Cc crane 2e

[Alex777]

Hi, I have a CC Crane EP Pro which I use for AM dx in the UK. I'm considering buying the 2E, especially for FM dx. Is the 2E selective on the FM band and would it be an improvement over the Pro? In the UK our FM stations are only spaced 100 kHz apart

 

[Alex777]

Oh well to anyone interested I'll answer myself. Bought the 2e and it's very sensitive with adequate selectivity on AM. More or less same performance as the EP Pro. As far as FM goes it's not very good. It has average sensitivity and disappointing selectivity. It is certainly not as good as the Pro and cost over double the price to import to the UK. Anyway I'll keep it for receiving US stations here in the UK on the AM band.

 

[iMONITOR]

I can't speak on the 2E, but I do have a CC CRANE 3. Performance on both AM and FM is very impressive! I had been looking for the perfect AM/FM radio for emergencies and storms. It's ability to also receive the 2-Meter Ham band is an added plus that most portables do not have (I see that the 2E does this as well). This radio exceeds anything I could have hoped for or even dreamed about.

I use the stock antennas. What are you using?

I found this article that's worth the read, as well as the comments.

Tips for Improving FM Reception

Tuning in an FM station isn’t the same as tuning in an AM station. That’s why, when you have a reception issue, the first thing you’re usually asked is “Which band or station are you trying to rece…

news.ccrane.com

 

[Alex777]

Thanks for the article. It was an interesting read. I only use stock antennas. The EP Pro on FM is very impressive. Unfortunately the 2e just can't match it even in regards to selectivity. After saying that I prefer the 2e for AM so I'm certainly not complaining as I have 2 good CC Crane radio's for different bands. Unfortunately the repeater steps in the UK are different so I can't use the 2m band effectively. I'm glad you've found a radio that exceeds your expectations. Ever since I heard Art Bell endorse CC Crane I've wanted one of their AM radio's.

 

[Patch42]

If price is not a significant issue, try to find a now-discontinued Sony XDR-F1HD. It has the best FM reception I've ever come across. When I was living in Florida I did a band scan one weekend using the included wire dipole attached to a cross made of PVC pipe that I could fairly easily rotate. I sat in my living room tuning up and down the band, rotating the antenna. On virtually all channels that didn't have local stations I could pick up two or three distant stations. Stations from 75 miles away came in as strong as the locals. I was getting readable signals from stations 300 miles away.

XDR Guy sometimes has units he's refurbished for sale, though he hasn't had any for a while now. Ebay usually has some. XDR Guy can repair/upgrade your ebay unit but it looks like his waiting list is a mile long.

 

[Boombox]

Can vouch for Sony XDR series radios. I have the boombox, and it's excellent on FM and AM, and includes HD. Works well off of a simple loop of wire on MW and short wire on FM.