C Crane CC Solar Observer DX Potential

[Zeh]

I recently picked up the CC Solar Observer because it has several features I was looking for: small form factor, very simple design, a lighted analog dial, and still in production. Looks like it would be great for everyday and travelling. For anyone who has used this radio, can it do decent DX for what it is? A CCrane rep says the internal ferrite antenna is 3 5/8 inches.

 

[Boombox]

3 5/8" is around 93mm. A lot of it depends on the thickness, and what type of chip is inside -- analog IF chip or DSP. My guess it that it has a DSP chip, and probably will DX MW on its own in most regions of the US and Canada. My Sony ICF-38 has a 90mm loopstick and DXes MW well on its own. In some places you may need an external loop, and if you're serious about MW DXing an external, tunable loop is a good idea regardless.

 

[Zeh]

3 5/8" is around 93mm. A lot of it depends on the thickness, and what type of chip is inside -- analog IF chip or DSP. My guess it that it has a DSP chip, and probably will DX MW on its own in most regions of the US and Canada. My Sony ICF-38 has a 90mm loopstick and DXes MW well on its own. In some places you may need an external loop, and if you're serious about MW DXing an external, tunable loop is a good idea regardless.

Thanks for the reply. It does have a DSP chip, but still manages to sound pretty good without intrusive background hiss (although there is some at low level). I also have the ICF-38 and the sound is much better of course, but no dial light. Will do more experimentation with my Tecsun AN-200.

 

[a29zuk]

Also, check this out:

C Crane CC Radio Solar Emergency Radio

Discontinued: This has been updated to a new model with the addition of Bluetooth. Read the C.Crane CC Radio Solar Emergency Radio with Bluetooth: Original Review Below: I was lucky enough to recei…

radiojayallen.com

Jim

 

[Zeh]

Also, check this out:

C Crane CC Radio Solar Emergency Radio

Discontinued: This has been updated to a new model with the addition of Bluetooth. Read the C.Crane CC Radio Solar Emergency Radio with Bluetooth: Original Review Below: I was lucky enough to recei…

radiojayallen.com

Jim

Thanks! Yeah, I follow Jay Allen's blog also and read that review. It looks impressive, but I decided to go cheaper and simpler.