Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Doug Hunsinger, who notes that Universal Radio is now shipping the Sangean PR-D17.
The PR-D17 has a unique design to make operation easier for those who are visually impaired. Per Universal Radio:
It has high-contrast, large yellow rotary tuning and volume control knobs, preset buttons with raised symbols to aid in identification and thoughtful voice prompts of all controls that announce all functions in English or Spanish.
It has a large and easy-to-read backlit LCD display that highlights RDS information, frequency, signal strength, battery status and alarm symbols. It has a 200 mm ferrite AM antenna for the best possible AM reception. The controls are very easy to use and you get 5 presets for AM and 5 for FM. And you can auto scan stations. The RDS technology can display station name, call sign, song title or other transmitted information, plus it can set the clock automatically. There is a stereo mono switch. There is a built in clock timer with sleep function and humane wake up system to buzzer or radio. The left side of the radio has an auxiliary input and a stereo earphone jack. The perfect solution for the radio enthusiast who is visually impaired.
Click here to check out the Sangean PR-D17 at Universal Radio.
Doug notes that he may purchase the PR-D17 and share a review here on the SWLing Post. He is especially interested in how it might compare with similar voice prompt radio models.
Post readers: If you’re visually impaired, what radio models do you prefer? PLease share your thoughts and comments by clicking here.
I am a blind shortwave listener. My Icom IC-R30 Will announce the frequency and mode I’m using. I wish more radio manufacturers would do this.
Thomas, do you think the PR-D17 is internally the same as the well-regarded PR-D15? It would be good to know if the D17 shares the D15’s above average reception abilities on medium wave.
I don’t know, but I might investigate via my Sangean contact. Stay tuned! 🙂
So this just back from Sangean when I asked if, internally/mechanically, they were identical:
“Yes the PR-D17 is identical to the PR-D15 but has larger preset buttons with raised symbols to aid in identification and high contrast large yellow rotary tuning and volume control knobs along with the helpful voice prompts.”
Thanks Thomas! That’s as I suspected.
I am a visually impaired ham radio operator. I have a Kenwood TS-440S transceiver and an IC-756 transceiver, both of which have a voice announcement for stating the frequency the radios are on, if you want it. For digital DAB radio I have a Pure Sonas 1XT which talks. Sadly, this radio is no longer in production. I Also have the Roberts Play for FM and DAB/DAB+ reception. The Roberts has a very good front panel layout for visually impaired users. 73, Mark, G4OBC