(Photo source: Nevada Radio)
SWLing Post reader, Antonio, writes:
“It seems that a new radio is on the horizon. Nevada Radio, in the U.K., has announced the new Tecsun PL-680.”
Thanks, Antonio–admittedly, I was completely unaware of this upcoming model. Based on the photo (above) via Nevada Radio, the PL-680 looks very much like the PL-600.
Unlike the PL-600, the PL-680 appears to have USB/LSB selectable AM synchronous detection.
Here are the specifications/features per Nevada Radio:
Frequency ranges :
- FM: 87 – 108 MHz
- MW: 522-1620 kHz
- SW: 1711-29999 kHz
- LW: 100-519 kHz
- AIR: 118-137 MHz
Features :
- FM stereo / MW / LW / SW SSB / AIR band (118-137 MHz)
- Dual conversion for MW / LW / SW with excellent sensitivity & selectivity
- Synchronous detector (USB / LSB)
- SW Single Side Band (SSB) with BFO control
- 1900 station memories
- Multi-tuning methods:
- Auto tuning storage (ATS)
- Auto-scan tuning with 5 seconds pre-listening
- Manual tuning
- Direct keypad entry
- 9K/10K tuning step for MW (adjustable AM tuning step (9K/10K)
- Sleep timer from 1-120 minutes
- Dual alarm clock with adjustable auto turn off stopper from 1-90 minutes
- DX / Normal / Local antenna gain
- Treble / Bass tone selection
- Back light and snooze function
- Signal strength & battery consumption display
- Direct reset function
- Built-in rechargeable function (Ni-MH rechargeable battery only)
- Extra long telescopic antenna
- FM/SW antenna jack
- Stereo earphone jack
- DC jack (6V)
- Power sources: 4 x UM3 (AA size) batteries (excluded) or DC 6V adaptor (excluded)
- Dimensions – 190 x 35 x 112mm WHD
So far, I’ve seen no information regarding pricing/availability. I will update the SWLing Post with information about the Tecsun PL-680 as soon as it becomes available. Simply follow the tag: PL-680
The PL_680 I have owned for a while now has a problem of eating batteries even when not used. I was exploring this today having installed a fresh set of alkaline only to discover something has happened to the FM reception. It sounds distorted. Pretty sure it has no warranty, so out come the batteries and goe back on the shelf… What a disapointment
Suppose it is using analog technology as with the 6xx series and not DSP as with the 880? That can mean some internal noise to listen too !
Are there really gaps in coverage from 519 to 522, and from 1620 to 1711?
Any idea why the 880 is more money than the 680 in the Nevada Radio website? Just curious. Thanks
Hi, John,
That’s a great question. With very little info yet, I have to assume it’s not as feature-rich as the PL-880 (multiple bandwidths in AM/SSB and all of those hidden features, for ex.). I assume the PL-680 will be somewhat of a replacement for the PL-660 since the features are very similar. I know this: I’ll plan to purchase one of the first production run units and pit it against it’s competitors.
Cheers,
Thomas
Cuanto cuesta? Quiero comprar una, me la envia a Argentina. Gracias.
No sabemos el precio de la PL-680 ni la fecha en que estará disponible para su compra. En cuanto tenga más información, voy a publicar. Gracias!