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London Shortwave has discovered an innovative way to monitor broadcasts while recording from his Tecsun PL-660. He writes:
“Tecsun PL-660 doesn’t have a line out, which means that when recording from it one has to use a pair of headphones to listen to it simultaneously.
Most portable speakers I’ve tried generate tremendous amounts of RFI when connected directly to the receiver. I solved this problem by using TaoTronics BA-01 Bluetooth audio transmitter and a Bluetooth enabled portable speaker, together with a cable that splits the audio output into two, so the transmitter and the audio recorder can both be connected to the radio.
The recording [in this YouTube video] is of Radio Australia and was made in London, UK on 09/04/2014 at 1543 BST.”
The new Tecsun PL-398BT will feature Bluetooth technology, which should allow for remote radio listening on computers, mobile phones and other devices with Bluetooth capabilities.
This week, I noticed a post on the excellent Herculodge blog that Tecsun is about to update their product line, placing an even stronger emphasis on quality control and offering up innovative features like Bluetooth technologies on their new PL-398BT. Some of the Herculodge’s information came from one of their own sources and a discussion thread from Tecsun’s user group that was started by a member who had recently taken a tour of Tecsun’s Shanghai service center.
This is very exciting news indeed as I have become quite fond of the Tecsun product line. Tecsun portable radios seem to have excellent quality control (especially when compared to the likes of Degen and Kaito, for example) and offer innovative features like an adjustable IF bandwidth and ETM (Easy Tuning Mode)–features not typically associated with shortwave portables.
The Tecsun PL-505 looks to be an improved version of the popular Tecsun PL-606.
I would have to assume that these radios will primarily be available through Honk Kong distributors on eBay. This year, Kaito USA became North America’s only authorized distributor of Tecsun radios–meaning, they can offer a manufacturer’s warranty, something Hong Kong distributors cannot. However, reports are that Kaito USA’s Tecsun radio stock may not be as updated as the versions sold by Tecsun distributors on eBay. In general, feedback from eBay purchasers has been very positive as eBay sellers offer their own guarantee and many check each radio before it is shipped (hence, your box may look like it has already been opened). Before purchasing any radio on eBay, make sure you check each seller’s user feedback points.
If history is an indicator, the Tecsun PL-505 and Tecsun PL-398BT will first be available to purchase on eBay. I have provided links below to automate your search–please note that until these products are available, don’t expect to see any results.
This is very exciting news indeed as I have become quite fond of the 