Got one of those gadget magazines from a place in the "heartland" of America,and is advertising a 'borne am fm sw radio' claiming the best static free sound. Runs off 2 D-cells so would kinda make a good portable. But,there is nothing in the intertubes on this fella,or even the company. Model No.pr400sw,can anyone shed some light? At a price of USD 30.00,it is not that much to spend. Just want to avoid getting a pig with makeup.
I googled that name and found it here:
Heartland America: Borne AM/FM/Shortwave Radio
I've casually seen some pretty good SW radios for pretty cheap in the last couple decades, but I don't know anything about them. If nothing else, I'd go on Scott's recommendation, if only because of what I've seen of Scott's previous posts. 🙂
Heartland America: Borne AM/FM/Shortwave Radio
I've casually seen some pretty good SW radios for pretty cheap in the last couple decades, but I don't know anything about them. If nothing else, I'd go on Scott's recommendation, if only because of what I've seen of Scott's previous posts. 🙂
You're right being cautious. IMHO, if you plan on listening to shortwave bands, get a receiver with some reputation for performance. I trust Scott's recommendation also, enough to seek out more info on it, but I already own a little Grundig Yacht Boy.
I have a little story I can relate. Last year I was given a slightly used all-band portable. Analog dial. And I figured 2 D-cell power would be great for travel. Great, except that this no-name radio was nothing but a p.o.s.! Junking it was the only cure for that headache.
I have a little story I can relate. Last year I was given a slightly used all-band portable. Analog dial. And I figured 2 D-cell power would be great for travel. Great, except that this no-name radio was nothing but a p.o.s.! Junking it was the only cure for that headache.
Also available as the Coby CR201: https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-coby-portable-amfm-shortwave-radio or Amazon.com: Coby CR-201 Portable AM/FM Shortwave Radio: Electronics
I suspect that if you want to buy enough of them the factory would put your name on it too.
I suspect that if you want to buy enough of them the factory would put your name on it too.
These things are really getting cheap, I suspect there is one chipset with one reference design. Though I would go with one that does all the SW bands.
Kaito WRX911 World Radio | AM/FM | 9 Band Shortwave - Survival Frog
Kaito WRX911 World Radio | AM/FM | 9 Band Shortwave - Survival Frog
I found this posted in a Ham forum:
If all you want is a noise sniffer, look at the Tecsun PL380. About $45 from amazon, and it's a very nice portable AM/FM RX.
********************************
For general purpose RFI DFing I like the Tecsun PL660SLV.
This receiver has good ears, wide frequency coverage, the ability to attach a
directional antenna and a good signal strength indicator.
********************************************
portable consumer radio.
The Tecsun PL380 costs less than $50, covers LF, MF, HF, and FM broadcast.
The Tecsun PL660 and PL880 cost about $150 and $200 respectively. They are worth the difference in price -- better sensitivity, they receive SSB, and they have the AM aircraft band that's above 108 MHz.
If all you want is a noise sniffer, look at the Tecsun PL380. About $45 from amazon, and it's a very nice portable AM/FM RX.
********************************
For general purpose RFI DFing I like the Tecsun PL660SLV.
This receiver has good ears, wide frequency coverage, the ability to attach a
directional antenna and a good signal strength indicator.
********************************************
portable consumer radio.
The Tecsun PL380 costs less than $50, covers LF, MF, HF, and FM broadcast.
The Tecsun PL660 and PL880 cost about $150 and $200 respectively. They are worth the difference in price -- better sensitivity, they receive SSB, and they have the AM aircraft band that's above 108 MHz.
I use mine to listen to those hellfire and brimstone preachers from the deep south, scary folks they are. Put your hand on the radio and send me all your money.
Quite a number of Brits (purportedly) use quads to listen to the southern US stations for the music.
I first began to enjoy SW listening w a Knight "Ocean Hopper" although I burned myself badly with the soldering iron putting it together. I now have a Heath SB310 and a HP 3586B to listen.
I first began to enjoy SW listening w a Knight "Ocean Hopper" although I burned myself badly with the soldering iron putting it together. I now have a Heath SB310 and a HP 3586B to listen.
I used to listen to radio Australia and the BBC on a Zenith Transoceanic. Last week I did the BBC web cast for the British Open, a very nice nostalgic experience.
Sangean makes some very nice world band radios, perhaps a good used one would be in reach, the new ones are not budget priced.
I'd buy an ATS-909X, but it's around $200 new.
I'd buy an ATS-909X, but it's around $200 new.
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