Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Robert Richmond, who shares the following series of videos about the new ATS-25 receiver (mentioned in this previous post) from Kevin O’Reilly’s YouTube channel.
Kevin’s ATS-25 video series
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Tag Archives: Robert Richmond
The new ATS-25 Si4732 receiver with color touch screen
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Robert Richmond, who writes:
An ATS-25 receiver has appeared on eBay and similar sites. It appears to be a touchscreen and user interface update to the previous ATS-20 model. I suppose it remains to be seen if there are any improvements to the underlying electronic design and construction quality.
Click here to view on eBay (partner link)
At $130+ I am not sure if I am inclined to find out, but perhaps someone out there might be interested. Given the design shortcuts and potential build quality concerns of the current ATS-20, I would suggest considering the ATS-25 a possible “kit radio” as well until if or when proven otherwise.
Best Regards,
Robert Richmond
Thank you for the tip, Robert!
I would certainly welcome a guest review of the new ATS-25. If you’ve purchased this radio and would enjoy reviewing it here on the SWLing Post, please contact me!
SI473x Receiver Firmware Update and Internal Photos
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Robert Richmond, who writes:
Hi Tom,
Ricardo (PC2CLR) recently published an excellent firmware update for the SI473x kit-based receivers flooding AliExpress, eBay, etc.
I purchased a preassembled SI473x model, and it has a much better user interface following the update IMO. Other changes include being able to tweak or disable soft mute, finer grained attenuation, and a few options being moved to the encoder instead of multiple button presses.
The update including directions and a list of features can be found here:
https://github.com/pu2clr/SI4735/tree/master/examples/SI47XX_KITS/AliExpress
Best Regards,
Robert Richmond
Internal Photos
Robert also kindly shared the following internal photos of the SI473x receiver:
“Crossed 1N4148 diodes and a 1M carbon resistor at the BNC connector.”
“I did not spend much time delving into the design. I just went with the quick-and-dirty approach of throwing parts at it.”
Robert, thank you so much for sharing the information and your SI473x photos/mods!
Desheng retailing the Tecsun H-501 at 1500 Yuan
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Robert Richmond, who writes:
You probably have seen the info months ago, but I just noted Tecsun China has officially launched the Tecsun H-501 receiver in China priced at 1500 Yuan, which is about $230 USD. Add shipping.
The Chinese domestic market H-501 model on AliExpress and Bangood has been averaging $400+ USD. I have no idea if the Desheng/Tecsun store ships outside China, but it seems like a considerable savings for customers outside of China if actually capable of ordering there.
The Tecsun homage currently features a H-501 banner:
The homepage link for more info takes you to a Desheng/Tecsun sales page including specs, multiple pics, consumer reviews, etc. here:
https://dgdesheng.yswebportal.cc/pd.jsp?id=89
Best Regards,
Robert Richmond
Thank you for the tip, Robert! I’ll be waiting for Anon-Co to distribute the export version of the H-501, but the 1500 Yuan/$230 USD price point is much closer to what I expected rather than those early inflated AliExpress prices. Thanks again!
Tecsun AN-48X Loop Antenna: One simple suggestion to improve performance
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Robert Richmond, who writes:
I recently received the new Tecsun AN-48X loop antenna. I have not had much time to thoroughly test it, but I can make one immediate recommendation IMO. Replace the bundled “feedline” between the loop and controller with an actual *shielded* 1/8″ male-to-male stereo audio cable.
The bundled cable causes near-hand capacitance at the controller, potential RFI issues, etc.; at least for my received unit. The noted concerns largely corrected when replacing the bundled cable with a 6′ shielded audio cable. Tuning now works as expected, and SNR seems much improved.
I have longer 12′ shielded cables and some 1/8″ female-to-female couplers on order to eventually try longer feedlines should the need arise. I will try to drop you a line if/when I get around to testing them.
That’s a sound suggestion, Robert! Thanks for sharing!
Tecsun H-501 prototype drawing and photo
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Robert Richmond, who shares two images of the Tecsun H-501 dated June 21, 2019 from this radio forum.
As Robert notes, “Probably a prototype, so YMMV.” Very true–it’s quite possible further changes could be made to the design or silkscreening before a full production run.
The photo above with BG71CA does give us an indication of the radio’s overall size.
Thanks for sharing, Robert!