Here is a link to a review of a new DSP-based, mini-portable AM/FM receiver from Sangean. Its performance on FM is exceptionally good, especially in its rejection of strong signals on adjacent channels.
There is a link at the bottom of that page to order it from Amazon. At the moment they are selling for US $39.99 with no tax or shipping charge.
Although I have at least a dozen AM/FM receivers already, I couldn't resist. My DT-160 should arrive in a week or so.
https://radiojayallen.com/sangean-dt-160-amfm-mini-portable/
Given the excellent FM reception, stereo output and small size, the Sangean DT-160 radio would make an excellent component for Part 15 Studio Transmitter Link (STL).
In the works right now is an AM transmitter/antenna being built 100-feet behind the building with an AMT-5000 from SSTran.
The antenna location will receive power over a long-line which could also supply power to the radio.
The AM transmitter will be housed close to earth, and of course the FM receiver would be placed in a weather-dome atop the antenna to improve its line-of-site alignment with the signal path.
Carl said:
The antenna location will receive power over a long-line which could also supply power to the radio.
Would you not have to hack the radio to provide power?
The Third Darsen asks: "Would you not have to hack the radio to provide power?"
Carl thinks for a minute and says: Sometimes even small radios have a power supply option with a power inlet. If not, I guess clip leads into the battery compartment might do it.
It's good to think about... I had not.
Like Sangean....
Most models are better than average in the selectivity area. On the PRD-18 which I have selectivity is close to as good as a car radio. I can transmit my own station right beside a local strong one (mine on 90.9 and commercial one on 91.1) and both don't interfere with each other. Could not get same result with the majority of radios out there. That's the problem.
Mark
This Radio would be good for testing my AM and FM transmitters out in a car while I am on the way to the market as sometimes I may have a driver that doesn't listen to Rock of any kind. Since I believe the Radio can receive AM Stereo it would be an asset when my C-Quam AM transmitter is all done and tested for Range.
My DT-160 was delivered to me yesterday. Operation was found to be easy and straightforward.
FM stereo performance for strong signals is very good. For weak-ish FM stereo signals it reverts to mono.
AM reception is mono, only. It receives weak, daytime AM signals arriving here such as from WGN (Chicago), KMOX (St Louis) and WHO (Des Moines), but not as well as either my Tecsun PL-880 or Sangean PR-D15 -- not surprising based on the length of the loopstick antennas they use.
There is no built-in provision/input socket to use an external d-c power source.
I followed the above link to Amazon where it describes "2 X AA" which equates to 3 VDC, a design obstacle if used for remote part 15 transmitter relay, unless batteries are used.
The sensitive FM section and small size are worth thinking about.