good shortwave radios?

[Ed in Tx]

I've had a Sangean ATS-803A (99% same as a RadioShack DX-440) since late '88-89. Pretty nice radio with direct freq entry, ssb reception possible with the BFO, wide-narrow bandwidth, and separate bass and treble controls. Pretty powerful audio for a portable. Should be able to find a good one these days at a reasonable price.

[chuckworkb]

I owned one of those Sangean 808's as well.

I forgot the model number. That was an excellent radio.

[JimJ[VT]]

Originally Posted by ponderbear

If a couple hundred dollars isn't much, the Sony 2010 is hard to beat in the portable zone.

Or more than 200, now that it's discontinued. At 300 or so it puts it in the same price category of a Grundig Satellit, which SQ wise far outclasses the 2010.

If you want something paperback sized, I like my Grundig YB-400. I've owned a Sony SW7600G, SW7600GR, and one-time Sangean TOTL ATS-909, all about the same size and continuous coverage SW with FM and AM. The 400 ultimately was the keeper. All have their reception foibles, especially the 909 which pretty much requires an external antenna for decent reception. The 400 is not perfect but it's in the ballpark of the best (the 7600), with the added feature of great audio quality for the size. It makes a big difference when all the power is out and you're turning to your radio for information as well as a little entertainment.

For longer lasting power, choose one with a crank, although I have yet to find one those I like; or a bigger portable like the 2010, one that has room for D cells. Older analog units like the Sony SW5500 or the Panasonic RF-2200 will last a pretty long time on 4 D cells or so.

The YB400PE was my first SW radio...I liked it

Then I got my amateur radio license and a Yaesu FT840...and got addicted to it

[chicks]

I have a Grundig Satellit 800, which is supposed to be one of the best available (I won it in a contest a few years ago, have barely used it; definitely not an SW expert). All digital tuning. Looks like it may be worth a bit, may have to put it up for sale

[stuartk]

Originally Posted by Pio1980

Kaito/DEGEN 1103, budget priced over-acheiver w/SSB reception. Good small port with most for least $, ca $80.

After looking at the various options, I decided to go with one of these.

Thanks to everyone for all their advice and comments.

[Fisherdude]

We'll be waiting for your review after you get it!

[majoco]

Good choice - I've had one for 18months or so and it's very good. Reviewers complain about the 'funny' volume control but it takes about five minutes to get used to it as a "multi-use" knob. Very sensitive, even on the whip antenna, with good filters to keep out the adjacent channel splatter on broadcast band. One word of warning - this hasn't happened to me but - some users have zapped the pre-amplifier with static charges by touching the whip antenna before the metal speaker grill. Spares are available but you'll need a very small soldering iron and magnifyting glasses! I regularly receive the NY aeronautical weather on 6604kHz from New Zealand!

[Pio1980]

Originally Posted by stuartk

After looking at the various options, I decided to go with one of these.

Thanks to everyone for all their advice and comments.

Good choice! You'll find out if it's for you and how much with something that is capable of decent performance on-the-cheap.

A worthwhile acessory; http://www.passband.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Passport-World.../dp/0914941666

Best Rgds & a Great Holiday season to you, yours, and all!
S.B.

[majoco]

Drooling over a Panasonic 9000? I'd rather drool over a Braun T1000CD!

[Pio1980]

Originally Posted by majoco

Drooling over a Panasonic 9000? I'd rather drool over a Braun T1000CD!

Saw one of those at an indoor flea mkt nearby some 15 yrs ago and knew what it was having lived in Germany for several years. Still regret not getting it but money was tight then. Only one I've seen "in the wild".
S.B.

[electronjohn]

Drool? I slobbered over one of those Brauns when I was a kid. Me want.

[majoco]

I should have kept my big mouth shut! All you blokes are going to be hunting for one now and I won't stand a chance!

[ianj]

Ive got a DEGEN 1103, and can really recommend it! They are all over Ebay, and mine cost me with postage, about £35--so thats about $40?? It is very sensitive, I find it works best with its own aerial extended, but it does have an input socket as well--ssb/cw capable, and great sound for a little set--its about 7"x 3 1/2" and is complete with its own rechargeable batteries and mains power pack(which charges the batteries as well) . ianj

[Sandy G]

Ian, you oughta spring for a Racal RA-17- They are sorta the English answer to an R-390A. Big, multi-tube set, VERY stable, should last a lifetime in civilian use. One drawback-They only receive down to approx 900 KC, so you miss a little of the MW band- But they DO have a built in speaker, which is NOT hi-fi, but is very adequate for most SW/MW work. Mine cost a small fortune, but I still like it. It would be better if I had the correct antenna adaptor for it...

[chicks]

Does anyone know what this one is? Is it worth $10?