Small Portable Radio's?

[Lit Up]

OK, curiosity got the better of me and I had a poke around at the state of radio.

It seems that HD-Radio has been available by some early adopters as long as five years ago. It just seems to not have gained much of a foothold.
We also have XM/Sirius, and the analog signals of AM/FM, of course.
Well a lot are saying HD-Radio is a little too late. I don't see how as satellite is a pay for subscription service (With a lot of complaints over phantom charges and problems when trying to cancel service) and HD is free...

There's also talk of something currently being heavily developed that's called IP Radio. (WiMax) Basically radio streams via IP. Like VoIP being voice over IP. Everyone is banking on this it seems. To the point that station owners could be faced with the question of turning off their physical station transmitters altogether sometime down the road.

In short: This is going to be a far worse headache than HDTV and the Blu-Ray HD-DVD battle combined ever thought of being. And it's most likely why we have all the reluctance to have a lot of radio models available out there.

Some reading:
http://www.rwonline.com/pages/s.0048/t.9030.html

In the meantime, grab a decent radio that gets weather band and go with it until all this dust clears.

[StarHalo]

Portable radio DXing (long-distance listening) is one of my other hobbies, and I have a modest portable radio collection, so I've got some mileage on the subject - I would recommend an *analog tuned* (needle-and-dial tuner, no digital display) radio, preferably powered by AAs (or larger/more batteries), as these have ridiculously long runtimes. You'll find you don't need a high-dollar super-sensitive unit to pull in distant stations at night, even a bare-bones model will easily pick up bigger AM stations from several hundred miles away. Ideally it should receive the weather band, shortwave is not useful in any local/regional event (aside from being almost impossible to tune, especially in any emergency situation). XM/Sirius radio doesn't cover anything local, and HD stations are exclusively local (you can't hear them from longer distances) and require an expensive/complex tuner. Put your money into a good bang-for-the-buck known-brand-name model that puts the cost into quality more than extraneous features (the two analog Sonys Lit Up posted are excellent choices).

Unfortunately the most useful feature, TV audio, won't be useable after next year; the one time I was in a five-day ice storm power outage, the TV audio was pretty much all I needed, and had far better coverage and information than any radio station. But second to TV stations would be local/regional AM stations; Make sure you know ahead of time what AM stations you'd want to tune in an emergency, specifically the all news format and big/powerful regional stations.

[bmstrong]

I appreciate everyone who replied to this topic. Makes for some very interesting reading...

[Black Rose]

Check out this Kaito model. Small, multiband, great reception, and about $35 buy now on ebay.
Here's a review: http://www.radiointel.com/review-kaitowrx911.htm

Excellent review for such a low cost multiband radio.

I've always wanted a shortwave equipped radio and prefer analog tuning - seems perfect for what I want.

Might have to order one (yeah, like I need more toys )

[StarHalo]

The WRX is a solid unit, but be aware of the difficulty and limitations of receiving worldband on an analog portable; "off the whip" (using just the antenna) you're only going to get a few of the major stations and those that are closest to you, and when you do find something, tuning it is quite a challenge since the signals are usually quite weak and tend to drift/fade. And finding it later requires some very careful notetaking and patient knob-turning.

If you'd still like to give it a try, I'd recommend picking up a ~$10 pocket reel antenna available by many manufacturers and vendors (here's one: http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/3184.html ) and works with any radio. If used properly, this single little length of wire will easily double or triple the number of stations (shortwave only) you receive.

Again, I don't recommend a worldband radio like the WRX for purchase as an emergency kit radio, but for a fun bang-for-the-buck shortwave unit, it's a good choice.

[Black Rose]

Since I more or less live right in the middle of the continent, I would probably need one of those pocket reel antennas.

Thanks for the tip.

[stitch_paradox]

This is a really great thread. A lot of people don't know this but one key of survival is information. The GE super radio seems to be a winner, too bad I didn't see it before I bought this:

Eton FR300

(Moderator note: Hotlinked pic removed IAW CPF Image Rules.)

Haven't really used it, I just cranked it up and turned it on then put it away with my emergency stuff.

Does anyone here have this or have used this more extensively?

[Sub_Umbra]

This is a really great thread. A lot of people don't know this but one key of survival is information. The GE super radio seems to be a winner, too bad I didn't see it before I bought this:

Eton FR300

(Moderator note: Hotlinked pic removed IAW CPF Image Rules.)

Haven't really used it, I just cranked it up and turned it on then put it away with my emergency stuff.

Does anyone here have this or have used this more extensively?

I have not used that one but I have followed many threads about crank up radios. They seem to work best when used every day, week or at least once a month. The rechargable cells inside it are the same as rechargable cells everywhere (except perhaps cheaper ) and as such they really don't like long periods of inactivity. There are many posts about people storing crank up gear only to find it dead and unusable later. The cells inside them are like all rechargable cells in that they are similar to your teeth -- if you ignore them they go away.

In general, crank radios work best in places like the Third World where folks are forced to use them every day because they simply can't afford batteries. Everyday use would seem to demand a modicum of quality -- because it's being used every day -- crank mechinisims with plastic gears probably won't fare well under everyday use.

This is not meant to be a monolithic condemnation of crank up radios. If the device is of high quality and it's use is worked into one's everyday life I think it could be a valuable piece of emergency gear. Also, even if it is of lessor quality a crank device will not let you down if it is incorporated into one's everyday life as one will see it going bad as it happens and not be so likely to be left in the lurch. Generally this would also be true of many, many other classes of emergency gear -- working it into one's daily life will make one not only much more familiar with it's workings but also alert one to it's shortcomings before the crunch.

As a side bar, I see that this radio has Red Cross endorsement. I personally have a huge amount of experience with the Red Cross under very serious disaster conditions and I can assure you that their actions, advice and endorsements may be hazardous to the health of your family in any type of serious emergency.

[StarHalo]

The Eton emergency radios have gotten generally mediocre reviews due to a remarkably stubborn battery cover, just-decent reception, and the "cell-phone charge" feature being greatly overhyped. If you're set on the Eton, I'd opt instead for the FR400, essentially the same radio but weather-resistant.

[StarHalo]

I apologize for not giving a specific suggestion for a particular radio, but between a new baby and a new house, I'm not afforded a lot of time to do product comparisons; I do think it's a pretty important topic though, and after a rare moment to do some intensive investigating, I can definitively say there's a winner:

The Sony ICF-B05W



Standing a just over 7 inches tall, it features an AM/FM/Weather band analog tuner, a hand-crank generator that will power the AM band for one hour for one minute of cranking, an LED light with a high and low setting, a water resistant case, and best of all: it's powered by *two C cells* for a total AM runtime of 355 HOURS.

In my five-day power outage ordeal, I found that I left the radio on pretty much nonstop in the waking hours, not just for news but to provide entertainment and generally keep up morale. This radio, if used for 16 hours a day will last *over 22 days* on a single pair of batteries, and even then you still have the option to crank.

It looks like the Sony engineers have really put their heads together to make a serious emergency radio, and this one definitely deserves some looking into.

[Sub_Umbra]

Wow StarHalo,

That is really cool.

[Burgess]

to StarHalo --


Thank you for that information !



This is a Brand - New product, and here it is

on Sony's website:


http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665116622


Hope this is helpful !

_

[Black Rose]

I was just looking over the US Sony style site.

You folks get a much better selection of portable radios than we do here in Canada. I'd like to get an ICF-38, not available up here

We only have two portable radios available from Sony up here.

[stitch_paradox]

As a side bar, I see that this radio has Red Cross endorsement. I personally have a huge amount of experience with the Red Cross under very serious disaster conditions and I can assure you that their actions, advice and endorsements may be hazardous to the health of your family in any type of serious emergency.

Thanks for the Info Sub, it's really helpful. I actually learned something new regarding the cranks radios batteries. I should power up the radio at least once a month.

Also I'm quite surprised about your statement above. Can you explain more about it. Thanks.

[Sub_Umbra]

...Also I'm quite surprised about your statement above. (about the Red Cross -- added by Sub) Can you explain more about it. Thanks.

That would be pretty off topic even for me. I'll try to work up a PM covering it within a few days

[Burgess]

Please, Sub_Umbra, consider posting your info in a New Thread.
(not simply a Private Message)


There are LOTS of us who would like to hear it.



As i've stated previously . . . .


When Sub_Umbra speaks,

we ALL pay attention !


_

[stitch_paradox]

Exactly... This is the second time I heard something like this about red cross. First time I heard about it I ignored it, but this time I think I better listen.

[Sub_Umbra]

stitch_paradox, Burgess,

PMs sent.

CPF can probably do without any more of my rants on this subject. I've posted quite a bit on this and I just don't think I should start that thread. If you search for posts with my User Name AND throw in terms like Katrina, water, garbage, insects, preparedness, radio, "nv green", entertainment, food, looters and "New Orleans" -- you'll get a bellyfull. The wonderful Moderators here have been very patient with me.

I've thought about organizing some of my posts in one place on my own web space to make them easier to find -- but I haven't.

Here's a quick 'n dirty Google search that seems to list most of my posts on preparedness, etc. There's some junk in the results but if you look at the Subjects and the discriptions you'll find much of the relevent posts without much trouble.

Thanks for reading.
/sub

[Lit Up]

Excellent review for such a low cost multiband radio.

I've always wanted a shortwave equipped radio and prefer analog tuning - seems perfect for what I want.

Might have to order one (yeah, like I need more toys )

I dunno. The portable shortwaves are ok. I have a Grundig Mini 300 like stated earlier and a cheap Radio Shack model.

But look at what just arrived back in March at the 300 dollar mark.
http://gizmodo.com/341112/grundig-et...-yes-shortwave
AM, FM, shortwave, longwave, SSB and aircraft band frequencies.


I want one. oh. so. much.

[Lit Up]

I was just looking over the US Sony style site.

You folks get a much better selection of portable radios than we do here in Canada. I'd like to get an ICF-38, not available up here

We only have two portable radios available from Sony up here.

Don't sweat it too much, Black Rose.

I have the ICF-36 which is basically the same model but with weather band and TV band added.
My small, portable Grundig hangs with it and in some cases finds AM stations that the Sony misses. The Sony is just your average, run of the mill, night stand/table, portable radio.

[StarHalo]

But look at what just arrived back in March at the 300 dollar mark.
http://gizmodo.com/341112/grundig-et...-yes-shortwave
AM, FM, shortwave, longwave, SSB and aircraft band frequencies.

If you just want to hear *everything* that's floating in the air, there's always one of these:




(http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...rxvr/0095.html)

[Lit Up]

If you just want to hear *everything* that's floating in the air, there's always one of these:




(http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...rxvr/0095.html)

At $13,000?
Maybe if I win the lottery. Maybe.

[Sub_Umbra]

At $13,000?....

Don't forget the batteries...

[StarHalo]

At $13,000?
Maybe if I win the lottery. Maybe.

If you won the lottery, you could probably get the credentials for the govt version of that receiver, which can listen in on cell phones...

The Grundig Satellit 750 is going to be a big seller in the radio community, where there's a strong following of multi-generational Satellit users (since 1964!). But if you're looking near that price range, for an extra $100 there's the Grundig Satellit 900 (since renamed Eton E1):



(http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/0101.html)

The big advantage the E1 has over the 750 is the *synchronous detection* feature, which without getting too technical, can completely block out a stronger signal overrunning a weaker one, making the weak signal sound as though it's out in the open on it's own, nice and clear. This single feature puts any receiver into a totally new level of reception, because it can receive stations that would be completely inaudible on other non-sync radios.

For half the price of the 750 is the receiver I use, the Sony ICF-SW7600GR:



(http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId=11037231)

The GR is one of the least expensive sync-equipped radios out there, aside from being the top-rated portable for under $300. I've used it many times in the tightly-packed spaces in the shortwave bands to get stations that would have otherwise been impossible to make out. I mostly use it for AM talk radio; a lot of hype surrounds the CCrane CCRadio+ for this use, but again, the CCrane doesn't have sync - The CCRadio will slightly edge out the GR in receiving a weak station that has no other stations near it on the dial, but when it comes to the net number of stations you can audibly receive, the GR trounces the CC by a large margin.

[Lit Up]

If you won the lottery, you could probably get the credentials for the govt version of that receiver, which can listen in on cell phones...

The Grundig Satellit 750 is going to be a big seller in the radio community, where there's a strong following of multi-generational Satellit users (since 1964!). But if you're looking near that price range, for an extra $100 there's the Grundig Satellit 900 (since renamed Eton E1):



(http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/0101.html)

The big advantage the E1 has over the 750 is the *synchronous detection* feature, which without getting too technical, can completely block out a stronger signal overrunning a weaker one, making the weak signal sound as though it's out in the open on it's own, nice and clear. This single feature puts any receiver into a totally new level of reception, because it can receive stations that would be completely inaudible on other non-sync radios.

For half the price of the 750 is the receiver I use, the Sony ICF-SW7600GR:



(http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId=11037231)

The GR is one of the least expensive sync-equipped radios out there, aside from being the top-rated portable for under $300. I've used it many times in the tightly-packed spaces in the shortwave bands to get stations that would have otherwise been impossible to make out. I mostly use it for AM talk radio; a lot of hype surrounds the CCrane CCRadio+ for this use, but again, the CCrane doesn't have sync - The CCRadio will slightly edge out the GR in receiving a weak station that has no other stations near it on the dial, but when it comes to the net number of stations you can audibly receive, the GR trounces the CC by a large margin.

SWEET!

Also, can that Sony accept an external antenna or is it even really an issue?

[bmstrong]

[QUOTE=Sub_Umbra;2509461]stitch_paradox, Burgess,

PMs sent.

CPF can probably do without any more of my rants on this subject. I've posted quite a bit on this and I just don't think I should start that thread. If you search for posts with my User Name AND throw in terms like Katrina, water, garbage, insects, preparedness, radio, "nv green", entertainment, food, looters and "New Orleans" -- you'll get a bellyfull. The wonderful Moderators here have been very patient with me.

I've thought about organizing some of my posts in one place on my own web space to make them easier to find -- but I haven't.

Here's a quick 'n dirty Google search that seems to list most of my posts on preparedness, etc. There's quite a bit of junk in the results but if you look at the Subjects and the discriptions you'll find much of the relevent posts without much trouble.

Any chance you still have a copy of that PM? I'm interested as well..

[StarHalo]

Also, can that Sony accept an external antenna or is it even really an issue?

Yes it can, which you'll need to use if you really want to hear what's out there on the shortwave bands (the aforementioned pocket reel antenna is a good start). No portable is going to do very well "off the whip", but the Sony makes a good effort as its antenna is nearly a full yard in length, great for strong shortwave or weak FM.

[Unforgiven]

I had the ICF-SW7600GR and the Kaito 1103 and compared them side by side. The performance was nearly identical with the Sony being just a tad better on the FM and SSB modes. The only thing with the Kaito is the controls took a little getting used to. The Kaito can be found for about $89 or less, while the Sony is about $150 or so. The Kaito is also quite a bit smaller than the Sony.

I have since gotten a Sangean ATS 909 (Super 909) It has noticeably better selectivity than either the Kaito or the Sony but at quite a bit more money. The Super 909 is about $330. The 909's sound is much better than either of the other 2.

The (HAM) HF table top receivers will do a better job at receiving distant stations than any of the portables that I have used, but as stated will require large outdoor antennas to do the job.

[Bullzeyebill]

I had the ICF-SW7600GR and the Kaito 1103 and compared them side by side. The performance was nearly identical with the Sony being just a tad better on the FM and SSB modes. The only thing with the Kaito is the controls took a little getting used to. The Kaito can be found for about $89 or less, while the Sony is about $150 or so. The Kaito is also quite a bit smaller than the Sony.

I have since gotten a Sangean ATS 909 (Super 909) It has noticeably better selectivity than either the Kaito or the Sony but at quite a bit more money. The Super 909 is about $330. The 909's sound is much better than either of the other 2.

The (HAM) HF table top receivers will do a better job at receiving distant stations than any of the portables that I have used, but as stated will require large outdoor antennas to do the job.

I had Radio Labs do that 909 mod to my Radio Shack 398 (same as Sangean 909). Quite a bit of improvement. The 398 is quite a bit larger than my SW7600, but more convenient to use. My primary middle wave DX model is the Sangean/CCRadio.

Bill

[Black Rose]

Don't sweat it too much, Black Rose.

I have the ICF-36 which is basically the same model but with weather band and TV band added.
My small, portable Grundig hangs with it and in some cases finds AM stations that the Sony misses. The Sony is just your average, run of the mill, night stand/table, portable radio.

I'd like one simply because it is visually similar to my Sony ICF-380 that has served me faithfully for close to 15 years.

It's a good size for use in the back yard.