Photo: Universal Radio
(Source: IEEE Spectrum via Paul)
The Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame: Grundig Satellit 650 Radio
The market for expensive shortwave radios collapsed in the early 2000s. But before it did, Grundig created a blaze of glory
Though they’ll likely deny it, long-distance (DX) radio enthusiasts are also often romantics. For DXers, as they’re known, there’s a powerful enchantment surrounding the chance reception of a signal from somewhere remote and mysterious, like the Australian Outback, the Namib Desert, or a lonely island in the Shetlands. So when they come to favor a piece of equipment, they don’t just like it, they become devotees. And one receiver seems to have earned their undying affection more than any other: the Grundig Satellit 650.[…]
Click here to read the full article at the IEEE Spectrum.
I agree: the Sat 650 is a legend! I’ve never owned one–have you? Please comment!
I have one and i sale it, all function normal like new condition , feri kurniawan , indonesia country bandung city
Hello Feri,
Is your radio still available? If so, how much to ship it to the USA?
Thanks,
Bill H
Does anyone know where the Grundig 650 was made?
A bit of background
Max Grundig, who founded Grundig, sold it to Philips in or about 1984.
The Grundig 650 was released in 1986 and continued in the market place until 1993. Though manufacturer may have ceased by 1990/1991.
But who made the 650?
And where was it made?
Superficially the later Grundig 800 looks similar to the 650, though the 800 is an entirely different radio, based on the Drake SW8.
The Grundig 800 was made by Tecsun.
I hope someone can cast light on who manufactured the 650 and where it was made.
I’ve had one a few years now, bought off Craigslist. Once I fixed the tuning belt it was off to the races. Great sound, excellent on FM, MW & SW. Even in SSB it’s easy to get a good sound.
How did you fix the belt? I have one with the same issue.
Just bought one this week. Fixing the belt on the motorized RF was a 10 min fix. loving the sound. Better than my Sony SW.
Hi Don,
Got my second 6×× Satelite yesterday.
It’s a lovely 600 Pro, but the tuning belt screams.
I losened the 3 screws and peeped into the back of the rig, and that scared me!
The tuning belt had a lot of slack, but to much stuff had to be removed, so I dropped the project.
Any snakeoil on where to obtain a new belt and how to replace the old slackie.
Happy New Year from Stockholm Sweden
73 de SAØBLI / Fred Grefberg