DJ-X11T Discriminator Output and SSB Quality

[N8OAY]

I am seriously considering picking one of these up if some can help me figure out if it will do what I want it to do. First question: I read in a review somewhere (can't find it now) that the Alinco DJ-X11T has the option of providing a Discriminator Output, but it sounded like the reviewer was referring to the 10.7 MHz IF. Is that the same thing as Discriminator Audio? In other words, would it provide the proper signal to computer programs such as ATCS Monitor and Trunk System Control Channel decoders such as UniTrunker or the old DOS Trunker and ETrunker (yes I still have a PC running Win98 for a few DOS based programs like Trunker and Probe for use with the PRO-2006/OptoScan 456).

Second question: how good is HF SSB reception with either a metal appx 30 inch whip antenna or one of those roll-up wire antennas (maybe 20-25 feet long) like is packed with the Grundig and Sangean portable shortwave receivers. I live in Northern Alabama and want to be able to receive the State Emergency Nets on 3 and 7 MHz LUB, and the Hurricane Net on (I think) 14 MHz USB.

I also like the dual receive capability in the VHF-UHF bands with the dual VFOs. That will be great for railroad monitoring.

Thanks!
Dave

 

[MarkWestin]

The DJ-X11 has two selectable outputs, IQ and Discriminator. Either one is output from the earphone jack. Obviously, when either one is selected no audio output is available. As far as your question about the IF frequency, that depends on the received mode.

Main Band:
AM/SSB/CW/FM are Triple Conversion Superhetrodyne.
IF Freqs:
1st 243.95 Mhz
2nd 45.055 Mhz
3rd 455 Khz

WFM Double Conversion Superhetrodyne.
IF Freqs:
2nd 10.7 Mhz

Sub Band:
AM/FM Double Conversion Superhetrodyne.
IF Freqs:
1st 51.65 Mhz
2nd 450 Khz

I wish I could be more helpful with your questions about HF use, but I haven't yet used the DJ-X11 on HF. The reasons are as follows:
1. I also have the DX-R8T receiver which is currently meeting my HF needs.
2. I haven't bought the ERW-8 Control cable due to its excessive cost.

I do plan to experiment with the HF freqs in the future.

In my opinion the DDJ-X11 is a very good radio but not as good as my AOR AR-8200 Mk3.
It is much easier to use than the AOR radio.
The only software (control and programming) that is available for it is from Alinco and in my opinion is a disgrace to the DJ-X11 and the whole company. The Control software will only work with the ERW-8 cable and the programming software can only transfer one frequency or other setting at a time. I find that odd because the DX-R8T software works perfectly.

I'll try to answer any other questions if I can.

Mark

 

[N8OAY]

I had 2 radios made by AOR and swore I would never have another one. The first was way back in the late 1980s or early 1990s. It was one of the first that was legally imported and was sold I think as the Trident brand. It was a major pain to program and had a garbage receiver. It was the worst I had ever seen for front end overload.. At least I thought it was until I bought what was at the time Regency's latest greatest before I found out it was manufactured by AOR. I think Regency called it the MX-4000.

I had been using a Yaesu VR-500 which is dieing of old age and Yaesu has discontinued it and has not made a replacement. The DJ-X11T looks like a suitable replacement.