After publishing our previous post about a potentially redesigned Degen DE1103 with DSP, SWLing Post reader, Tudor, comments:
Yes, the DE1103 looks like it’s been redesigned. You can see it dissected here:
http://bbs.tecsun.com.cn/0002.asp?open=724665
Photo source: http://bbs.tecsun.com.cn/ via Tudor. Click to enlarge.
And, if I’m not mistaken, the SiLabs DSP chip can be seen in this picture:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5417175/2015102316185240911.jpg
Photo source: http://bbs.tecsun.com.cn/ via Tudor. Click to enlarge.
Wow–thanks so much for confirming this, Tudor! This is obviously a redesigned Degen DE1103. I also noticed “NEW-DE1103-MAIN-1.2” silk-screened on the board:
Photo source: http://bbs.tecsun.com.cn/ via Tudor. Click to enlarge.
The Hong Kong-based eBay vendor Bigbargainonline is selling the new Degen DE1103 for $79.00 US shipped. I’ve purchased from them several times before and was pleased with the experience.
There are other vendors selling the new Degen DE1103 as well (click here to search eBay) but make sure you’re purchasing the 2015 version of the Degen DE1103 since you can still find the cosmetically-identical legacy DE1103 new in box.
Tudor, thanks again for sharing a link to the discussion on tecsun.com.cn–while I can’t read Chinese (and the Google translation leaves something to be desired!) the photos certainly tell the story.
Eu adquiri recentemente um DE1103 versão dsp.
É horrível, principalmente abaixo de 10MHz, pois ele entra em auto oscilação.
Hi C. John, Thank for the reply! I recently purchased the CountyComm GP-5 SSB radio. What a fine radio it is. I am not disappointed at all with the purchase. Reception wise, it gives the Sony 2010 a run for the money on Shortwave and the Ham bands even in SSB. In some respects it sounds clearer on SSB then the 2010. Now my 2010 has been handled over the years with great care. But compared to the GP5 it is starting to show its age. The only thing the GP-5 does not have is “Sync” which is great for pulling weak signals with heavy QRM out of the mud. However, on AM the GP-5 is (on some weak stations) is better to equal then the Sony 2010. But, wow on FM it simply blows away the Sony. This is why I am so interested in the DSP 1103. It has a longer AM antenna the the GP-5 which in theory should be great for AM “DX’ing”. The 1103 has the newer DSP chip which is the same as the GP-5. So I am thinking it would be a great receiver especially for traveling. Best regards, Paul
Paul: I’m not familiar with the CountyComm brand, and your GP5 sounds to have been a good buy, but I can assure you that my very early DE1103 with its long whip is still excellent on FM (Dutch, French) and its long ferrite bar (Andi’s last photo gives you an idea) has no problem bringing European stations in over 520-1620 kHz (I don’t bother with ‘add-on’ aerials). The Degen is the only radio I’ve taken with me to the Shetlands, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides (I’m a bird watcher) and it’s been a solid, reliable performer throughout on all bands far from home. The new DSP 1103 is on the way – I can only hope it will match its ‘parent’ just as well in the years to come; but I’ll never abandon the original. Regards, John
Has anyone bought the DSP version of this radio. I am considering buying it. However, I would like to get an opinion on if it is a decent radio.
Thanks, Paul
Hi, Paul–I have one incoming. I’ll post my thoughts on it once I’ve had a moment to test it.
-Thomas
Thank you Thomas. I can’t wait to find out how you think the radio is. With my wife this is a major purchase. She thinks I have to many radios already. But I like what I have read on the non DSP de1103.
Best regards, Paul
You’ll find the 1103, err… interesting. I’ve had an early model for years, and it’s been with me everywhere – never let me down, always delivered what it was designed to do. But the ergonomics took some getting used to – as I said: interesting, part of its charm, if you can say that about a radio.
Looking forward to receiving its new incarnation – Andi’s photos have heightened the interest – you’ll not be disappointed.
Hi Thomas, Yep, I saw a YouTube with Tom Styles on the radio. It has some however it provides more bang for the buck then the G5, which I understand is the same radio. The G5 is more ergonomic then the de1103. But I am into more bang for the buck. The precieved drawbacks are livable. I have watched and read ? so many reviews I feel I might own one. I have a Sony 2010 but it is a bit to big to travel with. I think the 1103 would be a perfect size for travel. Best regards, Paul
Hi Thomas, Yep, I saw a YouTube with Tom Styles on the radio. It has some however it provides more bang for the buck then the G5, which I understand is the same radio. The G5 is more ergonomic then the de1103. But I am into more bang for the buck. The precieved drawbacks are livable. I have watched and read ? so many reviews I feel I might own one. I have a Sony 2010 but it is a bit to big to travel with. I think the 1103 would be a perfect size for travel. Best regards, Paul
No “BigbargainSonline”-the right way-“Bigbargainonline”!!!
I’ve opened mine and checked the semiconductors inside.
-> It’s definitely based on a Silicon Labs chip (Si4735-D60).
1) Display PCB
Valence Tech AP651 “LCD AND KEYBOARD CONTROLLER”: http://www.valencetech.com/products.php?prodID=ap651&type=ics
Datasheet: http://www.valencetech.com/doc/AP651/DS_AP651-Rev0.1.02.pdf
2) Main PCB
a) Silicon Labs Si4735-D60 “AM/FM/SW/LW Radio Receiver IC”: http://www.silabs.com/products/audio/fm-am-receiver/Pages/si473435.aspx
-> Chip is even capable of RDS, but it’s unfortunately not implemented in the DE1103
And, FM range covers down to 64MHz, while the DE1103 goes only down to 76MHz
Datasheet: https://www.silabs.com/Support%20Documents/TechnicalDocs/Si4730-31-34-35-D60.pdf
b) ST Micro STM8L152C6T6 “Ultra-low-power 8-bit MCU with 32 Kbytes Flash, 16 MHz CPU, integrated EEPROM”
Datasheet: http://www.st.com/st-web-ui/static/active/en/resource/technical/document/datasheet/CD00240181.pdf
c) China Hua Jing Electronics CD1622CB “110mw X 2 Dual-channel audio power amplifier”
-> Looks like a “chinese version” of the Sony CXA1622M
Datasheet: http://www.datasheet.hk/view_download.php?id=1039877&file=0024%5Ccd1622cb_203207.pdf
d) LM358 “Low-Power, Dual-Operational Amplifiers”
Datasheet: http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/lm158-n.pdf
Pictures are available here:
1) Outside http://goo.gl/BzbwT6
2) Inside http://goo.gl/K59Jb1
Great stuff, Andi – good detective work and absorbing reading. Brightens up a really grim day here in Norfolk.
Happy to hear that, John! I hope the weather has improved!
Thank you so much, Andi. I’m going to format your comment into a post and publish soon with some of your photos.
-Thomas
Confirmed that the new DSP Degen DE1103 is available and shipping from Hong Kong for UK (England) buyers. Should be interesting to compare the original 1103 with this iteration. In my opinion, a classic (if eccentric) shortwave radio for the rest of us – pleased that it lives again to delight.
I’d rather they fixed the horrible ergonomics of this radio than simply include a DSP unit.
It seems some Chinese BBS comments points out sound quality is still as bad as it was in the original DE1103.
These things are known for great am sensitivity; that full length ferrite (about 6″) surely contibutes.
If you ask me 8″ is full-length… Anyway, the Tecsun DSP models (310, 660, etc) are too noisy on weak medium-wave signals, this one will probably be the same?
That’s what she said.. bud-a-bump…
I meant it was full length for the case. My G3, which is decended from this and the G5, is the same size case and it only has a 4″ ferrite. That probably explains the sensitivity diff. (see Radio Jay Allen am shootout ranks)
If it matters to you, in terms of performance and reliability, the G3 is actually inferior to its predecessor, the G5 (KA1103). I suspect that you would find the 1103 to be a completely different radio.
I know. My G3 is a mess. I like it on SW, but the AM has a lot of noise, and the controls are a mess–pushing the up/down frequency buttons activates the page function etc, etc.
Sim,é a mesma coisa,super barulhento,horrível e parece ter um defeito no AGC tb.
So if im not mistaken, dsp replaces dual conversion right? Should be very good selectivity
A comparison between this and the CountyComm GP-5 SSB radio will be good.
As both versions are still available, a performance comparison is desirable.
I guess someone will be doing a comparison test between the old and new versions. It should be interesting to see what improvements there are. Jim
It makes me wish I still had my original ‘1103. I gave it away several years ago. Would also be interesting to compare performance with the Tecsun line–perhaps the PL-310ET and PL-660.
I have had my KA1103 for many years, but only use it as a travel radio these days. Never had any problems with it. Jim