DXing - Distant Listening :: Radio, DX, Reception News from Shortwave, Medium Wave & FM

New Tecsun PL-880 DSP SW SSB radio receiver

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 14:22:00 +0000

In Tecsun BBS forum we saw a new Tecsun PL 880 model picture

which is written as FM STEREO / LW / MW / SW-SSB PLL SYNTHESIZED RECEIVER - yet in the description area we can see the mention of DSP - how ii it? We wonder...

From first look it appears to be a advanced version of PL-380 with bigger tuning knobs - bigger than PL660 and a new style of speaker cover - the speaker also claimed as new dynamic speaker - we can see... a so-called ultra-dynamic full-range speaker is used. The design of the audio section of PL880 might have benefited from Tecsun’s experience on making a few portable media-players (Tecsun A3/D3/X3/etc.) in the past couple of years.
We should note PL380 is a DSP portable and PL600 or PL660 is PLL Synthesized receiver not DSP.

They claimed the AM section of this new model adopts an architecture similar to ATS909X, i.e. dual conversion to 2nd IF of 450 KHz which is then inputted as RF signal into Si4734/5 and further down coverted to the IC's "low IF" for DSP decoding. so it is PLL Synthesized and IF is based on DSP just like Sangean it seems.

It doesn't say anything about RDS which is great on Sangean ATS909X, and can’t remember that any Tecsun radio has RDS support.

They said 18650 Li-ion rechargeable batteries are used in this model.

Like Sangean it includes separate LSB/USB but 10 Hz step for SSB (implies dual PLL?). You know Sangean ATS 909X has 40 Hz fine tuning on SSB so better resolution eh?

No mention of Sync. detection is a big loss like Sangean over Sony ICF 7600GR.
There are four (2.3/3.5/5.0/9.0 kHz) AM bandwidths and five (0.5/1.2/2.3/3.0/4.0 kHz) SSB bandwidths. This could be a huge improvement over ATS909X which makes no use at all of the seven IF bandwidth provided by Si4735. But Tecsun users already know that Tecsun's DSP portable always came with 5 bandwidth options 1/2/3/4/6 kHz from PL310 and they are very sharp.

Sizes: 192 mm x 113 mm x 33 mm, that is about 7.5 x 4.4 x 1.3 inches
Can be charged via miniUSB power socket like many other Tecsun portables.

If you ask me whether should go for this one, I will say no because I havn't tested it yet and I found non DSP Tecsun PL 660 pretty outstanding then other Tecsun DSP based receivers.

Reviews of DR111 DRM Radio from Chengdu NewStar Electronics

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 09:32:00 +0000

This is a collective summery of feedback and reviews of DR111 DRM currently the only Standalone receiver available in the market for about $ 120 + Shipping approx. $45 USD worldwide + import duty.

Recently PCJ Media & PCJ Radio based in Taiwan did a sort of review of DR111 DRM Receiver - we start it with first...

Victor Goonetilleke (4S7VK) adds to it -

My observations: very similar. Tuning around is very bad and and you have to stop on a freq and wait 2 seconds for the audio to come thru, as if the processor is VERY slow. The punch in ..at least closest to it, is a disaster where you have to change each digit by up or down buttons. eg. you are tuned to 15235. To change to 7190 you have to 0 the 1, then change 5, 2,3,5 and then go to normal position to get the audio. In all it takes about a minute to do that. If you use the tuning knob, first you push it in to get to tuing position, select slow, its darn slow other than to fine tune, push fast tuning, if you tune too fast it will move a MHz and you have no control over it, good for finger exercises, and you have to come back and finally when you come to your frequency you see it on the display but no audio, for which you have to push the tuining/volume knob back to get the audio. It is a great radio not for listening pleasure, but to build patience!!!! DRM: my strongest signal here whether on a DRM rx or analog S-metre is BBC 5845 from Nakon Thailand. On the whip antenna the DR111 had say 70% with drop out 30%. With a long wire,( not very long overloading,) I get 100% with an occasional palpitation!! All in all as a Stand alone DRM rx or to be fair by the receiver, even if it is a poorly shaped plastic box I can't have even full reception with an external antenna of the AIR, BBC, Vatican transmissions beamed to me. I don't know whether the problem is with DRM itself or the DR111. DRM is great when it comes in but to deliver that signal to a $100 or less rx is DRMs main hurdle. However, even if the DR111 is a failure, it IS great that a manufacturer even thought of coming out with a DRM standalone. For $35 I say go for it because you can experience DRM albeit with dropouts and it has a fairly good MP3 playing input for a USB stick and FM is quite ok to have in your bathroom or pantry not to miss the news or have a little mx while you chop the onions. FINAL decision? Still a long way to go, don't waste $135. My price tag is $25.

PS: immaculate white for the cabinet is a poor choice too.

Note: for more please read till the end of this post...

We also found a good review of DR111 on http://www.omnirep.se/drm/dr111.html which is more technical, but also explains the drawbacks like volume control / tuning combo, It doesn't offer to run on batteries (cells) so not portable, the reveiwer from Europe by default finds it performing well in DRM but mentions Scan function is not much good at all. [ QUOTE "Just for my curiosity, I pressed scan half an hour into the TDP transmission on 6015 kHz and during the last 30 minutes the DR111 did NOT stop again before the transmission was over - despite a solid RF signal here 470 km away from the TX." ]

Here he also mentions the power consumption is 250 mA or below and connecting a power adapter more than 5 V DC causes damage to the receiver. Also about the antenna system he mentions "performance on the telescopic antenna - to my liking - is a bit weak. When I switched to my roof-top active antenna I got much better reception."

Keith Perron also mentioned this in a forum "The other thing about this radio is it can only be used with AC. Now India where it seems DRM will take off how can you market a radio that only works on AC when the vast majority of people have drastic power cuts."

Well some more conversations (interesting & informative) in this matter from Facebook goes below...

Keith Perron writes in facebook on 19 July 2012

"Here is something weird. As you may know I have two DR111 DRM receivers. I also got an extra one which was sent to Victor Goonetilleke in Sri Lanka so he can try it out. Last week we had a few exchanges of emails. But then when I sent two recordings of the same frequency at the same time that shows the DR111 is poor on regular shortwave reception compared to a Tecsun S2000 and Tecsun PL660. Guess what not a peep from them. The email was sent to the same people proving there is a problem with the receiver. And nothing. Not a sound. Is this the kind of company DRM alines itself with? The DR111 has a major problem, but it seems NewStar who is making them doesn't care or doesn't know how to address it. Oh wait I have an idea. Bring in an expert who knows something about international broadcasting."

And later he updated as "This is an update on the post I put 10 hours ago. If you read it I was saying that the DR111 has very poor performance on regular shortwave and DRM is even worse. I sent the company two clips of the same frequency 17750khz at the same time 0233UTC of Radio Australia. I didn't hear anything back for days until I got this short reply in my email this morning 'Don't do a review of the DR111. Only do a review of the FM and AM performance. If your radio station does any negative press about the performance of the DR111 we will never sell to your station again.' I find this so funny. "

Then I also seen they have removed many things from their website recently, in past they were highlighting that they developed UniWave DRM receivers firmware - no need to to say the French standalone DRM receiver was also a failure, and never got into mass production!!!

Mark Coady from Canada told "Although it's a great receiver in its own right, part of the reason I bought the Alinco DX-R8T (their new desktop SW receiver) was the ability to decode DRM with appropriate software. There is precious little to decode in Eastern North America. To date, I have successfully only heard REE via Costa Rica in Spanish. As far as I am concerned, like digital TV is a conspiracy on behalf of cable and satellite TV providers to grow their business, DRM is a ploy by some manufacturers to sell us receivers we don't really need."

Keith Perron also mentioned later "You know I have a Tecsun R911. It costs 9USD and performs much better than the DR111 for regular shortwave."

Victor Goonetilleke from Sri Lanka commented as "I want DRM to succeed but I am no Godfather of any mode because half my life revolves around HF International broadcasting. If it works I will be the first o say so. So far it has disappointed me as a waste of money and diverting funds to a mode that hardly anyone can enjoy as a delivery means of International broadcasting, as well as eating into the budget of regular shortwave. So far its ironical that quite a few of the stations that experimented with DRM have bitten the dust. RCI 1500-1530 via SMG 17815 is no more as expected. India keeps messing up the regular spectrum and so does Russia. I wish they would concentrate entirely outside the regular analog sections like 9950, 15050 and drop off 15140, 11710 and Vatican 17815 to name a few."

Mark Coady later updates "Keith, I with Victor Goonetilleke. I want DRM to work but it seems to be more smoke and mirrors than technological breakthrough."

I later commented as "In my 17 years of DXing and 22+ years of SWL last 7 years only using receivers costing more than 10 USD, and I heard no less than 100 countries with those receivers... The bad part of DRM is it puts annoying hash on other analogue broadcast, makes listening useless to nearby channels... And it can be noted that many supporters or pre DRM broadcasters either going off the air or Drastically cut the SW services (DW, RCI, Vatican, RNW, CVC Chile, Poland/Norway, Bulgaria and sure Romania will follow the suit soon)..."

Chris Freitas comments - "It raises the question...is DRM even worth investing right now? No agreements are met. Broadcasters are not devoting enough time and power to DRM programming. Manufacturers have been really slow producing equipment to consumers. On top of that, smartphones and internet radio seem to be a more viable medium than DRM. The number of smartphone users (especially iPhone owners) are increasing with easy to use interfaces and widely available apps like the popular TuneIn Radio. There are hundreds of broadcasters available, which is much more than what DRM can offer. I am not bashing DRM and would like it to succeed. However, it is highly doubtful that it will because of lack of interest, slow development, and newer technologies."

July 12 at 11:56am

Andy Sennitt commented

"RNW was one of the key organisations - along with the BBC, DW and HCJB - that developed the technical specification for DRM that was adopted by the ITU. Our DG Jan Hoek was deputy chairman of the DRM consortium for several years. Jan-Peter Werkman, who later became the RNW frequency manager, was assigned exclusively to DRM for three years, and travelled the world making measurements and recordings of test transmissions.The results were impressive.

However, IMHO the DRM consortium made a mistake by not insisting on a specific DRM sub-band in each of the SW broadcast bands, and DRM transmissions popped up on or near the frequencies of analogue transmissions and caused interference. Another mistake they made - and I warned them about this - was only to 'sell' the idea to other engineers - the people they should have been talking to were the management of the broadcasters.

The interference to analogue signals was pounced upon by DXers, and some DX clubs conducted a campaign against DRM. The big receiver companies were waiting for an enthusiastic response from potential customers that never came. So there was no incentive to design and manufacture DRM receivers. That was left to a few small companies that produced small quantities of sets, of varying quality.

Meanwhile, global satellite TV networks and the Internet were beginning to supplant shortwave as the key information platforms in Europe and North America, so the potential market was shrinking. DRM has become a 'white elephant'. That's a great pity, because the technology works, but IMHO the DRM consortium is the victim of its own short-sightedness and stubbornness :-( "

July 13 at 12:54am

My comment on it was "Yes separate sub band for DRM would have been better as Victor always said too, and now smart phone are so cheap and in countries like India where 2G and 3G internet is becoming cheaper everyday and every corner has it, listening internet streams on smart phones offer much more variety of stations, content and choice, plus when I can have a phone + internet browser+ many other facilities with radio listening options on demand just for 50 USD or so why I would invest another 100+ dollar to help some test product for 10-12 years, Hi!"

July 13 at 1:03am

Keith Perron updates about his experience later "I have been trying to listen to 15050khz. It keeps cutting in an out every 10 seconds or so. But when I use the IF out on my Tecsun S2000 there is no problem at all and the signal is nice and strong."

July 13 at 8:22pm

Keith Perron also updated as

QUOTE

This afternoon I was emailing back and forth with Nigel Holmes the Frequency Manager of Radio Australia. Radio Australia ordered a few of them. This is what Nigel said "The DR111 is appalling." This is from someone who is the Frequency Manager of one of the most respected stations in the Asia/Pacific that is hoping to use DRM as a distribution platform. But he thinks "The DR111 is appalling."

UNQUOTE

Victor Goonetilleke adds

QUOTE

let me update my review we did on MNP of the DR111. I have been using it for one week now. I won't recommend it to anyone

UNLESS they change the tuning system. SW signals are fair at times good of international broadcasts to my area. But it can not com pare with a Teksun PL600 because of much better sensitivity, SSB, airband.
IF the DR111 comes better built, not white, keypad tuning like a normal radio and the price is reduced to $100 or give more features like SSB I WILL recommend it as a starting point for a standalone radio with an external antenna because this is one set people can use as a stand alone rx. If they can also use it with 9v which can give portable battery use and also improve on the Design which is so odd and aesthetically awful, it should be satisfactory.

After all for $135 you can't get Icom or Yaesu quality. If I can't get 100% reliability with my Perseus and external matched antenna how can the DR111 give me at $135. So I say as a starter or you want to have DRM possibility as an added feature without a computer, I like the DR111's performance for this price ONLY if the recommended developments can be carried out.

PS: I think I can not pin all the sins of DRM on the DR111. I like to thank the manufacturer for taking the bold step to mass produce a DRM standalone. I wish they had done a few models and carried out a pilot project.

Again - Everything in the DR111, speakers, cabinet, FM/AM/SW tuner can be sold for much less than the price if I look at what is selling on the market for that price. Can someone tell me if the DRM chip that is used can not be sold for less than $100???? At the Colombo DRM workshop there were at least 2 Indian chip developers. As I mentioned before I bought a lovely LCD TV 22" for $150.

UNQUOTE

John A. Figliozzi from USA adds

QUOTE

Well, I decided to obtain one (DR111) since I'm one of those that has complained about a lack of consumer grade DRM receivers for years. In comparison to analog sw receivers--even relatively inexpensive one--Nigel is right; it is appalling. The audio is tinny, even rudimentary controls (like bass and treble, a direct entry keypad) are missing and the DSP chip within it has that annoying "pumping" action on weak signals. It is very sensitive off the whip, to the point where RNZI in DRM comes in most nights quite well (25kW aimed toward the Pacific and I'm near the east coast of NA). And you can plug in a better speaker to get the full benefit of the DRM signal. It is a major improvement over past DRM receivers, both in terms of performance and price. Unfortunately, that's not saying much--or enough.

UNQUOTE

Victor Goonetilleke adds another day -

"To night DRM is better than in the last week. Under test 30 minutes AIR 15050 was 99% ok with the whip. BBC 5845 also the same, true had a quick dropout but due to the quality I can excuse that. But off beam transmissions are hard. For starters I would say, Newstar should not abandon this. Improve it and it would have a futuire, but it has to come fast."

Richard Cuff add to it -

QUOTE

I am not sure DRM will ever do better than two seconds for intelligent audio on shortwave - after all, the encoding / decoding process is the same as for Internet audio - AAC - and you have a limited, fixed bandwidth to work with on top of that. The tuning process sounds just awful...it would seem to me that you would do all tuning in analog mode and only switch to DRM once you have found a frequency with that telltale sound...sort of how "AFC" tuning was done on an FM radio back in the 1960s.

UNQUOTE

Victor Goonetilleke comments on above

"No Richard Cuff: Analog and DRM tuning is separate. To get to DRM you press the DRM key and one of 3 pre sets appear and you have to tune up or down from any of those. Manual tuning; press up or down key once it moves 5 kHz. Press it down and wait 2 seconds it starts scannaing up or down and will sometimes stop at a DRM station but usually goes over and of course there is no audio like on normal analog as you pass a station be it on DRM.AM.FM, that 2 seconds processor time prevails. In short that tuning has to change. After tuning some days now I feel sensitivity is OK for a cheap radio and as a DRM radio it is OK IF the tun ing is fixed, different colour not white and hardier. On DRM once you get to the station and connect an external antenna I feel it is as good as any or as bad as DRM itself has some problems."

In our next pick on DRM we will discuss about DRMas a technology and how it's being implemented - pro's & con's

I have tried to maintained every ones comments and experiences exactly as they were...

Any feedback on this post can be mailed to dxing (at) india (dot) com

DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) in Asia - possibilities and facts

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 07:42:00 +0000

After being around for 10 years or more as a new technology DRM still remains a technology not viable for mass with many restrictions and failure over years. And most DRM promoter broadcasters are ether closing down or leaving Shortwave. Now we see DRM Consortium and their promoters trying hard to come back with support from some broadcasters in developing countries.

People think Digital short-wave broadcasts would be clearer and could carry bits of text too. The technology (known as DRM) has existed for years. But listeners will not buy pricey new radios without content, and broadcasters will not go digital without listeners.

Regarding the TWR Asia DRM test broadcast to Asia recently I wrote this letter to TWR Asia via their contact page - sadly since then they haven't replied my any further communication

Below is what I wrote to TWR when they tested DRM to Asia from Guam in May 2012, since then they havn't replied any of my mail!!! Did I offended them by my comments? never knew!

posted this via TWR.asia contact us page...

QUOTE

Broadcasting via DRM is useless, yes its just useless, when there is only 2-3 people has DRM receiver or DRM receiving capability in entire South Asia - yes about 1.5 Billion people and 3 Listeners - can't believe it right? Just check out how many (or how many people) reception reports you receive on DRM broadcasts from South Asia! And other listeners just listen nasty noise on the same frequency. DRM receiver - there is scarcity of DRM receiver in the market - now the cheapest one Chengdu Electronics DR111 costs about 120 USD plus freight (48 USD) + import duty - and in South Asia people normally buy a receiver within 25 USD. So no one is going to buy one DRM receiver in that price. And DRM listening via exsisting receivers modified or kits? forget it... those are no portable + hectic.

Sadly we here don't have any DRM capable receiver, and I haven't heard anyone has a DRM radio or setup within 1000 kilometers of my place. So sorry I can't listen on DRM, in my receiver its only noise I receive - nothing to hear.

As per an expert DRM only seems to be of use in Europe where there seems to be a plethora of broadcasts. And what is there has to be perfect or it is not decoded...sort of the shortwave version of digital TV which is a conspiracy amongst cable and satellite TV operators to get those of us in the hinterland to sign up with them.

Another expert quotes - I can't think of another technical project, that has been implemented as badly as DRM. It was tried to push along by force, totally forgetting that radio transmissions need LISTENERS and they need receivers for that and they were not available at the same time. Oh, now I remember another: DAB FM digitalisation in Northern Europe. Fortunately it was only a few transmitters.

And some Radio hobbiest also opines as DRM on SW was a retirement project by the few engineers!! And it haven't successful even after more than a decade!

Finally in the DRM we can not hear or decode a signal below S4 or S3, in Analogue we can even listen to more worse signals. So it is up to you that what you chose - a medium that is up to date but do not reach mass or an old reliable method to reach more people.

UNQUOTE

Reading my letter an experienced SWL & DXer commented as follows

"
When television first came out it was experimental with only a few sets capable of receiving the signals but the networks and industry ensured there would be a demand and they filled that need. Every other advance in entertainment has a similar track record from FM radio through CD players to Ipods. DRM took the opposite route of the cart before the horse and it failed miserably. If TWR was offended it's too bad they took your criticisms the wrong way as you did not attack them, or their programming, but a technology that was badly implemented.
"

In reply I also explained as "Yes I always mean that even with single frequency or lowest power station's first priority should be to reach the mass, but DRM offends the basic requirement, but even my statement may sound that I am against DRM - but that's because no sub-band implementation and causing interruptions to analogue broadcasts"

and then a longtime broadcaster and media analyst opined as follows - "Do not assume that the lack of a personal reply means that they have not read your letter. At RNW, every letter and email was read, but there simply wasn't time to reply to them individually. During times of financial restraint, cuts have to me made in areas that are least harmful to programming. One of these is dealing with listener mail. No broadcaster is going to be offended by negative comments about DRM. Some broadcasters still have DRM tests for the purpose of training engineers how to use it. Then, if it ever does become viable - which I admit is extremely unlikely - they will be ready for it."

I replied - Yes, I am sure they read it, actually I saw after that they issued few QSL/e-QSLs where the listener sent reports via there reception report form. Unlike hardliners I am happy with e-confirmations or merely an email, so when others get some for of reply I expected my other 2 reports and a communication may get some email reply, But I agree to your point, & should add your reply is informative too. And regarding RNW, RCI and NHK the experience was exemplary always - I was always confident that my letter was read and somehow taken into consideration.

To be continued: In future posts we will see review of Stand Alone DRM receiver(s) and DRM as a technology and implementation with facts and figures...

The 2011 George Enescu Festival - Radio Romania International Quiz Contest

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:45:00 +0000

"The 2011 George Enescu Festival" Contest

Dear friends, Radio Romania International invites you to participate
in a new prize-winning contest, this time dedicated to the "2011
George Enescu Festival". This music festival was inaugurated in 1958,
in recognition of the appreciation George Enescu, the best known
Romanian musician of all times, enjoyed worldwide.

The 20th edition of the festival will take place between September 1st
and 25th, in Bucharest and other major cities across Romania. The
festival includes almost 120 concerts and shows, grouped in various
categories: "Great World Orchestras", "Chamber Music Recitals and
Concerts", "Midnight Concerts", "World Music", "Opera and Ballet",
"Music of the 21st Century", and, of course, "Enescu and His
Contemporaries". As usual, this event attracts some of the best names
in symphonic music worldwide. You can get details on these events in
our broadcasts, as well as on the website www.festivalenescu.ro, (the
English version). The "George Enescu" International Competition has
four sections: piano, violin, cello and composition.

The artistic director of the event is the world famous music manager
Ioan Hollender, who was born in Timisoara, western Romania, who headed
the Vienna Staatsoper, between 1992 and 2010.

In this contest, we grant prizes related to Enescu and Romanian
symphonic music, but also to Romanian culture in general. The contest
is sponsored by the "Monitorul Oficial" Publishers, with support from
the "Casa Radio" Record and Publishing House.
A violin virtuoso known all over the world, composer, pianist,
conductor and teacher, George Enescu was born 130 years ago, on 19
August 1881 in Liveni, Botosani county, in north eastern Romania. He
is considered one of the greatest composers of the first half of the
20th century. His work includes three completed symphonies, various
other important pieces for voice and orchestra, chamber music, one
opera ("'Oedip"), solo works and lieder. Such great names as Yehudi
Menuhin and Dinu Lipatti are two of the musicians Enescu had a great
influence on.

In order to qualify for one of our prizes you have to provide correct
and complete answers, in writing, by 30 September 2011, posting date,
to a few questions:

1. When and where was George Enescu born?

2. Name at least three compositions by Enescu.

3. Name at least three prestigious musicians attending this year's
edition of the festival (soloists, conductors or orchestras).

4. Which edition of the "George Enescu" International Festival is
running this year?

Please answer by mail, fax, e-mail, on our Facebook page, or by
filling in the form posted on our website. We would also ask you to
tell us what motivated you to participate in the competition. Our
address is: Radio Romania International, 60-64, G-ral. Berthelot
Street, sector 1, Bucharest, Romania, PO Box 111, code 010171, fax no.
00.40.21.319.05.62. Our e-mail address is: engl@rri.ro. We are waiting
for your answers by 30 September 2011, posting date. The winners will
be announced in the second half of October 2011.

(Via RRI Website: http://www.rri.ro/art.shtml?lang=1&sec=16&art=143712)

The Degen 1103 modified for DRM

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Sat, 14 May 2011 14:46:00 +0000

Originally Written by:
Name: Giampiero Bernardini
Location: Milan, Italy

Continuing the experiments on the small but enthusiastic (and inexpensive) Degen DE1103 purchased on eBay. Daniele Giusti, Lodi's list FMDXItaly linked a portable media card to convert the Intermediate frequency from 455 kHz to 12 kHz. The card is produced by Crispino Messina, I5XWW , The output thus obtained can be brought to the computer's sound card (via the in-line or microphone) and demodulated with a proper application. In case we used Dream . Dream allows you to decode DRM broadcasts.

But not only DRM, it can be used to demodulate the signals received in Am, USB, LSB and CW
using a variable filter as you like and then get a much better reception than the receiver used in the traditional way.

Of course to make the demodulation you can use other programs, which are available mostly free downloadable from the Internet. Just noticed something wrong with the fact that the Degen is not shielded. The connection cable (preferably made with coaxial cable) between the degenerate and the conversion board 455/12 should move as far away as possible from the attack by the ferrite antenna and stylus. All information, with the pictures of the modification, can be found on the site FMDX Italy .

More information about changes to portable receivers for DRM can be found on the German site (in German) www.funkerberg.de , segnalatomi by Andrea Borgnino, whose website is certainly visited.

DRM on the Degen 1103

Originally written by fmdxITALY, all rights goes to them. We are giving a English version for your help.

This argument is a bit 'off topic, but since the group moving more than 70 Degen 1103 here are some notes on the evidence of change (by attaching a small card) to receive the DRM.
Daniele Giusti has installed a card that makes a conversion from 450 kHz to 12 kHz. The card works fine, unfortunately there is little space in the receiver and interface interference, but the results are exciting. Anyway here's how he made the change Daniele.

Here, illustrated by some pictures, how to proceed:
after the connections tab

it takes the signal to 450 kHz within the Degen 1103 (but the same thing can be done in any conversion receiver with a 450 or 455 kHz)

In this case, the point at which the signal is a "jumper" located near the ferrite antenna (this "closeness" Unfortunately, because of interference compromising the final results). In the picture we see him first with the radio reception,

then closer

Finally, even with the cable soldered. The jumper can also be extracted to make peace with the welding

Then the mass is also connected

.
To release the cable from the receiver does not need to drill holes in the chassis: you can get him out of the hole for short rope canvas that serves to challenge the receiver.

The radio signal is taken from the card that converts it from 450 to 12 kHz. With another cable sends the signal to 132 kHz audio input of the PC.

On the computer, through the DREAM program (supplied on CD with the card), proceeds to decode the digital signal

Here are the views of Dream, which displays the stations received from Daniel.

Here are the first experiences of Daniel:
Unfortunately, there is a small problem in the audio converted and sent to the headset, there is always a "noise" background, that along with the music or the decoded speech, you also feel the 12 kHz signal that "passes" through the circuit of the computer.
I also heard perfectly only 3995 kHz radio Deutsche Welle, while the other three issuers have decoded so bad you can only photograph the logo, almost without having to understand audio.
This means that this ticket requires an input digital signal very strong and clean, is also often necessary to act on the trimmer that controls the width of the input signal (the receiver's volume to 0 and then go left or acts mechanically on the trimmer, or on the level of the audio mixer of Windows) to avoid distortion or loss of "packets".
In the coming days I will try again to receive the DRM, trying to clean up the audio from the digital noise in the background.
Still on the subject of the photos, please do not post them because I took the exclusive list FMDX, so that if someone would Fabrizio decided to publish the exclusive (I know, is a detail, but somehow we have to reward F. work for us!).

In case any of you interested in more information or to buy the converter card (which costs a few €), you may contact e.mail address Fabrizio staff.

To reduce noise

Crispino Messina, designer of the card, sent some notes to reduce noise. In fact the main problem is the shielding of the receiver (because it's cheap) and the ferrite antenna connection near by.
To pick up less noise, the connection to the converter must be as short as possible, made with two loose wires or even a small piece of coaxial cable, which is central to the hot side withdrawal from the radio and goes to the sock mass nearby, inside the radio, where the signal is taken to indicate I do not know what these points because I never added the converter to a radio or another Degen. so I just theoretical information considering that there are these problems, the drive will put the opposite side to where there is the antenna input on your receiver or even away from the antenna in radio's internal ferrite, because even if it does not work , it may pick up some 'unwanted radio frequency the radio will be operated initially with internal batteries. The converter will, at least initially, be operated with a 9 volt battery, which will be connected to appropriate pins on the card drive on the computer too, if laptop will run on its batteries if there is a switching power supply, will be the case to unplug from the network, in addition to not let him feed the computer a general rule: the links longer than is strictly necessary should be made with shielded cable, although they may pick the same disorder neon lamps, switching power supplies and other gadgets that pollute at the level of radio frequency output of the converter must be made with coaxial cable to the microphone input or line-in computer microphone input is mono and will generally use a mono input jack is stereo line-in and connections with the cable will be made: the mass of the shield of the cable jack stereo, central wire of the cable to both the tabs on the left and right channels of the same stereo jack on the trimmer drive is put in a central position or at least set in place medium-high (clockwise) then you must act on the commands of the Windows mixer to get an adequate signal level for the Dream program can be developed if the adjustments made are not sufficient you can try to change the input on your sound card (which take into account the mic input is more sensitive than the line-in and therefore requires less signal) in extreme cases you can also try to adjust the trimmer on its lowest values (setting counterclockwise), but it is counterproductive: the ' input impedance change much, it becomes low and the circuits of the radio can be loaded too. So the radio does not go out enough signal to the drive and even other circuits of the radio no longer work correctly

Created: 30/12/2006 - 17:08
Last updated: 06/05/2007 - 11:25
Category: DRM

TG35 INDOOR SW/MW/LW ACTIVE LOOP ANTENNA AKA Kaito KA35

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Fri, 06 May 2011 06:51:00 +0000

A new indoor loop is available on e-bay
at http://cgi.ebay.com/TG35-INDOOR-SW-MW-LW-ACTIVE-ROOM-LOOP-ANTENNA-/180637699152?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0ed88c50.

According to seller description

Ø TG35 is an active loop antenna for SW/MW/LW reception.

Ø It is special designed for world radios to improve the signal reception.

Ø The antenna comes with two unique antennas that plug into the base amplifier.

Ø The base amplifier + antenna should be placed on a window sill for best performance. The 18 foot connection cable is connected to the base with a BNC plug/jack. The other end of the cable has the power connection and the receiver connection.

Ø This indoor amplified active antenna is the best for portable shortwave radios and will also produce very good results by amplifying the signal received by the ferrite rod plug in antenna.

Ø Combined with a 3-foot telescopic antenna and a ferrite coupler unit, this antenna covers a wide frequency range from 30KHz to 30,000KHz.

Ø Versatile connection to different receivers, ease of use

Ø Free of extra tuning, easy of use

Features
Ø Frequency Range: 30KHz to 30,000KHz
Ø Power Supply: 5V DC
Ø Solar cell equipped for green charge
Ø There are 3 methods to charge the antenna:
(1) Using the included USB cable (2) Using the included AC charger (3) Using the built in Solar Panel

Costs 45 USD + shipping from China.

It is very similiar to Kaito KA35
details:
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/4835.html
which is sold by universal radio
at 90 USD.

Package
Ø Base unit

Ø Ferrite unit
Ø Telescopic unit
Ø Ferrite coupler
Ø Control unit
Ø Charging cable
Ø USB power adapter

Height of Radio Nepal tower to be reduced

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 07:38:00 +0000

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Radio Nepal is reducing the height of its Khumaltar-based
transmitter tower to ensure air-safety. The tower stands in the way of
planes' take-off route.

"Radio Nepal is reducing its tower's height to 45 metre from existing
97 metre," said Mahendra Singh Rawal, director of the Civil Aviation
Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

"The height has been creating trouble as it is on the secondary air
route of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)," he said, adding that
CAAN, Radio Nepal, and Qatar Airways have recently reached an
agreement to reduce the height of the tower.

Aeroplane are compelled to fly carrying less weight than its capacity
since they have to take height within a couple of minutes of take-off
due to the tower in their route.

The compulsion of reducing its weight is called load penalty.

Qatar Airways has provided Rs 20 million to Radio Nepal to purchase
equipment to maintain its quality and CAAN has assured to pay the
customs duty for import of equipment, Rawal said. "Radio Nepal is
expected to reduce the height of the tower by this month," he said.

Radio Nepal Khumaltar transmitting station has three 100 KW short wave
transmitters.

Radio Prague :: International service ends broadcasting on shortwave after 75 years

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:29:00 +0000

The international service of Czech Radio, Radio Prague, ends broadcasting on shortwave on Monday, 75 years after regular broadcasts on shortwave were first relayed from the Czechoslovak (now Czech) Radio building in Vinohradská Street. The first broadcast was on August 31, 1936 and included recorded music and live announcements in several languages. It also included a speech in English by technical director of Czechoslovak Radio Eduard Svoboda. The station’s decision to cut shortwave after 75 years followed a severe budget cut by the Foreign Ministry in line with government austerity measures aimed at reducing the state deficit. The station, which has seen some reduction in staff, will continue its broadcasts in six languages via the internet as its main platform, as well as on satellite; it will also continue cooperation with partner stations in re-broadcasting.

via http://www.radio.cz/en/news

The Personality of the Year 2010 on RRI

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 06:31:00 +0000

From: Babul Gupta via IDXC
Date: Wed, Jan 5, 2011 at 3:43 PM

The Personality of the Year 2010 on RRI

RRI has continued its traditional survey among its listeners, Internet and
social network users around the world. We have challenged you to nominate
personalities from any field of activity who have contributed to the progress of
the world in 2010, through their actions, proposals, attitudes and ideas.
You have nominated such personalities as Australian Julian Assange, the
director of the world famous site WikiLeaks, specialized in posting classified
documents, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, the
winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, world famous Peruvian writer Mario
Vargas Llosa, the US President, Barack Obama, the new Brazilian president,
Mrs Dilma Rousseff and a living legend of today's world, Nelson Mandela.
From the world of sports, you have nominated the 2010 World Football
Champions, Spain, the Formula 1 World Champion, German Sebastian Vettel
and two well known Romanian footballers, Adrian Mutu and Cristian Chivu.
An interesting nomination was that of Romanian born scientist and expert in
cellular biology, Nicolae Ghinea, who is currently living in Paris and who has
made considerable progress towards identifying the print of cancerous cells.
But….. "the Personality of the Year 2010 on RRI" comes from a totally
different area. Actually RRI has designated more personalities, a group of
people whose fight for survival and solidarity kept millions of people around
the world almost out of breath.
So…."The Personalities of the Year 2010 on RRI" are:...the 33 Chilean
miners rescued on October the 13th, who fought to survive underground for
almost 70 days. They remained captive underground, after the walls of the mine
they were working in collapsed.
"Their rescue was a victory for the whole country. After years of
dictatorship, marked by internal conflicts, the whole Chilean society got united.
Somehow, this tragedy offered Chileans the opportunity to regain a sense of
unity", our faithful listener Christian Ghibaudo of France motivated his
nomination.

Babul Gupta

www.babulgupta.com

Invitation to view Swopan Chakroborty's Picasa Web Album - Mandarmani Dxpedition 15-17 Dec 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Swopan) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 12:23:00 +0000

You are invited to view Swopan Chakroborty's photo album:

Mandarmani Dxpedition 15-17 Dec 2010

Mandarmani -

Dec 24, 2010

by Swopan Chakroborty

View Album

Play slideshow

Contribute photos to this album

R Japan Bengali frequency change

noreply@blogger.com (Swopan) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:18:00 +0000

R Japan Bengali service to replace inaudible frequency of 11860 kHz to 9720 kHz from 12.12.2010 1300-1345 UTC.

TECSUN PL-660, Tecsun's answer to Grundig G3

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:45:00 +0000

Tecsun's answer to Grundig G3, is on sale now

More goodies on less price, and sure it will be more sturdy than G3

Will it replace PL600 ? sure more features and sure if its a development on PL600 then it will be much better than G3

search "pl660" on Ebay.

Currently the black version is on offer ($75+$28) from anon-co ; I think its a great buy.

OWL via Grundig_G3 Yahoo Group

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Grundig_G3/

TECSUN PL-660 Digital PLL FM stereo．MW．SW． LW multi-band

DUAL CONVERSION / AIR BAND / SSB / SYNC

<< ENGLISH VERSION – ENGLISH LABEL & MANUAL >> <<New & Export Version>>

TECSUN PL-660 FM stereo．MW．SW．LW multi band DUAL CONVERSION / AIR BAND / SSB / SYNC radio.
The direct frequency entry, you can easy to turn into a station that you know the band frequency. Or you can use the ATS (Auto Tuning Storage) functions on FM / MW / LW & SW bands, all the available stations will be stored in the memory automatically. The alarm functions that you can wake by your favorite radio station. And the temperature function can be selected as Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).

Frequency Range:
FM : 76 ~ 108MHz
Japan 76 ~ 108MHz / Germany 87.5 ~ 108MHz
MW : 522 ~ 1620kHz (band step 1/9kHz for Asia / Africa / Europe) / 520 ~ 1710kHz (band step 10kHz for Northern America) ·
LW : 100KHz to 519KHz (band step 1/9kHz)
SW : 1711KHz to 29999KHz.(band step 1/5kHz)
AIR : 118~137MHz (band step 1/25kHz)

Noise Limit sensitivity:
FM band < 3uV @30dB.
MW band <1mV/m @26dB.
LW band <5mV/m @26dB.
SW band < 20uV @ 26dB.
SSB <1uV
AIR <5uV

Special Function:
Dual Conversion
SSB (include upper side band & lower side band)
Air Band
SYNC to improve receiving quality while signals of AM is being interfered by the strong signals of nearby radio stations.
Tone Adjustment to adjust the TREBLE & BASS.

Six tuning mode selectable:
1) Jog dial manual tuning
2) Auto scan tuning for FM, MW, LW & SW
3) Pre-setting manual scan tuning
4) Memory pre-setting auto scan tuning
5) Memory pre-setting address direct entry tuning
6) Frequency direct entry tuning.

Auto Tuning Storage function (ATS) for FM, MW , LW & SW band.

*Page 0 memories???:

FM: 100 memories

MW:100 memories

LW:100 memories
SW:200 memories

SSB: 200 memories

AIR: 100 memories

*100 memories on each page from Page 1-12.

Multi-functions Digital Display for Frequency, Signal Strength, S/N ratio, Clock & Alarm, Temperature(°C or °F)& Battery Consumption.

LCD Display Screen

Digital clock function with 12/24 Hour Format

Alarm by radio, and with the automatically alarm stopper within 1 - 90 minutes.

Highly intelligent On / Off switch : allow to set the sleep timer from 1 - 120 minutes, or turn the power on / off directly.

FM Mono & Stereo.

Light & Snooze function – 5 minutes, repeated three times

Key lock functio.

Volume Knob with maximum 30 sound levels

Vertical Back Stand
Built In DC 5V USB jack, Earphone Jack, FM & SW Antenna Jack

Built-in Charging System to charge the Ni-MH rechargeable battery

Power supply : USB 6V/300mA external adaptor (included) / 4pcs AA size rechargeable batteries(included)

Unit size 187 x 114 x 33 mm (L x H x W)
Net Weight :470g (not included batteries)

Original accessories : 1pc stereo earphone, 1pc wire antenna , 1pc carrying pouch, 120v / 220v flat pin / 230v adaptor for selection and English manual (printing format available later / E-manual first).

RVA Bengali listeners meet

noreply@blogger.com (Swopan) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 03:47:00 +0000

Radio Veritas Asia Bengali annual listeners meet on 27.2.2011 at Siliguri, West Bengal.

Thanks

Swopan Chakroborty

Kolkata, India

Radio Netherlands B10

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:54:00 +0000

Radio

Netherlands

Worldwide

Shortwave Transmission Schedule

31st October 2010 to 27th March 2011

Asia English

TIME(UTC) AREA KHZ METERBAND SCHEDULE

10.00-11.00 Southeast Asia 9720 31 Daily
10.00-11.00 Southeast Asia 12065 25 Daily
14.00-16.00 South Asia 12080 25 Daily
14.00-16.00 South Asia 15595 19 Daily

Ashik Eqbal Tokon
Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Bangladesh Betar signs agreement with NHK

noreply@blogger.com (Swopan) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:54:00 +0000

Dhaka, Sept 27 - Bangladesh Betar entered into a broadcasting agreement with NHK (the Japan Broadcasting Corporation) at Bangladesh Betar headquarters in the city recently.

Director General of Bangladesh Betar AKM Shamim Chowdhury and NHK director general Makato Harada signed the agreement on behalf of respective sides, a press release said on Monday.

As per the agreement, NHK will provide technical support to Bangladesh Betar to broadcast programs through the FM band from its regional centers in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur and Comilla.

Bangladesh Betar will be able to earn $71,175 per year in this regard, the press release said.

NHK will also provide training facilities to Bangladesh Betar officials with a view to improving the quality of program. Bangladesh and Japan will jointly produce radio programs according to the agreement.

Thanks

Swopan Chakroborty

Bantayan Island an exotic destination in Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 04:46:00 +0000

Located at the western portion of the northern tip of Cebu Island in Philippines Bantayan Island is a tropical paradise in South East Asia. The Beaches of Bantayan Island are the best beaches in all Philippines, even among the most beautiful beaches in all South East Asia. The island is called Paradise Island and the finest sandy beaches beside crystal blue water in seas will make your holiday a lifetime experience.

FM Dxing - comments from Glenn Hauser, World of Radio, USA

noreply@blogger.com (Swopan) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:17:00 +0000

Interesting comments from Mr. Glenn Gauser, World of Radio, USA

Quote:

Swopan,

Some very interesting DX there. Unfortunately, my players can`t handle these odd-format audio files (tried winamp, real, windows media).

It seems to me that quad and longwire are really not suitable for FM DX frequencies. I suspect your results would have been just as good using the built-in whip antenna only, with the advantage that you could quickly manoeuvre it to avoid interference and/or pick up maximum signal. 20 m longwire certainly is not right for FM band of about 3 meters wavelength.

The Es signals were probably so strong that they overcame the antenna wire anyway. One is entirely dependent on when an opening occurs, not so much with having good antenna gain.

Or a yagi cut for the middle of the FM band should give good gain and directionality, but I don`t know if it could be matched properly to that receiver. Perhaps you have already looked into how to do that with the quad, or maybe not with the bad results there.

Typical minimum distance for Es is about 500 miles = 800 km, and most common distance is more like 1000 miles = 1600 km, so you would not be getting nearby Bangladesh via this mode, but rather tropo (weather-related) or groundwave. Maybe parts of Myanmar are far enough away, and of course further parts of India and Pakistan.

With FM DX it is very important to be aware of the distances involved. It might be helpful to draw circles of 500, 1000 and 1500 miles around your location a map. Most of your Es would come from 500-1500 with a peak around 1000. Altho occasionally beyond 1500 is possible by multiple-hops.

So-called trans-equatorial propagation is another matter, which you also might get, outside the summer Es season. Signals are generally steadier but weaker and not fully quieted.

I am basing my comments on some DX I got in Thailand 40 years ago, and on lots more experience here in OK, 36 degrees north, about the same as J&K or northern Tibet, but at least not too far north of you and in the same hemisphere.

Good luck on planning your DXpedition, but if there is not a rather unpredictable Es opening, you may be disappointed. Of course the odds will be much better in May-July.

Or if you become aware of an opening, perhaps a rush trip out to the remote location.

73, Glenn

Unquote

FM Dxing

noreply@blogger.com (Swopan) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:42:00 +0000

During the 3rd week of June 2010, I had an opportunity of experiencing sporadic e condition in FM band. Earlier, Noticing various distant FM logs, I tried several times from my hometown Kolkata with available receivers. But strong local FM channels & their image frequencies all over the FM band, prevented me to log any distant FM channels. Then dismantling newly home brewed Quad Loop antenna, shifted to another 100 km north of Kolkata, a place called Taherpur (Coordinates 23.18°N 88.58°E) under Nadia district of West Bengal state. Erected a 20 mtr. longwire targeting southeast & northwest. The very first day Quad miserably failed & later on detected that there was no continuity. Then the magic started with the longwire which later on found performing excellent. I used a tiny Tecsun PL 757A portable receiver. Many of the distant FM stations coming like our local FM channels, specially from Pakistan. As if, I am sitting in a city of Pakistan. Most of the pvt. FM channels of Bangladesh like Radio Foorti, Dhaka, Radio Amar, Radio Today Dhaka, were coming very clear. Most surprisingly received BBC Bengali programme via FM at Comilla, Bangladesh. Many of the stations carrying programme in CIS language, could not be identified. Indeed, it is not so easy to perfectly identify a distant FM channel just crosschecking their frequency in the available gadgets. Because various programme run in the same channel in various city of the same country. Although Indian pvt FM channels could not disturb the band much but some channels from central to northwestern India were available. Many of the Thai & Vietnamese channels remained unidentified.

Below you can listen to some of the audio files recorded with my mobile phone recorder.

Unidentified Chinese 92.4 MHz @ 0519 21.6.2010

http://tinyurl.com/2veufsu

102.6 MHz 0741UTC 21.6.10 AIR DELHI

http://tinyurl.com/2w46ddg

FM 93 Pakisatn 93.0 MHz 0417 UTC 21.6.10

http://tinyurl.com/3yj6s8l

FM Sunrise Sahiwal Pakistan 96.0 MHz 0701 UTC 21.6.2010

http://tinyurl.com/3yt46zp

Local pirate in Bengali

http://tinyurl.com/348jp4n

Local Pirate 95.6 MHz 1605 UTC 20.6.10

http://tinyurl.com/38br6zd

Local Pirate 96.4 MHz 1558 UTC 20.6.10

http://tinyurl.com/3297d7d

Mast FM Lahore Pakistan 103.0 MHz 0352 UTC 21.6.10

http://tinyurl.com/3x5jq2v

Power FM Islamabad 99.0 MHz 0728 UTC 21.6.2010

http://tinyurl.com/3xvztmf

Punjab University FM Lahore 0.1 kW 104.6 MHz 0824 UTC 21.6.10

http://tinyurl.com/36derh6

Pyinsawadi FM Burma 88.0 MHz 0501 UTC

http://tinyurl.com/2u9ynto

R News Network Pakistan 99.0 MHz 0300 UTC 21.6.10

http://tinyurl.com/38z55ql

Radio Today Bangladesh 89.6 MHz 0537 UTC 21.6.2010

http://tinyurl.com/33v65sa

Sichuan R China 91.3 MHz 0400 UTC 21.6.10

http://tinyurl.com/33akpts

Unidentified 90.1 MHz

http://tinyurl.com/32bozyr

Unidentified stn 97.8 MHz 0430 UTC 21.6.2010

http://tinyurl.com/33kdzp4

Unidentified 101.3 MHz Presumably Tibetan

http://tinyurl.com/2vnskkq

Unidentified Bengali 100 MHz 0323UTC 21.6.10

http://tinyurl.com/3ygg7ya

Unidentified Chinese stn 21.6.2010

http://tinyurl.com/33ab6vm

Unidentified Chinese stn 92.4 MHz @ 0519 21.6.2010

http://tinyurl.com/2veufsu

Unidentified Chinese stn 96.0 MHz 0539 UTC

http://tinyurl.com/367jwg3

Unidentified Indian station

http://tinyurl.com/2vgjqvp

Unidentified Kazakh or Uighur language 92.2 MHz 0800 21.6.10

http://tinyurl.com/32dfhme

Unidentified Turkish language on 93.2 MHz 0418 UTC 20.6.2010

http://tinyurl.com/38x545t

Unidentified Uighur language programme

http://tinyurl.com/2w6l9xg

But coming back in Kolkata tried several times but nothing fruitful so far. Quad Loop antenna was also erected perfectly. Definitely this was the first experience of sporadic e. Next one will must be a planned FM dxpedition.

Thanks,
Swopan Chakroborty

New TECSUN PL-210 Digital Tuning FM / shortwave / mediumwave / longwave PLL dual conversion Ultralight Portable

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:07:00 +0000

PL-210 is an engineers years of design experience, and carefully crafted a pocket full-band digital tuning stereo radio, the machine selects the high-quality integrated circuits, the AM and shortwave receiver dual conversion technology applied to high sensitivity, selectivity, anti-jamming; space-saving, easy to operate, can be up to 1,700 radio frequency in memory, If you like ultralight portables, I hope this radio, to help you enjoy the radio, to bring you joy.

PL-210 Features at a glance:

● The multi-functional machine, can receive FM stereo, medium wave, long wave and the international shortwave radio programs, high sensitivity, good selectivity
● FM receiving frequency range can be set to 87 ~ 108MHz, 88 ~ 108MHz, or 76 ~ 108MHz (to receive part of the campus radio)
● The machine is very user-friendly, easy to use, has a very useful multi-functional digital control knob can be used to set the time, adjust the frequency, select the memory address
● AM by double-conversion technology has greatly improved AM reception sensitivity and anti-mirror interference
● DX - High / Medium / low sensitivity control, can improve the strong signal and weak signal reception station
● six election units: manual search radio frequency, direct digital input frequency, manually search for stored stored radio station or directly enter the address number, stored radio frequency automatic search, automatic search preview the stored stations
● use of ATS feature that automatically searches memory FM / shortwave / medium wave / long wave radio frequency
● The machine can store up to 1,700 radio frequencies. 500 which is stored by band (FM / AM / long wave of the storage 100, SW 200), and the remaining 1,200 memory locations, divided into 12 pages (page 100), classified according to store your personal favorite frequency
● use of high-quality speakers, you can also use the high / bass control switch to change the sound, listen to different programs to meet the needs of
● The machine adopts the 12/24 hour time display, with regular power function, can pre-listen to the radio is turned on, and pre-set automatic shutdown in 1-90 minutes
● Auto power off a smart sleep, you can personal sleep habits, set in the boot automatically shut down after 1-120 minutes
● features intelligent lighting display
● The machine uses two batteries, but also the optional Ni-MH rechargeable battery, the machine is equipped with intelligent charging function, external power port using the most common and most secure of the USB socket, suitable for any commercially available USB mouth of the 5V power adapter.
● delicate protective cover and comes with stereo headphones
● Physical Size: W 125 × 75 × high thick 26 (mm)
● Design Patent No.: 03320375.X

PL-210 Basic Specifications

● Frequency Range / Tuning step

Frequency Modulation (FM) 76 - 108 MHz; smart step 0.01/0.1 MHz
You can choose the frequency coverage:
Standard: 87 - 108 MHz (except for Japan, Germany, Russia, other than national standards)
Germany: 87.5 - 108 MHz
Japan: 76 - 90 MHz
Campus radio: 76 - 108 MHz (including part of the campus radio)

Short-wave (SW) 1711 -29999 kHz; smart step 1 / 5 kHz

AM (MW)
522 - 1620 kHz; smart step 1 / 9 kHz (for Asia, Africa and Europe)
520 - 1710 kHz; smart step 1 / 10 kHz (for North America)

Long Wave (LW) 150 - 519 kHz; smart step 1 / 9 kHz

● Noise limited sensitivity:
Frequency Modulation (FM) (S / N = 30dB) better than 3 uV
AM (MW) (S / N = 26dB) better than 1 mV / m
Long Wave (LW) (S / N = 26dB) better than 5 mV / m
Short-wave (SW) (S / N = 26dB) better than 20 uV

● Optional:
Frequency Modulation (FM)> 25 dB
AM (MW)> 40 dB
Long Wave (LW)> 40 dB
Short-wave (SW)> 25 dB

● FM stereo separation: better than 24 dB

● Output Power:
Speaker: 250 mW
Headphones: 10 mW / 8 - 32 ohm stereo headset

● Number of Storage Memory: Total 1700

(1) according to band storage: 500
Frequency Modulation (FM) 100
AM (MW) 100
Long Wave (LW) 100
Short-wave (SW) 200

(2) cross-band paging memory: 12 pages x 100, 1200 Radio Storage

● awakened mode: radio alarm rang

● Static current:
Frequency Modulation (FM) <27mA
AM / long wave (MW / LW) <45mA
Short-wave (SW) <53mA
Shutdown standby <40uA

● Speaker Size: diameter 40 mm / 12Ω film speaker

● Power supply:
Battery: 2 R6 (V) batteries or rechargeable batteries
External power jack: USB specification / DC 5V 250mA

● Weight: About 200g (without batteries)　　　　　　　　

● Physical Size: W 125 × 75 × high thick 26 (mm)

● Design Patent No.: 03320375.X　　

● Accessories:
Stereo headphones, protective cover, FM short-wave external antenna, instruction manual, certificate, service guarantee

Available colors: Black, Silver, metallic Red

Mail order prices, gifts and purchase by:
In PR China Mail Order Price: 298 yuan / (including flat postage).
Taobao Network PL210 counters: 【http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_detail.htm?item_num_id=6716945975】

Premium: Any company directly to order Dongguan Desheng, shop in Taobao and online shopping site to buy PL-210, the value of each are accompanied by a gift of 20 yuan, with two 1000mAh rechargeable batteries and USB power line.

But Anon Co on ebay has different Gifts with Them -

http://cgi.ebay.com/TECSUN-PL-210-FM-STEREO-MW-LW-SW-WORLD-BAND-RADIO-/110576628162

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-TECSUN-PL-210-DIGITAL-PLL-FM-MW-LW-SW-PL210-RADIO-/220667701223?pt=Shortwave_Radios&hash=item3360d1e7e7#ht_2131wt_911

In PR China How to buy:

■ nearest to purchase:
You can go to your local electronics store, shopping malls or local counter electronic appliance wholesale market, the nearest to buy PL-210. Because the relationship between sales channels, local prices may be some differences, you can refer to our purchase order price.

■ Direct Service:
We are in the country with customer service centers in major cities, you can also go to these places to buy PL-210. The following are contact centers around the service, everyone on the front of the phone can go.

● Department of Electronics Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, hundreds of
203 Middle Road, Guangzhou City, Central City 10, Block A, Hang Seng Building, Room 1002, 020-86699469

● Beijing Desheng Radio Service
Ding Men Wai, Dongcheng District, on the Dragon on the Dragon Garden 41 West Unit 2-2, Building III, Room 010-84111581

● Health Radio Service Centre on Hyde
Handan Road, Shanghai, Wuxi, Building 98, Room 2002 A 021-61425265

● Electric Co., Ltd. Chongqing, Chongqing wave
220 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District, Xinhua Road Accord 27-1 (Arran Electronic City) 023-63830161 023-63843776

● Dorsey Co., Ltd. Nanjing
No. 198 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Long International Building, Room 1111, Taiwan 210002 025-84650427 025-84650453

● Hangzhou Radio and Television Services
88 Moganshan Road, Hangzhou 0571-88845345

● Desheng Electric Appliance Co., Ltd. Chengdu
Golden Temple electronics market in Chengdu electrical store room 39, 3rd Floor, Block B 028-86083088 028-83230035

● West Andrew Health Radio Service Center
Middle Yanta Road, Xi'an City 816 Xiansaige computer room 029-85535376 029-85526392

● Electronic Co., Ltd., Lanzhou Kinder
No. 271 Donggang West Road Lanzhou Northwest Hospital, fourth floor, electronic commerce, Room 401, City Parking 0931-8613929 0931-8628561 turn 804

● De-Sheng Trading Co., Ltd. Fuzhou
Tong Wu, Fuzhou Drum Tower District 72 0591-87602798

● Dongguan Desheng Company Consulting Contact:
E-Mail: tecsun@21cn.com
Service Hotline :0769 -22455117 0769-23167118
Desheng Radio Forum SMS: 【http://bbs.tecsun.com.cn/megs.asp?X=2&N=&ord=0】 Attention: Chuan Hou

In addition, for products not covered by the network out of stock or sold to consumers, small towns can be purchased through mail order PL-210;
PL-210 will also be in the German health Taobao while the shelves, and welcome to purchase.

■ mail order through the postal remittance
Remittance Address: Dongcheng District, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, Dongguan Desheng Long Road, Building No. 189　
Payee Name: De-Sheng Electric Customer Service Department　　　　　
Postal Code: 523071
Please note: Please write in the column on the remittance postscript your product model, color, quantity and your contact phone number so that we confirm the arrangements for delivery as soon as possible.

■ money order through online banking
Payee name: Dongguan Desheng General Electric Co., Ltd.
Bank: Industrial and Commercial Bank, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, Lake King branch (or the Industrial and Commercial Bank, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, East Branch)
Account number: 2010028619000005256
Please note: Internet Banking transfer, please pay more money, ending a bit, after payment please send your information via e-mail or short message to our forum (the sender's full address, name, zip code, telephone number, the amount the purchase of the product type, color and quantity), so that we can confirm the arrangements for delivery as soon as possible.

■ Taobao purchase by
Taobao Network PL210 counters: 【http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_detail.htm?item_num_id=6716945975】

Tecsun note: We do not Want Alibaba, the user who need to purchase, please direct payments, remittance please send your information via e-mail or forum message to us (the sender's full address, name, zip code, telephone, the amount, the purchase of the product type, color and quantity), so that we can confirm the arrangements for delivery as soon as possible.

Find the best suitable digital camera or DSLR for you

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:15:00 +0000

Digital photography or digital cameras has changed our world a lot. Now a days photography is fastest growing hobby among general people. And this is possible only after revolution in digital cameras technology and pricing structure. There are so many options on variety of digital cameras it’s a bit confusing to choose the right camera for you. And people around you may confuse you more. But we got a reliable place, Amazon’s photography shop as a guide where you can choose the best suitable DSLR and other digital photography equipments for you. Give a try.

Conference Calls for your business

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:15:00 +0000

There is many websites on IP Phone and telephony solutions but very rare of them offers you the Teleconferencing facility. We found a website meetupcall.com which offers you a good quality Conference Call Services with reasonable pricing and convenient plans. They have plans as low as 2.5 pence per minute multiple billing options. This UK based company offers you the services directly from your own telephone. Several billing plans includes the facility to bill on your existing phone, there is also plans which offers you unlimited conference ID and PINs. The most convenient option is they always provide you a handful of international dial in numbers.
And lastly the these great services can be trialed for free before subscribing them. So, check it out and enjoy.

Apple iPhone 4 invades the blackberry territory

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:54:00 +0000

With the launch of iPhone 4 in Canada Apple started invading the Blackberry territory on 30th July 2010. And the iPhone 4 promises a lot and first time users are also very happy with it. ReVierphone in Europe – 3GStore is dealing with a contest whose prize is a 32GB iPhone 4. The fourth generation iPhone is a nice gadget for those who are a multimedia geek. With Apple A4 processor and 512 MB of eDRAM, it has the double power than the first iPhone.

Apple Fan Canadians queued up in front of iPhone stores and other authorized retailers from Toronto to Vancouver almost 24 hours before the delivery of the smart phone started in Canada.

Deutsche Welle Survey

noreply@blogger.com (Swopan) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:20:00 +0000

Dear friends of Deutsche Welle,

We would like to conduct a survey with our listeners on the image and perceptions of Germany 20 years after reunification.

Could you please send us a few statements on the topic or provide short answers to the following questions:

What comes to your mind when you think of Germany today?

Do you think Germany has changed since the reunification in 1990?

In your opinion, what is Germany's role in the world today?

If you would like to participate, please provide us with your statements, as well as your name, the city and country you are writing from and, if possible, a photo. Some of the contributions will be used on different DW platforms.

Thanks in advance – we are looking forward to your reply!

Kind regards,

Andrea Schulz
Kundenservice
DEUTSCHE WELLE
T: +49.228.429-3223
F: +49.228.429-154000
E: Andrea.Schulz@dw-world.de

An Interview of Swopan Chakraborty on Radio Japan NHK Bengali Service on 15th August 2010

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:45:00 +0000

On 15th August 2010 - Bengali Service, Radio Japan NHK broad-casted an Interview of Mr. Swopan Chakraborty, a DXer from Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) on his listening habits and feelings on Radio Japan - many interesting facts discussed - The Interview can be downloaded and listened via following link.

http://uploading.com/files/m448d5f5/Swopan.mp3/

Thanks & Regards,

Partha Sarathi Goswami

Siliguri – 734001
Dist. Darjeeling,
West Bengal
INDIA

VLC Player - A lightweight all format media player

noreply@blogger.com (partha sarathi goswami) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:20:00 +0000

VLC is a player that can handle majority of audio video files – to say at once it can fulfill all your entertainment needs. It can play almost any type of media including DVDs, CDs, VCDs, web streams and much more. VLC Player installs with many required codec packs already so you don't have to look for codec packs separately. So don’t wait get it from vlc player download. And you might not know that VLC player can also be used as a client as well as a server to stream and receive streams within a network – be it LAN or WAN. It can stream all those files it can read. WOW!