The CC Skywave is the latest shortwave portable from the manufacturer and retailer, C. Crane. While this radio’s form factor looks a lot like the CCRadio-SWP, you can tell, based on features, that this is a complete re-design internally. Indeed, the Skywave sports an NOAA weather radio–and an aviation band–as well as AM/FM and shortwave.
Here are the features C. Crane lists for the CC Skywave:
- AM, FM, Weather plus Alert, Shortwave (2.3-26.1 MHz) and Air Aviation Band
- Direct Entry of a Frequency plus Auto Scan and Store
- Lighted LCD Display
- Selectable Fast or Fine Tuning on all Bands Except Weather
- 400 Memory Presets
- Runs on (2) AA Alkaline batteries (not included)
- (Optional) CC Skywave Power Adapter w/ Mini USB Plug Required for Charging NiMH Batteries.
- Stereo Headphone Jack and Fold-Out Back Stand
- Clock with 12/24 hour format, Alarm
- Rotary Volume Knob
- High Quality CC Buds Earphones and radio Carry Case included
- One Year Limited Warranty
- Dimensions: 4.75″ W x 3″ H x 1.1″ D
- Weight: approximately 5.5 ounces without batteries
- Click here to download the user manual (PDF)
The Skywave is now available to order on the C. Crane website. Since availability is scheduled for July 14, 2014, ordering online is a means of reserving your unit. I would expect C. Crane to ship on time; this is a retailer with a good track record.
I do hope to review the Skywave in the coming weeks. Update: Click here to read a full review of the CC Skywave.
I wish to purchase a skywave portable. How much is the shippi g cost to Australia ?
Regards
Michael
Hi, Michael,
You should contact C.Crane directly and ask this question: http://www.ccrane.com/
I’m not sure that they ship internationally, but it couldn’t hurt to ask!
Best,
Thomas
I have the Australian version of the CC Skywave Radio called the, “Digitech Audio AR-1733? but without the NOAA Weather Bands. Instead it has Longwave. The AR-1733 also features DSP (Digital Signal Processing) which makes AM (MW) nearly deaf with distance (DX) AM radio stations. It’s only good for strong, local AM stations. The C. Crane Company website mentions nothing about DSP with their new CC Skywave and I’m hope to God, they will leave it out! DSP does nothing but ruin the fun of AM (MW) DX’ing as it robs every bit of sensitivity from what the radio is fully capable of doing.
I like the inclusion of both weather and shortwave. I don’t know of any other radio that does this, but it makes for a nice emergency radio in one unit. Maybe a bit pricey, so I would expect that it performs to spec.
If you can as part of your review, I’d like to know how much battery life you get at moderate listening levels.
Seems like the price is too high for a non SSB radio. I am thinking of buying a Tecsun PL-660, probably a better value. Anyway, I need a reliable radio under $100 USD, what do you think?
It depends Tom…to start narrowing your search..do you want a sw receiver, ssb capable?
Its a PL-310ET TECSUN it does not have SSB on it -the audio from the radio is distorted- sounds like its on SSB with the volume turned up to 30 to began with to hear it .
Not the same – different bits, including the button setup, areas of coverage…I don’t see an SSB on this.
I’ll bet you is the same radio..maybe minor changes on buttons setup ..by the way, why are you talking about SSB? Neither the Jaycar or CCrane clone have ssb capability..
Nothing new…this is a rebadged Redsun (as many products sold by CCrane), sold in Australia as the Jaycar AR1733 from long time ago..a mediocre performer..here is the link for the Jaycar
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AR1733
As for the volume problems, I´ve found that issue very annoying in every dsp radio made by Tecsun/Redsun with silly volume steps…from zero to a very high volume level. That´s why I´ve sold all my Tecsuns dsp based, mainly because I listen radio frequently while work and found the audio levels irritating (the only Tecsun that has not that volume problem is the PL360, which has a free wheel, analog volume pote). I cannot understand why those manufacturers check the radios in real life situations before put in on the market.
If the Jaycar was a mediocre performer, then this must be a completely different radio. I have read dozens of reviews of this radio and all of them have been positive. The only recurring complaints about this radio are about its lacking of single sideband, and its undersized antenna, other than this, it seems as though C.Crane has completely redesigned this model and have made it into as quality a receiver as they could of manufactured from a cheap place like China.
Hopefully the CC Skywave doesn’t have the volume control problem that the CCRadio-SWP has (the volume control steps are too large at low volume levels, making it difficult to set the “right” volume level).
I hope not as well–this is a real problem for the Tecsun PL-310ET which I’m working up a review on now.
-Thomas
I have a PL-310et the problem I’m having is everything sounding like its on SSB.