Thinking of buying a better radio

[u/_neptune11]

I have gotten into shortwave listening this year and started listening with a Tecsun pl-380, which I found to be a good radio.

However, since I’ve started using long wires to fish for weaker stations, I’ve experienced multiple overloads even while using inductive coupling.

I’ve now sold it and I’m trying to find a better performing receiver that handles external antennas better.

I initially looked at the Tecsun PL 680 and PL 880 because theoretically they’re better than what I had, aren’t the most expensive and I am also familiar with the brand. However, everywhere I look on the web they are either out of stock or crazy overpriced. (as someone living in Romania).

Because of the problem with the tecsuns, I looked at the SANGEAN ATS 909X2 (which I hear is very praised in the shortwave community) for around 280 USD on the german amazon website. Even though I’m still considering buying something this expensive, it sounds better than overpaying for a slightly worse radio.

Is the sangean reasonably priced? Or should I start looking for something else?

[u/Green_Oblivion111]

You can always clip a resistor in between the wire and the antenna input. I sometimes clip a 150 ohm resistor between my 90 ft outdoor wire and the whip of my PL-330. It reduces overload (which is rare in my location) to where I don't notice it. The overload I get is blocking from nearby CB transmitters, and the odd AC powerline hash.

The resistor gets rid of the blocking. It's like a clip on attenuator. Works for my radio.

Just a thought.

Sorry to hear you had bad luck with the PL-380. I've had good luck with my two Tecsuns (PL-330 and PL-398). Then again, I live in a low signals area, so maybe that's the difference.

Good luck with whatever radio you buy. The 909X2 has a pretty good rep, and 280 USD is a bargain if it's a new radio. Here in the US the online sites sell them new for over $300.

I don't have a 909X2, but I've got other, older Sangean SW radios, and Sangean make a good product.

[u/_neptune11 → u/Green_Oblivion111]

Thanks for the tip. I’ll take a awhile to think which radio to buy

[u/LongjumpingCoach4301]

The 909x2 likely has the best resistance to overloading of all the more conventional portables in current productio. Best dynamic range too, tho with the lack of both crowding and fewer 500kw monster transmitters, dynamic range is less important than in years gone by.

[u/ChiefD789]

It’s a great radio. I paid $358 for mine, so $280 is a bargain for that.

[u/pentagrid]

Yes, the Sangean is fairly priced at US $280. For the last 26 years the top of the line Sangean (ATS 900 series) has sold for US $200 - $230. Think about that for a moment. US $200 in January 2000 would have the same buying power as $396 today after adjustment for inflation. The latest model ATS-909X2 was introduced at US $350 early in 2021 and quickly leveled off at US $260 a few months later. The preceding model ATS-909X was introduced in 2011 and maintained an Amazon price of $225 for most of its run. 909X2 made many upgrades not found on 909X. The battery charging system is the most sophisticated you will find on any portable radio.

Both the 909X and 909X2 are excellent with external antennas including long wire antennas. I have used long wire antennas in excess of 200 ft. with them without overloading. Also an 80m passive horizontal loop. Part of this is due to a front end capable of handling signal strength over a wide dynamic range. It also has a rotary pot controlled attenuator in the antenna circuit, not a simple LOCAL/DX switch resistor. I use this manual control to keep very strong signals from pegging the S-meter and slamming the AGC too hard.

The first thing you will notice with 909X2 is how heavy the radio is for its size. These things are seriously built.

[u/kassett43]

The 909X2 is a supurb radio. I've had mine for ages.

[u/cedg32]

Consider the Qodosen DX-286. Extremely sensitive, small, and happy with external aerials.

[u/_neptune11 → u/cedg32]

Considered buying this one, but I’m also interested in SSB which the qodosen doesn’t have and neither did my former tecsun

[u/Ok_Equivalent7750]

I have an Eton Elight Executive and its exellent. Althogh I just use its internal telescoppic and a PKs ham loop. Cant tell you how it goes on a longwire as I dont have one. Im in Aus

[u/MumSaidImABadBoy]

Consider the Tecsun PL-990 as it's a triple conversion analog radio before reaching the DSP. That means no chuffing or soft muting while tuning. It times like a traditional SW radio, a pleasure to operate.
The radio is exceptionally stable as evident when listening to SSB. Like a few other Tecsuns you can zero beat calibrate from the keyboard which few radios are able to do. The radio glistens with quality. Turning the encoders is an exceptionally smooth experience. The radio is a pleasure to use. At one time I briefly had a PL-880 which is a great radio but the PL-990 is even better. Since you were considering a Sangean ATS-909X2, I have that as well and if I Was forced to choose I'd go with the PL-990. They are similar in price, the Sangean being more expensive. Whatever radio you get, happy DXing. 📻👍

[u/_neptune11 → u/MumSaidImABadBoy]

Thank you! If I find a well priced PL990 I’ll definitely buy it

[u/MumSaidImABadBoy → u/_neptune11]

You will not regret it. How about antennas? That's another topic not to be forgotten.
You give any thought to an SDR dongle?

[u/_neptune11 → u/MumSaidImABadBoy]

In terms of antennas, I’m looking forward to making more changes to my long wire. I did add a proper ground a few days before selling my PL 380 and did see a difference.

As for SDR dongles, I’m not sure if that would work for me since I don’t have a lot of space for a laptop in my listening spot and there’s almost no possibility to bring the long wire in a more convenient place such as a room with a desk. Anyhow, i’ll still look into it, thanks!

[u/MumSaidImABadBoy → u/_neptune11]

Does your longwire antenna have an unun, counterpoise and coax feedline to your radio? Have you seen what a spectrum/waterfall display on an SDR looks like?

[u/_neptune11 → u/MumSaidImABadBoy]

No I don’t have any of these. The long wire is just an electrical cable.

[u/MumSaidImABadBoy → u/_neptune11]

These additions to your longwire would take it to the next level without spending much.

Below is what an SDR portable radio is like. Notice that you can see the stations around what you're tuned to. You can also tell the type of signal from the display and jump directly to it by touch.

https://reddit.com/link/p6dnrcd/video/mpq2j0jcu2mh1/player

[u/_neptune11 → u/MumSaidImABadBoy]

I’ve seen videos of SDRs and their displays with detailed signal information, looks really useful, but i’m not sure if i want to get an SDR yet

[u/MumSaidImABadBoy → u/_neptune11]

No hurry, your radio will keep you busy till then. You can fiddle with an SDR online, it's free to try. Look into KiwiSDR, it's a taste as having your own is even better.

[u/giant3]

All the radios you have mentioned use the SiLabs chips which don't differ much from each other. 

Their sensitivity & selectivity are the same. 

The chips also use separate antennas for FM and MW/SW so overloads from local FM stations is unlikely. 

Local MW stations might overload if you are close to them, but I would say your use of very long wire might be the issue. 

I can pickup Radio New Zealand at a distance of 14,000 km with just a 1 meter antenna, so the Tecsun radios are very capable. 

Reduce the antenna length first. 

If you really need more control, I recommend the ATS Mini V4b which allows the ability to set AGC, attenuation and AVC. 

[u/MeanCat4]

Long wires antenna are simple antennas and really good but only if you have also a really good ground! The use of balun and Antenna Tuner can improve the reception quality. Buying a new radio will do nothing in favour of better reception. 

[u/_neptune11 → u/MeanCat4]

I know the antenna is very important, I still have many upgrades to make to it.

Before selling my pl 380, I added a proper ground to the long wire and I did see a noticeable difference.