SWLing Post reader, Dietmar, writes:
“I recently saw a YouTube video that demonstrated that the new Tecsun PL-310ET has better reception than the previous PL-310 that you reviewed [see video below].
I purchased the PL-310ET for $50 (incl. shipping) from Anon-Co
and received it from Hong Kong in less than two weeks. Anon listed the PL-310ET as their #1 selling item at the time of purchase (PL-660 was #3).
The PL-310ET now has the very useful ETM. I am quite impressed with the radio’s reception. Basically, I could listen to the same radio stations that I could get with my 20+ year old ICOM R-71A. However, the Tecsun’s sound quality was considerably better. The ICOM had a slight edge with interfering stations in a few cases.
When comparing radios, I used the Tecsun with its telescope antenna and the ICOM with an indoor Palomar shortwave loop antenna with range from 5000 KHz to approx. 17000 kHz.
The PL-310ET also has external antenna input and can charge NiMH batteries.
I consider the Tecsun a great bargain considering what I once paid for the ICOM.”
Many thanks for your thoughts on the PL-310ET, Dietmar! I may just pull the trigger on a new PL-310ET. Perhaps it could replace my PL-380 as a travel radio. I’m curious if its dimensions are any smaller than the PL-380 and if it mutes between frequencies when band scanning.
Anyone else have thoughts about the PL-310ET?
I believe this is the comparison video Dietmar was referencing:
I’m certain the Tecsun is a great little portable. But comparing it to the venerable R71A really is apples and oranges. The R71A is going to dig out weak signals, and boasts amazing dynamic range, even by today’s standards. Add an external DSP and good external speaker, and you have the opportunity to improve audio dramatically.
No observó calidad en la recepción, sólo ruido. No es un buen vídeo para entusiasmar a que alguien lo compre.
After 2 years and this radio has only come down in price by $8 average? Is that normal? (newbie to SW radios)
The ad on Amazon says it has:
Special design of SSB demodulation functions, can receive amateur maritime communications and personal radio
Is this really true. Looking at the picture I see no button to turn on SSB.
Another Tom
Hmmm…that is very suspicious. I seriously doubt the 310ET has SSB. I bet they copied that info from another site.
-Thomas
To me in this short video, the old 310 sounds better.
Another Tom