Best Portable for MW DX
Mike
Which portable receivers do you think make the best receivers for
chasing MW DX?
I'm fortunate enough to have collected a lot of portables and here are
the ones I'm currently leaning toward dedicating to MW DX:
1. Panasonic RF-2200
This one is clearly in the group and may be the best single receiver I
own for MW DX. It's only real drawback is the lack of a digital
readout, but 30 years of use has enabled me to develop a pretty good
ability to figure the exact frequency from finely-calibrated dial.
2. Redsun RP2100
I've owned this radio for about a year and continue to be impressed by
it's sensitivity and pleasing audio.
3. Sony ICF-7600GR
Small and very sensitive. The continously adjustable RF Gain makes the
GR model significantly better for MW DX than it's predecessor, the
7600G, which just had a DX-Local switch. It's small size makes it the
easiest to place on a Lazy Susan for directional reception.
4. Grundig S350
Though I have been extremely negative about this receiver (drifting,
tuning and image problems), I must admit that it's pretty impressive
when it comes to MW. I've been using it for MW DX for about the last
week and I have yet to hear an image in the MW band (they're all over
SW).
5. GE SuperRadio
Incredibly sensitive, very low noise floor and great audio.
Unfortunately, the dial is not finely calibrated and is way off. It's
hard to understand why a SR with digital readout was never made (at
least to my knowledge).
But, these five are about to be separated from my larger collection
with the purpose of dedicating them to MW DX.
My question is: Are there other radios that you folks think really
standout when it comes to MW DX?
Any comments are greatly appreciated,
Mike,
Louisville, KY
Count Floyd
Mike,
I have the RF-2200, the RP/CCrane 2100, and a SRIII. I also have a
DX-440 that is very good on MWBCB. But my old tube boatanchors still
are the very best. My HQ-145 and Lafayette HE-10 still can pull in the
DX on MW.
Mike
<CountFl...@MonsterChillerHorrorTheater.com> wrote:
>
> - Show quoted text -
Floyd,
Yep, I had dusted off my old DX-440 and was already thinking about
adding it to the group dedicated to MW. For some reason this radio has
excellent MW sensitivity, but something seems wrong on SW. SW
sensitivity doesn't seem nearly as good as I remembered it the last
time I played with this radio. Probably a sign of age...
I hear you on the boat anchors. I'd love to invest in one of those,
but the size would make it hard to hide from my family. They're
already threatening me over the next radio that comes through the
door....
Thanks!
Mike
Brenda Ann
"Mike" <mwbr...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:602c6b61-d5c1-4f72...@o40g2000prn.googlegroups.com...
> 5. GE SuperRadio
>
> Incredibly sensitive, very low noise floor and great audio.
> Unfortunately, the dial is not finely calibrated and is way off. It's
> hard to understand why a SR with digital readout was never made (at
> least to my knowledge).
>
You must have an SRIII, these are notorious for not just terrible
calibration, but NO calibration at all (one would almost be better off with
an arbitrary scale). If you have an SR1 or SRII that has poor calibration,
this can be easily remedied. I've done alignments on literally dozens of
these radios (mostly after someone with a 'golden screwdriver' has
'adjusted' them).
There was a Superadio (the Superadio Plus) with a digital readout made in
1982-83. This radio was a flop because it had a horrid noise floor and
otherwise lacked the sensitivity and selectivity that the SR1 was by then
known for. These radios can still be found on ebay from time to time, but
they tend to get scarfed up by collectors with more money than brains for
prices well exceeding their original $80 price tag. (I've seen one go for
nearly $200!)
Dave
All-American 5 tube superhet ca. 1958
Mike
>
> All-American 5 tube superhet ca. 1958
Dave,
While I appreciate your contribution, the question dealt with
portables. Are there other portables that you think I might be
overlooking?
Mike
Brenda Ann
Dave,
Mike
I actually have a nice tube portable AA5* with a tuned RF section that
performs excedingly well. It's a GE set. I've had some older Philcos as
well, but the GE seems to just edge them out in gain and sound quality.
* instead of a rectifier, the fifth tube is an RF amp. Tube lineup is: 1U4,
1R5, 1U4, 1U5, 3V4
Dave
You asked for any other radios, period, I thought.
"My question is: Are there other radios that you folks think really
standout when it comes to MW DX?"
Drake SW8
Magnavox D-2999
Telamon
Dave <da...@dave.dave> wrote:
> Mike wrote:
He was asking about portables.
--
Telamon
Ventura, California
Mike
>
> You asked for any other radios, period, I thought.
>
> "My question is: Are there other radios that you folks think really
> standout when it comes to MW DX?"
>
> Drake SW8
>
> Magnavox D-2999
Dave,
No, I was looking for portables, check the thread title. But thank you
for the two suggestions in your last post. I came close on variants of
both receivers. The Grundig Satellit 800 (basically a SW8 in a big
plastic box) does a very good job with MW DX, but ultimately the noise
floor caused by the display hash, made me choose to keep it with my SW
receivers hooked to external antennas. I don't own a D2999 (I wish I
did!) but I do own a D2935 (basically a smaller, more portable version
of the D2999) and looked at long and hard at it, just last night.
Though the audio is awesome, the broad bandwidth and less sensitivity
resulted in the decision to use it primarily for program listening, as
opposed to MW DX-chasing. Maybe I should see how the D2935 does on a
longer external antenna...
Thanks for your input!
Mike
Mike
> Mike
>
> I actually have a nice tube portable AA5* with a tuned RF section that
> performs excedingly well. It's a GE set. I've had some older Philcos as
> well, but the GE seems to just edge them out in gain and sound quality.
>
> * instead of a rectifier, the fifth tube is an RF amp. �Tube lineup is: 1U4,
> 1R5, 1U4, 1U5, 3V4
Brenda Ann,
Thanks for the input. I'm probably going to invest in buying one of
the tube-based TransOceanics off of eBay. I'll keep an eye open for
GEs and Philcos, too, based on your input. My step-father used to work
at an old Philco plant outside of Cincinnati, he'd probably get a kick
out of seeing one of those receivers.
Happy Holidays!
Mike
m II
> 4. Grundig S350
>
> Though I have been extremely negative about this receiver (drifting,
> tuning and image problems), I must admit that it's pretty impressive
> when it comes to MW. I've been using it for MW DX for about the last
> week and I have yet to hear an image in the MW band (they're all over
> SW).
I compared an Eton E5 to my S350 last week. The Eton was far more
sensitive. The stupid tuning knob on the 350 makes me cringe when I have
to turn it. There seems to be a variable, unpredictable, response rate
to the turning action. The sloppiness reminds me of the early Grundig
800 fiasco.
The local equivalent of the Radio Shack has the Grundig/Eton G5/E5 for
149 $, but will most likely be having a sale soon.
mike
Mike
>
> I compared an Eton E5 to my S350 last week. The Eton was far more
> sensitive. The stupid tuning knob on the 350 makes me cringe when I have
> to turn it. There seems to be a variable, unpredictable, response rate
> to the turning action. The sloppiness reminds me of the early Grundig
> 800 fiasco.
>
> The local equivalent of the Radio Shack has the Grundig/Eton G5/E5 for
> 149 $, but will most likely be having a sale soon.
>
> mike
m II,
I agree 100%! The E5 is awesome regardless of how you use it. Since I
have both an E5 and a Degen DE1103 (essentially the same radio), I
think I'll put the DE1103 in the MW DX group. You're also right about
sloppiness and backlash in the S350's tuning mechanism. It's a 30-year
step backwards! But the audio and MW sensitivity is better than
average. I'm just looking for a way to make lemonade (out of a lemon)
with that receiver...
Mike
dxAce
Don't you think your time would be better spent on studying for that PhD rather
than trying to figure out which partable receivers you'd like to "dedicate" to
MW DX?
If you'd spent your time studying then you wouldn't have had to lie about having
a PhD.
RHF
MWB,
FWIW - I am presently using a Redsun RP2100 Radio
http://www.radiointel.com/review-redsunrp2100.htm
as my preferred 'portable' Radio for AM/MW Listening.
http://www.dxer.ca/content/view/41/
+ Has a Handle making it easier to move around
then the CCRadioPlus
+ Has a Digital Display making it easier to Tune
then the GE SupeRadios 1 & 2 & 3
+ Wide and Narrow Band Widths for AM/MW
+ RF Gain works with AM/MW
+ Good Quality Sound
+ Separate Rear AM/MW Antenna & Ground Connections
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/6055
Add a Lazy Susan and a Select-A-Tenna and you
have a real stand-a-lone 'portable' AM/MW DXing
System.
* Note that the CCRadio SW is the US Version
of the Redsun RP2100 Radio
http://www.justechn.com/2007/09/01/ccrane-ccradio-sw
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/portable/2678.html
http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwave-radios/ccradio-sw.aspx
.
.
MWB for more AM-MW-BCB DXing Radios
Check-Out this WebPage :
Best AM-MW-BCB DXing Radios -by- DXing Tools .Com
http://www.dxtools.com/BestDXrx.htm
Presents two Lists of AM-MW-BCB DXing Radios
MWB - I think that it may Help to Expand the Answer
to your Question as to what other's think and use.
Best "Desk-Top Receivers" for AM-MW-BCB DXing*
http://www.dxtools.com/BestDXrx.htm
* I presently have and have use Numbers : 9 and 15
FWIW - I am currently using an Grundig Satellit 800-M
as my preferred Desk-Top Receiver for AM/MW Listening.
Best "Portable Radios" for AM-MW-BCB DXing*
http://www.dxtools.com/BestDXrx.htm
* I presently have and have use Numbers :
1, 2, 3, 4, 5GR, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 16
QUESTION : Can I Vote ? -Answer- Yes You Can ! :o)
To Vote for your Favorite AM/MW DXing Receiver and/or Radio
Click-On-the-Link : "VOTE BY EMAIL AT" which is
located at the bottom of the webpage.
NOTE - This webpage is a Feature of the DXing Tools .Com
website : http://www.dxtools.com/
Radio Plus+ Electronics : Home of the "Quantum"
Series of DX Tools for the Serious Radio Listener
-designed-and-crafted-by- Gerry Thomas [KB4JFM]
hope this helps - iane ~ RHF {pomkia}
.
Are You Interested in building a better Shortwave Listening
(SWL) Antenna ? {SWL Group} = http://tinyurl.com/ogvcf
GoTo = http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/
.
RHF's Standard "Shortwave Radio Listener (SWL) Antennas Group"
Reference Message Signature-Line = http://tinyurl.com/25zbrg
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/411dac3b4a1798e0
.
* Remember 55.5% of Shortwave Radio Listening (SWL)
is the Shortwave Antenna = http://tinyurl.com/ogvcf
ERGO : 55.5% of 'portable' AM MW BCB Radio DXING
is a Lazy Susan and AM/MW Loop Antenna
.
.
RHF
Vintage Zenith Tube Radio "Long Distance" # K731
http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ310110657826
http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ330297101246
there is something about the 'sound' of an old
tube radio in a wooden cabinet ~ RHF
.
Mike
Thanks for your reply. Just a couple quick responses:
1. In head-to-head testing, last night, the Grundig S350 (despite it's
lousy
tuning mechanism) did as well as the RP2100. I was a little surprised
by
that. I think I have to re-evaluate my condemnation of the Grundig.
2. The DXTools URL looks very interesting. One of the better URLs
you've
shared with me. Thanks.
3. I've been a member of your Yahoo antenna group for several years
already.
Thanks, Roy. Hope you had a nice Christmas!
Mike
Louisville, KY
cuh...@webtv.net
Two of my old ''book'' radios are mini tube portable radios, I think
they date back to the 1940s.I don't remember what brand names and models
they are, they open like a book.They are in one of my three footlockers
crammed full of small radios.I reckon I own at least three hundred or
more old radios.
cuhulin
.......................................................
Don't sit down in that chair! //why not?// I am waiting for rigor mortis
to set in.
.......................................................
Ian Jackson
<556fd5d2-553f-4cc4...@u18g2000pro.googlegroups.com>,
Mike <mwbr...@aol.com> writes
>On Dec 27, 11:530 >>
I bought an Eton E5 about 9 months ago. I paid GBP60 for it ($115 then,
$90 today). I certainly would not call it 'awesome'. It's a useful 'fun'
radio, but cannot really be considered for serious shortwave work.
On the LW (used in Europe), it picks up some MW signals (presumably lack
of front end selectivity harmonic mixing with the LO).
The MW is OK. However, when you get above 1.6MHz, there are quite a few
self-generated internal birdies. Some of these are paralysingly strong,
especially around 1800 and 1900kHz. Most of these warble, and are
probably from the LO synthesizer.
MW sensitivity is good, but it seems pretty deaf from 1.6 to 3MHz (where
the whip aerial becomes effective).
Above 3MHz, sensitivity seems pretty good up to maybe 15MHz. I'm not too
sure above this, but I've never heard much sign of any CB activity on 27
to 28MHz. There are again quite a lot of self-generated birdies.
FM reception is pretty good - particularly the sensitivity and the
immunity from multipath problems. With a pair of stereo headphones, the
quality sounds good to my old ears.
Tuning-wise, you can just about live with the 1kHz tuning steps. This
means that you can only tune to an accuracy of 0.5kHz. On the 'narrow'
selectivity position, the selectivity, although fairly good, is poor
enough to allow you to tune as best as you can, and adjust the BFO to
resolve SSB and CW signals. Unfortunately, the 1kHz steps seem to be
something like alternate steps of 850Hz and 1150Hz. Also, the tuning
range of the BFO is very small - only a total of around 1.5kHz. But it's
liveable with.
Of course, there is provision for connecting an external antenna via a
3.5mm jack plug. The problem is then overload. With a decent antenna,
you have to switch in the input attenuator. A preselector of some sort
is pretty well essential.
Finally, the battery level indicator is 'digital'. It shows "full" until
about 1 minute before the set goes dead because the battery is flat.
I've used my E5 to good effect to brush up my morse skills when sitting
on the toilet. SSB signals often sound a bit rough because of the
permanent AGC action. As I say, it's a 'fun' radio. Useful around the
house, and for taking on holiday, but I think you want something a lot
better for proper SWLing.
--
Ian
Mike
>
> I've used my E5 to good effect to brush up my morse skills when sitting
> on the toilet. SSB signals often sound a bit rough because of the
> permanent AGC action. As I say, it's a 'fun' radio. Useful around the
> house, and for taking on holiday, but I think you want something a lot
> better for proper SWLing.
> --
The real question is how the E5 compares with other subcompact
portables. The only thing I've found that's possibly better is the
Sony 7600GR.
I've heard that there is a great deal of variance in Eton's quality
control. I've never had any problems with images, overloading, or
birdies. The Sony's sync detector might give it a slight edge, so
that's why I'm eagerly awaiting the forthcoming G3, which essentially
appears to be an E5 with sync.
Mike
elaich
@o40g2000prn.googlegroups.com:
> My question is: Are there other radios that you folks think really
> standout when it comes to MW DX?
I wouldn't part with my DX-440 (Sangean ATS-808.) I used to have an R-392,
and sitting side by side using the same loop, I could tell no difference
between the 2 in sensitivity or selectivity. Granted, the R-392 does not
have the nice sharp crystal filters the R-390 does, but I had a 4 khz
Collins crystal filter in there, and the DX-440 filter was just as
effective.
There are easy mods that make it even better, like using the BFO control as
a fine tuner to get around the 1 khz tuning steps. Something like clipping
a jumper. Another mod gets rid of the "chuffing" noises the receiever makes
when you use the knob to tune it. It has an external antenna jack, and a
switch to change between that or the ferrite bar. I have used this radio
with all sorts of loops, and logged KNX - 1070 - CA from Virginia using an
8 foot doubly balanced air loop in 1997. These days, I just use the ferrite
bar along with the equivalent of a Quantum Stick. Gives me all kinds of
interesting listening.
The only bad thing about this radio for BCB DXing is that it changes to the
whip antenna at 1601 kHz. It was made before the expanded band. What's up
there, anyway?
cuh...@webtv.net
cuhulin
Telamon
<12237f4e-8843-4373...@i24g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
Mike <mwbr...@aol.com> wrote:
> On Dec 27, 9:28?pm, "Brenda Ann" <bren...@shinbiro.com> wrote:
>
> > Mike
> >
> > I actually have a nice tube portable AA5* with a tuned RF section that
> > performs excedingly well. It's a GE set. I've had some older Philcos as
> > well, but the GE seems to just edge them out in gain and sound quality.
> >
> > * instead of a rectifier, the fifth tube is an RF amp. ?Tube lineup is: 1U4,
> > 1R5, 1U4, 1U5, 3V4
>
> Brenda Ann,
>
> Thanks for the input. I'm probably going to invest in buying one of
> the tube-based TransOceanics off of eBay. I'll keep an eye open for
> GEs and Philcos, too, based on your input. My step-father used to work
> at an old Philco plant outside of Cincinnati, he'd probably get a kick
> out of seeing one of those receivers.
>
> Happy Holidays!
Those radios had at least two different batteries. A high B+ and another
low voltage battery for the filaments I think.
--
Telamon
Ventura, California
BCBlazysusan
> "Mike" <mwbry...@aol.com> wrote in message
If the radio was totally recapped I would throw in the GE P780
http://www.transistor.org/feature/jutson/details.html
BCBlazysusan
>
> - Show quoted text -
I won't actually agree with what you said Ace but the part that makes
me just roll my eyes is that he acts like he is so nice in posts but
it just seems to be (at least from my recollection) all a facade. He
is trouble with a capital T in my book.
BCBlazysusan
> there is something about the 'sound' of an old
> tube radio in a wooden cabinet ~ RHF
>
> - Show quoted text -
I will also throw into the arena albeit a big portable is my RCA
Victor "Strato-World." What is great with this particular receiver is
that using either a loop for the BCB or running a long length of wire-
- both of those antennas are great for the BCB. Usually I have found
that only one of the antenna configs. shine better than the other but
for this specific radio both really do well. Great link here for this
radio.
http://www.portabletubes.co.uk/portables/rcastrat.htm
BCBlazysusan
> > there is something about the 'sound' of an old
> > tube radio in a wooden cabinet ~ RHF
> > .- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> I will also throw into the arena albeit a big portable is my RCA
> Victor "Strato-World." What is great with this particular receiver is
> that using either a loop for the BCB or running a long length of wire-
> - both of those antennas are great for the BCB. Usually I have found
> that only one of the antenna configs. shine better than the other but
> for this specific radio both really do well. Great link here for this
>
> - Show quoted text -
This is a better link for the RCA Victor
http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~postr/bapix/RCAstrat.htm
Brenda Ann
"BCBlazysusan" <gk...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:b8d853bf-c30c-477f...@m4g2000vbp.googlegroups.com...
Ah.. a radio without peer. I have two of these fine beasties. There is no AM
only DX radio that even gets close to the sensitivity, selectivity and
awesome audio quality of the P780. It's also great to hold down one side of
your tent during a DXpedition. :)
Ian Jackson
<e1b1e8ed-0fd9-428d...@r10g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
Mike <mwbr...@aol.com> writes
>On Dec 28, 3:460 >>
Yes, it is possible that I have a last-thing-on-Friday-afternoon E5. It
was a 'special offer' (albeit from a respectable organisation). I had
nothing really to compare it with. Overall, it's not too bad. However,
when something turns out to be 'OK, but a little disappointing', you
often feel that you should have paid just that little bit more.
--
Ian
flashdrive
>
> Incredibly sensitive, very low noise floor and great audio.
> Unfortunately, the dial is not finely calibrated and is way off. It's
> hard to understand why a SR with digital readout was never made (at
> least to my knowledge).
>
> with the purpose of dedicating them to MW DX.
>
> My question is: Are there other radios that you folks think really
> standout when it comes to MW DX?
>
> Any comments are greatly appreciated,
>
> Mike,
> Louisville, KY
Drake-SW8 (circa 1996 or later)
dxAce
Michael "I'm a college professor with a PhD" Bryant wrote:
> On Dec 28, 3:46�pm, Ian Jackson
> >
> > I've used my E5 to good effect to brush up my morse skills when sitting
> > on the toilet. SSB signals often sound a bit rough because of the
> > permanent AGC action. As I say, it's a 'fun' radio. Useful around the
> > house, and for taking on holiday, but I think you want something a lot
> > better for proper SWLing.
> > --
>
> The real question is how the E5 compares with other subcompact
> portables. The only thing I've found that's possibly better is the
> Sony 7600GR.
>
> I've heard that there is a great deal of variance in Eton's quality
> control. I've never had any problems with images, overloading, or
> birdies.
Unfortunately, you have had problems with lying about having a PhD.
Dave
Type B battery (45 Volt battery made of 30 Type C or D batteries)
To this day, plate Voltage is called "B Plus" because of the 45 V "B"
battery.
chandl...@yahoo.com
A good list for Ultralite DX here
http://www.dxer.ca/content/view/56/78/
Nice one here . .
Sony SRF-M37V
This digital TV/Weather/AM-FM Stereo headphone-only unit is extremely
compact (83 x 63x 32 mm, or 3.4 x 2.5 x 1.3 inches), and weighs only
94 g (3.3 ounces).
It has a clock, 25 memory presets (5 for the AM band), and most
importantly, the critical ability to tune the entire (530-1710) AM
band in either 9 or 10 kHz steps.
Besides the 87.5- 108 FM coverage, it also can tune TV channels 2-13
and Weather channels 1-7. It includes a basic set of stereo headphones
(acceptable for AM-DXing,
but not recommended for FM-stereo enthusiasts), and a belt clip. It
requires a single AAA battery (not included), which is reputed to last
54 hours on AM, and has an
attractive black case with silver dial trim. The case has a curved
bottom edge, with the memories accessed by five front-panel push-
buttons (that could conceivably
be distinguished in the dark, by a DXer on an ocean beach). The unit
retails for $34.99 (Amazon). Needless to say, the combination of 9 kHz
split capability, digital
tuning and memories makes this radio the uncontested leader in AM-DX
tuning convenience among the contestants.
BCBlazysusan
> A good list for Ultralite DX here
>
> http://www.dxer.ca/content/view/56/78/
>
> Nice one here . .
>
> Sony SRF-M37V
Chandler.......what a great site. That is going to make for some good
reading there. :-) I love when I can add sites like this. Thanks.
RHF
> On Dec 30 2008, 12:29 pm, chandler7...@yahoo.com wrote:
>
- -
- - http://www.dxer.ca/content/view/56/78/
>
> > Nice one here . .
>
> > Sony SRF-M37V
>
> Chandler.......what a great site. That is going to make for some good
> reading there. :-) I love when I can add sites like this. Thanks.
Ultralight Radio AM-DX Shootout - Round One
-by- Gary DeBock
http://www.dxer.ca/content/view/56/78/
.
Mike S.
In article <d8c3310b-6c8c-46dc...@p2g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
<chandl...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>A good list for Ultralite DX here
>
>http://www.dxer.ca/content/view/56/78/
>
>Nice one here . .
>
>Sony SRF-M37V
>
>This digital TV/Weather/AM-FM Stereo headphone-only unit is extremely
>compact (83 x 63x 32 mm, or 3.4 x 2.5 x 1.3 inches), and weighs only
>94 g (3.3 ounces).
This one is pretty good, but its performance really doesn't stand up to
the venerable Sangean radios or even more recent Sony products. For
instance, the tiny (and poorly marketed/distributed) 1AAA-powered Sony
SRF-M97 is noticeably more sensitive and selective on MW. So is a
similar AIWA (manufactured by Sony, just before they retired the AIWA
brand altogether a few years ago).
Jordan Dobrikin
Jordan Vancouver Canada ve7jjd
What is an Ultralight Radio? Updated December 2010
Definitional Criteria: The Definitions Committee is guided by the following criteria which characterize an Ultralight Radio (ULR):
1. It is a simple shirt pocket-sized radio of not more than approximately 20 cubic inches.
2. It is an entertainment-grade radio, as opposed to enthusiast's radio. As such, it will usually not have AM synchronous detection, SSB clarification or other specialized features.
3. It is readily available to the hobby in new or used markets at the time of its approval.
4. It costs no more than $100 retail at the time of approval.
5. It is primarily a radio. While it may have other features as well (MP3 recorder, etc.), the design and function should have radio reception as its focus.
6. It is not a "novelty radio" such as Coca Cola Can radio, Mr. Potato Head, etc.
While one may use any radio they wish for DXing, for purposes of contests, awards and records submission, an Ultralight Radio must be officially approved by the Ultralight Definitions Committee. If you would like to have a particular radio considered for inclusion in the list, please submit a proposal by posting a message to the Yahoo UltralightDX board, or drop me an email [satya(at)sounddsl.com]. Please state how the radio in question meets the six criteria above, and provide (or include a link to) a picture and specifications for the radio. Each radio is then reviewed by a committee on a case-by-case basis. The criteria above are intended as a guide rather than a set of rigid restrictions, and occasional exceptions may be made to any of the criteria. However, please use your discretion before seeking approval for radios clearly outside of the definitional criteria.
Categories of Ultralights
For purposes of contests, awards and all-time records, as well as for letting other DXers know what you are using, there are two categories of Ultralights, Barefoot and Unlimited:
• The Barefoot Category means any Ultralight as it came from the factory, with no meaningful alteration or augmentation such as filtering or antenna changes. Minor changes such as aligning a "stock" receiver to maximize the performance or retrofitting a bigger thumbwheel to make tuning easier don't take a radio out of the Barefoot Category. Basically, the only thing between you and the incoming signal is the stock Ultralight and perhaps a pair of headphones.
• The Unlimited Category is a radio that started out as an Ultralight but, as used for DXing, has been altered or augmented. This includes any internal changes such as IF filter upgrades and new antenna ferrite and/or wiring, as well as external peripherals such as passive/active antennas, DSP audio filters, antenna couplers, tuners, phasers, preamps and so on. The limitation is that the incoming signal must be fed either into the ferrite bar antenna of the ULR or straight to the board's RF input; either way, the signal must otherwise be processed solely through the complete circuitry (RF/IF through detector/audio) of the ULR. The intent is to preserve and use the basic circuitry rather than, for example, feeding the IF output from a professional communications receiver into the final detector/audio stage of the ULR.
Popular Approved Ultralights
C Crane SWP (Redsun RP-300); Degen DE1123 Eton e100 (Tecsun PL-200) Grundig G8 (Tecsun PL-300WT) Kaito WRX-911 (Tecsun R-911) Kchibo D96L Kchibo KK-D6110 Sangean DT-200(VX)Sangean DT-210(V) Sangean DT-400(W) Sony SRF-39/49/59/85 Sony SRF-80/83/84/87 Sony SRF-M37V/L/W Sony SRF-T615 Tecsun PL-210 Tecsun PL-310 Tecsun PL-360 Tecsun PL-380 Tecsun PL-606 Tecsun R-9012 Tecsun R-912