Best High End Portable.

A place to discuss the HF and Shortwave listening side of the radio hobby. Discuss equipment, frequencies and antenna systems etc. Anything HF!
M1ZXZ
Regular
Regular
Posts: 31
Joined: 08 Feb 2014, 20:34
Call Sign: M1ZXZ

Best High End Portable.

Post by M1ZXZ »

So, what's considered to be the ultimate high end all singing, dancing portable shortwave receiver money can buy.

I would be interested to know what users are using that's considered high end ?

I'me currently using the Sangean ATS 909 connected to a Wellbrook Loop, it receives pretty well, can't really fault it as it's doing a good job for a small portable but as ever, I'me always looking at different radios wandering if there really are any better or should I just stick to what I have ??

It's getting on a bit, but how about the Sony ICF SW77 ?

So, who's using what ??

Regards, Paul.
User avatar
Admiral
Legend
Legend
Posts: 10108
Joined: 08 Mar 2011, 21:20
Call Sign: 26TM157
Location: MK-UK

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by Admiral »

These are pretty good. Battery lasts all day.

Image
Winner of the 2017 IBTL 'Summer Sizzler' competition
2E1IIP

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by 2E1IIP »

Image
These chaps have the right idea, no battery required!
2E1IIP

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by 2E1IIP »

On a more serious note....
Have a look at this wee thing, spec seems pretty good however the price is a bit rich.

http://www.hamradio.co.uk/sdr-software- ... d-5553.php
2E1IIP

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by 2E1IIP »

Another decent spec radio but much bigger however it is battery powered....

http://www.hamradio.co.uk/userfiles/fil ... 20-NEW.pdf
User avatar
Admiral
Legend
Legend
Posts: 10108
Joined: 08 Mar 2011, 21:20
Call Sign: 26TM157
Location: MK-UK

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by Admiral »

I would steer clear of the Etons if I were thee.

Lots of bling, but most are just an analogue radio with a frequency readout, no PLL, the chances of being on the right frequency are slim, and those with an Airband will generally be on FM.
Winner of the 2017 IBTL 'Summer Sizzler' competition
User avatar
owza
Super Member
Super Member
Posts: 337
Joined: 16 May 2011, 10:26
Call Sign: M0
Location: NW, UK

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by owza »

M1ZXZ
Regular
Regular
Posts: 31
Joined: 08 Feb 2014, 20:34
Call Sign: M1ZXZ

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by M1ZXZ »

Thanks chaps for the reply,

I'me a bit old school, I like actual radio's that I can twiddle with knobs and switches, other than SDR's that's becoming ever so popular.
Nothing against SDR's, there just not for me as I like the idea of portability.

One possibily is the Yeasu VR 5000, they certainly look high tech, feature rich and has DSP. Some report's that I've read suggest that the MW / SW bands don't stand up to well, great for anything else just not so good on HF. I guess it all depends how you view the rig in general, coming from the mighty Yeasu camp, users may expect that extra more from it.. For me tho, it's doesn't have to be a steller performer, just good enough. I understand that the rig has had a number of firmware updates,wether or not that make any difference ?? dunno.

Wandering if any possible users of the VR5000 care to comment, good or crap..

The Eton E1 was another rig I had my eye on..

Probably would be better off looking at mid range table top receivers, but there not as easy to carry around.. I want something portable, top of the range. guess I will have to keep looking to see what's out there.

Thanks..
User avatar
26TM944
Radio Addict
Radio Addict
Posts: 864
Joined: 28 Feb 2011, 14:19
Call Sign: 26TM944
Location: Bletchley
Contact:

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by 26TM944 »

VR5000 = CRAP

Get a cheapo Tecsun 600 or 606 - does what it says on the tin and not for much money, nearly disposable... But if you don't care about cost so much an FT817 seems to fit the bill and have a battery pack that the SOTA and QRP people seem to love.

Myself I like the chealy like Tecsun's they're OK for casual out and about SWing.

Have a read of Daves site and see if there are any you fancy http://webpages.charter.net/n9ewo2/

73 Steve
26-TM-944
  • A rig, twig & burner.
User avatar
thedeerhunter270
Top Poster
Top Poster
Posts: 1248
Joined: 13 Nov 2009, 18:47
Location: Nr Consett County Durham

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by thedeerhunter270 »

I would say something like the CR-1a Communications Receiver
Operating in South Northumberland and Weardale.
M1ZXZ
Regular
Regular
Posts: 31
Joined: 08 Feb 2014, 20:34
Call Sign: M1ZXZ

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by M1ZXZ »

Thanks lads for your advice. Gonna have to make a call sooner or later.

Regards.
Turbo
Super Member
Super Member
Posts: 276
Joined: 12 May 2008, 10:12
Location: East Devenport,Tasmania,Australia

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by Turbo »

Hi Paul use to have a Yaesu -VR5000 one of the worst receivers iv ever had no matter what antenna u put on use to overload endid up selling waste of money and i live in an area where there is no power lines overheaf for miles but my other receivers didnt over load..

Regards Lino..
M1ZXZ
Regular
Regular
Posts: 31
Joined: 08 Feb 2014, 20:34
Call Sign: M1ZXZ

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by M1ZXZ »

Hi Lino,

I have read a fair amount of negative reports with regards to poor performance and overloading issues of the front end of this receiver on the shortwave bands, connecting any sort of external antenna just makes the radio impossible to use. I read tho, VHF and above, the receiver is quite good depending what antenna is connected ?

VHF and above. How did you find that ?

Interestingly, I came across a radio related web site, can't quite remember the URL, will find out and list the address. Anyhow, the guy who was involved with Passport to World Band Radio has written quite a detailed analysis of the problem of front end overloading of the VR 5000, quite a lengthy read.
After numerous testing he inserted an inline 20 db variable attenuator to control the overloading.

I emailed him recently asking him about this solution and wether the VR5000 is considered to be a good buy.
With the 20 db attenuator inline, he assured me it makes all the difference..

Lino, did you ever try something like that ?

Regards, Paul..
Turbo
Super Member
Super Member
Posts: 276
Joined: 12 May 2008, 10:12
Location: East Devenport,Tasmania,Australia

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by Turbo »

Hi Paul for vhf air i used a few commercial airband antennas none of my other receivers had a problem with them
over loading..

Regards Lino..
User avatar
SecretShortwave
Radio Addict
Radio Addict
Posts: 922
Joined: 02 Aug 2010, 09:51
Location: West Yorks

Re: Best High End Portable.

Post by SecretShortwave »

Post Reply