Sangean TR-108 iTalker
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ante Milisa, who writes:
I came across a new product from well known radio producer Sangean: the Sangean TR-108.
I believe this is a successor to Sangean’s well-known Sangean PR-D8, which I had and which was great.
The Sangean PR-D8
It seems like this one is currently only produced for the Asian market though. It would be great if they would produce a version for Europe/America as well.
I am sure it would sell well.
Anybody heard anything about this product?
From what I can see, it has FM/AM, radio recording with preset recording, and SD card capability. Everything I need. 🙂
Thanks for your message Ante, especially since I was unfamiliar with either model.
The Sangean PR-D8 had a very unique design with split recording and radio functions on the front panel. Indeed, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it. C.Crane sold them, but they now appear to be discontinued. There aren’t any currently on eBay, either (though one did recently sell for $100 shipped).
I read a Google Translate version of the Sangean TR-108 spec sheet. Sadly, I think the TR-108 lacks the AM (mediumwave) band–FM only–so it might not be a direct replacement for the PR-D8. Plus, the TR-108 recording function doesn’t appear to be as full-featured as that of the PR-D8.
Still, I like how the TR-108 buttons appear to have raised, tactile dots for those who are visually-impaired. Looks to be pretty compact as well!
Post readers: please comment if you have more information to share about the Sangean TR-108 iTalker.
Thank you for the comments. I think the band button is because they provide several FM band types, from 67.0 onward. If I buy it (not speaking Chinese) do you think I should be able to follow basic instructions for radio recording, etc.
Not really new. It’s been here in Taiwan for a while now.
I notice that the TR 108 is not yet listed in the Sangean English language website.
Here is a translation of the Specifications and Description from the Sangean Taiwan website.
It seems from the Spec. sheet to be a FM only receiver, which does frather beg the question asked by Ray “Why the band button?”
Anyway I hope the translation below helps:
1. Specifications
Band FM (FM) Broadcast Frequency Range (MHz) 87.5 – 108 (General Preset)
Other DSP TUNER
Media Mode SD V
Function radio memory FM 4 group
Stereo headphones / speakers headphones
Clock local time / second time / world time local time
Alarm band / media mode / traditional beep / other band / media mode / traditional beep
Alarm volume setting V
Timer snooze / sleep (auto power off) / small break / countdown Snooze / sleep (auto power off)
Additional features recording function / reservation recording function V
File Browser V
A-B point interval repeat play V
Select the type (tuning) type phase lock circuit selection system
Knob to select the set button to select the button
Compatible audio format CD / SD / USB SD
Display screen Liquid crystal display / vacuum fluorescent display / dial LCD display
Visual area (mm) 51 x 14.5
Image type / character type / segment type image type
Backlight V
Interface terminal input DC (rectifier) ??Power input jack V
SD jack V
Output headphone audio output jack V
Speaker size size 2.25 inches
Impedance 8 ohms
Output power Speaker output power AC power supply / DC (rectifier) ??Power supply / AC (rectifier) ??Power supply 1 watt (using AC power)
Battery 1 Watt
Power supply DC (rectifier) ??Power supply 6V 0.4A
Battery (main power) 4 x 1.5V (UM-3)
Accessories Rectifier (DC power supply output) V
Size / Weight Width (mm) 166.2
High (mm) 108.3
Deep (mm) 37.8
Weight (g) 378
2. Description
Digital Phase Locking System
SD card support to play MP3 / WMA format
FM radio frequency. Operation menu. Key function …. Synchronization voice prompt function
Button with braille function
4 groups of radio memory
Automatically scan the radio
SD card recording and playback
FM radio booking recording / listening and recording
Microphone recording
Beep or radio (music) / SD card music alarm selection (auto power on)
Snooze function
Sleep time setting 60-45-30-15-120-90 minutes (automatic shutdown)
2.25 inches 8 ohm full range high quality speakers
The A-B segment is played back repeatedly
3.5mm headphone stereo output jack
Lock key
Size: 166.2 x 108.3 x 37.8 mm
Net weight: 378 g (without battery)
If the new TR-108 is FM only, why would it have a ‘Band’ button on the front?