RCA Superadio.............
Gregg
Apparently Amazon doesn't even sell this anymore - or out of stock.
But what I'm finding is the RCA/GE SR3 is modestly priced, correct?
Model number 7-2887 - this is the one a few of us have been speaking
about.
What I am seeing is that there is also a RCA RP7887 AM/FM Super
Portable Radio that costs $149.99 - - - What's up with that? It looks
somewhat smaller and compact but it didn't have the feature to enlarge
the pic so I couldn't tell if the controls were in the same place as
the SR3
I can't remember anyone mentioning this specific radio in here before,
is this somewhat new and shame on you all for no one speaking of or
doing a review on it before anyone else spent their own money. ;-)
Brenda Ann
"Gregg" <gk...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:7717900b-44e6-4365...@k36g2000yqb.googlegroups.com...
That radio is exactly the same as the GE SRIII.. and can be bought for under
$50 new from any number of online sites.
Gregg
wrote:
>
> - Show quoted text -
Oh really? They threw me with the different model numbers and when I
saw the price tag I assumed it was a newer version. I wonder why it
had that price tag on it. Thanks Brenda.
Justis
Also found one at Value Village for $5 in scruffy condition but it works
fine.
Anyone know of a downloadable dial face template to make tuning a bit more
accurate. 'Really a shame they messed up on this part ..... Nice sounding
and sensitive set.
"Brenda Ann" <newsg...@fullspectrumradio.org> wrote in message
news:Ku6dnQsId5B1D0jW...@giganews.com...
Joe Analssandrini
I own seven examples of the entire GE/RCA 'Superadio' series. ALL were
purchased new. The first model, the 7-2880A, came in two forms: the
first one without battery straps and no antenna connection screws and
the second model, the 7-2880B, came with both. The build quality of
these two models was fine (the A being the better of the two) as was
(is) their reception and sound quality. (On the A model, the one
without the battery straps, the six D batteries would fall out easily
and quite frequently any time you opened the compartment to retrieve,
for example, the AC line cord; the B model corrected that.)
The second model, the first to be actually named 'Superadio,' was the
7-2885 and it came in various letter series depending, I suppose, on
its production run (that is a guess on my part - I do not actually
know why the letter suffixes changed); I own one 7-2885D and two
7-2885F models. While the sound quality, especially in the treble
range, was improved over that of the first model (noticeable, of
course, primarily with FM reception), and the reception quality was
very slightly improved, the build quality took a distressing dip. On
one of my units (the 'D' model), AM reception and, to a lesser extent,
FM reception is poor; I did not notice this until well after the
warranty had expired and I did a side-by-side comparison with a
subsequently purchased 'F' model. But that "better-receiving" 'F'
model had horrible wobble in its knobs and the antenna retaining clip
almost immediately broke off (and for no apparent reason!). The third
'Superadio II,' also an 'F' model, still in use, in built slightly -
only slightly - better than my first 'F' model (and the 'D' one), but
it is not to be compared in quality to the original 7-2880A or B.
Later, in the early '90s, I bought a 'Superadio III,' Model 7-2887; I
tried it only once and then packed it away in its box, where is
remains, on the off-chance I may need it someday. I do not know what,
if any, letter suffix is present in the model number. On its very
brief trial (I just wanted to make sure it worked!), it seemed to be
okay but was certainly nothing special. Its styling, of course, is
very different from the 'Superadio I' (the commonly-used name
nowadays) and the 'Superadio II.'
Now to the RCA 'Superadio' Model RP7887A. First, I recommend that you
do NOT - repeat NOT - buy one.
Let me explain.
I saw that this radio had been re-branded and I thought that, as I had
example of all the previous models, I should buy one of these too. So
I put it in my Amazon wish list and began watching its price and
availability. At first it was selling in the $40.00 range and then it
went into the $50.00 range, much more than I wanted to spend for this
radio (which I figured would get little use).
But one day early this year, as I was perusing my wish list, lo and
behold, it was being offered for $20.66! I immediately ordered it
(along with something else to bring the total to more than $25.00,
thus qualifying for free shipping) - AND I immediately posted a notice
on this group of the price (which, as it turned out, lasted only the
one day) and the link to the radio for anyone who wanted one.
A week or so later the radio arrived - and it was defective. (There
was a loud howling noise all across the AM band and, obviously,
reception of even slightly weaker local stations was impossible.) As I
had ordered it from Amazon, I contacted them and immediately received
a free return shipping label and I returned it the next day, asking
for a replacement.
The replacement arrived several days later - and it too was defective.
(FM reception was non-existent.) Another contact with Amazon, another
free return label, and back it went.
This time they the replacement came two-day shipping. This sample has
the power button askew - VERY noticeably - but the power button does
work and the radio functions normally.
At $20.66, it is an "okay" buy - but I wouldn't spend one cent more
and I'll tell you why. Last night (and this is only the most recent
example), I wanted to listen to Bloomberg Business Radio (WBBR 1130
kHz), a station located about 100 miles from my location. Normally it
comes in well at night but last night, of course, it didn't.
It was EXTREMELY difficult to find the station using the 'Superadio's'
rubbery tuning knob (that's not the feel of the knob, but the way it
tunes in stations - it is very difficult to tune the station in
accurately; you must go back and forth many times to tune in properly
- it has a rubbery feeling to the tuning) and, when I finally did, the
selective-fading distortion was extreme. So I quickly put the radio
down and pulled out one of my Sony ICF-SW7600GRs and tuned it to 1130.
Obviously, with a digital tuner, it is no problem to find the station
you desire, something quite difficult on any analog radio and
especially this one (its dial markings are almost worthless). Not only
was the station received with the same apparent strength as on the
'Superadio,' when I activated the sync, the selective-fading
distortion completely disappeared.
Of course the Sony doesn't produce near the mellow (very fine) sound
quality the 'Superadio' does - but what good is sound quality if you
can't quickly find the station you want and then, when you do, can't
understand what is being said?
I wanted a "complete" collection of this radio; I have it - but,
unless you also wish to "collect" this model, I recommend that you
avoid it (UNLESS Amazon offers it again for $20.00 or so - put it in
your wish list and check daily). The radio I would recommend is the
new CCRadio 2; I do not have one of these (nor am I going to buy one)
but I DO own an original CCRadio. I bought it in 2003 and it is in
daily use (mostly by my wife). While its build quality is nothing to
write home about, its sound, at least on AM, is fine and, being
digitally tuned, stations are easy to find. And the dreaded LCD
"problem" has never manifested itself on our sample.
If $150.00 is too much for you, I recommend that you investigate some
lower-priced shortwave radios such as the Kaito KA-1103 to see if it
would satisfy you. Even though the Sony ICF-SW7600GR is priced
approximately the same as the CCRadio, its versatility - and that sync
circuit which works on AM as long as your station is not adjacent to
an AM IBOC station (and, fortunately, they're becoming fewer and
fewer) - makes it a superior radio in all but sound quality. And even
that can be "improved" by use of external computer speakers connected
to the Sony's line output jack.
In conclusion, I feel that you, as well as anyone else who buys the
RCA RP7887A 'Superadio,' will be disappointed in it. Why do I continue
to use mine from time-to-time? Because I'm too lazy to go into my
crawl space, retrieve the box, and pack the d--- thing away! That's
why!
$20.00 or so? Sure. Any more, NO!
That's my opinion, anyway.
Best,
Joe
bpnjensen
wrote:
>
> - Show quoted text -
As usual, Joe comes through with a great and truly informative post.
Thanks, Joe!
Bruce Jensen
cuh...@webtv.net
radio.I bought it new at a Service Merchandise store.Model number is,
7-2880B
It does have external screws connections on the back of the radio for
external antenna.FM GND and AM, there is a battery compartment too.On
the dial it says LONG RANGE HIGH SELECTIVITY.On the speaker grill (it
has one speaker) it says GENERAL ELECTRIC with the GE logo in the middle
of GENERAL ELECTRIC.The radio still works real good.The radio was made
in HONG KONG.A few years after I bought the radio the ON/OFF push button
on top of the radio quit working.I replaced it with a toggle switch.
cuhulin
Gregg
> I bought one new at Wal-Mart for $29.95 last year.
> Also found one at Value Village for $5 in scruffy condition but it works
> fine.
> Anyone know of a downloadable dial face template to make tuning a bit more
> accurate. 'Really a shame they messed up on this part ..... Nice sounding
>
> news:Ku6dnQsId5B1D0jW...@giganews.com...
>
>
>
>
>
> > "Gregg" <gk...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> >news:7717900b-44e6-4365...@k36g2000yqb.googlegroups.com...
> >> OK, this is getting cornfusing so I bring it to the tribal committee.
>
> >> Apparently Amazon doesn't even sell this anymore - or out of stock.
>
> >> But what I'm finding is the RCA/GE SR3 is modestly priced, correct?
> >> Model number 7-2887 - this is the one a few of us have been speaking
> >> about.
>
> >> What I am seeing is that there is also a RCA RP7887 AM/FM Super
> >> Portable Radio that costs $149.99 - - - What's up with that? It looks
> >> somewhat smaller and compact but it didn't have the feature to enlarge
> >> the pic so I couldn't tell if the controls were in the same place as
> >> the SR3
>
> >> I can't remember anyone mentioning this specific radio in here before,
> >> is this somewhat new and shame on you all for no one speaking of or
> >> doing a review on it before anyone else spent their own money. ;-)
>
> > That radio is exactly the same as the GE SRIII.. and can be bought for
>
> - Show quoted text -
Good deal Justis, I wouldn't have thought of WalMart - that would sure
save me time/fuel driving around looking for a thirty/fourty dollar
radio. I know I can make it up there this week some time to check it
out. I haven't been in a WalMart in ages.
Gregg
wrote:
>
> - Show quoted text -
OK Joe, I've always respected your posts and opinions and on this
specific piece ( in this group) you qualify IMO as knowing about this
line of radio. I don't monitor Amazon, I think I've only been on that
site no more than ten times counting today and I'm not going to start
just for this radio.
If I see one at a thrift store I may consider it (hopefully it'll be
the 1 or 2 like BA and Ace have) I won't make the special trip to
WalMart but the next time I'm up there (which will probably be once a
year) I'll visually check it out.
I don't really need another radio for the BCB and I don't do music so
that's out the window, I just wanted to set it side by side with my GE
P-780 and have a "shootout." I've heard all the different comparisons
between the two radios and read enough about each of them. I think
Brenda Ann told me once that the SR1/2 would give my 780 a run or I
forget how she phrased it and I no doubt respect BA's take on those
pieces because she has at one time or another owned them all and she
hooked me up with my two 780's.
But I think where one may live also has a bearing on what you can/
can't hear. I'm extremely fortunate living out where I do RF wise. I
wanted to test each one side by side barefoot / and then with a random
length of wire / and with a couple of my loops and see which one was
pound for pound the middle weight champion.:-)
Here shortly I'm going to connect my P-780 to my A/D DX sloper -
that'll be a kick to hear what she picks up with that badass antenna
up as high as it is - I'm really curious as to hear what it sounds
like and picks up and if it'll overload - I don't think it will.
Thanks for your post, I definitely appreciate it. :O)
Gregg
>
> - Show quoted text -
Isn't that the truth, that's what makes this group killer IMO.
Gregg
I remember you talking about that radio before. If Joe or BA can pipe
in on this. Does Cuh have the same radio I have? The GE P-780? Mine
doesn't have GE anywhere on it either, it just says on the grill
"Eight Transistors" with the word eight in cursive and transistors is
printed. I also have the screws on the back for the ground and
external antenna, I've read on that fantastic site of the P-780 where
they interview Conrad Jutson {sp} who made/engineered the radio that
it was the first of the line of SR before there was even the term
"Superadio."
The other 780 I have doesn't have the screws on the back and I think
it says "Long Distance".... or something is different in the writing
on the grill- it's in my closet and I'm not going to move everything
around
to check. Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? :-)
cuh...@webtv.net
it for a few dollars years ago at a Goodwill store.It doesn't work and
it wasen't working when I bought it.It won't say anything at all.There
is a little button for a dial light on the radio.The radio is in good
physical and cosmetic condition.I wish I knew how to work on radios.
http://www.devilfinder.com
General Electric P-780E Radios
A new addition,,,, William Singletary
http://www.WLBT.com
Veterans History Project
He lives in Florence,Mississippi, near Jackson.I have a buddy who lives
in Florence, he was in the U.S.Air Force.
cuhulin
Justis
anything. At times it seems they don't know just what they sell. They may
even be sold out.
The box mine came in was a little ratty looking but everything inside was
"A" ok.
I have the service manuals for all three "SuperRadio's" if anyone needs a
copy.
In WinZip:
GE 7-2880A "SR1" ...... About 4 meg.
GE 7-2885 A/B/C "SR2" ...... About 5 meg
GE 7-2887A "SR3"...... About 2 meg
GE 7-2990A ...... 3.9 meg ......
http://images.google.ca/images?hl=en&source=imghp&q=GE+7-2990A&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
Also posted to: Mods.DK http://www.mods.dk/manual.php?brand=_other
Also posted to Yahoo Groups "longrange", the GE SuperRadio group, in the
files section.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/longrange/files/
"Gregg" <gk...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:b395d983-8d1a-4ee1...@k36g2000yqb.googlegroups.com...
cuh...@webtv.net
the General Electric Superadios? Because of the antenna? speaker sound?
Circuitry? What?
I have a lot of old, old, old strictly AM radios (tube type and
transistors) which pull in long distance AM radio stations as good or
better than my General Electric 7-2880B radio.
cuhulin
Justis
anyone needs it.
Nice!
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.radiolaguy.com/images/transistor/GE-P780A-b.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.radiolaguy.com/Showcase/GE_P780.htm&usg=__WjB9k_zdVGIL9ecePjrjfDzcfes=&h=622&w=650&sz=99&hl=en&start=1&sig2=aMwf3vXcike_fgChuLq2rA&itbs=1&tbnid=c16AOyhA1KwOiM:&tbnh=131&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3DGE%2BP-780%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=axnWS_LyBMSblgfnkOy5CQ
****************************************
"Gregg" <gk...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:e5c85b39-06b3-4747...@y12g2000vbr.googlegroups.com...
Joe Analssandrini
facts.
The GE Superadio was introduced in 1978; this first model was not
officially called 'Superadio' but was so designated by several
writers, one of who wrote the article in POPULAR SCIENCE in which I
first read about it. I bought it soon after reading that article and I
got the 7-2880A model. This does not have "Superadio' anywhere on it
and it does NOT have antenna screws or the battery retaining strap.
Later, as I explained above, I bought a second one; this turned out to
be the 7-2880B which DOES have antenna screws as well as a battery
retaining strap. Otherwise, there is no difference between the two
models and reception as well as construction quality is the same.
Then the next version was introduced, in the early to mid-80s as I
recall. That model, the 7-2885 in all its letter permutations, DOES
feature the name 'Superadio II' on its front grille. While its
reception quality is slightly better (only very slightly and only
noticeable on close side-by-side comparison) and its sound quality on
FM is better (it, like the SR-III, has two speakers instead of the one
found on the SR-I), its construction quality and its reception
consistency is abysmal.
I cannot comment on the GE version of the Superadio III as I tried
mine only once and that was almost twenty years ago!
I CAN comment (as I did!) on the current RCA version. While in theory
it should be capable of excellent AM reception, I strongly recommend
that people who wish to actually use a radio for listening and/or
DXing (as opposed to collectors or those who merely wish to make
comparisons) AVOID this model UNLESS you can find it for around
$20.00. As I stated, I paid $20.66 - and that was ALL I paid. Amazon
paid for the return shipping (twice!) and for the re-shipping to me.
You can bet they "lost their shirts" on that transaction! $50.00 or
even $40.00 is far too high a price for this radio as currently being
(so poorly) manufactured, at least in my opinion. Anything higher than
$50.00 is outright theft!
Here, for Gregg who wishes to compare this radio with another one he
owns, is something to think about: unless you have more than one of
these RCA models, you'll never know whether or not yours is
functioning correctly, achieving the maximum reception of which it's
capable (when made right). An obvious defect, such as I experienced,
is easy to spot. The reception deficiency I noted on my first sample
of the SR-II was not immediately apparent and I'm afraid that
something like that can occur again. Obviously that would 'color' any
comparisons.
With apologies to all who have read this far, I'll repeat - unless you
can buy this radio new for a VERY low price, avoid it. And I wouldn't
even consider buying one used!
Best,
Joe
Brenda Ann
"Joe Analssandrini" <analssa...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:5d41eb89-9603-4c26...@r27g2000yqn.googlegroups.com...
Reading some posts subsequent to mine, I should like to clarify some
facts.
I CAN comment (as I did!) on the current RCA version. While in theory
it should be capable of excellent AM reception, I strongly recommend
that people who wish to actually use a radio for listening and/or
DXing (as opposed to collectors or those who merely wish to make
comparisons) AVOID this model UNLESS you can find it for around
$20.00. As I stated, I paid $20.66 - and that was ALL I paid. Amazon
paid for the return shipping (twice!) and for the re-shipping to me.
You can bet they "lost their shirts" on that transaction! $50.00 or
even $40.00 is far too high a price for this radio as currently being
(so poorly) manufactured, at least in my opinion. Anything higher than
$50.00 is outright theft!
*************************************************************************
The original GE SRIII (and the "newer" RCA badged version (RCA and GE are
co-owned by the same overseas company... that USED to be Philips.. but it's
anyone's guess these days)) have grave quality control issues. For starters,
I've YET to see one with anything like calibration, let alone ACCURATE
calibration. With my 40 years of experience doing consumer electronics
repairs, I can't even get them close to proper tracking and/or calibration.
Second, the mainboard circuitry is hit and miss. I've seen several of these,
right out of the box, that had no AM (some with no FM) and/or had a hiss or
squeal in either the broad or narrow position, or both.
Third, the cabinets mostly sound like there's a rattlesnake nest inside,
especially when the bass is cranked up.
Other than that, they make a damn fine paperweight.
dxAce
Brenda Ann wrote:
Kinda like the ICOM R-75 which makes a fine doorstop!
Gregg
> I have the, alignment and schematic lit for the GE P780 A and H models if
> anyone needs it.
>
> ****************************************
> - Show quoted text -
I was looking at that pic and saw where it said General Electric on
the bottom. Mine also says that...lol...it's just how I have my radio
sitting on my lazy susan with my knife laying in front of the bottom
of the radio - it blocks that out. Just call me dumbass but
don't. ;-)
dave
> I bought one new at Wal-Mart for $29.95 last year.
> Also found one at Value Village for $5 in scruffy condition but it works
> fine.
> Anyone know of a downloadable dial face template to make tuning a bit more
> accurate. 'Really a shame they messed up on this part ..... Nice sounding
> and sensitive set.
There are Yahoo groups, etc. Usually the L.O. trimmer needs a little
touch and then the numbers line up.
dave
>> ****************************************
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> I was looking at that pic and saw where it said General Electric on
> the bottom. Mine also says that...lol...it's just how I have my radio
> sitting on my lazy susan with my knife laying in front of the bottom
> of the radio - it blocks that out. Just call me dumbass but
> don't. ;-)
>Your venerated RCA is now a division of (wait for it) AUDIOVOX!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomson_SA
Gregg
Well, the way I look at it - is my radio is a TRUE General Electric -
the first of the firstest. Conrad Jutson knew what he was doing no
doubt. I don't know the answer to this, maybe BA or Joe or Dave would
- but I wonder how much the GE P-780 would cost today if made in the
US. I had an old ham friend give me a ballpark figure in his mind
because he was in the radio business - and I couldn't help but just
shake my head.
dave
Your GE was made by an Asian manufacturer. If it's pre 1987, it's
likely a Panasonic plant.
Thomson was an original partner in GE. It's all quite incestuous.
Brenda Ann
"dave" <da...@dave.dave> wrote in message
news:4bd6d782$0$27771$bd46...@news.dslextreme.com...
The P780 was designed and built in the US c. 1958-62.
Gregg
>
> - Show quoted text -
Huh? From 1960-65 if I remember right. These are the best links on
that specific radio. They all come from the first link though.
Of course, this is the opinion of the guy in the article, but he
states..........
Q. Out of all the GE transistor radios you are familiar with, which do
you feel offered the best performance, and why?
The AM reception on my P780 is far superior to any radio, home or
auto, that I have experienced, including the best Toshiba models that
I marketed. Of course, the P865 (which added an FM band to AM in a
P780 case) provided wider performance but there were many models that
came along later that offered outstanding features and performance.
http://www.transistor.org/feature/jutson/interview.html
http://www.transistor.org/feature/jutson/details.html
bpnjensen
>
> - Show quoted text -
I have clearly heard many tiny stations on my doorstop, so NYAAH!
Gregg
wrote:
> "dave" <d...@dave.dave> wrote in message
>
> - Show quoted text -
OK, I thought it was 1960-65. Regardless, Dave was a little off on
that one - I knew it wasn't Panasonic. ;-)
dave
Grundig and Blaupunkt ruled the day back then.
dave
cuh...@webtv.net
sort of kind of work, some of them don't work at all.Some of them would
make real good paper weights and door stops.
cuhulin
Gregg
> Brenda Ann wrote:
> > "dave"<d...@dave.dave> wrote in message
>
> - Show quoted text -
**PUFF-PUFF-PASS** - no tubes David but like Jutson and others said -
the audio sounds like tube audio - that was a big deal to him.
Gregg
You should maybe list them here Cuh.
Unless you want to keep every radio you have (which I'm sure you
don't) - maybe make a couple of nickels or dimes and hook up Doggie.
In all seriousness, I can just about guarantee you that someone from
this group would pick something up from you. Just saying.:o)
cuh...@webtv.net
I did once send a Sunn Guitar Amp to Zumbrota,Minnesota a few years
ago.I never received so much as one red cent for that Sunn Guitar Amp.
cuhulin
Joe Analssandrini
Dear Cuhulin,
I'm the same way - I keep all of my 'junk,' pack it up, and put it in
my crawl space. I have so much 'garbage' in there I can't even
remember all of what I have!
That's why I still have all of my GE/RCA 'Superadios.'
The best of the lot are my two original ones, the 7-2880A and 7-2880B.
One of my three 'Superadio II' samples is good also; it is still in
current use.
As for my 'Superadio IIIs,' I can't comment on the older (early 1990s)
GE one but the new RCA one is, frankly, trash. The one I have is my
third sample from Amazon and, while it's pleasant for listening to FM
and it CAN receive long-distance AM, its tuning is so poor that DXing
is rendered useless, in my opinion.
For $20.00 or thereabouts, okay; anything more - NUTS!
But I won't sell it. (Among other things I couldn't do so with a clear
conscience.) One of these days I'll pack it up (I don't know why I put
the box in the crawl space without really giving the radio a fair
trial - now I have to go in there and retrieve it!) and put it away.
My heirs will have to deal with it!
Best,
Joe
cuh...@webtv.net
me a few more months to finish up with that.Then I will finish up with
laying down plywood in my attic so I can put a lot of my stuff up
there.Then doggy and I will have some room down below.
cuhulin