This is an MFJ-8100 shortwave receiver. It's very compact, a bit larger than a Dan Brown paperback novel. Runs on one 9V battery, and the antenna is just a long wire about 10' off the ground. Has two 3.5 headphone jacks in back I have it run into a small powered speaker instead of headphones.
Very fun item for traveling. One shouldn't expect Hallicrafters or Drake performance from a small, solid state box. With that understood, it's fun to see what can be found on the five bands it offers.
The bands are, in MHz:
A 3.5 - 4.3
B. 5.9 - 7.4
C 9.5 - 12
D 13.2 - 16.5
E 17.6 - 22
SW listening is pretty easy, though signal separation can be challenging. A strong signal can spread across a MHz of band at times. SSB reception is there. The regeneration knob helps bring in SSB, but getting a clear SSB voice pattern required patience and a high resistance to frustration.
I've gotten SW stations on all bands, depending on time of day.
This does meet the number one requirement for ham gear, which is "it's fun". If you want a super sensitive, discrimination rich receiver, get a Drake, Hallicrafters, or similar vintage receiver. If you want something quick, easy, and immensely portable, the 8100 fills the bill.
6 дек 2022
