Is this a good radio?

[sjcscanner]

I have been looking for a shortwave receiver/wx radio and found this yesterday: http://www.electronicsoutfitter.com/pm-x52/philmore/p691217.html

I just want to know if anyone has this radio and if it will let me listen to the hurricane center, and all the emergency shortwave frequencies because my scanner does not go below 25 mhz. It looks like a great buy, I've never seen a weather radio below 30.00 around here. Thanks for the help.

 

[LEH]

I don't have one, but I have had similar SW receivers and they are not all that great. Sensitivity and selectivity aren't the best and the antenna is also somewhat lacking.

You may be able to get something, but it will depend on your location, signal strength and other stations broadcasting on adjacent frequencies.

There is a lot of good stuff on SW, but I really am not interested in listening to it.

You may want to see if one of the moderators will move this to the HF forum. Though I am sure someone there can answer this better than I can. But personally, I think you would be disappointed.

 

[fineshot1]

If you are looking for a portable hf receiver my vote would be for a used Sony 2010 or perhaps a used or new Sangean model. These have traditionally been better quality portable hf receivers. Yes - you will pay more for them but you get what you pay for and if you want to pay $17.59 + shipping for a POS radio then you WILL get what you pay for. So put me down for a NO vote on this unit.

 

[cg]

With that radio you will not be able to monitor what you are describing.
- There is no USB/LSB (upper & lower sideband) which is what much of the non broadacst SW will use.
- that dial is so small and imprecise, you would never be able to tune a weak signal in with any reliability.

chris

 

[sjcscanner]

Thanks for the help, im not going to buy it but invest some more in a better radio.

 

[Highlander_821]

The Sangean portables are nice, so are the Grundig/Eton models. My Grundig YB400pe is probably my favorite, having better audio and RF performance than my Sangean 909 and Kaito 1103.

Portables do have their limits, none of them can compare to even the entry-level desktops. But they are fun units and can get you started in shortwave and utility/ham listening.

 

[KC2TEX]

SW Radios...

IMHO the most bang for the buck is a Kaito 1102. It has double conversion, high and low filters that DO work, and receives both AM, and SSB and has a host of other features such as buttons that are all illuminated. The battery consumption is low, and it is small in size. It performs great on the whip, and only gets better with a longwire (included). For $79.00 or less, it comes with rechargeable batteries, earphone, long wire (not very long) in a reel/case, and a cloth carry case. It does not beat my Sangean Super AT 909 ($325.00) or my Sony ICF SW-55, but trust me, you will not be dissappointed. -John

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4045

http://www.radiointel.com/review-degende1102.htm