Shortwave listening and everything radio including reviews, broadcasting, ham radio, field operation, DXing, maker kits, travel, emergency gear, events, and more
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Zantow (N9EWO), who asks:
How many of you Amateur Radio folks reading this web page have WIRES-X capability (either with a local node on your own or have access to it via a repeater) ?? I ask this as a possibility of a casual net of some kind ? We have WIRES-X (local node) here and would be willing to at least try a test run of a weekly or semi weekly “SWL – Receiver Net” IF we receive enough feedback (even if only a few readers). So I would appreciate an email back with a thumbs up or down to this idea and that you would be at least a check in ? Also please give me ideas when you would think a good day of the week and time would be (USA) ? If I receive zero feed back, of course I will not waste my time (but I think it would be fun to at least give it a try).
I only recently acquires a WIRES-X capable handheld: the Yaesu FT2DR. Now I need to find out if there is a WIRES-X capable repeater I can hit from my home. Of course, for me it’s always finding a reliable time to meet–that’s the real challenge! Great idea, Dave!
Post Readers: Contact Dave if you’re interested–his email can be found at the top of his homepage.
Thanks, Dave! Your review reflects comments I’ve received from some Post readers who’ve purchased the AR-DV1 as well. Many were particularly upset with the audio quality. Of course, the AR-DV1 is marketed as a digital voice receiver, thus audio likely favors “narrow” voice audio.
Uniden creates another first with the SDS100 True I/Q Scanner, the first scanner to incorporate Software Defined Radio technology to provide incredible digital performance in even the most challenging RF environments. The SDS100’s digital performance is better than any other scanner in both simulcast and weak-signal environments.
The SDS100 is also the first scanner that allows you to decide what to display, where, and in what color. Custom fields put the information important to you right where you need it.
And, one more first, the SDS100 meets JIS4 (IPX4) standards for water resistance.
Slated for release in 2nd Quarter, 2018, the SDS100 carries an MSRP of $699*.
Of course, the SDS100 also includes all the advanced features you’ve come to expect from a Uniden scanner, including:
Customizable Color Display
Trunktracker X
APCO P25 Phase I and II
Motorola, EDACS, and LTR Trunking
MotoTRBO Capacity + and Connect +**
DMR Tier III**
Hytera XPT**
Single-Channel DMR**
NXDN 4800 and 9600**
EDACS ProVoice**
Location-Based Scanning
USA/Canada Radio Database
ZIP Code Selection for Easy Setup
Close Call™ RF Capture with Do Not Disturb
8 GB microSD
Soft Keys for Intellegent UI
Recording, Playback, and Replay
Temporary Avoid
Fire Tone-Out Alert
System Analysis and Discovery
CTCSS/DCS/NAC/RAN/Color Code Decoding
S.A.M.E. Weather Alert
Enhanced Dynamic Memory
Preemptive Trunking Priority
Fully Customizable Scanning with your own Favorites Lists
Backlit Keypad
Channel Volume Offset
PC Programming and Control
USB Connectivity and Charging
Weekly Database Updates
Free Sentinel Software keeps the SDS100 database and memory up to date
“[The SDS100] actually is bit smaller than the 436 and if the performance is like they say (see attached picture), then this could be a very exciting scanner indeed!!”
Yes indeed! I have the Uniden BCD436HP and love it. It’s such a simple handheld scanner to operate and there’s no real need to “program” it as it will automatically load relevant frequencies based on GPS coordinates or a postal/zip code. This looks like a significant upgrade and I love the fact it’s water resistant. Of course, MSRP is projected to be $699 US–not a small investment.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Zantow (N9EWO), who notes that Indiana-based amateur radio retailer The Ham Station is closing for business. A Ham Station staff member has also confirmed this.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Zantow (N9EWO), who writes:
Just how many MW stations in North America are broadcasting in “C-QUAM AM Stereo” these days?? I found this reference which appears to be the most accurate list around the internet.
I have taken this list and have edited it and converted to a PDF file [click here to download].
Best way to catch a AM Stereo signal these days is with a SDR device. We have been using Bernd Reiser’s “SoDiRa” program (version 0.100 Preview 24) with a SDRPlay RSP1 and does an excellent job with C-QUAM AM Stereo decoding.
During sky wave nighttime conditions we received CFCO in Chatham Ontario well of late on 630 kHz in AM STEREO (country music format). Program also appears to have built in DRM and DRM+ decoding (we have not tested this part of the program). IMPORTANT NOTE : We found we needed to use the older EXTIO version 3.7 otherwise we encountered errors with OUR connected Windows 7 PC’s (your situation may vary).
Dan Robinson’s JRC NRD-545
Not to forget that the JRC NRD-545 receiver has “built in” AM Stereo decoding (AMS mode). One MUST use the phono jack “line outputs” on the rear panel connected to an external amplifier etc. It does NOT output via it’s headphone connector. Speaking of the JRC NRD-545, please see my web page for late important service information on my “Radio News” webpage.
The last time I listened to a C-QUAM AM stereo station it was with WNNC station owner/manager, Dave Lingafelt. We sat in his beautiful red Buick Reatta, parked at the station and transmitter site and listened to 1970s rock on 1230 kHz. Needless to say, it sounded absolutely amazing! Indeed, all of Dave Lingafelt’s stations (WNNC, WAIZ and WXRC) sound amazing.
To listen to an AM station in stereo is a real treat. Thanks for reminding us, Dave!
UPDATE: 11/21/17
Eton-Grundig has informed us the Satellit 750 is currently not available.
They cannot provide an availability date. We are not taking orders at this time.
I’ve also noted that the ‘750 is no longer on the Eton website. It does appear Amazon.com still has inventory, but no doubt they will eventually deplete their stock. The ‘750 is sold at a number of other retailers–simply search the model number in your favorite search engine and you’ll likely find retailers with remaining stock.
So it does appear the Grundig Satellit 750 may be discontinued. If so, it’s certainly had a long product life.
As I mentioned yesterday, the IC-7300 is a fantastic general coverage transceiver with built-in sound card for digital modes, touch screen spectrum display and brilliant performance overall. Check out our review of the ‘7300 by clicking here.
This sale combined with Icom’s rebate will yield you the lowest price I’ve ever seen on the IC-7300.
