Sony ICF-2010

[trainman111]

I need some help here. I've been looking at the Sony ICF-2010, but I'm worried about some things. I noticed that it only has 32 memory channels. Now, I know that this receiver isn't a scanner, but there are a lot more than 32 frequencies in the HF band that I would like to listen to, mostly consisting of the USCG, all the military stuff, the COTHEN network, you get my point ;-). Now I know with propogation and and the difference between night time and day that not all the frequencies will be active at certain times, but what do you recommend as a good strategy? I've heard good reviews about this one, and I really would like to get into HF, but I don't have a monitoring strategy. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Nick

 

[K3GI]

I would highly recommend getting a table-top receiver is you want to listen to utility. The 2010 is an excellent radio (mine is 8 years old), but it IS a portable with all the shortcomings that come with portables. I know the table-tops are more expensive, but you can probably find a deal on a used one.

 

[zz0468]

My ITT Mackay has one "memory" channel... the VFO. =) I don't miss being able to instantly recall a memory channel. I'd opt for performance over semi-useless features like lots of memory.

 

[FrankJ]

I have a late model Sony 2010 that I use mainly for utility SSB and ham DXing. I have all the COTHEN frequencies programmed into my memories. It does a surprising good job at weak SSB with just a 20 foot wire clipped to the whip antenna. Some say the 100 Hz resolution isn't fine enough. For me, it's "dead on" for about 98% of the SSB signals. Sure, a tabletop will probably dig out a little bit more DX, but for a portable it can't be beat!

Frank

 

[trainman111]

Okay. Thanks for the replies guys! A portable would be nice because I do a lot of traveling and it would be great if I could take it with me. I know I could technically take a table-top with me, it's just a little more of an inconvienence.

 

[ka3jjz]

Okay. Thanks for the replies guys! A portable would be nice because I do a lot of traveling and it would be great if I could take it with me. I know I could technically take a table-top with me, it's just a little more of an inconvienence.

You had mentioned wanting a strategy earlier in this thread. One word comes to mind: research! Use the various mailing lists (UDXF, COTHEN, ect) to see which frequencies have been the most active. (Our utility monitoring wiki has a list of several of them, and no doubt there are many more that aren't listed). Magazine articles have a lead time of 60-90 days, so their usefulness is somewhat limited. Eliminate those that can't or won't propagate due to time of day issues. That should narrow your target list somewhat.

The 2010 was a fine portable in its day - I know several VoA correspondents, including my old friend Dr.Kim Andrew Elliott, who traveled with one (and I think he still has his...). A caution however; some earlier 2010s had a bad habit of blowing the FET front ends due to static discharge. There are several websites - and I think there's even a 2010 Yahoo group that's still surprisingly active - that talks about this problem and ways you can avoid it. If you get this radio, be sure to read them completely. A good list of these websites can be found on the RadioIntel website (the link is in blue)

73s Mike

 

[trainman111]

Thanks Mike. From what I've read, HF monitoring is a whole different ball game comapared to VHF/UHF scanner monitoring. HF really seems like something that is interesting to listen to, so I figured I'd give it a shot.

 

[ka3jjz]

You're exactly right, trainman. HF is a totally different ballgame, and one that really takes a bit of study to understand how and why it works - or in some cases, doesn't. Be sure to use the Wiki - starting with the HF article, which is right on the main article - and read slowly. There's a ton of information to learn.

One thing I have mentioned on numerous occasions is that you will need to get a handle on propagation - that is, how a HF signal gets from one point to another. The sun plays a major role in it, and it's critical you understand what is happening - and what is about to happen. In general frequencies above 10 mhz or so propagate during the day, below that at night (this limit changes with the seasons - and the solar cycle). AE4RV has a nice site (requires flash player) which will get you started on understanding this role - the site is here

Right now, the freqs above 10 mhz aren't all that good right now, because the solar flux is very low (hanging in the 60s and 70s); however most seem to think that the next cycle is going to start shortly (when is a matter of much debate among scientists and hams alike). Hang in there, it will get better...eventually

73s Mike

 

[FrankJ]

Kiwa can also provide the following for the Sony 2010:

FET Protection Diodes $15.00

http://www.kiwa.com/sony.html

 

[trainman111]

Okay, here's another one I found. The YB400(PE). Is it worth it? I've seen in other threads that people have recommended it, but is it a good receiver? Obviously I don't want to spend thousands on my first HF receiver, but I at least want something that will do an okay job. Like I said, I'm mostly interested in military comms including the USCG.

 

[FrankJ]

I think the YB400 may not be the best portable for SSB. I'd go with the Sangean ATS-909 at the minimum for any serious SSB listening.

Frank

 

[ka3jjz]

Actually the YB is a pretty fair choice, if you research the various reviews. It has a slight edge over the Sony in that it can tune sideband in finer than 100hz resolution, and has decent selectivity, but is not nearly the caliber of the 2010. However, Passport to World Band Radio has consistently given this radio 4 stars out of 5. It does have some problems with FM breaking through into the HF bands, as I understand it. The Sangean is better in this regard.

I can't stress this enough - research! Our wiki has links to several places where you can read reviews online. Use them to dig into whether a radio is good for your particular application or not. Get a copy of Passport to World Band Radio, where numerous reviews can be had (it's available from Universal Radio, among many other places).

73s Mike

 

[SCPD]

I agree about the performance of the 2010. I purchased one a couple of months ago and then sent it in to Kiwa Electronics for some mods. Craig at Kiwa added the narrow filter along with the FET protection and a new power plug. The radio now performs great. I am completely satisfied with the work Kiwa did to improve the performance. If you have a 2010 I highly recommend having Kiwa install a narrow filter. If you are good at soldering then you can probably perform the mod yourself. In my case I did not want to chance toasting the radio.

Over the years I've bought and sold many radios, including shortwave. I'm going to hang on to this one for a long while.

 

[Declared_Hostile]

Thanks for the info on Kiwa and their 2010 services. I've got one I'd like to send in for a little work. A tune up the the FET protection. If I decide to keep it. I'm going to thin out the shack shortly I think and I may send the 2010 along. I haven't decided yet. I know I'm gonna regret it if I do.

 

[ka3jjz]

JrBobDobbs experience with Kiwa is hardly unique. They've been doing quality work on HF radios for many years now. They are a top notch outfit and well known in the SWBC community. They have some rather innovative products as well, though they're kinda expensive. But as they say, you get what you pay for.

A side note - having scanned the used boards for quite some time, a 2010 that has been Kiwa modified is worth more than one not modified. 73s Mike

 

[DaveNF2G]

Kiwa can also provide the following for the Sony 2010:

FET Protection Diodes $15.00

http://www.kiwa.com/sony.html

Is Kiwa still doing radio work? I sent them a request for a price quote and never received a reply.

 

[SCPD]

Dave,


Here is Kiwa's email: Craig Siegenthaler [kiwa@wolfenet.com].

Send Craig a quick note and he should respond within a couple of days.

 

[DaveNF2G]

Thanks. I just sent him a message.