Tue 26 Oct, 2010
I purchased my Tecsun PL-600 from the dealer in HK by way of ebay and it arrived within 2 weeks. After utilizing the airwaves for a couple of days now I’m really amazed. The audio sounds fine, I cannot discover any of the described distortions. SSB tuning is a bit difficult but after getting used to it it functions as well. But the primary strenght of this airwaves is in the AM component. Sensitivity using the built-in antenna is excellent, on each SW and FM. The dimension is just perfect for my backpack and that i will probably order another 1. What`s best is the fact that the radio comes total having a charger/power provide (for 230 V only), four 1000 mah rechargeable batteries, a wire antenna and earphones. Even the guide is quite great written and understandable - not the norm with low cost Chinese goods! My vendor even integrated a spare telescopic antenna along with a free stand. Well carried out Tecsun! This airwaves is one of many greatest bargains you can ever get and makes me wish to attempt much more of their products.
LW: Of course, there is hardly anything of practical use on here any longer, but I am in a position to obtain a couple of maritime beacons on 340 khz and 400 khz from Lexington, KY. I also have obtained some morse code switching to SSB, but generally only on very clear nights. An annoyance is that I obtain a local AM Transmit sta (1310 k?) on 390 khz for some reason. As most know, these frequencies are vulnerable to interference from static along with other digital gadgets. I live in a pretty dense residential and industrial area, so would really like to attempt this out in a area or someplace much less populous. (4/5)
MW: Most critiques I’ve study of this is that the MW will be the PL-600’s weak stage. They must possess a poor radio. I can’t tune 20khz with out discovering a brand new sta, occasionally you will find stations that are separated by only 10khz and this thing’s selectivity has no problem with that. I began AM dxing with my ONKYO TX-303 receiver and could get San Antonio TX (800+ mi)and Ft. Worth TX (one thousand mi). I was amazed with that. Nicely this beast pulls individuals inside a whole lot clearer, and I am able to get Mexican stations in central KY! Canadian stations? No issue. Quebec comes in 20 khz from an area Lexington power home, no bleed over from the Lexington station. Drift is hardly noticeable, much much less than any receiver or car stereo I’ve owned or operated. Even in the daytime, the band is packed. I am able to get KMOX (350+ miles) towards early night, Cleveland OH, and lots of other 100-200 mile away stations often. (5/5)
FM: Once more, probably the most delicate BY far FM receiver I have ever played with. Incredible! You will find stations I have selecting up close to here I never knew existed and I’ve lived right here for 15 years. Daytime listening pulls in several 70+ mile stations. I am able to get 3+ Louisville stations with about a “3″ on the S-meter all working day. The fidelity is very clear, as well. Even whilst I’m surrounded by many homes, factories, companies along with a energy plant only a few miles down the street I am able to pull inside a sta each 400k apart, if not much more!
SW: The cause I purchased this radio. I’m still astonished that I am able to hear to BBC having a 4 around the S-meter! Airwaves Habana, Airwaves China International, Center eastern new music on 9855 khz, a canadian time channel (7850 khz), Macedonian Music (7450 khz), CB channels, WWV’s at five, 10, and 15 MHz, many several much more transmit stations at the push of the button. With just the included 40 ft whip antenna! I even saved all the cb channels within the 2nd reminiscence page for simple scrolling through and listening to truckers and drunk individuals at night. Broad bandwidth assists for finding stations, once you receive the locked, Narrow is better for eliminating noise.
People complain concerning the SSB, BFO stability? Not this one. I’ve listened to Hams from california, to texas, to new jersey. Some in spanish, some in french, lots of RTTY and data transmissions. I discover a new station nearly each working day. I really cannot wait to take this to a farm somewhere and see how much much more I can experience. The PL-600 does seem a little deaf around 2-3 meg, but I have been in a position to pick up some Transmit along with a few hams right here. (4.5/5)
Other comments: The included batteries appear to drain fairly quickly. The constructed in charge feature is outstanding, but operating off the wall wart introduces much more static and 60hz hum than I’d like. That’s why I constructed a six volt, 2000mah battery pack :)!!! No hum, and about triple if not longer battery existence! Memory functions took just a little to obtain used to, but getting multiple banks (pages) is a very helpful feature. The broad / slim bandwidth change is a superb function that I use often. I love the frequency and tuning modes. I find myself using the slow tuning / knob the most. The up and lower, fast setting is fantastic for band scanning although. Direct entry is a huge plus as nicely when wanting to skip bands. The display is simple to comprehend and intuitive. I’ve by no means heard any heterodyning or squealing like on less expensive, digital PLL tuned radios.
General, the best portable I’ve at any time used for beneath 100$! Shipped from China in just over a week for 65+20$ S&H! This shortwave radio has definitely began the radio airwaves bug in me. General, I’d give this airwaves a four.five, but Im sure with a much better antenna, the SW will be alot better, maybe warranting a 5!
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