no theory Bill, just fact! Back in the 80s the FCC forced the CB companies to redesign the PLLs so they couldn't be modified. Hams were using them on 10, 12, 15, and 17 meters with just a bit of adjustment. (check out "secret CB" on the net) The FCC demanded conversion to digital television costing hundreds of billions to comandere low vhf analog for the military and to close the demand for off air Television. This is for the spy satellites they are using on you right now. They are called "little LEOs" (low earth orbit). They banned lots of bandwith on shortwave radios as well. Either comply or you won't get FCC approval to sell your radio! The radio companies had no choice. Old analog shortwaves like Halicrafters, Drake, Swan, DX160s doubled in price overnight! No conspiracy about it. Perhaps your drinking too much MSNBC koolaid :)
Michael V Something like the Grundig FR-200 Power Generator Emergency Radio & Flashlight or equivalent would fit your bill. There is a used one on Ebay right now for $35 www.ebay.com/itm/Grundig-FR-200-Power-Generator-Emergency-Radio-Flashlight-/291263787754?pt=US_Portable_AM_FM_Radios&hash=item43d0acb2ea This will have the freqs blocked that I was talking about but will do everything else you need. For a portable antenna you just need a metal 100 ft. measuring tape that rolls up and a clip lead to attach to your radio antenna. Just hang it off the ground on tree limbs or something and your good.
