what to expect from my TECSUN PL-880

[trx680]

I'm hoping to find some members here with the same type of radio.
I have a Tecsun PL-880 Tecsun PL880 PLL Dual Conversion AM FM Shortwave Portable Radio with SSB, Silver
No outdoor antenna or anything. Sitting beside my couch in the living room.
Just what can I expect to pick up with this small radio inside my house?

 

[ka3jjz]

I don't have the radio, but I can tell from experience with other portables - with just the whip, you'll hear the stronger stations rather easily. But a good antenna is always a help to bring in more. Putting an external antenna on that radio will expand what you will hear considerably. Outdoor antennas are always a better choice, tho. Do you have an attic where you can put an antenna? That will help considerably. Precisely what is your situation with putting something outside? If you can't, there are a number of possibilities.....Mike

 

[ka3jjz]

There is a Yahoo group devoted to this radio...

Yahoo | Mail, Weather, Search, Politics, News, Finance, Sports & Videos

Latest news coverage, email, free stock quotes, live scores and video are just the beginning. Discover more every day at Yahoo!

groups.yahoo.com

Be sure to visit the files area when you join and download what you think would be worthwhile- this area is being deleted shortly by Yahoo

Miike

 

[ka3jjz]

Also let us know what you want to hear so we can point you in the right direction....Mike

 

[marksmith]

I have that radio and it is very good.
I would not expect a whole lot sitting in your living room with just the whip antenna. You probably have 20 devices in or near the room interfering with your reception.

Killing all lights, television and anything else electric will help, but an external antenna is needed to really listen to any SW radio. That radio has a great SSB reception. but it is unlocked with an external antenna.

All you need is a single strand of wire, run outside and to a nearby tree or other structure. The difference is amazing what you can hear.

 

[trx680]

Its very possible to place an antenna in the attic or roof.

What antenna would you recommend?

 

[ka3jjz]

Getting the antenna as far away from the noise filled home is a real plus. For starters - you can certainly build your own and there are tons of designs - the PAR EF SWL will work just fine.

Par EF-SWL, LNR Precision EF-SWL End Fed Dipole SWL Antenna. Par EF-SWL.

Now you will need some electrical tape and sealant (available from Home Depot, Lowe's, etc) to wrap the end of the coax that goes to the box on the antenna to keep the water out of the cable.

I'll let the users of this radio speak up about other antennas - of which there are many. The 880 Yahoo group will be a good resource for getting opinions like these....Mike

 

[ka3jjz]

A loop is a real good choice if you don't have the space outside. They are best mounted no more than a few feet off the ground. We have an extensive wiki on the subject...

Loops - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Mike

 

[mikesatter]

I have a Tecsun PL380 and use a MLA-30 antenna and it works great. You can order the antenna on ebay for about $45. also. I highly recommend to read reviews of the antenna. I also use it for my rtl-sdr dongle.

 

[trx680]

I have a Tecsun PL380 and use a MLA-30 antenna and it works great. You can order the antenna on ebay for about $45. also. I highly recommend to read reviews of the antenna. I also use it for my rtl-sdr dongle.

Where do you have your mla-30 mounted?

 

[mikesatter]

Where do you have your mla-30 mounted?

I have it temporarily mounted on a 5-ft sick of PVC standing on the floor in my shack.

 

[ka3jjz]

Mike have you done the coax jack and coax replacement mods on your 30? And are you using the Bias-t that I also understand is a source of additional noise.... the other Mike :.>>

 

[mikesatter]

Mike have you done the coax jack and coax replacement mods on your 30? And are you using the Bias-t that I also understand is a source of additional noise.... the other Mike :.>>

I have made no modifications so far. I also ordered the MLA-30 adapter for for shortwave radio.

 

[ka3jjz]

Which adapter? M.

 

[mikesatter]

Which adapter? M.

MLA-30 Loop Antenna Active Receiving Antenna Adapter Cable For Short Wave Radio | eBay

I need to buy a coax antenna switch, so I can use one antenna on my rtl-sdr and radio with out having to discount everytime I want to use my antenna. I have been so busy lately.

 

[mikesatter]

Check out the Official Shortwave Channel for lots of SWL information on mla-30.

 

[trx680]

MLA-30 Loop Antenna Active Receiving Antenna Adapter Cable For Short Wave Radio | eBay

I need to buy a coax antenna switch, so I can use one antenna on my rtl-sdr and radio with out having to discount everytime I want to use my antenna. I have been so busy lately.

that sucks!!
Just got my antenna in the mail and now I have to order that adapter......from China!!! Ebay says it will take a month for delivery.

 

[mikesatter]

that sucks!!
Just got my antenna in the mail and now I have to order that adapter......from China!!! Ebay says it will take a month for delivery.

I saw a video with an alternative connectors. I hope this helps but I would order the one from my previous link from China also.

 

[Fast1eddie]

The 880 is a sweet radio and performs amazingly well when used with external antennae. I am using a PAR End Fed mounted in my apartment's attic. Not going to get into my preamps and combiners, but the 880 never overloaded with any antenna I have ever used, to include a random length of wire clipped to the whip antenna. Very nice filtering, wish I had not parted with mine.