The CommRadio CR-1a
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors R. Lewis (KF5GV/HS1) and Dave Zantow (N9EWO) who’ve both noted that the CommRadio CR-1a receiver has been listed as “discontinued” by Universal Radio, and HRO.
The CommRadio CTX-10
I imagine CommRadio has stopped manufacturing the CR-1a as they gear up for production of the new CTX-10 10 watt QRP general coverage transceiver.
If you’ve been considering the purchase of a CR-1a receiver, note you might find one on the used market (check with Universal Radio) as some owners upgrade to the CTX-10 transceiver next year. I expect the CTX-10’s receiver to be on par with the CR-1a, if not a little better.
On that note, I plan to review the CTX-10 and, of course, give its general coverage receiver a thorough workout on the broadcast bands once the unit has been released in 2017.
I bought one of these last summer. I’m shocked and somewhat disappointed to learn that they would stop manufacturing it with no announcement of a new model forthcoming. There is lots of room for improvement with this radio. The ability to turn off the AGC and an attenuator or RF gain control would be nice. The way they did the whole memory channel setup needs redesigned to make it more user-friendly. I was hoping they’d make a larger more desktop friendly model next. It appears that they’ve really turned their back on SWL’s. Again, I’m disappointed.
Sorry to learn of this. The CR-1a is an excellent receiver. This radio got me interested in DXing again and is a perfect size for transporting between my home and cabin. And, CommRadio is receptive and resposive to feedback and suggestions.
It’s probably just me, but I felt the CR1-a was overpriced, and didn’t offer as much SDR latitude as my SDR-IQ which cost half the price. Plus, it wasn’t that sensitive in picking up weak signals even using a Wellbrook 1530 series. Using Second party software like SDR Console on the IQ gave me more filters, better noise reduction options, recording ability, etc. I was disappointed!
if this new QRP transceiver is over $500.00 which I’m sure it will be forget it. I can spend less and get more bang for my bucks plus more transmitting power for around 400-500 dollars. I’m not licensed as a Ham but I’ve looked at other transceivers. We will see.
I certainly hope it’s not the normal “transceiver price”. If it is… it might have made sense to offer the CR-1a also.