Hello All, Since there appears to be significant interest in this innovative pocket radio, I'll try to answer some of the FAQ's in advance, in hopes of minimizing the commotion on the list reflectors. The PL-300WT does in fact tune in 1 kHz steps on AM, as well as at a selectable 9 or 10 kHz rate. The radio has an innovative feature which can switch the tuning rate according to the user's input, i.e. switching to a faster rate during wide frequency sweeps, and back to the 1 kHz rate during fine tuning. My own impression is that this feature is very useful for DXing. The radio's size is 5.25 x 3.5 x 1 inches, or 133 x 88 x 27 mm. Having three AA batteries and weighing little more than an E100, it looks, feels and acts like a typical pocket radio, and should be accepted by all as a legitimate Ultralight receiver. The DSP capability provides exceptional selectivity not only on AM, but on FM and SW as well. Most Ultralight radios tested here have trouble separating the 104.3 Mhz Bellingham (WA) FM station from the 104.5 Mhz Covington (WA) station (if they can receive the Bellingham station at all). This radio receives both signals like locals, and has them completely separated. During initial testing, the SW reception capability was not found to be very impressive. DSP circuitry does provide excellent selectivity on SW, but sensitivity appears to be average at best. In addition, the local KSUH-1450 Korean-language pest seems to have a significant signal over much of the 11 Mhz and 15 Mhz SW international broadcast bands, regardless of the tuned frequency. My interim recommendation is that SW enthusiasts avoid purchasing this radio if SW reception capability is the top priority. The two-lead AM loopstick of the new PL-300WT is very similar to that of the E100, but it is actually a little shorter. Tecsun has either dramatically improved the medium-wave RF front end to provide more low-band sensitivity (more likely), or improved the loopstick design. I'm very eager to start Slider loopstick transplants for myself and the others who have requested such modifications, but I need to keep the current unit in stock condition until all comparison testing with the other 2009 Shootout contenders is completed. Another unit has been ordered from "Liypn" for initial Slider testing. My PL-300WT radio was ordered from the Chinese eBay seller "Liypn" on May 18th for a total cost of $73.99 (including shipping by registered air mail, and insurance). It arrived on May 29th, well-packed, after a delay of 11 days. Unfortunately, the English operating manual mentioned in the listing was not included in the package (nor was any Chinese manual), so a request has been sent to "Liypn" for a link to a site providing an English manual. The radio's digital functions are quite intuitive, however, so a user can figure out the basics without too much trouble. My own distinct impression is that despite the similar appearance, the new Grundig G8 will be a completely different radio than this Chinese-market PL-300WT, based upon the significant size and weight differences. None of the G8 advertising mentions any DSP capability, which is the primary advantage of the new Tecsun PL-300WT. Both Grundig and C.Crane have a history of stripping down and/or overpricing their rebranded Chinese domestic models, in hopes of making more profits from unsuspecting North American purchasers (who are unaware of the eBay direct purchasing options). It would be typical for Grundig to strip the DSP capability and then add a bigger speaker, in hopes of cutting costs (and raising profits). The "new" G100 model is a prime example of corporate faith in uninformed, unsuspecting buyers. My recommendation is to avoid the G8, just like you should avoid the G100. And yes, Rob, I will be happy to take the blame for a stampede of PL-300WT orders, and for raising the price into the stratosphere. But be careful that you don't chime in and join me (like you did with the Sony SRF-T615), or you will be my partner in crime! 73, Gary DeBock **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221823251x1201398665/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=May ExcfooterNO62) _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca
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