Realistic Patrolman SW-60 AM FM Shortwave VHF & UHF Portable Radio Review

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 30 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 84

  • @todderbert
    @todderbert  8 місяців тому +1

    ▶ The Patrolman SW-60 at Ebay: bit.ly/PatrolmanSW60
    (paid link) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you.

  • @electric-toadstool
    @electric-toadstool 2 роки тому +2

    I bought my father one of these before he died in 2007. It was a Christmas gift and I'd never seen my dad so happy. Lol

  • @randydicotti3975
    @randydicotti3975 3 роки тому +2

    Just bought a mint condition copy. Excited.

  • @dougsmith1483
    @dougsmith1483 4 роки тому +3

    I got one for Christmas back in 85.. it got me Into Dx ing and sw radios. Hearing stations from overseas was fun and exciting at 12!

  • @kevmichael2064
    @kevmichael2064 3 роки тому

    30-50 Mhz was some very good dx!

  • @royrow8879
    @royrow8879 6 років тому +2

    I bought the DX-60 back in the 1970's and it still plays well. It's simple for anyone to use and was built to last.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  6 років тому

      Nice, what are the bands?

    • @royrow8879
      @royrow8879 6 років тому +1

      The radio is identical to yours , but offers AM, FM, 2 Shortwave, and the CB band.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  6 років тому

      Very cool. I would love if this radio had a lower band on the SW.

    • @markgreen8015
      @markgreen8015 3 роки тому

      @@todderbert what can you hear on the low band

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  3 роки тому

      @@markgreen8015 Not Much, I think I heard a Fire Call on it once.

  • @larryprimm5204
    @larryprimm5204 6 років тому +3

    I had this exactly same radio.for more than 20 years until the string was getting weak. Awesome radio I wish they made more like them Radio Shack!

  • @dennisschnobrich9288
    @dennisschnobrich9288 2 роки тому

    I bought one from Ebay in mint condition in original box with manual and even the original receipt.

  • @dennisschnobrich9288
    @dennisschnobrich9288 2 роки тому

    In Phoenix there is nothing on the 30 to 50mhz band even back in the 80's.

  • @TheAx504
    @TheAx504 3 роки тому +1

    The price has gone up on this model since your great review. In good condition, they are selling for about $50 to $60 + Shipping on Ebay, which is a testimony to their performance. I had one back in the 80s (loved listing the BBC World Service) and will have a replacement in a week or so. It’s a shame that the Beeb no longer broadcasts to the US on SW.

  • @Huanchee
    @Huanchee 5 років тому +1

    i just could not help myself and bought one of these for 21$ in the original box in perfect condition(except for battery acid leakage in the back, apparently the original batteries were kept in the case the whole time, will have to clean that out.) at an antique store.
    I know that aside from am/fm none of the other bands are used as everything went digital, but still, to have this in such good condition IMO was worth it.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  5 років тому +1

      You can still use the weather band, and listen to 2m HAMs.

    • @Huanchee
      @Huanchee 5 років тому

      @@todderbert thanks, yeah i can barely get the weather one clear, but it definitely needs some cleaning.
      guess I got no choice, gonna have to take this one apart. the squelch knob was also really stuck.

    • @Huanchee
      @Huanchee 5 років тому

      @@todderbert so a bit of an update, cleaned the battery acid out as best I could. Had to resolder one wire on for the battery spring, but thankfully all other wires just had simple connectors to slide off. Cleaned the pots heavily with contact cleaner and now its working fine. It really was in amazing shape aside from the battery leakage.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  5 років тому +1

      I opened mine up to clean the band selector and noticed that everything is easy to manage. It was like they were on the Repair Guy's side when the did this.

  • @Dan40049
    @Dan40049 2 роки тому

    I've had one of these since 1987. Unfortunately the dial cord has snapped so I can't tune stations without taking the back cover off.

  • @larrystates5874
    @larrystates5874 5 років тому

    Update on the 690AM DX on this radio from an oldies station in Fisher, West Virginia. I finally was able to contact the station engineer who told me the power was incorrectly monitored at 14 watts, but was actually still broadcasting with daytime power of 3,000 watts due to a technical glitch. That's still a record for me on this radio. I've been able to DX several 5,000 watt distant stations at night, but none with lower power. He said its the first DX report he's received from any of the other lower 48 states.

  • @larrystates5874
    @larrystates5874 6 років тому +2

    I have the DX-60 version of this radio which features three Shortwave bands ,AM, FM and CB bands. Radio Shack began producing these models in the late 70''s or early 80's. This is my favorite vintage radio, which I bought new. This radio is an awesome AM performer, with good FM as well. With the right antenna it also performs very well on the Shortwave bands. Radio Shack produced some great portable radios with the Realistic brand.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  6 років тому +1

      I'm a fan and an avid collector of all things Realistic ;)

  • @jrocco36
    @jrocco36 3 роки тому

    I have a SW-60 and I like the VHF hi band since it is not band split around 135mhz. This allows me to tune into NOAA Satellites as they pass overhead between 137.100MHz and 137.9125 MHz.

  • @truthreport1517
    @truthreport1517 3 роки тому +1

    im curious if teh VHF lo and UHF even pick up tv channels still?

  • @kevmichael2064
    @kevmichael2064 3 роки тому

    I had this set back in the day...the VHF and UHF was great!!!...TV sound was also on it...aftet the Mods I did to it!!!

  • @ArndroidInc
    @ArndroidInc 6 років тому +1

    That is a sweet radio.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  6 років тому +1

      I'm loving it, and still surprised by Peter's donation. He told me he had owned it since the 80s.

  • @larrystates5874
    @larrystates5874 5 років тому +1

    I was able to listen for the first time to an oldies station from Fisher, West Virginia with a solid signal on 690AM from 6:30 to after 7pm Eastern Standard Time today on this radio. Incredibly they had switched to their night time power output of only 14 watts, confirmed. That's a low power DX record for me.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  5 років тому

      If you can confirm that, it is amazing. QRP on the BCB. Nice.

  • @justincassidy4512
    @justincassidy4512 4 роки тому +1

    Cool I like that radio, why is the dial light so weak could hardly see anything?

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  4 роки тому +1

      Old school Incandescent bulbs with dust on them most likely.

    • @ray_di_ohs739
      @ray_di_ohs739 4 роки тому

      @@todderbert I bought one and wired in two led's and it lights up like Broadway.

  • @donsatman2273
    @donsatman2273 Рік тому

    The light quit working on mine. Any idea if they are difficult to replace?

  • @FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY
    @FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY 6 років тому +2

    NO 446 Mhz on UHF band. In the UK, you can listen to Fire brigades services on 455 - 462 MHz.

  • @dann2ptf
    @dann2ptf 3 роки тому

    My CB 60 has low sensitivity, especially the AM band...I'm guessing a re-cap might help?

  • @williammccusker9647
    @williammccusker9647 2 роки тому

    I just purchased one of these on eBay I love it, I need to de oxit the power on off knob there is a crackle when I turn it on? Are there any videos for working on these? I don't want to damage the cover around the volume and squelch knobs

  • @marcosmza1962
    @marcosmza1962 6 років тому

    Thanks for sharing Pete. Is a very very cute radio!

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  6 років тому +1

      Your welcome Marcos. This is a fun radio to tune.

  • @jeffking4176
    @jeffking4176 6 років тому +3

    These were a pretty popular radio. Lots of these sold - but yeah, most of them are really beat.
    Nice.
    📻👍🙂‼️

  • @gunner6639
    @gunner6639 6 років тому +2

    I agree Realistic rules brother! Great review, cool radio. Would love to find one.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  6 років тому +1

      This radio is a beast. A piece of radio art.

    • @arupian666
      @arupian666 5 років тому

      They're all over ebay, they're not hard to find... then you can start to collect the entire Patrolman range...

  • @rmccombs66
    @rmccombs66 3 роки тому

    I got one of those when they were new about 1985. I remember the lights being brighter. I guess you are using rechargeable battery, which makes a difference vs. alkaline batteries. I used mine mostly on AC

    • @markgreen8015
      @markgreen8015 3 роки тому

      i wonder what can you hear on the low band

    • @markgreen8015
      @markgreen8015 3 роки тому

      is it cordless phones

    • @rmccombs66
      @rmccombs66 3 роки тому

      @@markgreen8015 Some cordless phone are on there. Oklahoma Highway Patrol was 44.7 44.9 45.22 45.18, Maybe they still use that some, but they mostly use 800 MHz

    • @rmccombs66
      @rmccombs66 3 роки тому

      @@markgreen8015 Depends on where you live. The Police here are on VHF High but they went digital so you wouldn't be able to hear it on that radio.

  • @fixman88
    @fixman88 6 років тому +2

    I remember seeing those in Radio Shack back in the 80s, but I never got one (unfortunately). It has some functional similarities to my 1977 General Electric 7-2964A, which has AM/FM/TV/PS-Air/CB and separate Instant Weather. Mine has a tone control but no fine tuning, but it is pretty easy to center it on AM stations with a little practice.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  6 років тому +1

      That GE sounds like a cool radio.

    • @markgreen8015
      @markgreen8015 3 роки тому

      @@todderbert what can you hear on the low band

  • @amyconger
    @amyconger 4 роки тому +1

    Really please with this radio myself. Thanks for covering it. Do you know what connector the external antenna uses? It's pretty deep in that hole, I can't see!

    • @colintinker7778
      @colintinker7778 6 місяців тому

      The plug that fits is common on car antennas.

  • @bobjoseph7051
    @bobjoseph7051 9 місяців тому

    My light is always on. Can that be fixed?

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  9 місяців тому

      The switch must be stuck closed. I would open it up and take a look at it, and see if it needs to be cleaned.

    • @bobjoseph7051
      @bobjoseph7051 9 місяців тому

      @@todderbert It's a DX 66. When the radio is turned on the lights come on. Pressing the Light button in turns the lights off but it doesn't stay in. Is that the way it is supposed to work?

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  9 місяців тому

      @@bobjoseph7051 It is suppose to momentarily turn the lights on while pressing the light button, when released the lights should go out.

    • @bobjoseph7051
      @bobjoseph7051 9 місяців тому

      @@todderbert I read that it works that way on battery and when plugged in the lights are always on and the button turns them off when pushed in. Thanks.

  • @danmoreno425
    @danmoreno425 2 роки тому

    Just wondering what external antenna do you recommend I just bought 2 of these one for me and my son I know this was made 3 years ago but if can lead me in the right direction I would appreciate it thanks

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  2 роки тому

      Depending on the band, I would use a simple 22' reel antenna for Shortwave reception, and a Terk Advantage Passive Loop to improve Medium Wave Reception.

  • @JamesGMunn
    @JamesGMunn 6 років тому

    I think you need to review an SDR radio like the SDR Play series. That waterfall display makes it easy to find those little hidden stations on ALL BANDS 1MHz to 1GHz if you have an antenna for that band.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  6 років тому

      I've been looking at some HF SDR TXers.

    • @JamesGMunn
      @JamesGMunn 6 років тому

      @@todderbert It sure would be nice to have the SDR TX (Flex, Apache, ICOM, new Yaesu) but combining an SDR receiver with a used TX can be much cheaper. Aside from convenience features like a built in sound card for HAM audio based digital modes (still fun and very capable with limited power and limited antenna), the TX side has not gotten the full digital treatment yet (see QAM type digital modulation). The nicer SDR Rx boxes are about the same price as some of the higher end portables you review but with many more features and are much smaller (2 x CC Pocket?) if you are travelling with a laptop anyway. The SDR Rx FM and shortwave seems like it would be a fit for this channel's audience.

  • @jeffking4176
    @jeffking4176 5 років тому

    Well, now I have one. It’s a bit rough, but works well.
    (❓): QUESTION:
    I need to know how long each of the antennas are, and how many sections on each(both antennas are broken).
    Please let me know.
    Thanks 🙏 ‼️
    📻🙂

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  5 років тому

      I believe this radio is in long term storage atm. Not sure when I will be able to pull it out. You can ask OfficialSWLchannel. He has a couple of these radios out all the time :)

  • @mooveeman57
    @mooveeman57 6 років тому

    Hey Todderbert.!,
    Just got a Tivdio V-115 in the mail today from E-bay...
    I received Zoomer 740 station already ( I guess it is 50,000 watt clear channel.)
    I live in South Eastern Ohio...

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  6 років тому +1

      i can get Zoomer on my Tiv 115 also! Love it.

  • @FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY
    @FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY 6 років тому

    Does it receive US/Canadian NOAA and Canadian CMB (Continuous Marine Broadcasts) VHF channel 21B and 83B(161.650 and 161.775 MHz).??
    You can pick up some Australian UHF CB 476-477 Mhz two way radio conversations in Australia, Malaysia, and Indonesia but in the US, Australian UHF CB frequencies is allocated for Police services notably NYPD.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  6 років тому +2

      The VHF is analog so I assume you could receive any FM analog signals on the VHF-Hi band. I get a few NOAA frequencies near me.

  • @badressam473
    @badressam473 3 роки тому

    At 10:08 what was that music

  • @troydhansen4990
    @troydhansen4990 4 роки тому

    My mom still has the one she bought in the mid 70s. I used to break the antenna all the time when i was a kid. Everything still works great on it.

  • @spacetrucker2952
    @spacetrucker2952 5 років тому

    Super nice radio, I found one on eBay I'm thinking about buying. I'm also looking for an antenna and a power supply for my Zenith trans oceanic 3000-1.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  5 років тому

      Those Zeniths are so enticing.

  • @FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY
    @FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY 6 років тому

    Can you please make a review for Uniden BC75XLT??

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  6 років тому

      Possibly, looking at it. I own the Yaesu FT-70DR and it receives most of those frequencies except the VHF-Low. I can setup banks, and it has more memories and the ability to transmit on the HAM frequencies. I am learning the radio still, lots of options. A very cool HT.

  • @radiociudadglobal
    @radiociudadglobal 3 роки тому

    It is terrorific at 7¨¨:10

  • @willrobinsonensoniq
    @willrobinsonensoniq 6 років тому +3

    That is a lot of bandwidth for an analog. Must weigh a bit with batteries.

    • @todderbert
      @todderbert  6 років тому

      It is built like a tank. I like the ease at which it can be serviced. Everything comes out of the enclosure very easily.

    • @fixman88
      @fixman88 6 років тому

      @@todderbert Just like my GE 7-2964A, four screws and the back comes right off.

  • @monkeyswrench10inch92
    @monkeyswrench10inch92 6 років тому +2

    started my radio collection with one of these a long long time ago got the Cb one to not the best but cool when you're 13 and love radios