TECSUN PL880 problem (to loud)

[bernie_r]

Hello,

my name is Bernie, I live in Munich and after many years I'm back in SWL. For Christmas I got a TECSUN PL-880 as a present.

Unfortunately I have a problem with this device:
When I switch the device on, it is relatively loud, even though the volume control is at minimum. I've already researched and found that the device has a lot of hidden functions. One of these functions (pressing and holding key 9) has at least helped with FM and AM.

But I can't get the device quiet on shortwave. Volume on Minimum is already too loud. If, for example, someone is still on the phone in the room, I have to switch the device off completely. Running along quietly at the same time is not possible. Every radio can be turned down quietly. Not my PL880.

Is this a fault with the device or am I doing something wrong? Does anyone know how to turn the PL-880 quietly even in shortwave operation?
Greetings Bernie

 

[W8WCA]

It sounds to me like something is wrong.
I do not have that problem and have not seen posts about it.

Is there any way you can get it replaced if it is new?

You could try a reset

If not functioning properly, you can reset the device by sticking a
pointed object (such as a straightened paper clip) into the reset
hole and gently press the [RESET] button
Reset hole is on front panel close to volume

 

[bernie_r]

Yes, I now also believe that something is wrong with the device.

I've already done a reset. Has not changed anything

Today I let the device run on SW for about 30 minutes. The volume changes every few minutes, sometimes normal, then quieter and suddenly extremely loud. Everything without me touching the device.
The device is new. I will exchange it.
Thank you and best whishes.
Bernie

 

[pb_lonny]

That sounds faulty.

 

[Boombox]

Have you pulled the battery, let it sit for a while, and then reboot it that way? I.e., complete cold reboot.

I don't know much about the PL880 but I have a Grundig DSP portable AM-FM-SW that was acting wacky (no volume issues, just tuning issues out of the blue), and a battery pull / wait / reboot solved that problem. It also locked up while recording off the air and the battery pull / wait / reboot solved that problem.

And it's the only two problems I've had with that radio in nearly 7 years of more or less daily use.

Being that volume control on many of these DSP radios is a software function (you increment it up and down using buttons, which are in reality just software switches), it would seem that the issue just might be in the firmware somewhere, and sometimes a complete cold reboot can fix it.