Hidden feature: Changing the line-out level on the Tecsun PL-880

9 Replies

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Joost, for discovering and sharing yet another hidden feature of the Tecsun PL-880.

How to change the FM line-out level

1.) Turn on the PL-880 and select the FM radio band.

photo (6)

2.) Press and hold the number 7 for three seconds, the current line-out level will begin flashing.

3.) Use either tuning control to change the line-out level.

Unfortunately, it seems that the line-out level only works on the FM band (at least, on my firmware version). That’s a shame, too, as my shortwave and AM line-out levels default to a value that is much too high for a recording device, rendering the port useless. I value line-out for making reliable digital recordings while monitoring activity via the radio’s built-in speaker.

I hope this will be fixed in the future as I’m sure it can be addressed with a firmware update.

On a side note, I’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about a full PL-880 review. I’m nearing completion of it now–about 75% complete. It’s a rather long review and (I hope) will be useful. The ‘880 has so many features (both documented and hidden) that writing a review is a daunting task! Check back soon!

You can follow all Tecsun PL-880 updates by bookmarking/checking this link.

9 thoughts on “Hidden feature: Changing the line-out level on the Tecsun PL-880”

  1. arlindo

    Hy guys! Here is PY2-LOY from Brasil.
    My PL880 broken the speaker. Due to tropical clima here, the speaker plastic is broken and the sound is very tiny, too low. I opened and saw the plastic around the speaker paper is getting powder.

    Where can I buy an original speaker?

    Best Regards
    Arlindo
    PY2-LOY
    Brasil-São Paulo- Hortolândia

    Reply ↓
  2. Barry

    Hi Thomas.
    Thanks very much for helping me with that information. I have done exactly what you suggested on all am bands. After playing the radio on a strong MW station for 10 minutes the volume suddenly increased and after a few minutes dropped down a bit.. I will let you know how it is functioning over the next few days. My firmware version is also 8820. I really appreciate your help. THANKS.
    Yours Barry.

    Reply ↓
  3. Barry

    Hi I received this radio 4 days ago from Anon. After 2 days its volume levels have started to malfunction. On AM and SW the volume suddenly dramatically increases and then just as suddenly drops right away again. I have tried leaving the batteries out for a few hours and even pushing the reset button but so far it makes no difference. I have other radios that do not behave like this. This is my first Tecsun. I would appreciate any help or advice on this thanks .
    Yours Barry

    Reply ↓
  6. Mark Piaskiewicz

    I notice your battery is dying. What kind if battery life can we expect in typical use?

    Any luck zeroing the frequency?

    Any comment on the radio being triple conversion?

    Reply ↓
    1. Thomas Post author

      Hi, Mark,

      I was holding out hope someone else would comment on whether or not the PL-880 could be considered triple conversion. I simply don’t know enough about this ybrid DSP configuration to authoritatively say.

      Regarding battery life? It’s excellent. I bet my PL-880 will run for 15 or more continuous hours on one charge. Possibly much longer. I’ll have to test this on its own with the radio set to a moderate volume level.

      Cheers,
      Thomas

      Reply ↓

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