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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.
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:
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.
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:
It is a simple shirt pocket-sized radio of not more than approximately 20 cubic inches.
It is an entertainment-grade radio, as opposed to enthusiast’s radio. As such, it will usually not have AM synchronous detection, SSB clarification or other specialized features.
It is readily available to the hobby in new or used markets at the time of its approval.
It costs no more than $100 retail at the time of approval.
It is primarily a radio. While it may have other features as well (MP3 recorder, etc.), the design and function should have radio reception as its focus.
It is not a “novelty radio” such as Coca Cola Can radio, Mr. Potato Head, etc.
Each radio is individually approved before it is considered an ultralight.
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:
The Utralight DX Email Group – This is where all of the ultralight DXers communicate. There are loggings, radio reviews, hints and kinks all to be found here.