Red Wave Radio

If you are willing to spend $150 and quality is a concern go ahead and
consider the Sony ICF-7600G which has a Synchronous Detection circuit
that helps to reduce the annoying fading of shortwave signals. This
feature alone is worth the extra money. Grove Electronics sells this
receiver for $169.95 new (not refurbished). Other reputable dealers may
even sell this model for less. Whatever model you determine to be best
for your needs make sure you buy from a dealer that has a physical
presence in case you need any type of service or warranty work. You are
a good brother!

More accurately -- Sony model ICF-SW7600G.

Hello,

 My brother, the chef, will be working at a very exclusive Alaskan fishing camp
in the distant wilderness for five months beginning at the end of May. He wants
to purchase a small, backpackable, shortwave radio to use while there but has
no idea what may be a good buy in the $100.00 range. He has been looking at the
Sony ICFSW12 and SW30. I have also heard that the Sangean 606A is an excellent
buy though its closer to $150.00, is it worth the difference? I would
appreciate any recommendations or suggestions on his behalf. Thanks in advance.

Jim

For $100, and for a remote area (not too many powerful nearby transmitters likely),

the Sangean ATS404 is probably the best bet if all he wants to do is listen to
international broadcasters, because of its exceptional sensitivity.  Sound quality
isn't impressive, as you'd expect in such a small radio, but it makes up for that
in picking up so many readable signals.

Better yet would be a Grunding Yacht Boy 305 -- if he could get one.  Although
larger and
using 2 "C" cells, sound and pickup is terrific and battery life is about the best
I've ever seen.
The only problem is this model is discontinued, so you might have to shop around
to find a new or reconditioned one.  It's still light and small enough to backpack
reasonably.

Grunding YB300 isn't nearly as good as the 305, although it is sensitive.  Sound is
rather shrill,
even moreso than the ATS404 to my ears.

Sony 7600G is more like $160, and adds SSB and 1 Khz steps instead of 5 Khz steps,
which
is sometimes useful, but it isn't as sensitive as the above two radios -- a factor
I think
is pretty important in Alaska.

The SW30 is a better radio where signals are stronger, but probably not the best
choice
for up in Alaska.

-- Ross

Jim:

I'd go with the Sangean 606A; Double reduction receiver, Phase locked loop, digital
display; a very good small receiver.
I've used one in out of U.S. places several times; 20 feet of wire hooked to the
antenna  really helps pull in stations.
If this is a "No electricity " situation bring many extra batteries, else bring a
good pre-tested wall wart. C Crane sells them.
Using head phones saves the batteries considerably

Dan

Radio Shack sells the Sangean 606A as their DX-399.  It's only $99 now,
until the end of April.  I checked it out and it looks real good.  The
first thing I noticed was the weight of the radio! I had just looked at
the new DX-396 (a bigger radio) when the clerk handed me the DX-399 and
WOW what a weight difference! It feels like it's built like a brick
s___ house.  If I didn't have too many radios already I'd get one.  No
SSB but that isn't a need for everyone.  Everything else is there and
it looks good.

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YB-305 available for $79.95, very good to excellent condition.

centerpoint

The DX-399 eats batteries like no tomorrow and the volume gets distorted if
it's turned up. It's best for a quite room.

centerpoint

Quote:> Radio Shack sells the Sangean 606A as their DX-399.  It's only $99 now,
> until the end of April.  I checked it out and it looks real good.  The
> first thing I noticed was the weight of the radio! I had just looked at
> the new DX-396 (a bigger radio) when the clerk handed me the DX-399 and
> WOW what a weight difference! It feels like it's built like a brick
> s___ house.  If I didn't have too many radios already I'd get one.  No
> SSB but that isn't a need for everyone.  Everything else is there and
> it looks good.

> * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network
*
> The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!

Jim:

One thing you should do, regardless of what you get him, is show him how to work
the set, & give him a card with 10 or so frequencies written on it;

- Frequencies that have something on them that he can hear during the summer nights
in Alaska..
 -Throw in a copy of Monitoring  Times for him to read, & a roll of stranded bell
wire for him to string up antennas with if he gets bored..  C Crane used to sell an
antenna book for not too much..
- anyway, Wire always comes in handy in the woods..

 Wire, Batteries  & Bug Repellant ( 5 months worth  of it!)

Dan