Category Archives: Radios

The elusive Kchibo D96L on sale for $47 US

Actually, the price is showing as $46.78 from DinoDirect.

The Kchibo D96L is considered a bargian small radio and always reviews well. Based on the Silicon Labs Si4734 DSP chip, this receiver has excellent selectivity and sensitivity for a radio in its price range–especially on the AM broadcast or Mediumwave band.

I’ve found that the D96L is hard to find these days. In fact, this is the first time I’ve found one for sale outside of eBay.

I’ve never purchased from DinoDirect, but they claim a 30 day money-back guarantee and free shipping.

Before purchasing, read reviews and check out our entry for the D96L in the Shortwave Radio Index.

Please note: I cannot endorse DinoDirect as I could a regional shortwave radio retailer. I would love feedback if any readers have used them before.

Note: It appears if you enter the promo code “sharkcoupon” you receive an additional 10% discount.

The Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro self-powered emergency radio

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The Kaito KA600 self-powered radio has direct keypad entry of frequencies--a unique feature in this product niche.

Universal Radio has started selling the new Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro self-powered shortwave radio. Two features really set this radio apart in the self-powered market: RDS and the ability to enter a frequency via direct keypad entry. I know of no other mass-produced unit that can do this.

We have made an entry for the KA600 in the Shortwave Radio Index where we will post updates and reviews of this model as they are available.

Ten-Tec RX-320 and RX-320D software gets updated for Windows 7

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Fans of the RX-320D should note that Ten-Tec has just updated the GUI (Graphic User Interface) for this fine radio. According to Ten-Tec Engineer, John Henry, this mainly makes it work better with the 64 bit version of Windows 7 and Windows 7 comm ports.

You can get the new software from the Ten-Tec download center.

Radio Documentary: The Wireless World of Gerry Wells

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I just discovered (via PRI’s The World Technology Podcast) a 2010 radio documentary about lifelong radio designer and repairman, Gerry Wells.

If you haven’t heard it before, I suggest you drop what you’re doing and give it a listen below. This is the most charming radio doc I’ve ever heard out of the BBC World Service.

For archival purposes, I have a full copy of the radio doc available for download by clicking here.

Again, a special thanks to Clark Boyd with PRI’s The World for bringing this to my attention.

Our New Shortwave Radio Index

The new RFspace NetSDR–limited availability Feburary 10

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The RFspace NetSDR wideband receiver

The new RFspace NetSDR has been announced on the RFspace website and Universal Radio is already accepting orders. According to RFSpace, they will have limited availability on February 10th 2011.

Based on the NetSDR’s specs, it appears that this will be a very robust and high-performance SDR. RFspace is touting that it’s fully plug and play and designed to be integrated with your home network and the internet.

We will post all updates about the NetSDR here and on our new Shortwave Radio Index website (click here for the RFspace NetSDR entry). When available, we will also link to relevant reviews in the SWRI entry.

Cardboard Tube Radio Kit

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While cruising Retro Thing, this cardboard tube radio kit caught my eye. It’s available for 49.95 EUR from Conrad International in Germany. I would have never thought about combining the warm character of vacuum tubes with a cardboard chassis. Still, one builder’s report is quite positive and assembly time is estimated at two hours.