New to HF.

[WQBE935]

Hello I'm very new to HF monitoring. I just picker up a Grundig 100 PE (i think that's the model) at radioshack a few weeks ago, ang I'm now looking for a better radio with SSB.

I'm looking at a few from c. crane and just wondering what the experienced folks here think would be my best bet.

http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwave-radios/sangean-ats505p-shortwave-radio.aspx

http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwave-radios/sangean-ats606ap-shortwave-radio.aspx

http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwave-radios/sangean-ats909-shortwave-radio.aspx

I'd prefer the first two, as they are less expensive, but if the third would be alot better maybe it would be worth it.

 

[ka3jjz]

Just from your selection, I think you can rule out the 606, as it doesn't appear to have SSB capability. The 909 is a fine choice, and made even better by some mods folks are doing to it. However, your best bet to get some information is 2 fold;

a. Go get yourself a copy of the World Radio TV Handbook and/or Passport to World Band Radio. Many places such as Universal Radio in Ohio carry them. Even tho the schedule information has changed, they both carry reviews of radios; this is particularly true of Passport (which, by the way, is often abbreviated PWBR, with the Handbook WRTH).

b. Go to the Wiki on this site (if you're in the forums, hit 'RR Wiki' at the top toolbar - it just says 'Wiki' on the main page). You will find 2 pages - one for utility listening, one for SWL - that has links to receiver reviews.

c. Many radios these days have devoted Yahoo groups - no better place to get opinions than from folks that own them. RadioIntel has a nice list of these, and there are. undoubtedly more.

73s Mike

 

[w8mkh]

The 909 is a great radio I have had mine for a few years and love it
You might want to look on ebay for a radio shack dx-440 or Sangean ats-803
they are older but great radios that you get fairly cheap
Also a Sony 2010 is another great choice
73

 

[WQBE935]

Thanks for the replies guys.