A review with commentary on the best shortwave portable receivers I've ever owned
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- Hi there, here is a commentary on the best shortwave portables I've ever used. I hope you enjoy it - and perhaps find it useful if you're in the market for buying another radio.
Thanks for watching and 73.
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It's comforting to see that someone out there has even more radios than me . As well as many modern ones I also restore and use old valve receivers. These can be very good and fun to use .
Of the modern ones my go to is a Tecsun S2000 . This gets a few bad reviews but for me it's an excellent device. The 501x works well but battery life is terrible. Spends more time on charge than in use . It's still a great hobby in spite of there being far less stations . I am 84 and in my youth I used to build my own radios. Those were the golden days of short wave .
Very best wishes to you . Enjoy your hobby as I do .
I've heard some bad reports about the S2000 but I like the aesthetics. The H501x is terrible for the price - MW sensitivity = rubbish and SSB audio not great. Give me a brand new ICF-2001D with a decent backlight and I'd be happy! 73
Had a Sony 2001D, and I was on board working as a merchant marine. I use this radio to listen to the news and everybody would listen to it. It was an all purpose radio mostly on SW stations. One of the best I had…
Hi, yes I agree the 2001D is still one of the best ever, 40 years after it was introduced into the market. 73
I am like you with the hobby. I still have my QSLs from the 70s and 80s, and a few from the 90s, except for the ones I sent in to Gerry Dexter at Popular Communications magazine. I am now 64. Just found your UA-cam.
Great stuff - thanks for your comments!
I bought a 2001 in 1985 right before leaving on mission to Djibouti and then got a 2001D in 1991 before I got to Irak. Both were great. Thank you for your video which to me calls back many memories!
Thanks for sharing! I love both radios but of course the 2001D is far superior. 73
I just purchased the Tecsun 880 ❤
Sounds like I did good 👍
Hi Michelle, you made an excellent choice! 73
Great video. As for the Sony ICF-2001D/2010 I agree with you. Getting one today can be a challenge however and not only because of its availability but finding a really, not tampered with good one is not so easy. I had three and the best of them was sent over to a specialist in the USA and he completely overhauled it. I still have it today and it is still my companion everywhere I go. Thing is, it is complicated. Complicated to open it up without damaging wiring and the now very brittle plastics, it is complicated to get it fixed, too. Mine had corroded and totally absent printed wiring due to outgassing batteries. It was still working though but most of the keys did not work. In short, you can’t simply buy a nice looking one without knowledge of the radio. The other two disfunctional units went alongside the one I wanted to be restored. Maybe they found new owners, I don’t know.
Great comments, thank you very much! 73
I have a Sony ICF-2010 that I really love. In addition to SWLing, I use it a lot on MW BCB. It has a "problem" on BCB, at least for me. When an external antenna is plugged in, the BCB pre-amp is disabled. That's for people living in cities with local AM stations, to prevent overload. However, the closest such stations here are 80 miles away, and that pre-amp is useful, even with a long external antenna. There's a trick I discovered, for using such an antenna, without disabling the pre-amp. I push the plug part way in. There's a "sweet spot," where it makes good contact, with the pre-amp still functioning. Roughing up the plug with sandpaper helps to make it "stick" firmly in the right position. Hopefully, people in a situation like mine will find this tip useful.
I also do that - you're not alone lol.
Cool Technic guys
Now this strange why my Google voice-to-text spell technique the first way . Lol
I own a few of these. I'm just relieved someone owns more radios than me!
LOL!
We are living in the 21st century, one would think the technologies for these radios would be better. I recently bought on ebay a few of those Passport WB books. I also bought Sony WB Guide. The Sony brought back memories. I still have a few of my QSL cards and cardboard and silk pennants. My fav station was Radio Luxembourg. I enjoyed the music.
Thanks Eric, for your comments! I too listened to Radio Luxembourg as a kid. Tony Prince and co!
I got the ICF 2001 in 1980… I was 18, spent £199.00 on it…😮😮… I had saved up, had to tell my dad it was £100… he was still gobsmacked…😂😂 What a radio..❤
You made a great choice, Paul. I was just a kid in 1980, but was aware of the ICF-2001. It would have made my year if I could have bought one!
Thanks for the video. Very well done explaining the advantages and shortcomings of this great little radios. Cheers.
Thanks!
Your catches of Brazil small stations are amazing! Greetings from Brazil.
Thank you!
Have bought some of these radios. Each had their strong points which is why i built up a collection
Exactly!
Greatly appreciate your comments on which radios are the best ones. My 3 best are C Crane Skywave l, Eton Elite Traveler III, and Sangean ATS405. Eton Elite Executive, XHDATA D808 and C Crane EP Pro are on my horizon.
Thanks for your comments - you have some great radios!
And my wife thinks 😅 I've got "Too many Radios!" 😮
My collection is about half of what you show here.
Most Impressive to me was the Tecsun PL-330 !!!
With an outdoor antenna plugged in (I use a custom made adapter they sell on e-Bay) and a fully charged battery 🔋 you can "work the world! As we "Ham Radio" licensees like to say.
And, when your done with the Short Wave traffic, plug in some quality headphones and enjoy some of the very BEST FM reception you've ever heard!
Cheers 🍻 and '73 !
Couldn't agree more with all your comments! Thanks and 73!
❤❤😂the wives always say we have to many radios;but how many SHOES do they have!!!!!!!!😂
Great reviews Clint! I use my Eton Satellit (Grundig Edition) for MW dxing at times and believe that it is as good as the Panasonic RF-2200 that I used to own, plus has a much smaller footprint. The Panasonic still has cult status as the best ever receiver for MW dxing. 73's...Phil
Hi Phil, thank you very much! I agree with you on the MW DX cult status of the RF-2200! I wish I owned lol. 73
You’re lucky to still have band activity. Nice collection of radios.
Where I’m at in the south central US, I can count the number of stations on one hand. There were hundreds of stations in the 90s. These days most of the bands are quiet. The HF ham bands are somewhat active, but that is essentially it aside from the occasional religious station or rebroadcaster. There just isn’t sufficient activity for me to justify further investment in the hobby - perhaps with the one exception of getting something small that I can carry on international ventures.
The loss of broadcast stations on SW in particular globally and MW in Europe is a very sad state of affairs. Hope you stay in the hobby. 73
The second time I watched this video... though I went dark on my channel I still stay up to date. Again thanks for the video
You're most welcome.
A man cannot own too many shortwave radio nor swiss mountain army knives----old saying of mine.
I dig that lol!
Oh, I can see Sony ICF-2001D in your collection. I loved this receiver way back in 1986. It has exceptional sensitivity on MW band with a built-in telescopic antenna. No need for external antenna. The only problem is a very short battery life. The power consumption is very high, probably for the PLL frequency synthesizer.
I agree the 2001D is still one of the best ever. 73
Love the intro , and great to hear of your journey right up to date. Thats quite a collection that you have used over the years , just a pity the bands are growing so quiet its just the times we live in. As for the SW77 I had for 20 years and it just struck home that I could never do it justice , and now that has been put to rights being in the right hands as befits its technology. Proud to have met you on UA-cam Clint and deeply appreciate your friendship that you have afforded me over the years , and cant thank you enough Sir. I do hope that Matthias and his family are doing well because I was so lucky to have you and him as my friends I cant thank you enough for that. All the best my friend.
Thank you very much my friend, you know I will always be grateful for your friendship and support. I often think about Matthias - I hope he's ok. Not heard anything from him for several years now. 73
What no Sony 7600 !? Seriously though thanks for the round-up... Daren't open ebay out of respect for the bank balance!
Well quite!
I second this... Love my 7600
Great video and information. I had the Panasonic one below you showed. Had many years listening to many station.cb etc. It's in bits but still works. Brought it when it first came out. Looking to buy one .
Thanks for sharing!
Too many Radios??? Take 2 paracetamol, go lay down in a darkened room for an hour or so...put such thoughts behind you, this moment will pass...
LOL!
😂😂😂
@@OxfordShortwaveLoghello, what could be broken, I have a xhdata d-808 radio, old version, all bands work, but not the air band band, I also have xhdata new version and it receives the air band very well, best regards
😅😂🥳
Greetings: Good presentation. Thx 4 the share.
Many thanks! 73
@@OxfordShortwaveLog Greetings: Welcome. 88s
Great Cliff, still have my Sony 7600 bought in London in 1986. Many happy memories. When my dad passed on I got his 7600D which is an improvement on rx. Lovely review, tnx as always. de ON8EI John.
Thanks, John! 73, Clint M0OXF
Very nice and great radios, Clint. Congrats.
Thank you!
After looking at the comments I'll say no one radio does it all. So, it doesn't have SSB...ok I have more than 30 SSB capable radios. It doesn't go below 2300mHz , so again I have other radios for that. What I don't have is a radio that will receive internet along with sw,fm and mw. Bottom line, I want information easy to access. I think it's this one, but the price is a bit much. I would add any number of high-end radios before I spent that money. Thanks for the review, I might just purchase this radio because I trust you...and agree it's really cool.
Very pleased this video was helpful Sir!
I did own a world zone Sony crf2030 b it was a great radio of its time Ps you have a great rang of radio my friend from Robert 😊
Thank you very much!
"One can never be too thin or too rich, or have too many radios." 😎 Oh, gee, I had a brief brain disconnect when you mentioned listening to Shannon VOLMET. I thought, "Who's Shannon Volmet? Must be an Australian radio personality... OH! Shannon VOLMET!" That's really strange of me, since I check Shannon VOLMET almost every night to see which frequencies I can hear it on, and if any of them are truly copyable. However, I am now inspired to write a short story about a female spy named... wait for it... "Shannon Volmet." 😆
LOL! Very good!
I don't know what that means. Can you please explain as I'm a neophyte.
love the SWL hobby...n U had a few back then...sony and panasonic were the best during then...cheers
I always say, before Apple, there was Sony!
I think that with some work, (modifications) the ICF-2010 could still be the best, this is something that I will probably be doing...
Yeah you could be right about that actually
in my opinion sony ICF 2001D/2010 is one of the better vintage pocket receiver It as an impressive synchronous Am mode...thanks
Totally agree with you.
I used to have an ICF -SW77. It was one of the best I had. It was the only radio I ever had that had a workable “sync” function. I actually bought it from something called the Electronic Equipment Bank. In it’s day it was a very nice but expensive radio. I couldn’t keep up with it and it needed capacitors changed out and volume control changed out as well.
Those Sonys from back in the day were amazing, but it's been 20 and 30 years since many of them were manufactured. I guess inevitable that the caps would dry up eventually. 73
The Sony 7600G had a good synch detector
Acho lindos esses rádios... 73!
Thanks
I have the Eton Elite Satellite HD, for a
while now. It's OK, I did place a pre-order several years ago for $350.00
with Universal Radio, so I got a good
price for it, compared to the regular
price now of about $500.00 or more.
I do like the HD FM reception on it. 😊
Thanks for your comments, Ray. 73
Hi from Australia as I have the Sony ICF-2001D purchased at the time 1983 British Hong Kong days! An absolute super reliable unit fully functional in 2023. I can not complain at all! Powerful and reliable 40 years on wow a tough beast! Sad that short wave listening transmission has reduced morse codes beeping along gone... miss the cold war and propaganda! Radio Moscow, Voice of America, Radio Berlin International DDR days and more!
A great review keep up with your good work!
Ansett 727.
Hi there - I was in Brisbane in early 2020 - love Australia by the way! I sort of miss the Cold War radio transmissions too - there was so much more on shortwave - and medium wave for that matter - Radio Moscow, Tirana etc! Thanks very much and 73!
@@OxfordShortwaveLog You are welcome medium wave radio (AM) band in Australia is holding on in 2023 but stagnant as in early 1978 radio station frequency gap separation was was changed from 10 kHz to 9kHz spacing. To add more radio stations. Well we never had more radio stations on the AM band as many stations switched to FM and left the (AM) medium band. As I feel radio analogue will not switch off soon as TV analogue transmission did but there is a strong pushfom radio stations to have you listen on your smart phone app. Medium wave radio stations yes with question... how long will this last but I see a decline of medium wave... a decline gradual I expect and shut downs who knows I am old school with a wire strung across for an antenna reception and short wave. I still have my first World Radio TV Handbook 1978 a super guide!
73!
Ansett 727 from Australia!
Thanks my friend. Australia like the USA is a huge country so it's much more difficult to deploy other platforms (be they radio such as FM or DAB or internet-based etc.). I think you guys will have MW for much longer than us on this small island. 73
By the way, I have a collection of old WRTH! I buy them old lol.
I enjoyed my Panasonic RF-3100 from 1984 for 15 years or so.
That is a great radio!
@@OxfordShortwaveLog They should bring it back.
Definintely!
Good analysis ! Thx.
Thank you, Mark! 73
Great stuff ...you need a ICF 7600A which is a great camping radio and dont seem to deteriate
Cheers Kevin.
I have owned my 7600 since they were released back in the 90s and it's still going strong.
Great channel , I’ve bought a xhdata D808 and I’ve had some good fun with it so far , am looking to buy a sdr with a waterfall display , any recommendations for around 100 to 150 mark please , many thanks Shane uk 🇬🇧
Any recommendations please ? Thanks Shane
Thanks, Shane! My advice would be to buy an SDR Play RSPdx. Brilliant radio for the money. 73
Many thanks , will look into that , and I’m up late watching your videos thanks for your time and efforts shane
Cheers Shane! 73
I for one would love to see a general radio magazine back in the newsagents. Shortwave Radio, radio user, radio active, nothing print these days?
Well Radio User has been incorporated into Practical Wireless, so you could give that a try. 73
The ARRL publishes QST monthly. I’ve heard RSGB puts one out too.
Oh I wish I could own that Icom IC-R75 communications receiver! 😢
Have a look online - they do come up for sale!
I have an older Sony. 2010.. not working properly. Who can i sed it to for a repair.. im looking for a comparable SW radio now.. smaller but interesting is this PL66 Tecsun.. anything better at the 2010 size. I took that radio everywhere. Ireland canada.. NY..
There isn't really anything comparible to the Sony 2010 right now. The Tecsun PL-880 is great - and one I recommend. 73
Very happy with my Tecsun 990
That's good.
What about a Satellit Grundig 700. I bought it new many years ago. It's a great radio. I like it better that my Tecsun H-501x.
I've not used one - but it's bound to be better than the H501x - I do have one of those and it's not great. 73
@@OxfordShortwaveLog
I also have a 501x among many others ! It's sort of ok but battery drain is terrible. It almost lives on the charger . I find the S2000 a better receiver in almost every way. The 501 is overrated and over expensive . It's the one purchase I regret . It looks nice but that's about it . Best wishes .
Sony 2001D was was the envy of the airport for plane watching
Yes it was - and to a certain extent, still is.
I have the Sony.i was told it is one of the best!
And it is!
Was that a Sony 2010 I saw?
This is my all time favorite receiver! 😊
It was!
@OxfordShortwaveLog
I've even invested some bucks for a large kit of parts with the service manual, just to get my "Baby" working like NEW AGAIN!
Trouble is, I'd normally do the work myself. But since I'm closing in on 80, I'm going to have to negotiate with some frisky young Lad who knows one end of the soldering iron from the other!
Probably wise, Robb! My SW55 is still in repair - and I need it back lol. All the best and 73!
Tecsun pl-330 very good in SSB
Yes it is - I have one!
Nice collection…do you have any favorite analog SW radios especially the Sony/Panasonic brand?
Yes I have - Sony ICF-SW20 and the EX5MK2
❤
Thanks
How about Grundig Satellit 700? I use to have it in the early 90´s.
It's not as sensitive as the Eton Satellit Grundig Edition. Nor probably does it have the selectivity - still a good radio though. 73
Ive had an ICF SW55 & AN1/AN71 for over 30 years, sadly let batteries leak, cleaned the contacts and the AM Sens button broke, all that works now is the time set and battery/light indicator. None of the buttons or Jog Dial. Listening to WebSDR, but thats not fun sat at the computer all the time
Hi Seve, my SW55 is currently being repaired for several issues related to capacitor leakage. A shame Sony didn't use higher quality components. 73
I never met a radio I didnt love! I also have a "keeping problem" I'd let them turn my electric off before I sell one.
Ha ha I did - the H501X!
What no Grundig Satellit 800 Millenium? Superb radio, not very portable though!
LOL definitely not very portable - I hear good things about it though. 73
Greetings: Perhaps U might do a review of handheld units? I am seeking a unit with wide and continuous RX 500Khz - 5Ghz,.. or at least 1Ghz. Additional features would B spectrum analyzer, USB LSB, IF filers. Lithium, BNC, USB or 12V charge, dimming backlight, fine tuning, soft case. Direct input keypad, 1/8in audio out, CTCSS, DCS. DTMF, CW and CTCSS decode would B nice also. Not much 2 ask. Just a few features. 37:18
That is quite a specification lol. 73
@@OxfordShortwaveLog Greetings: Indeed. I am quite meticulous.
I really enjoyed this video , I have recently bought my first sw radio cost me a tenner on eBay and picking up all sorts , very enjoyable , what's the best way to identify what you are listening to ?
Buy a copy of the WRTH 2024 and check out short-wave.info online. Thanks and 73!
I'm up in Scotland , I'm almost sure I was listening to Oz or new Zealand this morning , although it was faint and crackly ....simple things 😁
You may well have been. It's all part of the fun!
Why no Degen DE1103 PLL?
The original non-DSP version was great (I owned one) but with absolutely terrible ergonomics.
Had a fair few of these rigs mainly cus you recommended them lol. Is your contact annon still on the go for tecsun products? I bought the 2001d for around £400 from Germany. Worth every penny even if I don't have one anymore
One other thing to note. The yupi 7100 scanner which I also regret selling might also be a reasonable shortwave receiver. Curious what your thoughts are on it
And also very much regret selling the e1! I bought it when it came on the market (was a few years ago now, maybe 2005/6!?)
Hi there, I'm not sure, I'll check. Good to know some of my recommendations work out lol. 73!
Hi there, I've tried my Yupi on HF but the audio bandwidth isn't really suitable for decent selectivity. Otherwise it's a very good (albeit complicated to operate) scanner. 73
Yes, I still can't believe I sold mine - what was I doing?!
Nice video! But where is Sony ICF-SW07?
It didn't own one for long enough...
I had the Sony ICF-2001 around 1980,
and it was OK, but the later ICF-2010
was a much better receiver. 😊
I have both - and totally agree - the 2010 (2001D) is far superior. 73
What is the status of availability of the
Eton Elite Executive HD version? 😮
Not sure...
@OxfordShortwaveLog Thanks 😊 I have
again sent an email to Universal Radio, the
dealer from which I had purchased the Eton
Elite Satellit HD, for $350.00, a while ago.
I was last told a while ago, in late Setember,
2023, but as their website shows no further
updated information about its status.
OK. Good luck!
I have a Tecsun 880 for my Tesla 📻
Nice!! I use mine when I travel.
Is 73 a radio thing
Hi yes, it's code for 'regards'
Which PAL external antenna adapter and external antenna do you recommend for the Eton E1 ? I just got one in great condition.
I just bought a cheap one from Maplin!
Панасоник 65 очень чувствителен. На всех диапозонах. На FM он значительно превосходит Сони 2001д по чувствительности.
Thanks for your message. 73
Hi I have a zenith transoceanic model r7000-2 and Sony icf 2010 with airband
Love the R7000-2! HNY!
The ETON Sattelit elite is a total failure at around 500 dollars is is tottally NOT worth the price. You can look at many review videos of the Eton Sattelit and it is hated !!!
That's the general consensus of opinion!
Was wondering if you could help? Im looking to get into the hobby but on the cheap and i found an eton grundig bt and a tucson pl808 online for about the same price both are used but i want to get the best i can. I live in the city so i know it l may not be real easy to pick up but would you recommend one over the other?
Hi if you live in a city, then local noise will cause you problems, irrespective of which radio you buy. I would buy an active wideband magnetic loop antenna - that will make a huge difference. 73
Thanks for your response i actually just ordered the tecsun 330 i know its not a high end radio but it will afford me to buy an antenna like you recommend plus i dont have to worry about it being messed up and trying to right a situation like that again thanks!
I've also got a 330 - it's a great little radio with decent sensitivity. Good choice.
@@OxfordShortwaveLog i have a small yard in the neighborhood outside uptown. Would a long wire antenna work in this sort or area? I can run one from a tree on one side to the edge of the garage maybe 15 meters or around the entire wood fence around the yard. Would that do as well as an active indoor loop?
You can try a long wire, but if you have a lot of electrical noise, it might not work so well - give it a go!
What is DXing?
Listening out for long-distance radio signals.
BTW.. Sunce my 2010 wasnt working properly .i didnt bring it.. but i spent 2 weeks in ABC Islands hunting and radio i did bring DIDNT EVEN GET STATIC..!! That was a bit unnerving..! Wont do that again..! Anywhere...
Alaska ABC Islands
Get your 2010 fixed - it's one of the best ever receivers...
@@OxfordShortwaveLog
Where...Who.. who can I send it to..please
Please name the best for under 100 EUROs :)
If you can find an XHDATA D808 that would be the best for the money. 73
Well, I just returned one because of the bad build quality: tune knob wobbling and crooked, case with scratches and some fabric imprints.
Go again - it's that good a radio, worth one more try.
I have place in my garden most distant from all electric and electronic installations where I am listening SW using Tecsun PL-660. Listening anywhere near the house or even iside is waste of time.
That's very common - I hear that a lot from DXers
SULLE ONDE CORTE ...NON C'È PIÙ NULLA DA ASCOLTARE ,TRANNE QUESTI MANIACI .
You are wrong about that.