Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi, who notes a National Panasonic Cougar RF-2200 that’s currently available on eBay. The Cougar is an Asian version of the venerable Panasonic RF-2200.
This model appears to have an original box in great shape. The price is steep, though at roughly US $563.35 as a Buy It Now listing although it does include free economy shipping from Japan. The seller also notes, “The first stage of the antenna is removed, so it is bonded.” Not exactly sure what that means and am guessing it’s a machine translation from Japanese.
Mario notes that most of the Cougar 2200s he spots on eBay are from sellers in Japan and at a recent auction one fetched $400.
Thanks for the tip, Mario!
Curious if any Post readers have the Cougar 2200? I’ve never seen one in real life, but I assume the differences between it and the RF-2200 or DR22 is branding and power cord? Please feel free to comment if you own one.
Yes, beware if you obtain one of these or other models from Asian sites, such as the Buyee/Japan site, you’re getting the Japanese FM band.
Cougar 2200s are BTW quite common on the buyee site.
I have the RF-2200’s European cousin, the National Panasonic DR22 which as an adjustment switch in the back for 110 or 220 volts to accommodate US and Europe. Not sure about the Cougar though. Wonder how they came up with that name hihi? Maybe it’s a good signal hunter.
The downside: 76 – 94 Mhz FM broadcast band.
Ouch. Yeah, that’s worth knowing!