Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ken Hansen (N2VIP), who notes:
Ham Radio Outlet has the SDRplay RSP2pro in-stock for $192.95.
As a reminder, the SDRplay RSP2pro is the version enclosed in a full-metal case for maximum RF shielding. Like the SDRplay RSP2 it has three software selectable antenna connections (long wire and two SMA), whereas the original SDRplay RSP1 has just the one SMA connector.
I’ve just discovered our buddy, Tom Stiles, has taken delivery of the new Eton Executive Traveler III. He’s posted a casual overview of this little receiver on his YouTube Channel:
Click here to view on YouTube.
Click here to view Tom’s Channel–Tom’s Radio Room Show–on YouTube.
I’m looking forward to comparisons between the two versions of the radio, but like Tom, I suspect these Traveler III versions are identical in terms of receiver design. The changes/updates in the model are likely only cosmetic.
I love the leather cover on the new Executive version, though I wish the antenna could be extended with the cover in place. Seems to me if the leather cover were designed to fold open from the top down (from the front of the radio) instead of bottom up, it would have remedied this problem.
I believe the Traveler III, in general, is an excellent little portable–certainly a proper ultralight MW DX machine (check out how it scored in Gary DeBock’s comparison). No SSB mode, but it does have great features like alarms and RDS for those who like to travel.
A few retailers now have the Executive Traveler III in stock:
The Grundig Edition Field BT
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ken Hansen (N2VIP), who writes:
At HRO we’ve just taken delivery on two new SW radios from Eton, the Field BT ($129.95) and the FRX5-BT ($79.95)
Field BT – http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-014067
FRX5-BT http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-014593
Eton FRX5-BT
Thought you might be interested.
Thank you for the tip, Ken!
I’m very curious if anyone has compared the Grundig Edition Field BT with the previous version of the Grundig Edition Field. Please comment!
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, for sharing a PDF copy of the English Operation Manual via Australian distributor Tecsun Radios Australia.
The Icom IC-R8600 (Image source: Icom)
This morning, while browsing the latest ARRL QST magazine, I noticed an advertisement for the new Icom IC-R8600 wideband receiver. If you recall, last August, Icom made the announcement that it was introducing two new receivers: The IC-R8600 and the IC-R30 handheld.
The IC-R30 is the successor to the IC-R20 compact handheld receiver, but will have advanced receiving capabilities and be able to decode D-STAR, P25, NXDN and dPMR digital (conventional) modes.
Icom IC-R8600 back panel (Image source: Icom)
The IC-R8600, on the other hand, is more akin to the IC-7300 transceiver in terms of design, but has much more functionality than the IC-7300 and covers a wide range of frequencies (10kHz-3GHz).
The Icom IC-R8600 is essentially a tabletop SDR receiver.
Here are a few features mentioned on the IC-R8600 pre-release brochure:
The back panel connections are pretty comprehensive (click to enlarge):
I will plan to review the IC-R8600 once it has become available. I have no clue yet what pricing will be.
I will post all IC-R8600 updates with the tag: IC-R8600
UPDATE: Click here to read our full review of the re-engineered Tecsun S-8800. Note that the review below refers to a first production run S-8800e model.
In reply to our Tecsun S-8800e overview, SWLing Post contributor, Hymefly, comments:
I own this radio. Its performance on AM and shortwave is better than my Kaito 1103 and Sangean ATS-909x. My Grundig Satellit 750 beats it on SW. The 8800 is a bit better on AM than the 750, though.
The 8800 and my GE Super Radio 1 are just about equal on AM. The 8800 beats my Panasonic RF-2200 on SW, but not on AM. I didn’t compare it to my other radios on FM, as I really don’t listen to that band nor have any interest in it.
I did try out the FM band, though. It seems to have good sensitivity. The speaker provides good sound quality, but not “Super Radio” good. Display looks outdated. Not a fan of those amber/yellowish displays with spotty screen coverage. Not even close to the display on my 909x. But then again, no other radio comes close to the 909x’s display. Why can’t manufacturers implement nice bright white lit displays like the 909x?
The remote works ok. By the way, all comparisons were done utilizing each radios’ own built-in AM and telescopic antennas for SW. Overall, I can compare it more closely to the RF-2200, but with 8800 having slightly less sensitivity on AM and better on SW. The two even look almost the same. The 8800 seems to be an updated and refined modern design borrowed from the RF-2200. The RF-2200 has a more robust solid built, though. Overall, I give the 8800 a score of 7.5 [out of 10].
Thank you for your input, Hymefly. I’m pretty impressed the new S-8800 even comes close to the performance of the Super Radio 1 and the Panasonic RF-2200. I’m very curious what the price will be when the S-8800 hits eBay.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Bertrand Stehle (F6GYY), who writes:
Hi Thomas,
The new SSB portable receiver TECSUN S-8800 has been available from Germany, since the beginning of 2017.
Supplier:https://www.wellenjagd.com/ has the S-8800e, a Europeen version.
I have one unit here and also being an owner of the PL-880, [I would describe it as] a better PL-880 with more features.
DSP filters on SSB: 0.5 – 1.2 – 2.3 – 3.0 and 4.0 kHz
DSP Filters on AM: 2.3 – 3.0 – 4.0 and 6.0 kHz
Long telescoping Antenna L = 92 cm
BNC Antenna socket
AM External antenna (500 Ohm ) on panel….with an internal /external antenna switch.
Main and fine tuning [much] like the PL-880 , but all metallic buttons, bigger and of better quality.
VFO main tuning knob is large and has a good feeling.
Line out is stereo ( 2 channels ) L and R
Separate bass and treble control
2X LiH Batteries 18650 ( no external power supply possible, no 12V socket). Batteries can be charged while the rx st still in use.On this S-8800e–my first impressions:
- Very sensitive on longwave… ( PL-880 was not )
- Very good copy of ssb stations
- RX does not get so quickly overloaded as the PL-880 does…
- Quite bigger than the PL-880 => 27 cm X 17 cm, about 7cm thick.
Wow–many thanks for sharing your first impressions, Bertrand!
I’ve been waiting quite a while for the S-8800 to be released. I will have one on order soon and will do some comparisons with the PL-880 and PL-660.
As you discover more about this receiver, please share your impressions with us!
Anyone else have the S-8800? Please comment!
