Does anyone do independent. measurement based tests of shortwave portables?

[KB2GOM]

I know that Rob Sherwood does hardcore measurements on ham transceivers -- Receiver Test Data -- but I haven't found any source for similar tests for portables.

 

[ka3jjz]

Bob's measurements would, frankly, mean very little to a newcomer. These 2 sites have user level reviews of radios, including portables, and would be a much better bet

N9EWO - Dave's Radio Receiver Page - Shortwave Radio

"Dave's Radio Receiver Page"

www.qsl.net

radiojayallen

Jay's Radio Reviews, Comparisons & Restorations

radiojayallen.com

Mike

 

[WA8ZTZ]

Product reviews found in QST include testing done in the ARRL lab.
You will find the hardcore receiver dynamic range testing that you are looking for, however, they don't test many portables.
IMHO, many portables would fail miserably the adjacent channel rejection, image rejection, and dynamic range tests.

 

[ka3jjz]

But are those tests written so that a non-technical person could understand them? To me, that's the key for someone who is just trying to get into the hobby. Too much gobbedly-speak is going to turn a newcomer off very quickly

Mike

 

[iMONITOR]

.......

 

[ko6jw_2]

You want independent measurement based testing, but you don't want it to be too technical. Can't have it both ways. The few QST reviews that are done do include commentary as well as measurements.

 

[iMONITOR]

Excellent detailed reviews!

The SWLing Post

Shortwave listening and everything radio including reviews, broadcasting, ham radio, field operation, DXing, maker kits, travel, emergency gear, events, and more

swling.com

 

[WA8ZTZ]

But are those tests written so that a non-technical person could understand them? To me, that's the key for someone who is just trying to get into the hobby. Too much gobbedly-speak is going to turn a newcomer off very quickly

Mike

Seemed to me that the OP was looking for more in-depth laboratory style "hardcore measurements" rather than the typical box opening non-technical review aimed at a casual listener or newcomer.

 

[KB2GOM]

Seemed to me that the OP was looking for more in-depth laboratory style "hardcore measurements" rather than the typical box opening non-technical review aimed at a casual listener or newcomer.

Yes, exactly.

 

[dlwtrunked]

Yes, exactly.

One reason such testing is rare is that it would normally require inserting a known signal level directly into the receiver while such receivers are often not designed for such (use a whip antenna) or they would require a very expensive anechoic chambers

 

[KB2GOM]

One reason such testing is rare is that it would normally require inserting a known signal level directly into the receiver while such receivers are often not designed for such (use a whip antenna) or they would require a very expensive anechoic chambers

Thanks for the clarification.