Category Archives: New Products

The new HanRongDa HRD-747: Mei Tao shares preliminary info and photos

11 Replies

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mei Tao, who shares the following:

Hi Thomas:

Before the Chinese New Year, I received a prototype of the HRD-747 radio and was asked for suggestions on how to improve it. As far as I know, this little gem will hit the Chinese market in April.

Here are its major features and some photos:

  1. More like a handheld wideband receiver: covers UHF?300—520MHz), VHF?30—300MHz), AIR, FM (64—108MHz), SW, MW, USB, LSB, WFM, NFM, and AM.
  2. Based on a DSP chip?sensitivity and selectivity are excellent.
  3. SSB?selectable USB/LSB?reception with 10Hz step tuning.
  4. Multiple tuning methods: ATS, presets, manual tuning, auto tuning, etc.
  5. Equipped with tuning knob.
  6. Bandwidth is selectable.
  7. Squelch level can be adjusted.
  8. ATT control, external antenna jack.
  9. 1000 memory presets.
  10. Powered by BL-5C cellphone battery (removable).

Sincerely

Mei Tao

Photos

Thank you, Mei Toa! The HRD-747 certainly offers a wider frequency range that we’re used to seeing in small portable radios. I’m very curious how sensitive and selective it is in those higher VHF/UHF bands and if imaging or poor selectivity are issues.

Thank you so much for the preliminary info!

Desheng retailing the Tecsun H-501 at 1500 Yuan

8 Replies

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Robert Richmond, who writes:

You probably have seen the info months ago, but I just noted Tecsun China has officially launched the Tecsun H-501 receiver in China priced at 1500 Yuan, which is about $230 USD. Add shipping.

The Chinese domestic market H-501 model on AliExpress and Bangood has been averaging $400+ USD. I have no idea if the Desheng/Tecsun store ships outside China, but it seems like a considerable savings for customers outside of China if actually capable of ordering there.

The Tecsun homage currently features a H-501 banner:

http://www.tecsun.com.cn/

The homepage link for more info takes you to a Desheng/Tecsun sales page including specs, multiple pics, consumer reviews, etc. here:

https://dgdesheng.yswebportal.cc/pd.jsp?id=89

Best Regards,

Robert Richmond

Thank you for the tip, Robert! I’ll be waiting for Anon-Co to distribute the export version of the H-501, but the 1500 Yuan/$230 USD price point is much closer to what I expected rather than those early inflated AliExpress prices.  Thanks again!

Video: Nick compares the new Tecsun PL-368 with other portables

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Nick Booras, who writes:

Hi Thomas

I posted a video of this radio compared to a couple other popular radios. Thought your viewers might be interested. This 368 is a significant improvement over the 360 and 365.

Thank you so much for sharing this, Nick! People who love the form factor of the PL-360 and PL-365, should appreciate the new Tecsun PL-368. Thank you again!

Click here to check out the Tecsun PL-368 on eBay (partner link supports the SWLing Post).

Any experience with the Tecsun TU-80 enthusiast-grade FM tuner?

11 Replies

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, George, who writes:

Hi Thomas -I hope you’re keeping well.

[…]I have had my eye on the Tecsun TU-80. However, I seem to find no videos on its use and no reviews. Perhaps it’s because it’s new.

I wonder if any of the SWLing Post readers have some info about it.

Post readers: If you have any experience using the Tecsun TU-80 FM tuner, please comment. I am not familiar with it. Very curious if it might be a great dedicated FM DXing receiver. It is pricey ($530 US on eBay).

Photos of the new Tecsun GR-99 emergency radio

13 Replies

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mei Tao, who writes:

Hi Thomas:

I’m happy to tell you that yesterday [January 29, 2021] Tecsun released a new model Emergency Radio. I’ve included some photos:

The GR-99 includes FM, AM and SW bands. As most of today’s radios, it is also based on the DSP chip which offers good performance. It can be powered by the built-in Ni-MH battery and two AA batteries.

This radio also features hand crank power generator which can charge your device such as smartphone through the micro-USB cable. In case of emergency, GR-99 with flashlight and SOS alarm can give you a hand.

Nearly a month ago, I helped to test the prototype of this radio and gave them my advice. Now it’s great to see it on sale.

At last, provide you with a photo of me, almost two years ago. I took this selfie with my radios.

Oh I must admit that several radio in this photo were my friends’.

Sincerely

Mei Tao

Ha ha!!! I love the photo, Mei Tao–absolutely brilliant!

I’m happy to see that not only is Tecsun still producing an emergency radio with an analog dial (which requires less of the battery than a digital display), but also is still including the shortwave bands.

Thank you very much for reporting on this early production run Tecsun radios, Mei Tao!

Mei Tao shares new Tecsun M-301 impressions and photos

2 Replies

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mei Tao, who writes:

Hi Thomas,

These days I’ve just got the Tecsun’s newest product, the M-301 radio and would like to share some detailed information with you and other BCLers.

The M-301 has two color versions, white and black. It’s a three-in-one model including FM radio, Bluetooth Receiver and MP3 Player. As you can see in the below pictures, it’s very slim and compact, just slightly bigger than Apple 4S cell phone.

But it offers so many features–much more than similar radios I have owned. I had to take much effort to study how to operate it correctly.

Below are its major features:

  1. FM reception: Frequency coverage: 64-108, 76-108, 87-108, and 88-108MHz
  2. Bluetooth 5.0 technology: Can answer calls through the hands-free function.
  3. MP3 Player: It can play 16bit/44.1k FLAC/WAV/WMA/APE and MP3 format music stored in TF card (Max 128GB). Repeat mode: Folder/One.
  4. Recording: It has 3 recording modes–namely, Mic Recording, Radio recording and Bluetooth Recording.
  5. Three tuning methods: including manual tuning, ATS, tuning preset stations.
  6. 100 memory presets.
  7. Rechargeable battery: Working time for about 17 hours at medium volume, charging by DC 5V micro USB cable, charging time for about 2.5 hours.
  8. Can be used as computer external speaker through micro USB cable.
  9. Sleep timer: Shuts off automatically after specified times (0—120 minutes).
  10. Clock and alarm: wakes you up by radio broadcasting or music stored in the TF card.
  11. Can display Fahrenheit or Celsius temperature.
  12. Can store one favorite station or one music file on the “Favorite Program” button.
  13. Hand strap is also used as the antenna.

Yesterday, Jan 28th, the Tecsun M-30 hit the market in China, but I don’t know when or if it will be available in the North America and European markets in the future. I hope so.

Good Luck.

Mei Tao

Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Mei Tao! This looks like a nice, slim travel radio since it sports a clock and alarm and options for both Bluetooth and USB connectivity to other audio devices. While it’s a shame it doesn’t include AM or SW reception, I imagine FM reception will be great based on the fact this is such a strong suit for similar DSP portable receivers.

Thanks again for the very early tip on the M-301!

Icom IC-705 firmware v1.20, programming software v1.10, and a new 3rd party remote app for Android

3 Replies

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Markku Koskinen, who notes the following new and updated programs for the Icom IC-705 general coverage transceiver:

First, Icom has published firmware version 1.20 which includes a number of new features. We’ll post the full announcement below. Click here to view the release notes and download.

Secondly, Icom has published a new version (1.10) of their IC-705 programming software. The new release also includes a number of additions. Click here to view the release notes and download.

Finally, Markku notes that there is now an IC-705 Remote application on the Google Play app store.

The app appears to control basic functionality like tuning, band, mode, filter, and CI-V address switching.  The app is free and should work on most Android devices.

Thanks for the tips, Markku!