Tag Archives: Tecsun PL-880 Availability

Hidden feature: Adjusting the Tecsun PL-880 muting threshold

Tecsun-PL-800-Sync-SWLing-PostSWLing Post reader Owl points out another hidden feature of the Tecsun PL-880:

“Press and hold 9 when you listen to AM or SSB, you may adjust the muting threshold using either tuning knob. Press 9 again after you are done, the new threshold will be saved.”

Many thanks, Owl, as this solves a small problem I discovered with my PL-880.

Evidently, the muting threshold of the PL-880 defaults to 5 DBu. I found that listening to a marginal station produced a dip and jump in volume as the signal level hovered around 5 DBu. It was most annoying!

Owl is correct–simply holding the number 9 down while listening allows you to adjust the muting threshold between 00-25 DBu.  It seems setting the threshold to 00 turns off all muting. I prefer it off, so this is the setting I will use most of the time.

The PL-880 has a number of hidden features.  I will post them as they are uncovered.

You can follow all Tecsun PL-880 updates by bookmarking/checking this link.

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Hidden feature: The Tecsun PL-880 has a sync detector

Tecsun-PL-800-Sync-SWLing-PostWhile evaluating the Tecsun PL-880 this afternoon, I discovered a hidden feature: synchronous detection.

By pressing and holding either the USB/NORM or LSB/NORM buttons, you can make the PL-880 sync lock on either the upper or lower side band. By pressing either button momentarily, it simply puts the mode in either upper side band or lower side band.

Now to properly test it…

You can follow all Tecsun PL-880 updates by bookmarking/checking this link.

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Photos: Unboxing the new Tecsun PL-880

I just received my Tecsun PL-880 from FedEx a few moments ago. I only purchased this radio last week from Anon-Co on eBay–I’m most impressed that it arrived so early.

The PL-880 has been a highly-anticipated radio and I’m eager to dig in and see how well it reviews. I had several readers ask if I would take photos as I unboxed the unit–so I’ve embedded photos below. Simply click on each photo to enlarge:

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Along with the owner’s manual, Tecsun has included a large, fold-out amateur radio world map and quick reference guide.

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In the box, along with the manual and fold-out map, you’ll find: a USB charging cable, a rechargeable lithium battery, a wire antenna and a set of earbud headphones.

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The padded faux leather case reminds me of cases we used to receive with world band radios.

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I like the layout of the front panel. The buttons have a very nice feel and the tuning wheels/knobs are fluid.

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What’s most impressive, though, is the sound out of the internal speaker. Though I need to spend more time with it, it will most likely be one of the best I’ve ever heard in a radio this size. Nice bass and treble tones.

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The Tecsun Pl-660 (left) and PL-880 (right). Nearly identical in size.

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Of course, I will do a full review as soon as possible. I may also post updates along the way as I make discoveries.

Can you guess how I will be spending this afternoon and evening? Yep, playing radio.  Stay tuned!

You can follow all Tecsun PL-880 updates by bookmarking/checking this link.

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Tecsun PL-880 on eBay as a pre-sale

TecsunPL-880front_amazonRadio Flynn comments:

Anon-co just posted a pre-sale for the [Tecsun] PL-880 on Ebay: $158.74.

They estimate shipping dates from Nov 30 – Dec. 10 [2013]. Just in time for Christmas!

Thanks for the update, Radio Flynn!

On a side note, I should have a review of the PL-880 posted in enough time to help you make a purchase decision before Christmas. I will do some comparison with the Tecsun PL-660.

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Tecsun PL-880 available for pre-order on Amazon

TecsunPL-880front_amazonI just noticed that the Tecsun PL-880 is available to purchase as a pre-order from Amazon.com.

The vendor (Electronnix) claims that the PL-880 will be “released” on November 30, 2013.

The price is set at $149.00 US; at least $20 more than the Pl-660, depending on the retailer.

Though the PL-880 is available for pre-order on Amazon, I’ll most likely hold out an buy from my favorite eBay seller Anon-Co in Hong Kong. I’ve bought numerous radios from them in the past; their pricing and customer service are hard to beat.

I will review the PL-880 as soon as it’s available.

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