{"id":7359,"date":"2013-09-23T17:43:04","date_gmt":"2013-09-23T21:43:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=7359"},"modified":"2013-09-23T20:32:41","modified_gmt":"2013-09-24T00:32:41","slug":"living-off-grid-the-ideal-shortwave-radio-system-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2013\/09\/living-off-grid-the-ideal-shortwave-radio-system-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Living off-grid? The ideal shortwave radio system for you"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"While<\/a>

While the Tecsun GR-168 is my current pick amongst self-powered shortwave radios, performance is only mediocre compared with a proper, hobby-grade receiver with SSB.<\/p><\/div>\n

What’s the best system for off-grid living?<\/em>\u00a0From time to time, I’m asked this question in the “comments” section of the website or via email<\/a>.\u00a0 Recently it came up again, and I thought it might make sense to answer it here, and also open it for discussion.<\/p>\n

Specifically, SWLing Post<\/em> reader, Phil, writes:<\/p>\n

“[H]i, I am looking for a SW radio that can be used in an off-grid location (rechargeable\/ wind-up\/ 12 volt DC\/ or solar powered), that can pick up a wide range of English speaking stations from here in SW Spain, fantastic audio quality, in the \u00a3100-200 price range, and can pick up ham etc transmissions in an emergency (with SSB?). \u00a0I know NOTHING about SW, so the CCRadio-SW looked about right, except it doesn’t have SSB. \u00a0Any other suggestions?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"SolarQTH2\"<\/a>

Our little solar cottage, where The SWLing Post<\/em> is often produced from the sun’s energy<\/p><\/div>\n

Phil, I’m glad you asked. I may be uniquely qualified to answer this question, as I live in and work from a solar house that is off-grid at least some of the time, and I run a charitable non-profit, Ears To Our World<\/a> (ETOW), that uses shortwave radio for educational purposes.\u00a0 ETOW works in schools, homes, and entire communities that are very often extremely remote, and, by default, off-grid.<\/p>\n

So, you have a number of great options to choose from–and whatever options I overlook, our fellow SWLing Post<\/em> readers will surely supply.<\/p>\n

As the ability to receive SSB signals is important to you (and I agree), all of these options will take this requirement into account. You’ll notice that I’m not elaborating on crank\/wind-up radios; while there are many of these on the market, none include SSB as an option. Fewer and fewer even include shortwave radio as an option. With that said, my current pick is the Tecsun GR-168<\/a>\u00a0(photo above). Another to consider is the EU\/Asian version of the Eton Rover<\/a> (US versions<\/a> lack SW, but feature NOAA frequencies).<\/p>\n

Following are the options I would suggest for you–or for anyone looking to add a solar-powered radio system to their off-grid set-up.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Tecsun PL-660<\/p><\/div>\n

Option 1: Portable radio<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most of the good portable radios on the market use AA batteries and can run quite a long time on a set. \u00a0I would recommend purchasing the Tecsun PL-660<\/a>, Sangean ATS-909X<\/a>, or the Sony ICF-SW7600GR<\/a>. The PL-660 is possibly the best choice for ease of use and overall value; it’s an impressive little radio, and has good audio fidelity for the size.<\/p>\n

Since these radios operate from AA batteries, I would simply purchase a 12V AA battery charger<\/a>, if you have 12 volts DC available.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>

A PowerFilm Solar AA charger unfolded and charging on left, folded panel on right.<\/p><\/div>\n

The other option would be to purchase a solar AA battery charger. I’ve tested a lot of these, and the best I’ve found are made by PowerFilm Solar<\/a> here in the USA. What I like about these solar chargers is that they can charge either two or four batteries at a time\u2013\u2013the panel folds out and has enough wattage to charge depleted cells within a few hours of sunlight exposure. \u00a0Folded up, they’re small enough (a little larger than a wallet) to be used for travel.<\/p>\n

I have used PowerFilm’s solar chargers extensively and they continue to impress. \u00a0Note, however, that they are not<\/em> waterproof\u2013\u2013you cannot leave them outside in rainy conditions.<\/p>\n

This radio\/panel combo can be purchased for under $250 US (\u00a3155\/185 EUR).<\/p>\n

Option 2: Tabletop receiver<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The CommRadio CR-1<\/p><\/div>\n

If you have access to 12 volts DC in your home or cabin, and you’re less concerned about portability, then a tabletop receiver might fit your price range and<\/em> will offer you better performance, when coupled with a reasonable outdoor wire antenna.<\/p>\n

You would want to find a tabletop receiver that could run on 12-13.8 volts DC. Many amateur radio-class communications receivers will do this. I would recommend one of the following:<\/p>\n