According to WoodBoxRadio, the ELAD FDM-S1 software-defined radio will be shipping this month (March 2012). This is an intriguing SDR and boasts some pretty impressive features–download their spec sheet here. Can’t wait to see how it compares to other popular SDRs.
The FDM-S1 is available at a “special” price of 399 Euro–it can be ordered on their website.
The CCRadio-SW is one of our favorite portables for excellent audio fidelity and ease of use.
I received notification that C. Crane is selling some of their “orphan” radios at excellent discounts while supplies last.
Out of their shortwave selection, they are selling the CCRadio-SW (a radio we love) for $99.95 and the ultra-portable CCRadio-SWP (review here) for $34.95.
Click here to see all of the orphan deals.
What are C.Crane orphan radios? Orphan radios are simply customer returns or demo units that have been tested and cleaned. Orphan items come with a 60-day money back guarantee and are limited to stock on hand. Prices on these are good through 02/28/12.
NOTE: C. Crane is an excellent radio retailer and I would not hesitate to order an “orphan” product from them!
In the video below, Alan (W2AEW), shows us the installation and basic operation of an upgraded micro-controller for the Ten Tec Model 1254 Superhet Receiver Kit.
As Alan points out in the video, this is one of two upgrades offered at Cholakian.com. Both upgrades enhance the operation and usability of the Model 1254, giving it many more choices of tuning steps (yes!), the ability to automatically turn off the LED display, more memories and allowing you to eliminate the 9V battery back-up. This basic upgrade costs $38, the premium upgrade costs $68 even allows you to control the receiver via your PC.
Thanks, Alan, for showing us just how simple this upgrade is to perform:
You can see more of Alan’s projects at his website.
The DR111 DRM Radio (Photo: Chengdu NewStar Electronics)
One of the reasons DRM (Digital Radio Mondial) has struggled to gain global popularity is that there has yet to be a portable radio solution with universal appeal.
Perhaps the future Chengdu NewStar Electronics DR111 DRM Radio will change that? According to their website, the company is certainly setting out to make an affordable receiver that is simple to operate. Hopefully, CDNSE has learned from this radio’s predecessor; ergonomics, affordability and overall ability to receive and decode DRM signals are the keys to its success.
We have added the DR111 to our Shortwave Radio Index. Check back as we will post updates.
You can now pre-order the Grundig G2 at Universal Radio for $149.95. Universal believes they will be available in April.
Check out their order page for high-res images of the new G2.
Digital Journal reported that last weekend’s Sunspot 1302 was so strong that it had been detected via shortwave radio. The following video marries the shortwave audio with images from the sunspot:
A little shortwave radio astronomy courtesy of the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Audio recorded by Thomas Ashcraft in New Mexico. Read more at the Digital Journal.
The Tecsun PL-380 is an “ultralight” that has exceptional shortwave sensitivity and selectivity.
I have gone through the SWRI and tagged all portable shortwave radios that are considered “ultralights” by the ultralight “Definitions Committee.” Note that “ultralight dxing” is primarily a Mediumwave hobby, but you will find that many of the best performing ultralights are also capable, if not best-in-class shortwave receivers.
What are the attributes/guidelines for a radio to be considered an “ultralight”? Per the definitions committee:
The Tecsun PL-310, PL-380 and C.Crane CCRadio-SWP are three shortwave ultralights that I regularly use and are considered fine examples of ultralights.
Want to know more about ultralight dxing? Check out these resources: