Comparing the Tecsun PL-880 and PL-660 in an RFI-Rich Environment

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Jeff McMahon, who notes that he’s published a new post on his blog, The Herculodge. This time, Jeff examines the Tecsun PL-880 vs. PL-660, exposing the quirks and realities of DSP-based radios in his interference-heavy household. Jeff finds that in real-world conditions, the trusty PL-660 often outperforms the PL-880—especially […]

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Jeff rediscovers the Tecsun PL-660

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Jeff McMahon over at The Herculodge for his recent post, “Dude, You Really Love Radios: A Nostalgic Ode to the Tecsun PL-660.” Jeff reflects on rediscovering the Tecsun PL-660, a “Pre-DSP Glory Era” classic, sharing insights about its design, performance, and the irresistible pull of nostalgia. Like many of […]

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Gabry repairs a problematic Tecun PL-660 encoder

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Gabry Rizzi (IV3MIR), who writes: Hi, I’m an Italian radio amateur IV3MIR and I have a YouTube channel entirely dedicated to the radio “GabryMir Radio”. I’m sending you the link of one of my latest videos. If you like it I would be happy to see it on your […]

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Andy finds his late model PL-660 lacking compared with an earlier model

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Andy, who writes: Hi Tom, I wonder if any of your readers has noticed anything with later model PL-660s. My old PL-660 met with an accident recently (purchased about 2015?). I bought a new one and was disappointed by what appears to be a difference with the narrow and […]

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Radio Waves: Insomnia-Fueled Pirate, Cold War & High-Tech Tactics for Russia, PL-660 Panadapter, Women-Run Radio in Somalia, and Building an SDR Transceiver

Radio Waves:  Stories Making Waves in the World of Radio Welcome to the SWLing Post’s Radio Waves, a collection of links to interesting stories making waves in the world of radio. Enjoy! Meet the 68-year-old ‘bad-boy nerd’ behind this North Side pirate radio station (WBEZ) If you’re driving through the greater Ravenswood area and tune your […]

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Hidden connector on Tecsun PL-660?

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Andy (G0FTD), who writes: Thomas Not sure if you’ve come across this, but earlier when I was cleaning my Tecsun PL660 and took the main tuning knob off the spindle, I discovered what looked like 4 holes of a hidden connector behind it ! I just did a quick […]

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Mikael enjoys listening to the Big Gun Friendship Net with his Tecsun PL-660

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mikael, who writes: The Big Gun Friendship Net, an amazing and friendly net! It was late or earlier here in France, when I switched on my Tecsun PL-660 with its wire antenna plugged in. As always, I was scanning the 40 meters band. I obtained my ham licence in […]

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