Upgrade from Sangean ATS-803A / DX-440?

[ka3jjz]

cbadie, the R75 is a fine choice for doing digital decoding- most portables simply can't hack the selectivity and with some modes, the fine tuning necessary for proper decoding.

And if you are a knob twerler (it's OK I get that...) the CR-1A is a SDR that doesn't need a computer (lathough you can use one), and at least some software for SDRs is able to use an external knob device that works much like a tuning knob. Something to consider. Our Software Defined Radios forum has extensive discussions on the CR-1 series.

We have an article in our wiki that will give you a lot of background information on this topic, and we have specific forums devoted to those topics. Before you go whole-hog into this side of the hobby, spend some time reading...

HF Digital Decoding - The RadioReference Wiki

The 2nd article is really something of an e-book that I and Mike Chace-Ortiz have been working on (and I'm basically guilty of slacking on this...) - it's not complete, but there's still a wealth of information on the non-ham digital modes, equipment, software and further resources for reading

As for the correct forums...

Amateur Radio Data Transmissions - The RadioReference.com Forums

Shortwave Data Decoding - The RadioReference.com Forums

Feel free to ask questions about this topic in these 2 forums. They are separated because of one very important statistic - while ham signals are, by both convention, and at least in the US, law, in the clear and readable (with the right software), non-ham signals may not be. Mike

 

[cbadie]

Great, I will check it all out. I do have some limited time with my PCR-1000, but there is much more to learn! Stay tuned, and thank you!

 

[cbadie]

So I have narrowed it down to the ICOM IC R-75 or the Sangean 909X modified by radio labs.

Anyone have direct experience with the modified Sangean? I have sent them an email with some questions but have not yet received a response, which may make my decision a bit easier but more expensive....

Going to spend a few weeks with different antenna configurations on my existing receiver before purchasing anything new.

Thanks.

 

[ka3jjz]

There's very likely at least one Yahoo group devoted to the Sangean - I would join that and ask away...Mike

 

[cbadie]

There's very likely at least one Yahoo group devoted to the Sangean - I would join that and ask away...Mike

Thanks - there are two groups of interest which I have asked to join, plus I did hear back from Radio Labs - now I would like to find a 909X locally that I can twiddle to see if the UI is ok for me.

 

[cbadie]

I ended up getting the ICOM IC R-75 this weekend. Figured that other portables would not be much of an upgrade, and I can keep this for a long time.

But lots to learn now! Especially with the RF/SQ controls and how to best use them, and also how to really get the most out of it with my PAR EF-SWL antenna. I also joined the Yahoo groups.

 

[theosus]

I've personally owned the dx440, wish I still had it. I also had an R75 and wish I'd kept that one too. I had a Sony 6800 Orange and sold it as well sadly. I've had a few others as well. I still have a DX398, YB400PE, R5000, and last year purchased the new Eton Satellit and a Tecsun PL680. My point being I have some experience like others here. The new Satellit - as long as you get one with the newest firmware and updates - is a fantastic performer. I'm highly impressed with it, The 680 is close, but the Satellit beats in a few areas at least for me. The R75 is a bit long in the tooth now for a new investment, but we're unlikely to see anything else in that class released that will surpass it. I'm not impressed with the 750 either.

Ive still got my old dx440. I don't play with it much any more. Fine radio but a bit awkward for the computer desk. I always wished I could build an interface and control the radio from the PC. It has a serial interface on the onboard chip, but despite my trying to figure out how to access it to control the radio, I was never successful. I blew up a transistor years ago plugging in a backwards power supply, but finally found a replacement and it's worked fine since then. Stout radio...