While 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.
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:
Along with the owner’s manual, Tecsun has included a large, fold-out amateur radio world map and quick reference guide.
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.
The padded faux leather case reminds me of cases we used to receive with world band radios.
I like the layout of the front panel. The buttons have a very nice feel and the tuning wheels/knobs are fluid.
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.
The Tecsun Pl-660 (left) and PL-880 (right). Nearly identical in size.
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.
Click here to download.
The eBay seller, Anon-co, has posted the owner’s manual for the Tecsun PL-880. Click here to download the manual as a PDF.
Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Mike, for sending me this file.
I purchased a PL-880 and expect to receive it soon. I will post some preliminary photos and a review in time to help you make any holiday buying decisions.
Radio 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.
I 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.
The Grundig G3 shortwave radio.
Not really a surprise, but I’ve confirmed that the Grundig G3 has been discontinued. They are still available, for the moment, from Universal Radio and online sources like Amazon.com. I would not advise buying from Amazon as I’ve received numerous complaints that they’ve shipped faulty units. Universal Radio, on the other hand, is testing each an every G3 leaving their shop.
With the exit of the G3, this leaves Grundig with the following selection of shortwave portables:
Tecsun PL-880
Tecsun, meanwhile, is adding to their extensive line of shortwave portables. Indeed, this morning, W4ASZ comments:
“I found this link courtesy of the manly men at Herculodge :
Looking pretty good !”
I agree and I do feel cautiously optimistic about the Tecsun PL-880. Could it be my new travel radio? Though I still happily travel with the Grundig G3, Sony ICF-SW7600GR and Tecsun PL-380, a guy can’t have too many radios to choose from!
I’ll plan to review the PL-880 once it’s available. I’m particularly interested in seeing how it stacks up against the venerable Tecsun PL-660.
The Tecsun PL-880 (Photo: bbs.tecsun.com.cn/)
Last night, I discovered news of the new Tecsun PL-880 on Jeff’s excellent blog, the Herculodge.
Out of all of the current shortwave radio manufacturers, Tecsun seems to be one of the only companies making new models for the radio hobbyist–models with important features like SSB, bandwidth control, fine tuning steps, capable AGC, etc.
According to a comment Owl left on this post, it sounds like the PL-880 could be a performer:
Two photos of Tecsun’s new model PL880 appeared yesterday. It uses an analog+DSP architecture similar to ATS909X but has made some significant improvements (4 AM bandwidth + 5 SSB bandwidth) and better audio compared to previous Tecsun portables.
http://herculodge.typepad.com/
herculodge/2013/08/new-tecsun- pl-880-on-its-way.html
I will plan on reviewing the PL-880, once it hits the market. If it’s no larger than my Sony ICF-SW7600GR, it might make for a great travel radio.
(Photo source: bbs.tecsun.com.cn)