Portable Radios
Tecsun PL-660
The Tecsun PL-660 is currently one of the most popular portable shortwave radios on the market--and for good reason. The PL-660 has a full compliment of features and is quite easy to operate. The sync detector (selectable USB/LSB) is currently one of the best in the sub $150 US price range. Sensitivity and selectivity are both excellent. With the introduction of the Tecsun PL-880 on the market--a radio that may eventually replace the PL-660 as Tecsun's flagship portable--the PL-660 has also become more affordable and can be found at or near the $100 US price point with shipping. Here are a few of its specs:
- AM/FM-stereo, Long Wave, Aircraft Band and Shortwave (1711-29999 KHz)
- Single-sideband reception
- Synchronous detection (USB/LSB selectable)
- 2000 programmable memory presets
- Full-featured clock, sleep timer
- ATS Auto Tune Storage
- AC Adapter, wire indoor antenna line and case all included
Grundig G3
Eton (or Grundig, same company) has been a leader in shortwave and self-powered radio technology for decades. The G3 has a smooth tuning wheel and direct keypad entry for finding frequencies. The G3 is very simple to operate compared to many similar receivers. This radio is very portable and has a rubberized body. For an $80 US radio, you'll be impressed with its sound quality and selectivity. Its ability to tune in FM stations is likewise quite impressive--and with built-in RDS, you'll have FM station and song information display and scroll on the G3's digital display. The only true negative about this radio is that it has weak sync detector lock. Still, without using the sync function, this is a very capable receiver. Here are a few of its specs:
- AM/FM-stereo, FM RDS, Aircraft Band and Shortwave (1711-29999 KHz)
- 700 programmable memory presets
- Full-featured world time zone: clock, sleep timer
- Internally recharges Ni-MH batteries
- AC Adapter, indoor antenna line and case all included
- Single-sideband reception
Note that the Grundig has discontinued production of the G3 in 2013. There are still some on the market that are NIB (new in box), but I encourage you to purchase one from a retailer that will physically test the radio before shipping. Universal Radio will do this complimentary for their customers.
Sony ICF-SW7600GR
Sony is also a leader in portable shortwave technology. Performance-wise, you'll find that this radio is on par with the Eton E5/Grundig G3 and is usually slightly more affordable. It gets consistently good reviews from users and guides. One of its outstanding features is its synchronous selectable sideband, a feature which helps to reduce fading distortion and adjacent-channel interference. This feature alone gives the Sony ICF-SW7600GR the ability to hold its own with radios in a higher price bracket. Another plus is that the Sony will allow you to select between upper and lower sidebands. This makes tuning in ham radio, utility and other SSB signals a breeze. The only thing lacking on this wonderful portable is a tuning knob, something I personally prefer for browsing shortwave bands. Here are a few of its specs:
- AM/FM-stereo, medium wave and shortwave (150 to 29999 kHz)
- MY-memory tuning memorizes and scans up to 100 frequencies
- World clock and dual clock functions; built-in timer
- Label presets with 6 alphanumeric letters
- Single-sideband reception
C. Crane CCRadio-SW
If you're not as concerned about portability, the C.Crane CCRadio-SW is an excellent value for performance. Think of the CCRadio-SW as a larger portable/table top radio (11.25" x 7.25" x 3.5"). What makes this radio stand out from its peers? Truly exceptional audio fidelity. The large built-in speaker has separate treble and bass controls and reminds me how important audio quality is while listening to a faint signal. This radio's audio will fill a large room. Shortwave sensitivity is very good. If you like to do Medium Wave (or AM broadcast band) Dxing, you're in for a treat. The CCRadio-SW has the best AM reception of any radio I've ever tested under $300. FM reception is equally amazing. Negatives? Well, besides being a larger portable--not ideal for stashing in your carry-on--the CCRadio-SW does not have direct keying to enter frequencies. Also, it does not have Single Sideband built in. However, it does have impressive array of external connections, including an IF Out connection, which (with an IF converter and some free software) will allow you to interpret SSB and an array of digital signals including DRM (Digital Radio Mondial). What really strikes me about the CCRadio-SW is its sheer ease of use--it's design is simple, ergonomic and effective. Here are some specs:
- AM/FM/Shortwave [SW1, SW2, SW3 (1711 - 30,000 kHz)]
- Controls include: RF Gain, Bandwidth, Bass and Treble, Fast and Slow Tuning
- 50 Memories
- Clock Radio with Snooze Alarm
- External connections: Stereo Line Output (RCA type) and 1/8" Headphone Jack, IF Output for Input to Computer, External Antenna Connections.
- Runs on four "D" size batteries or four backup "AA" batteries (not included)
- Built-in charging circuit
- AC Adapter and antenna connectors included.
Eton E1
Unfortunately, the E1 is no longer manufactured by Eton, but they are still widely avaialble in the used market--check Universal Radio's used list or eBay (below). With that said, the Eton E1 is, by far, the best performer in the portable selection on this page. It offers a professional quality receiver that will impress the experienced shortwave listener and outperform pricier tabletop models. I really think of this rig as a tabletop shortwave radio that's designed to be portable. The only negatives I've heard about the E1 were some initial quality problems with the LCD display and the eventual "sticky" feeling of the rubberized body. Here is a basic list of features:
Best possible features and receiver performance for the price
Wide FM, MW and SW frequency coverage
Rich audio quality
1700 station presets
Large LCD display with dynamic soft touch buttons
Dual Conversion Superheterodyne Circuit - results in minimized interference through superior selectivity
Includes AC adaptor, manual and CD
INFO: http://www.swling.com/Radios.htm
