Al42
Member
"SW:3.00-29.99 MHz (Step 1K/5K Hz)" makes it just about useless for SSB. You need 100 Hz steps at most, unless you're fluent in Donald-Ducklish.safetyobc said:
What is really above 800 Mhz?
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safetyobc
Member
Well guys I appreciate your suggestions and advice. I'll be looking for a radio now. Hopefully a good Christmas present to me 
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safetyobc
Member
I can't seem to locate a portable type shortwave radio with 100khz steps. The closest I have found is 40khz steps here http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/portable/1909.html Is this a good radio? The Degen or similar have 1 khz as stated before. Will 40khz be close enough not to hear donald duck?
If not, can someone please link me to some good reasonably priced radios.
If not, can someone please link me to some good reasonably priced radios.
DaveH
Member
Al42 said:
Did you happen to read the part about the "fine tuning" control? I take it you haven't had or used a receiver like this. That should make it work on SSB. And to answer the other question, step size is 40Hz, not 40kHz, which is less than 100Hz and should be OK.
Dave
safetyobc
Member
Dave, you think the KA1103 or the ATS-909 would be best? I am just beginning and basically I want to hear the worldwide type broadcast I hear about like the BBC and similar. And FEMA and other military type stuff.
Thanks for any info.
Thanks for any info.
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USB is the ticket
I don't think it was mentioned above so I'll say it. USB is it for HF/Shortwave scanning. I'm not aware of any 2-way services that regularly use LSB other than hams on frequencies below 14mhz/20 meters.
Not that long ago I ran across hf/ssb broadcasts of the Armed Forces Radio Network.
Check their website for frequencies and times: http://myafn.dodmedia.osd.mil/radio/shortwave/
I don't think it was mentioned above so I'll say it. USB is it for HF/Shortwave scanning. I'm not aware of any 2-way services that regularly use LSB other than hams on frequencies below 14mhz/20 meters.
Not that long ago I ran across hf/ssb broadcasts of the Armed Forces Radio Network.
Check their website for frequencies and times: http://myafn.dodmedia.osd.mil/radio/shortwave/
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ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
There are several places you can go to find reviews of HF receivers. Go take a look at the Utility Monitoring Wiki
and you'll find there's a section devoted to the topic.
Unless you really want to break the bank, so to speak, and go for something like an Icom R8500, try doing something seperate - a good HF receiver (like an Icom R75, a lot of attention has been paid to that of late) and a decent antenna will get you started. Heck, for even less money (but still a very capable choice) is a Ten Tec RX320D - which shows up on EBay used from time to time. There's even an Icom R75 Wiki page in the Icom section.
Radios like the Alincos or even the AORs are something of a compromise when it comes to HF - good strong signal handling and selectivity (the ability to seperate 2 stations that are close in frequency) are absolute musts, and these kinds of radios simply can't deal with it. The handhelds, in particular, are no joy if you try to put a good sized antenna on them - they quite simply can't handle that much signal input. Stick with seperate receivers for HF and scanner bands - you will do much better, and it'll be more flexible, too.
Oh yes, on Antennas - well, we've got a Antennas Wiki
for that, too....73s and GL..Mike
and you'll find there's a section devoted to the topic.
Unless you really want to break the bank, so to speak, and go for something like an Icom R8500, try doing something seperate - a good HF receiver (like an Icom R75, a lot of attention has been paid to that of late) and a decent antenna will get you started. Heck, for even less money (but still a very capable choice) is a Ten Tec RX320D - which shows up on EBay used from time to time. There's even an Icom R75 Wiki page in the Icom section.
Radios like the Alincos or even the AORs are something of a compromise when it comes to HF - good strong signal handling and selectivity (the ability to seperate 2 stations that are close in frequency) are absolute musts, and these kinds of radios simply can't deal with it. The handhelds, in particular, are no joy if you try to put a good sized antenna on them - they quite simply can't handle that much signal input. Stick with seperate receivers for HF and scanner bands - you will do much better, and it'll be more flexible, too.
Oh yes, on Antennas - well, we've got a Antennas Wiki
for that, too....73s and GL..Mike
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Al42
Member
There aren't many 2 way services below 30 MHz, but there are many commercial LSB transmissions, especially below ~7 MHz - most of them aren't voice.kb5udf said:
ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
Hmm, what about Marine and Aero? Technically, they're 2 way, even tho they're not in the fixed service. And so is the military - they're probably the biggest utility service, and most defintely 2 way (altho it's true sometimes it's not....)
SKYKING SKYKING DO NOT ANSWER..... 73s Mike
SKYKING SKYKING DO NOT ANSWER..... 73s Mike
safetyobc
Member
safetyobc said:
Anyone?
That Icom R75 is nearly $600!!!! That is way more than I am willing to pay to get into this. The Ten Tac thing is a computer type deal, not interested in that. When I got into scanning, I bought a BC80XLT and have slowly moved up as my needs and wants changed and now have a BCD396T . I would like to do the same with HF. Start off dabbing, and slowly upgrade if I like what I hear.
If you are still considering a DE1103, I just found a very thorough review that gets way more technical than I can:
http://www.radioscanner.ru/receivers/review/degen1103_eng.html
Personally, I'm holding out for a DE1104 or DE1106/E5 (if either of them ever become available).
http://www.radioscanner.ru/receivers/review/degen1103_eng.html
Personally, I'm holding out for a DE1104 or DE1106/E5 (if either of them ever become available).
ham612
Member
Have you looked at the Sony ICF-2010? It's an older (now discontinued) model, but in it's day, it was one of the best in it's class (portables). Check http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/479 for a little background and reviews. Since it is an older model you might find one on one of the auction sites for a good price. Also check the for sale board on this site, QRZ, or eHam. Also dont rule out area hamfests.
MS
MS
Al42
Member
safetyobc
Member
Thanks, I'll keep an eye on that one.
For now it seems my heart is set on the Sengean ATS909 model. http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/portable/1909.html It seems to be a nice radio. I have read some reviews of it and I think it will be okay for a starter radio. It is in my price range and has the features I am looking for including the SSB. 40 Hz fine tuning should be for a starter radio, right? I can't afford to drop $500 + on this radio. I am having to sell my BC246T to help fund the purchase. So this radio (new) is right in my price range and seems to have some nice features.
For now it seems my heart is set on the Sengean ATS909 model. http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/portable/1909.html It seems to be a nice radio. I have read some reviews of it and I think it will be okay for a starter radio. It is in my price range and has the features I am looking for including the SSB. 40 Hz fine tuning should be for a starter radio, right? I can't afford to drop $500 + on this radio. I am having to sell my BC246T to help fund the purchase. So this radio (new) is right in my price range and seems to have some nice features.
Personally I would go with something like this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ICOM-IC-707-HF-...835711274QQcategoryZ40066QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It's not my auction, just and example I found.
That way you have something hi quality that you can use if you decide to get a licence someday. I have no experience with those small portable units that have been mentioned earlier but I could only imagine a regular transceiver would outperform one.
mancow
http://cgi.ebay.com/ICOM-IC-707-HF-...835711274QQcategoryZ40066QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It's not my auction, just and example I found.
That way you have something hi quality that you can use if you decide to get a licence someday. I have no experience with those small portable units that have been mentioned earlier but I could only imagine a regular transceiver would outperform one.
mancow
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