The Tecsun PL-680: A new portable in the works?

(Photo source: Nevada Radio)

SWLing Post reader, Antonio, writes:

“It seems that a new radio is on the horizon. Nevada Radio, in the U.K., has announced the new Tecsun PL-680.”

Thanks, Antonio–admittedly, I was completely unaware of this upcoming model. Based on the photo (above) via Nevada Radio, the PL-680 looks very much like the PL-600.

Unlike the PL-600, the PL-680 appears to have USB/LSB selectable AM synchronous detection.

Here are the specifications/features per Nevada Radio:

Frequency ranges :

FM:     87 – 108 MHz

MW:   522-1620 kHz

SW:   1711-29999 kHz

LW:   100-519 kHz

AIR:   118-137 MHz

Features :

FM stereo / MW / LW / SW SSB / AIR band (118-137 MHz)

Dual conversion for MW / LW / SW with excellent sensitivity & selectivity

Synchronous detector (USB / LSB)

SW Single Side Band (SSB) with BFO control

1900 station memories

Multi-tuning methods:

Auto tuning storage (ATS)

Auto-scan tuning with 5 seconds pre-listening

Manual tuning

Direct keypad entry

9K/10K tuning step for MW (adjustable AM tuning step (9K/10K)

Sleep timer from 1-120 minutes

Dual alarm clock with adjustable auto turn off stopper from 1-90 minutes

DX / Normal / Local antenna gain

Treble / Bass tone selection

Back light and snooze function

Signal strength & battery consumption display

Direct reset function

Built-in rechargeable function (Ni-MH rechargeable battery only)

Extra long telescopic antenna

FM/SW antenna jack

Stereo earphone jack

DC jack (6V)

Power sources: 4 x UM3 (AA size) batteries (excluded) or DC 6V adaptor (excluded)

Dimensions – 190 x 35 x 112mm WHD

So far, I’ve seen no information regarding pricing/availability. I will update the SWLing Post with information about the Tecsun PL-680 as soon as it becomes available. Simply follow the tag: PL-680

Isolation transformer recommendations?

10 Replies

I recently added a Scott Marine Radio Model SLR-M to my small collection of vintage receivers (see above). [The SLR-M is the radio behind the Name that dial! challenge.] I’ll post more about the SLR-M in the near future–it’s a fascinating WWII era radio with a deep history.

In the meantime, I’m looking for a good, reliable, and affordable isolation transformer for the SLR-M. By design, SLR-M chassis is a part of the overall circuit, thus can be “hot” and never grounded. Several other radios of the era were designed this way and rarely cause electric shock, but since I have small children in the house, I like to play it safe.

At the moment, I’m leaning toward a Tripp Lite IS250 Isolation Transformer. It seems to be a favorite amongst vintage radio collectors, but at $110, it’s certainly an investment I want to make wisely.

If you have advice about isolation transformers, or about the Tripp Lite specifically, please comment below. If you other suggestions, please include links.

Thanks in advance!

Radio Dabanga: Sudan to launch 20 radio stations

1 Reply

(Source: Radio Dabanga via Andy Sennitt)

Coming January, Sudan will launch ten shortwave radio stations in Darfur, and ten in South Kordofan

The new radio stations will present programmes in local dialects, to counter the broadcasts by Radio Dabanga, in an attempt to reduce its impact on the populations of those regions, especially in Darfur, Information Minister Ahmed Bilal Osman told Members of the national Parliament on Tuesday.

As for South Kordofan, the radio stations will aim to reach the Nuba people living in the rebel-controlled areas, the minister noted.

Sudanese MPs have criticised the performance of the official media before. They described it as “weak, and failing in the delivery of information”. On Tuesday, 25 November, the daily broadcasts by Radio Dabanga from the Netherlands were discussed in the parliament. Some MPs stressed the need “to disrupt the activity of Radio Dabanga, or completely stop it”, and demanded from the Information Minister of State to develop a plan to at least reduce its impact.

Radio Dabanga broadcasts in shortwave to the whole of Sudan and neighbouring countries. Satellite broadcasts are confined to the larger cities. (See elsewhere on this site for audio feeds.)

Follow this story on Radio Dabanga’s website.

CountyComm GP5/SSB delayed at port

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Many thanks to Dave Zantow who points out the following message on Universal Radio’s product page for the CountyComm GP5/SSB:

“These radios arrived to the San Diego, CA dock in late November. Due to a dock worker labor issue, they have been stuck there. An exact release date is unknown.”

We will post an update when Universal Radio finally receives them–I’m sure Dave will also keep tabs on his excellent news page.

Bonito’s new shortwave products

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This year at the Dayton Hamvention, I stopped by the Bonito booth in Hara arena. I noticed a number of new products Bonito has introduced specifically for the SWL/DXer market.

Bonito has kindly forwarded pages from their brochure (see below–click to enlarge), though all of the products can also be found on Bonito’s website and at Universal Radio.

David Goren’s Cold War mix

Video: Controlling the Elad FDM-S2 SDR with the HP Stream 7 tablet

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Guy Atkins, who shares the following video demonstrating how the Elad FDM-S2 can be controlled with the $99 HP Stream 7 Windows 8.1 tablet PC: