My brain suddenly wanted a portable radio with an S-meter so I could wander around and see the relative strength of my part 15 radio signal.
My brain suddenly wanted a portable radio with an S-meter so I could wander around and see the relative strength of my part 15 radio signal.
But after scrolling many radios, only one has an S-meter, the Grundig Satellite 750 for $299.95.
It’s a beautiful radio with more bands than most, but it looks large to be carrying around. We live in a time when “suspicious packages” attract a firing squad.
There were many smaller radios in the $50 price range, but none of those have S-meters.
Maybe a tuner kit could be jury-rigged to operate a meter. Seem possible?
S-meters
There were many smaller radios in the $50 price range, but none of those have S-meters.
Earlier threads on this board show otherwise with respect to ~$50 AM broadcast receivers able to display relative signal strength at a sample point within such receivers.
Or just Google the Tecsun PL-310 and read the returns, deeply enough.
Almost Encouraging
I will continue looking for a small radio with an S-meter, especially with your message, rich, which I think suggests that it may not be a hopeless search.
But another thing I’ve noticed is a massive discontinuance of previous models and their replacement by newer models, which opens the chance that radios that HAD S-meters may be discontinued.
But I always hope for your continued input.
You’re probably going to have
You’re probably going to have to get an older radio, Carl. Try e-bay.
I’ve noticed a continuing dumbing down of a lot of things as time goes on these days. Not sure why, probably a combination of ‘market research’ and the endless pursuit for obscene profits by most companies.
I have here in the ham shack and radio studio an old Sony 3 band solid state shortwave radio, just a cut above entry level, probably 80’s vintage. It covers AM/FM and 1 shortwave band (analog dial, of course) – I use it to monitor my FM signal when I transmit on 99.7. It has an S-meter! Not sure what it sold for when it was new, but I paid around $10 for it around a year ago.
It’s amazing what you can find when you hunt around.
Follow Up
Up above rich mentioned the Tecsun Model PL-310 radio, but it is not listed by Universal Radio, the large supplier of radios since 1942.
However, the Tecsun PL-210 has a 5-bar signal strength indicator, not as attractive as a meter, but something more than nothing, for $59.95.
All right. That might be the one.
Thank you rich for the tip.
Some Sellers of the PL-310
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=tecsun+pl-310
A Friend
As the saying goes…”Google is your friend”…so is ebay!
RFB
Under Consideration
I rolled through the Tecsun PL-310 offers on eBay and the prices are perfect.
I couldn’t find any specs to answer my one question:
Does the PL-310 receive 13.560mHz?
About half of all the SW radios do not, which I don’t understand, since it’s on a designated broadcast band for SW.
#1 in Googling “Tecsun PL-310 Specs”
http://swling.com/db/2011/01/tecsun-pl-310/
Get One
It’s the one.
Many thanks rich for knowing your way around radios and how to find them.
The PL-310 will be the choice and the shopping day blues has been lifted.
As Easy As..
..simply typing in Google what your looking for.
For example..you were looking for the PL-310 specs. Well simply type in Tecsun PL-310 specifications” and bam…results!
RFB
Hi KDX Carl,
Try the Grundig
Hi KDX Carl,
Try the Grundig G3 portable radio, the one I used in my morse code video.
Has a pretty nice S-signal.
Will Do
I’ll check out the G3, thevalley1700am.
My loyal companion which I’m never seen without is a Grundig FR-200, and it is great for AM.
Even though I’ve already ordered the Tecsun, I might go overboard and get another Grundig.