Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alan Hughes, who notes that Tecsun Radios Australia have announced a new DRM stand-alone receiver: the Q-3061.
When I first received Alan’s tip, I was surprised that I had not been been given some advance notice or even a hint about Tecsun developing and producing a DRM radio. Then I saw the Q-3061 product image and it looked to be a spitting image of the Gospell GR-216 DRM radio. A quick look at the radio’s back panel and the connection with the GR-216 was confirmed.
Reading through the product description, it appears they worked with Gospell to badge this for Tecsun Radios Australia’s primary markets:
“The Tecsun Radios Australia Q-3061 DRM Shortwave Radio is for experienced shortwave users. There a limited number of DRM signals available in our region although the total number of DRM broadcasts are increasing. This radio is squarely aimed at radio enthusiasts and DXers, most signals require an external antenna, experience, and patience. We recommend our Tecsun Radios Australia Q-3061 DRM Shortwave Radio be used in conjunction with our Tecsun Shortwave and AM Outdoor Antenna for the best results (this is the setup we have in our Brookvale NSW office).
The Tecsun Radios Australia Q-3061 DRM Shortwave Radio is the culmination of several years work. Tecsun Radios Australia has worked in close co-operation with the manufacturer providing testing results from locations across the Pacific, including Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, and New Zealand. Reception of DRM signals in Australia requires many factors to be optimised, because we are outside the traditional coverage area of most broadcasters. Nevertheless, with an optimised antenna, correct selection of DRM broadcaster, schedule and good propagation conditions DRM signals can be received. New DRM broadcasters are appearing every month.”
After the product description they also include this disclaimer:
Note: This DRM radio has no association with Tecsun of China and is an exclusive initiative and product of Tecsun Radios Australia
The price is $500 AU or approximately $357 US.
To recap, this isn’t a new Tecsun DRM radio, rather it’s a rebadged GR-216 for the retailer/distributor Tecsun Radios Australia.
Click here to read about the Q-3061 at Tecsun Radios Australia.
Click here to read a review of the Gospell GR-216 DRM receiver.
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“To recap, this isn’t a new Tecsun DRM radio, rather it’s a rebadged GR-216 for the retailer/distributor Tecsun Radios Australia.”
Yeah … I know I’ve defended Gary Cratt & AV-Comm / “Tecsun Australia” here before, but selling a rebadged Gospell under the Tecsun brand is a bit too dodgy for my liking. Would it really have killed them to put AV-Comm – or even a house brand – on it, rather than trying to piggyback on Tecsun’s fairly good name?
And I’ll second what Tom R said as well. I’ve had 2 Gospell GR-216’s for review – the first worked at initial turn-on, but never produced a sound from any output after that. The second just plain wouldn’t power up. If they want to make radios, they _really_ need to get their QC in order…
It’s a bit disappointing this radio doesn’t have an inbuilt battery or a space to put 6 AAs in (for 9 volts). They say they are looking at that for future models so hopefully it becomes a reality.
As the owner of Gospell’s GR-216, I certainly hope that this Australian importer has applied some STRICT measures for ensuring quality. I received a poorly tested GR-216 directly from Gospell in March of 2018 and it has NEVER functioned properly. Even the firmware upgrades have been quite buggy. The audio output is intermittent and suddenly dies at random times on my GR-216 and DRM just doesn’t work at all with their latest firmware. Until some strict quality control measures are implemented at the factory, I’d highly recommend that potential buyers look elsewhere. If this importer will GUARANTEE a buyer a return of his investment for a minimum of one year, I MIGHT suggest accepting the risk of buying one. Don’t buy from Gospell directly though as I know of other buyers with lemons instead of properly functioning GR-216s.
Apparently, DRM receivers are needed which are manufactured in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, or Europe.
I’ll be waiting on the availability of a DRM receiver made in the one of the aforementioned areas. Good luck, though.
And the styling of the radio looks a lot like there’s Sangean involved in there somewhere.