There are many models of shortwave radios on the market. In this article we will discuss the Tecsun PL880, the C Crane CC Skywave, the Sony SW7600GR, and the Eton Grundig Satellit 750. This article will also discuss why each of these models is unique and what makes them stand out. To help you choose the right model, we’ve compiled a comparison chart of the best radios available.
Tecsun PL880
The Tecsun PL880 shortwave radio has been designed for the modern communications enthusiast. Its powerful features include an audio output, bass and treble control, and Class AB power amplifier. It also boasts 450mW of output and a small form factor. Users will appreciate the PL880’s battery endurance and multiple IF bandwidth settings. The radio is compatible with most types of computers and comes with a USB cable to charge it.
The Tecsun PL880 shortwave radio has been reviewed by Silicon Chip Magazine in its December 2014 issue. The unit is a powerful, feature-rich radio that will help you find and listen to broadcasts anywhere in the world. The Tecsun PL880 was released as the company’s flagship model after the PL-660. Compared to its predecessor, the PL-880 is an upgraded version of the firmwave.
The PL-880 has several useful features, including an Earphone Output jack, stereo FM Line Out, and an External SW Antenna. It features TWO tuning knobs (Fast and Slow for all bands), a volume control, and an unusual Auto Off/On light switch. Unlike many shortwave radios, the PL-880’s lights always stay on while the radio is in use.
The PL880 radio from Tecsun is one of the most popular and best-selling shortwave radios. Its sensitivity, selectivity, and battery life are incredibly impressive for such an affordable radio. Even if the radio is not the perfect choice for your needs, the Tecsun PL880 has the potential to be a great investment in your long-term shortwave listening.
Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, the PL880 shortwave radio is lightweight, easy to use, and versatile. Its built-in telescopic antenna will extend for better reception. Additionally, it has a flashlight, emergency beacon light, and reading lamp. The internal battery can serve as a power bank, charging your USB devices. It has a 3.5mm headphone jack for headphones. The radio’s sound quality is very clear, but the maximum volume setting can reduce the quality of sound.
The PL880 offers the widest bandwidth filtering of any radio in its class. The PL880 also features dynamic noise reduction. Despite its price-tag, the PL880 is one of the best shortwave radios available under $200. In terms of selectivity, the PL880 is a great choice for radio amateurs who enjoy listening to music and voice broadcasts.
C Crane CC Skywave
If you’re looking for a pocket radio that provides more than just AM/FM listening, the C Crane CC Skywave is a good option. This radio comes with AM/FM and Weather + Alert capabilities, as well as shortwave and Aviation bands. The C Crane Skywave is easy to use, has excellent audio quality, and a durable design. The skywave is available in four different colors.
While the Skywave is available in a variety of colors, there are some major differences between the two models. For starters, the non-SSB version costs less, but you’ll also be able to hear HF transmissions, which are useful when you’re 100 miles away. Those who plan to use their shortwave radio for serious SHTF scenarios or for other amateur radio purposes will want to invest in the SSB version. If you’re looking to get the most out of your radio, the CC Skywave features a reel antenna that enhances shortwave reception.
The Skywave SSB has automatic tuning. The device automatically scans for clear broadcast frequencies and programs them automatically. You can also set a weather alert for four, eight, or 16 hours. However, the Skywave SSB is not capable of tuning into amateur communications and first responder frequencies. The C. Crane CC Skywave SSB has a case with openings for the antenna and headphone jack. The case is small, but still offers the required protection against damage.
The Skywave has excellent AM/SW reception, although it cannot compete with some of the more expensive full-sized portables. The AM/SW performance of the Skywave is also quite good, and the absence of digital noises is a plus. There are few radios that match the Skywave in the AM/SW band, and the CC Skywave’s headphone output allows you to toggle between them easily.
The CC Skywave SSB is a portable, battery-powered radio with excellent AM and FM reception and a powerful ability to reduce signal interference. It has a lighted LCD screen and a wrist strap to make it easy to hold while you listen to the radio. It also comes with a mini USB port, and AC power adapter. It runs on two AA alkaline batteries or a power adapter, and has an integrated mini USB tip for charging.
Sony SW7600GR
The Sony SW7600GR shortwave radio has a 12-band synthesized tuner, up to 100 presets, and a dual alarm clock. This travel companion features world time conversion and a dual alarm. You can listen to local and faraway stations without any difficulty. You can also enjoy music from around the world with its mp3 player. Its convenient size makes it the ideal travel companion.
The radio is surprisingly light and compact despite its hefty price tag. It is not equipped with an S-meter, UTC timing, or an IR receiver. To get a ten-second time stamp, you need to press two buttons. While using the radio, you should always stand it up on its back stand. The front panel arrow keys are used to tune the radio. It does not have a manual sync feature or a rotary encoder, but this is a minor annoyance.
The compact design and grey color make this radio a popular choice. You’ll find instructions in 6 languages, a wind-up antenna, a carrying case, and a user’s manual. The radio weighs about 22 oz. and has a 380-mW speaker with ten percent distortion. You can operate the radio on batteries or with an optional AC adapter. The Sony SW7600GR uses four “AA” batteries.
Another popular shortwave radio from Sony is the Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave Receiver. It is compatible with AM and FM frequencies, as well as shortwave frequencies. The SW7600GR also has a 3.5mm headphone jack and a portable speaker. Its versatility is another benefit. You can listen to international and local stations. With the SW7600GR, you’ll be able to pick up crystal-clear audio, and you’ll have it with you wherever you go.
The LCD screen allows you to see the frequency and channel clearly. It also has a keypad that allows you to adjust the presets. You can also name individual stations on the shortwave pages. This helps you quickly find what you’re looking for, since many shortwave stations have ceased transmission. You can also name a page or individual station on a shortwave radio and enter the frequency directly. Entering the frequency into the numeric keypad will show a name next to the frequency until you select it.
Eton Grundig Satellit 750
The Eton Grundig Satellit 850 is the perfect radio for anyone looking for a high-quality shortwave receiver. This radio comes with all of the features you need for long-range listening. The 750 has a built-in directional ferrite antenna, an Earphone jack, and Line Output Jack. It also has a battery life of around 15 hours and weighs five pounds without batteries.
The Satellit 850 is another great shortwave radio that’s portable, yet powerful enough to cover all long, medium, and shortwave frequencies. This radio also features VHF aeronautical band coverage and single sideband mode for monitoring maritime and ham radio operators. The Satellit 750 has adjustable selectivity for long-wave and shortwave frequencies and a convenient quick keypad for tuning.
This Eton lite 750 is similar to the Eton E1 and Tecsun S-2000, but is less ambitious and lists for $350 in the US. It lacks passband tuning and synchronous detection, but it does have some interesting features. Its omnidirectional antenna rotates 360 degrees to pull in weak signals and enhances tuning sensitivity. The DSP technology fielded out interference and the radio’s rotating ferrite rod antenna provide a wide range of tuning options.