a29zuk
Member
I'm done with the Chinese Radios too. I don't mind paying extra for a portable if it's not from there.
Jim
Choosing A Second Radio
- Thread starter ditto1958
- Start date
Jim
Fast1eddie
Member
I will always support US manufacturing.
I agree with you in principle, but in this case that means you can’t buy a new radio because they are all made in China these days.
Same here but America doesn’t make consumer electronics any more.
This is why I have hung on to my legacy portables, Sony ICF-2010, ICF-SW7600G, Panasonic RF-B45. But I do have a Sangean ATS-909X (not X2), which really do like. I just can't bring myself to buy straight up Chinese radios.
Please see my post 15 above
I’ve been using the Qodosen for a bit now, and even posted a short review/comparison of it and the XHData D-109WB here, but to get to the point, for people into lightweight portable DXing, it’s really, really good. No, it doesn’t have single side band, but it’s very, very sensitive on AM, FM and SW. So, if you want a small receiver that’s really good at being a radio, and only a radio, this is an excellent choice.
ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
I'm surprised no one mentioned the Belka; true it doesn't cover FM broadcast but all the reviews have been pretty darn good. I don't see any notation about overseas shipping not being available but it doesn't hurt to email and see if it's available
Mike
Belka-DX-max set with LSP3W speaker kit
www.mobimax.bg
Mike
I own a belka. It is probably the best in such a small package. Have owned mine a couple years now. Always take it with me when I go to cozumel in the winter. I don't have the speaker package so use ear buds. You won't go wrong buying one if your able to.
Very Nice radio! But at about $250 us dollars or about 228 eur. if I am figuring correctly, it is a bit out of my budget for my minimalist shortwave listening but I see how it could be very appealing especially with all those modulation modes and pc software interface.
I think it must depend a lot on a person’s experience and perception. If I were younger, I think I’d more likely want to tinker and put things like the Belka together with speakers, antennas and headphones. But I’m past that stage, so I’m kind of limited to more polished finished products.
But I can see where there’s a divide- one camp looks at a Belka and thinks it was home made with old HeathKit components and Erector Set parts. Meanwhile the other camp looks at a Qodosen and says “amateur.”
I see your point. I choose my tinkering priorities!
Lol, I've been building PC's since I was 15 now I'm nearly 43 and still doing it.
I'm trying to keep my hands off of the insides of radios for now at least, but with going into electrical engineering; I'm sure I'll be diving in for fun real soon.
I used it as a stand alone radio. Just dialing the knob to see what I can pick up. Picked up allot of frequencies in mexico that I never heard before back home. Easy, simple.. Have considered selling mine since I bought a AFEDRI LAN IQ. Still learning it but the waterfall display is awesome while searching for frequencies.
LAN-IQ SDR (Stand-alone SDR)
Yes, you may have some IC,s and circuit boards and stuff in your future. 🙂
a29zuk
Member
Should have added it to my post. If I choose to purchase another portable the Belka will be my choice.
Most of the reviews on it are excellent.
Jim
Hope we get a Belka review from you 🙂
I have a question for someone that may have one of the earliest Belka receivers...
How are the touchpad buttons holding up? The newest receiver impresses me, but the only thing I'm concerned about are those buttons, because they look like they would get a lot of use the way the radio is configured. For example I have an older Kenwood HT that no longer can be used for direct frequency entry, only the encoder knob on top, which is fine because I now only use it to monitor one frequency 24/7, but with a shortwave I'm always adjusting and tweaking things.
How are the touchpad buttons holding up? The newest receiver impresses me, but the only thing I'm concerned about are those buttons, because they look like they would get a lot of use the way the radio is configured. For example I have an older Kenwood HT that no longer can be used for direct frequency entry, only the encoder knob on top, which is fine because I now only use it to monitor one frequency 24/7, but with a shortwave I'm always adjusting and tweaking things.
Mine is going on 2 years with no wear. But I don't use it that much to the point am considering selling mine. Its a real sensitive radio but I bought a Afedri Lan-IQ SDR that has a waterfall display that took its place.