Help in selecting a good radio

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Hi. I'm just wondering if anyone out there can help me select a good AM/FM/SW radio. Ideally, it should run primarily on internal D-cell batteries (trying to keep all my battery-operated stuff uniform) and also have the capability of powering from an external source such as a 12 volt car battery. I've looked at a Baygen unit but rejected it quickly based on quality of parts and construction observed through the clear plastic case. Any help here will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

-- Bing (jfrewb@aol.com), March 13, 1999

Answers

You can't go wrong with a SONY 2010. Runs on three D's (and two AA's for the CMOS, lasts years with out changing) The unit was designed 12 years ago and is still an industry standard 10-30MHz with Aircraft and FM band. There are newer designs, but this one just keeps going On the pricy side, $300-$350

Check out http://www.grove.net/~grove/

They have a Radio hobby mag that I have been reading since 1983, Good Radios and pretty good prices, they have the Sony in stock + other very good choices.

-- helium (helium@avid.com), March 13, 1999.


Direct link to the ICF-2010 Page at Grove:

http://www.grove-ent.com/RVC2.html

-- helium (helium@avid.com), March 13, 1999.


The Sangean 909 (Radio Shack DX-398) is about the best of the under $500 receivers, IMO. Better sensitivity and selectivity than the other's I've used. RS has them on sale right now for $200.

RS sells a smaller version with digital tuning (can't recall the model number) for under $100 -- I bought one for my son for $70 when it was on sale. The smaller version seems to have better AM band reception (my son uses it to listen to lots of quite distant stations).

If you want a real communications receiver, you have to go over $500 new (I'd suggest the Drake R-8).

-- Dean -- from (almost) Duh Moines (dtmiller@nevia.net), March 13, 1999.


I just bought a DX392 from Radio Shack. I paid $259 (which is a bit high but I live in the hinterlands so I expected that). It takes 4 D cells and 3 AA cells (for the memory backup), and I like really a lot so far. It's pretty stout, yet lightweight. I also got the AC adapter to go with it. It has SW, MW, LW and FM. So far I am very happy with it. Bobbi buzzbyte.com

-- Bobbi (bobbia@slic.com), March 13, 1999.

You might try universal radio at www.universal-radio.com.

They have everything...okay maybe not - but close.

-- j (sandpine@juno.com), March 13, 1999.



Whatever radio you get, make sure it has single sideband (SSB) reception capability, that way you can listen ham radio operators as well.

Dean, I believe the small radio you mention is the DX-375 - my cousin has one, and it's a very good receiver for the price.

-- sparks (wireless@home.com), March 13, 1999.


I have used the Sony shortwave radios for years. The 2010 is a great radio, but if you can afford the jump to the SW-77 I recommend it highly. No need to the external antenna jack, the telescopic works just great. Parts are available easily from sony at 1-800 488-7669.

-- reed moore (reed_moore@postmaster.co.uk), March 14, 1999.

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