Tecsun PL-990X VS Sangean ATS-909X2
- Thread starter jazzboypro
- Start date
Interesting that pretty much all Sangean models have an issue with SSB. My RS version of the ATS-505 is amazing for FM, ok on HF AM, but is almost useless on HF USB. Lesson learned.
My RS200629 / ATS-505 is OK on SSB. It doesn't have great strong signal characteristics, though, which may be what you are noticing. I live in a low signals area (a narrow valley) so my radio doesn't experience the stronger SSB that much, but when it does, the radio definitely chirps. I don't use it all that much for SSB and CW for that reason. You either have to kick in the DX/Local switch, or just use the whip on very strong signals. Regular medium strength and / or weak signal stuff is OK.
So yeah, that could have been improved. Great radio for HF AM, MW DXing (with a loop, especially in my location) and FM.
The DX-398/Sangean 909 is excellent on SSB. I have no problem whatsoever. Readout may be off by a 1/2 KC or a few Hz on either USB or LSB (not sure which one might be off). I don't care. It's in the ballpark and being able to read the signals is paramount, and much more important than being able to tell other DXers I heard ______ ham station, naming the frequency down to the last Hz.
The DX-390 / Sangean ATS-818 is also excellent on SSB. Its BFO is stable, and it's easy to use. Not as sensitive as the 909, but still quite useful. Great, especially, for CW and HF AM. MW DX with a loop. FM is great.
My DX-440/Sangean 803A is also useful, not quite as sensitive as the other two models, but handles long antennas well (watch out for the static -- use protection -- or it will zap your RF amp) and the BFO is stable enough to read CW, SSB, etc.
So Sangean has a few SSB products that have been quite good. The readout issues, as I mentioned, really are inconsequential. I'm not one of those SWLs who has to make sure I state the frequency down to the Hz. If the radio makes the signals readable, and I can surf the HF ham bands and DX them, and dial in the SSB or CW and read it well, to me those sorts of radios get the job done.
The ATS-505 is obviously weaker in this regard, and it's a mystery to me why they didn't just copy the ATS-818's BFO circuitry. The ATS-505 simply doesn't have enough strong signal handling, and the DX/Local switch cuts the signals down to nearly nothing on SSB. Also, loud AC hash type RFI or static degrades the SSB more on that radio. When a bunch of us here on RR got the RS200629 when it came out the chirping on loud SSB and CW signals mystified us.
a29zuk
Member
I have no issues with SSB on my Sangean 803A and it is pretty sensitive off the whip antenna. It's easier to tune than the Tecsun PL-600!
Jim
Any time I've dealt with Sangean's customer support, they've been very helpful. They cleared up the issue of whether they made the Realistic DX-375 or not (they did) and they also sent me a Sangean PR-D5 schematic when I requested one, which the support person got from Sangean engineering. Maybe the AC supply supplies more voltage to the AF chip? Perhaps someone with a 909X2 can try out SSB with the adapter and let us know.Hello all -
I spoke with Sangean about the SSB volume issue.
They said that by using the AC Adapter, it will solve the issue.
Did anyone test that theory?
Personally speaking, their advisory is rather lame.
W8WCA
Member
I will give this a try tonight when I get home from work.
It will be interesting to see - if it is different w/ AC Adapter vs Batteries (I almost always use batterirs)
FrensicPic
Member
I just did a quick/informal listening test with and without the AC adapter.Hello all -
I spoke with Sangean about the SSB volume issue.
They said that by using the AC Adapter, it will solve the issue.
Did anyone test that theory?
Personally speaking, their advisory is rather lame.
Used this morning's USCG (Pt. Reyes - NMC) weather broadcast on 8764 kHz USB.
It was difficult to notice much of a difference in audio level because of an increased noise level when the AC adapter was plugged in.
I would say little or no difference with my ATS-909X2
W8WCA
Member
I just gave a check to an AM station on USB/LSB there is a quite an improvement with the AC adapter on.
I did not try it on a SSB signal n
I did not try it on a SSB signal n
W8WCA
Member
FYI: I get almost no Noise from my AC Adapter but I have 3 Ferrite Cores on it (I think it came with one)
Glad to hear that it works with the 909X2.
Most of the Sangean radios I have (actually, all of them -- PR-D5, PR-D14, HDR-16 and PR-D4W) that come with switching power supplies have AC adapters that are free of switching power-supply noise, just as long as you follow their advice and keep the radio a certain distance from the actual supply. I think there is a ferrite core that is attached to the cable not far from the wall-wart itself (that cylindrical device that is molded onto the cable), and that probably helps reduce the hash coming from the device.
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