Tag Archives: Mods

Tecsun PL-680: Rolf touts enhanced performance using PL-660 mod

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Rolf Snijder, who writes:

I have made the same modification to the Tecsun PL-680, that was done [by many on the] PL-660 earlier.

The PL-680 is now a great radio; I think now one of the best! I do not own a PL-660, so I cannot compare.

Photo detail

Overview of modification.

For disable soft mute you can see the 2 joints and you must scratch a path on the print near the switch. (same on a PL-660)

Closeup of joint #1 (click to enlarge)

Closeup of joint #2 (click to enlarge)

With the tone switch [on the left side panel of radio] you can turn the muting on and off. On FM I need to set it on for better results, but on LW MW and SW always off!

Frequency adjust is with the pot: adj1391 in the right corner. (for the 1 kHz off freq)

Click to enlarge.

Hope I can help someone with this on your great site.

Greetings,

Rolf Snijder
Netherlands

Many thanks for sharing this PL-680 mod, Rolf! This seems like a simple enough project and one that can be undone if you aren’t pleased with the results.

Post readers: Please comment if you’ve made this modification to your PL-680 or PL-660 or if you have other successful modifications to share!

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Simple modification to disable soft mute on the Tecsun PL-210

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Many thanks to SWLing reader, Mini, who wites:

I am Japanese short wave listener.

I found the method that disable soft-mute of TECSUN PL-210.
And, I posted the article in my blog.

Please forgive me that may be difficult for you to understand the content.
It is automatic translation from Japanese my blog.

Thanks mini

Click here to read Mini’s blog post via Google translate.

Click here for the original in Japanese.

Thank you, Mini! I don’t have the PL-210, but if I did I would certainly disable the soft mute as I find it very distracting during routine band scans.

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Robert’s modified version of the Sony SRF-39FP

A very simple mod for your PowerMate controller

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My Powermate USB sporting a white rubber band grip.

After publishing the post about my PowerMate USB controller, Mike Ladd replied on Facebook:

“Do what I did a couple of years ago and add a lobster claw rubber band to the [PowerMate] tuning wheel.”

In case you’re not familiar, Mike is referring to the thick, wide rubber bands that are placed on lobster claws to hold them shut. Mike included the following video; you can see that the rubber band fits perfectly around the top of the tuning knob, giving it a little extra grip.

This same type of rubber band can often be found in the produce department of grocery stores as it’s used to hold bunches of broccoli, asparagus and other produce together.

Many thanks for the tip, Mike!

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Dr. Phil’s radio articles: portable SDR and pocket DX

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SWLing Post reader, Dr. Phil, recently contacted me regarding a collection of articles he’s written about DXing and radio modifications.

His site actually has a number of useful articles that I’ll plan to convert to future posts, with his permission.

I asked Dr. Phil for links to two of his most popular publications. He replied:

My two big recent articles are shown below. One is about “Pocket Radio DX”: using under-$20 radios to DX (started in 2003). Click here to download as a PDF.

The other is about using an $18 NooElec TV-tuner as a MW and shortwave receiver. Click here to download as a PDF.

Brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing these, Dr. Phil!

I actually have a Sony ICF-S10MK2, which I consider to be a capable and useful little AM/FM receiver for the sub $20 price. I’ve also been very tempted to purchase an RTL-SDR dongle, so I may go ahead and bite the bullet on one of the NooElec SDR dongles.

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Two strategies to improve Sangean ATS-909X sensitivity

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SWLing Post contributor, Moshe, writes:

“I would like to share something I noticed about Sangean sensitivity issue:
As I own the ATS909, I noticed that with fresh set of regular batteries (1.5V) or it’s power transformer, it is very sensitive.
When the voltage of the batteries drops, so does sensitivity! Which means that if one uses rechargeable batteries (1.2V), the radio will be much less sensitive to begin with.”

Many thanks, Moshe! That is a very good reason to keep fresh alkaline batteries for the 909X, or to run it on a quiet power supply. Moshe is correct–fresh rechargeable batteries can’t deliver full voltage.

Several weeks ago, a reader informed me about a modification that increases SW sensitivity by adding a 4:1 impedance transformer.

Click here to download a PDF that documents the 4:1 transformer procedure.

Note that I can’t remember who shared the PDF and am not sure who was so kind to document the procedure with photos. Any additional information would be appreciated.

Have any readers performed the transformer mod on the ‘909X with success?

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Modify An Icom IC-735 To Work DRM

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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.