After hearing many good things about this radio, finally got one for myself. Had a chance to try it out for the first time last evening.
The initial set up is quite easy and involves setting some codes with the keypad to select battery type (alkaline vs. NiMH), activate the LW band, and set AM channel spacing (10 kc for US). Once these and the clock is set, the operation is pretty intuitive.
First, gave LW a try. Was able to tune in 3 local (within 40 miles) NDBs. That may not sound too impressive, but this was from my basement with no antenna other than whatever ferrite is in the radio!
This may be one portable that actually performs on the LW band.
The AM broadcast band was noisy here last night with lots of QRN. Almost continuous static crashes from nearby thunderstorms. Not good for DXing but was still able to get a feel for the operation of the radio. Sensitivity seemed to be on a par with some other of my portables in side by side comparison. At least as good as the Eton Field and Traveler III but not quite as good as the CCrane EP. The PL 600 likes to be rotated. The nulls are quite sharp and the peaks are well defined. This will be a good set when it comes to separating stations on the same frequency. Hooking it up to the CCrane TCA antenna was like going to afterburner, it really made a big improvement.
Going to SW. only had time for a brief check but tuned in Gander Radio Volmet 10051 and was rewarded with a solid S4 signal. Again, this was in the basement. Used just the built-in whip for an antenna. Didn't want to hook up an outdoor antenna with all the thunder crashing around, Really didn't have to touch the BFO knob (just left it in its center detent) to make out the USB signal.
The direct entry keypad is an especially nice feature. It saves a lot of tuning around.
My first impression of this radio is very favorable.
The initial set up is quite easy and involves setting some codes with the keypad to select battery type (alkaline vs. NiMH), activate the LW band, and set AM channel spacing (10 kc for US). Once these and the clock is set, the operation is pretty intuitive.
First, gave LW a try. Was able to tune in 3 local (within 40 miles) NDBs. That may not sound too impressive, but this was from my basement with no antenna other than whatever ferrite is in the radio!
This may be one portable that actually performs on the LW band.
The AM broadcast band was noisy here last night with lots of QRN. Almost continuous static crashes from nearby thunderstorms. Not good for DXing but was still able to get a feel for the operation of the radio. Sensitivity seemed to be on a par with some other of my portables in side by side comparison. At least as good as the Eton Field and Traveler III but not quite as good as the CCrane EP. The PL 600 likes to be rotated. The nulls are quite sharp and the peaks are well defined. This will be a good set when it comes to separating stations on the same frequency. Hooking it up to the CCrane TCA antenna was like going to afterburner, it really made a big improvement.
Going to SW. only had time for a brief check but tuned in Gander Radio Volmet 10051 and was rewarded with a solid S4 signal. Again, this was in the basement. Used just the built-in whip for an antenna. Didn't want to hook up an outdoor antenna with all the thunder crashing around, Really didn't have to touch the BFO knob (just left it in its center detent) to make out the USB signal.
The direct entry keypad is an especially nice feature. It saves a lot of tuning around.
My first impression of this radio is very favorable.
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