Category Archives: Radios

Modify An Icom IC-735 To Work DRM

The original IC-735 brochure. Click to enlarge.

Are you a ham radio operator and/or SWLer that would like to dabble in DRM (Digital Radio Mondial) but don’t have a purpose-built receiver? A friend recently brought to my attention a clearly-outlined DIY photo instructional for a modification you can make to the classic Icom IC-735 ham transceiver to add a 12 Hz downconverter and I.F. output jack.

If you’re handy with a soldering iron, view the PDF instructional created by Matthias Bopp (DD1US) for making this modification. The downconverter (along with many other DRM items) is sold by German firm, SAT-Schneider–follow this link to purchase it online for just 25 Euros.

logo_drm Though the IC-735 is primarily a ham radio transceiver, it has general coverage and makes for an exceptional shortwave broadcast receiver as well. In fact, I have an IC-735 in my shack and use it primarily for SWLing. This unit was produced by Icom in the 1980’s; many are available now in the used market for around $325-450US. A great value for the money, especially if you also happen to be a ham.

The Grundig Globe Traveler G3–now shipping

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Grundig G3 - Now shipping

Universal Radio has announced, on their product page, that the Grundig G3 is now shipping. I’ve already ordered one to review.

Pricing is $149.95–a price point similar to the Grundig G5 (which no longer appears in Grundig’s product line). Through Universal, you actually get a Grundig AN200 indoor antenna as a bonus–currently the best deal I could find amongst retailers. See our previous post regarding the Grundig G3 for additional information, and check out Universal’s product page. We will post new info on the G3 as it becomes available.

UPDATE: Universal is now offering a free Grundig AN200 antenna with the G3 purchase ($149.99).

UPDATE: Click here to see our initial G3 review.

New DRM Receiver – Di-Wave 100 / UniWave Di-Wave

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Note: Updated 13 December 2009

Uniwave SA, CEO, Patrick Leclerc, with the receiver holding the Di-Wave 100. Photo courtesy of DRM consortium.

The Di-Wave 100, a new DRM digital radio receiver was unveiled at the annual general assembly of the DRM Consortium in Erlangen, Germany. This is big news indeed for DRM enthusiasts as there are so few versatile stand-alone DRM receivers in production.

This announcement also coincides with other exciting news in the DRM world, namely that India and Russia are backing the digital mode for future broadcasts. See press release here.

The Di-Wave 100 has a USB/SD card reader and mp3/mp4 play-back. It sports a 3.5 inch TFT color display that reveals station identification, program information, Journaline, MOT Slideshow and listening time shift in several languages. The Di-Wave 100 can receive DRM broadcasts in SW, MW and LW as well as analogue FM and can store 768 stations in its memory.

Click here to view in Universal Radio catalog.

It should be noted that the Di-Wave 100 will be the first consumer DRM receiver authorized by the FCC for sale in the United States. When FCC approval is granted, the Di-Wave 100 (a.k.a. UniWave Di-Wave) can be purchased from Universal Radio.

UPDATE: Universal Radio is now selling the Di-Wave in North America for $299.95 US. The Di-Wave is also available for sale in Thiecom’s online catalog in Germany (249€) and in AV-COMM’s online catalog in Australia ($499AU). Two other distributors in Germany are Charly Hardt and Alan Electronics.

More info on the Di-Wave 100: