New Radio Time

[ditto1958]

It’s new radio time. It’s scary how time flies. i recently posted that my beloved Tecsun PL-660 analog radio has stopped working. When I checked to see if it was still under warranty, it turns out I got it two years ago!

Wow. That was the second to last radio I acquired (collected). Seriously I stopped getting new ones when I ran out of features I wanted and didn’t have.

I‘m ordering a part for the PL-660, and will see if that fixes it, but meanwhile I’m down a radio.

At the top of my shortlist is the XHData D-808, which is currently on sale at Amazon. That thing is truly a sleeper. The Tecsun PL-330 has similar features, is usually a bit more expensive, and has gotten way more attention than the D-808. Yet if you watch and read reviews, the XHData seems to be at least as good as the PL-330.

I‘ve thought about going down the SDR rabbit hole, something with a waterfall display, and such, but I’m still not ready.

 

[fasteddy64]

I just picked up a Tecsun PL520 and am very pleased with it.

 

[ditto1958]

I just picked up a Tecsun PL520 and am very pleased with it.

That looks like winner

 

[fasteddy64]

I love it. I had a PL-660 for years and really like it. This one is half the size and works even better. It is a keeper for sure.

 

[eagle2046]

Ditto 1958, just curious, what part did you order for your PL-660 ?

 

[ditto1958]

Ditto 1958, just curious, what part did you order for your PL-660 ?

Anna from Anon-Co thinks it’s the power switch. So they‘re ordering one.

 

[RichM]

Anna from Anon-Co thinks it’s the power switch. So they‘re ordering one.

Please update when you make the part swap. Inquiring minds would like to know the outcome! I run a PL-660 as well, it is a sensitive receiver especially on SSB.

SDR can be a rabbit hole but worth it if you have the patience, computer aptitude and a good antenna. I love my SDRPlay with the companion SDRUno software. Tons of filters, logging, plugins etc. Using a waterfall to find things to listen to is a game changer.

Good luck, hope your repair works.

 

[ditto1958]

Ditto 1958, just curious, what part did you order for your PL-660 ?

Please update when you make the part swap. Inquiring minds would like to know the outcome! I run a PL-660 as well, it is a sensitive receiver especially on SSB.

SDR can be a rabbit hole but worth it if you have the patience, computer aptitude and a good antenna. I love my SDRPlay with the companion SDRUno software. Tons of filters, logging, plugins etc. Using a waterfall to find things to listen to is a game changer.

Good luck, hope your repair works.

Will do. It’s sad there doesn’t seem to be a market for people to repair electronics today. They are all pratty much disposable.

But they don‘t make this radio any more and decent used ones on eBay are $150+, way more than I paid for mine new two years ago.

 

[devicelab]

I just picked up a Tecsun PL520 and am very pleased with it.

Yep, it's a solid shortwave portable. I'd like to get the S-2200x but I can't justify it right now. It's a little large to be slinging on the shoulder.

RFI at home pretty much makes HF unusable these days, so it's only good if I'm away from all the suburban noise.