Panasonic RF-4800

[LarryMax]

Grabbed a RF 4800 for 50$. I just thought I'd take a chance and try it out..all I can say is WOW!!!!

The only thing I can compare it to is my Icom 718. It makes my 718 look like a pansy on receive.

It does suffer from the "scratchy tune" that is common with this Panasonic line, I think with a little contact cleaner it will be ok.

I would rate this radio as a 9 out of 10 on cosmetics. No wear or tear on the front. Barely a scratch on the top.

50 bucks well spent! I can't believe how sensitive it is. Maybe a little too sensitive. My computer monitor wreaks havoc on this thing, where as the Icom doesn't have this issue.

It's a beast but I love it after only 3 hours of ownership! I am picking things I never heard before. It really shines on MW with the little ferrite antenna. I'm listening to KFBK in Sacramento. It sounds like a local station. The Icom can barely hear it with the same antenna.

 

[Shortwavewave]

That is a nice looking radio. IMO Looks even better than the Grundig 700, and 800s

 

[nexus]

50 bucks wow. You practically stole that radio. Universal Radio was selling them USED for $295.

 

[ka3jjz]

I had it's brother, the RF2900 for quite a while. It does have a tendency to drift, and it was prone to spurs. But yes, it had a hot front end. SSB reception wasn't anything to write home about.

Still, I quite agree, 50 bucks is amazing....73 Mike

 

[LarryMax]

here's a pic. Sorry about the quality, had to use my webcam.

 

[Paul-W]

That is a nice looking radio. Does Panasonic still make and sell shortwave radios in the US ?

 

[nexus]

ed I'm afraid not. That radio was a 1970-1980's era radio. You can still find them used around just got to search. They made two models just after this one, the RF-4900 and then finally the RF-B600. You can see pics etc, here: http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/commrxvr/rf4900.html

A more detailed reason as to why they don't sell radios anymore can be read here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Panasonic

 

[nexus]

National Panasonic RF-B600 (last model in this family made)

National Panasonic RF-4900 and RF-4800

 

[Paul-W]

Thanks for the information. It's unfortunate that Panasonic doesn't sell those any more. I have always had good luck with Panasonic products.

 

[LarryMax]

There is always Sleazebay. There are a couple on there right now.

I got this one off of Craigslist. The original price was 100.00 It was relisted a few times and I called and offered 50.00 and he took it.

These radios aren't without problems though. It's not the most stable radio. The band switch is known to break and replacement is not easy. It needs some contact cleaner for most of the dials (also a known issue).

But for 50.00 its worth the time to go through the radio and clean it up.

 

[tcb4ep]

i own an rf-4900 and love it,, i have bought and sold alot of radios but this is a keeper.. i would like to find one to have for parts..

 

[Billk9kz]

I bought a new RF 4900 from Gilfer around 1982. I loved that radio, but it drifted horribly so I dumped it.

Bill