Portable AM/FM/LW/SW & SSB Radio

Discussion in 'Survival Communications' started by Bandit99, Jan 21, 2019.


  1. Bandit99

    Bandit99 Monkey+++ Site Supporter+

    I am considering purchasing a portable radio. Mainly because I think it's just a good idea to have one - that's about the short and long of it.

    I have narrowed it down to two:
    Eton Executive Satellite AM/ FM/Aircraft/SSB/ Shortwave Radio with RDS, NGWSATEXEC $110

    Tecsun PL880 Portable Digital PLL Dual Conversion AM/FM, Longwave & Shortwave Radio with SSB (Single Side Band) Reception $160

    I was sort of favoring the Tecsun because lots of good reviews but I noticed today that the Eton had a huge price drop, going from $160 down to $110 so that changed the game a bit.

    I am wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these portables or perhaps another recommendation?

    EDIT: Would appreciate any input soonest as think that price drop to $110 on the Eton has to be a mistake...they're probably knock-offs LOL!

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTO7P8X/?tag=survivalmonke-20

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GJ51NVA/?tag=survivalmonke-20
     
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  2. techsar

    techsar Monkey+++

    Most of those are of Chinese origin...so maybe a Chinese knockoff of a Chinese knockoff? ;)

    I tried a Tecsun a few years ago...deaf as a rock. Can't help on those two...
     
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  3. DKR

    DKR Raconteur of the first stripe

    Both are made in the same Chinese factory.

    The TECSUN PL 880 gets very good reviews from ham radio operators, as the SSB is very stable. It feqtures select able bandwidth, a good deal. I has DSP processing, very good feature.

    Check the return policy from the vendor where you will purchase. If a 1 yr extended warranty isn't too much, consider a purchase for that.

    TECSUN radios have a rep of early demise - so an extended warranty may prove to be worth the extra.

    The PL 880 is the flagship of their line. To get a better radio, the next price point is almost $300.

    Note the newest of the line is triple conversion - this seems to be the older (dual conversion) version.

    Still, for the money, a solid value @$110!
     
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  4. k8hid

    k8hid Monkey++

    I would have you look at countycomm GP 5 SSB gen 3
    $90!
    Countycomm.com
     
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  5. deMolay

    deMolay Monkey+

    I have a Crane CCR2 which I like good antenna, which is really important and a Sony.
    A small older radio that would fit in a pack. Both seem to be good.
     
  6. Swedish woman

    Swedish woman Monkey

    you can also look for second hand to the famous grundig yachtboy serie's
     
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  7. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    Grundig is now built by Eton, as are Techsun and others, maybe also Kaito. I have no idea how long ago Eton acquired the Grundig name, but it's been some time.
     
  8. as1mov

    as1mov Monkey

    CRT do some nice SSB rigs, but if you look on ebay for some rigs you'll find some that are 10 and 11mtr at very reasonable prices that are either US or European made like Unidens or President Lincolns or Jacksons, both of the Presidents are very reliable rigs and have the same boards as some US Uniden models, I have the #1 versions of both the Lincoln and the Jackson, and can verify their reliability and both can be car or 'bike mounted. Both of my rigs are capable of 30w output on SSB. What you've got to remember is, your antenna! It's the bit that does the TX and RX so get or build the best you can, as long as it's capable of dual bands. I have a Sirio Performer for mobile,can't fault it for either 10 or 11 mtrs and a 'homebrew' dipole at base, for a portable high gain build a T2LT with a wound choke (sometimes referred to as a BALUN). There are some great ideas for antennas on YT just type in T2LT and you'll see what I mean.
    Hope this helps.
    Tommy
     
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  9. Bandit99

    Bandit99 Monkey+++ Site Supporter+

    I never heard of these and am doing the reading/researching now. Thanks!
     
  10. William Warren

    William Warren Monkey+++

    I checked the Amazon listings and Google, but I can't find any mention of either "RDS", or "NGWSATEXEC." Please tell me what those mean, and TIA.

    William Warren
     
  11. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    That ngw blather is the model name, applicable to ETON and Grundig, at least. RDS is mysterious to me.
     
  12. Bandit99

    Bandit99 Monkey+++ Site Supporter+

    NGWSATEXEC = This is simply reflecting the Eton model type: Satellite Executive, can't remember exactly what the NGW stands for but its not important...

    RDS = "Radio Data System (RDS) is a communications protocol standard for embedding small amounts of digital information in conventional FM radio broadcasts. RDS standardizes several types of information transmitted, including time, station identification and program information." So, you should get a bit of text also with your broadcast if I understand correctly.

    BTW, I did order this radio but I haven't received it yet. I sort of wanted the Tecsum PL 880 but both radios are really close in performance, seems the 880 has better sound quality for music due to good speaker and amplifier but I didn't purchase it to listen to music, just voice, and the Eton will give me that and cost $50 less so...
     
  13. arleigh

    arleigh Goophy monkey

    I recommend more than one .
    1. as a disposable
    a. internal failure
    b. theft
    c. CME
    d. EMP
    2. equipment capable of communicating with post SHTF. Ham radio. CB, FRS,
    3. Solar panels for charging and running radios long after the batteries have died .
    Learn about berries and solar power and other alternative power means.
    4. Radios that are not dependent on special batteries and have access for external power.
    5 . faraday box .
     
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