[IRCA] Grundig G8
If anyone out there in Canada is thinking of getting one of the new portable DSP receivers I noticed that the Grundig G8 is listed in the latest Sears Christmas Wish Book which was delivered here today. Priced at $59.99CAN it's slightly more expensive than the Tecsun versions on eBay, but without the shipping costs. As a bonus it would be warranted by Sears Canada. It's also listed on Future Shop's website at the same price, tho they call it a crankradio! http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10122052&catid=10088 Mike in St Isidore, AB ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Grundig G8 Performance
I received a new G8 the other day and immediately did a side by side comparison to my Eton E100. The results were both surprising and disappointing. The E100 seemed to be the equal of the G8 on all frequencies for sensitivity and audio fidelity. Also the G8 had a noticeable heterodyne on 1400 through 1430 khz. It's possible that the G8 I have needs some tweaking with the antenna coil, but the heterodyne issue bothered me more. I may return it to Amazon and get a replacement as I do want to experiment with it as a DX radio. Jim -- www.fhu.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Grundig G8 Performance
Gary, thanks for the information and your offer to align the radio. I guess I will do some more testing of the G8 before I decide whether or not to keep it. 73, Jim Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2009 21:29:13 EDT From: d1028g...@aol.com To: irca@hard-core-dx.com Subject: Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8 Performance Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Hi Jim, Thanks for your assessment of the G8 performance, and sorry that you were less than satisfied.. The heterodynes you mention (from 1400- 1430 kHz) are a congenital issue in the G8/ PL-300WT models, and show up in all these units. As such, ordering a replacement model from Amazon will not solve the problem. Most owners seem to tolerate this quirk, but it's a subjective issue that bothers some DXers more than others. On the other hand, your new G8 should have much better low-band AM sensitivity than an Eton E100, assuming that the G8 is properly aligned. The E100 has a deserved reputation for being rather deaf on the low AM band, and the G8 will always outperform it when both units are properly aligned. An AM alignment instruction file for the G8/ PL-300WT models has been uploaded to the Yahoo Ultralightdx file section, if you would like to optimize the sensitivity in your model. Or, if you prefer, you can send your radio here for a free AM alignment. 73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA) ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8
At 05:43 PM 8/13/2009, you wrote: >If anyone out there in Canada is thinking of getting one of the new portable >DSP receivers I noticed that the Grundig G8 is listed in the latest Sears >Christmas Wish Book which was delivered here today. Priced at $59.99CAN it's >slightly more expensive than the Tecsun versions on eBay, but without the >shipping costs. As a bonus it would be warranted by Sears Canada. It's also >listed on Future Shop's website at the same price, tho they call it a >crankradio! >http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10122052&catid=10088 > > >Mike in St Isidore, AB >___ Funny, but when I search the Sears.ca website, no sign of a Grundig G8. Haven't updated it yet. I don't see a Xmas wishbook listed yet, eitherused to love that book as a kid! Lots of drooling. Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8
Funny, but when I search the Sears.ca website, no sign of a Grundig G8. Haven't updated it yet. I don't see a Xmas wishbook listed yet, eitherused to love that book as a kid! Lots of drooling. Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC Doesn't surprise me Walt. Over the years I have found many products listed in the catalogs are not listed on their website. Mike in St Isidore, AB ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8
So far nobody has heard of the G8 in any of the local Radio Shacks I've visited, and it isn't on their on-line catalog, either, yet several have reported seeing them at RS or buying them there -- someplace else. As the peak FM DX season is over for this year, I have no urgency to get one so I can wait for them to show up here. Russ Edmunds Blue Bell, PA ( 360' ASL ) [15 mi NNW of Philadelphia] 40:08:45N; 75:16:04W, Grid FN20id FM: Yamaha T-80 & Onkyo T-450RDS w/ APS9B @15' AM: Modified Sony ICF 2010 barefoot --- On Thu, 8/13/09, Walter Salmaniw wrote: > From: Walter Salmaniw > Subject: Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8 > To: "Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America" > > Date: Thursday, August 13, 2009, 10:28 PM > At 05:43 PM 8/13/2009, you wrote: > >If anyone out there in Canada is thinking of getting > one of the new portable DSP receivers I noticed that the > Grundig G8 is listed in the latest Sears Christmas Wish Book > which was delivered here today. Priced at $59.99CAN it's > slightly more expensive than the Tecsun versions on eBay, > but without the shipping costs. As a bonus it would be > warranted by Sears Canada. It's also listed on Future Shop's > website at the same price, tho they call it a crankradio! > http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10122052&catid=10088 > > > > >Mike in St Isidore, AB > >___ > > > Funny, but when I search the Sears.ca website, no sign of a > Grundig G8. Haven't updated it yet. I don't see > a Xmas wishbook listed yet, eitherused to love that book > as a kid! Lots of drooling. Walt > Salmaniw, Victoria, BC > > > ___ > IRCA mailing list > IRCA@hard-core-dx.com > http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca > > Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are > those of the original contributors and do not necessarily > reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing > staff, or officers > > For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org > > To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com > > ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8
G8 purchased at R (or T) Shack in Denton TX. Q.R.M. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8
I also used to love the SEARS catalogs. I remember distinctly that in the 70's, they had their very own version of the YEASU FRG 7, only it was grey and had a Sears badge on it. 'Back when DX was king!! 73 Mike Sanburn > From: stonb...@abnorth.com > To: irca@hard-core-dx.com > Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:17:31 -0600 > Subject: Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8 > > > Funny, but when I search the Sears.ca website, no sign of a Grundig G8. > > Haven't updated it yet. I don't see a Xmas wishbook listed yet, > > eitherused to love that book as a kid! Lots of drooling. Walt > > Salmaniw, Victoria, BC > > Doesn't surprise me Walt. Over the years I have found many products listed > in the catalogs are not listed on their website. > > Mike in St Isidore, AB > > ___ > IRCA mailing list > IRCA@hard-core-dx.com > http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca > > Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original > contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its > editors, publishing staff, or officers > > For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org > > To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com > _ Get free photo software from Windows Live http://www.windowslive.com/online/photos?ocid=PID23393::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:SI_PH_software:082009 ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Grundig G8 stand
Has anyone's Grundig G8 stand broken? Mine has. I don't think I'll replace it. I had the same problem with my DX-398 but the replacement stand broke after awhile. C. Crane sells an expensive stand that I may go for. The G8 is a very interesting radio. It has some neat features and some pretty strange behaviors but mine doesn't have the AM sensitivity problem some have experienced. I have three locals a mile away but haven't gotten around to checking out whether the DSP solves any problems or creates any on adjacent frequencies. As some of you know my wife died four months ago after a two year battle with two different cancers. Since then spinning the dial has been a very low priority. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8 Performance
Hi Jim, Thanks for your assessment of the G8 performance, and sorry that you were less than satisfied.. The heterodynes you mention (from 1400- 1430 kHz) are a congenital issue in the G8/ PL-300WT models, and show up in all these units. As such, ordering a replacement model from Amazon will not solve the problem. Most owners seem to tolerate this quirk, but it's a subjective issue that bothers some DXers more than others. On the other hand, your new G8 should have much better low-band AM sensitivity than an Eton E100, assuming that the G8 is properly aligned. The E100 has a deserved reputation for being rather deaf on the low AM band, and the G8 will always outperform it when both units are properly aligned. An AM alignment instruction file for the G8/ PL-300WT models has been uploaded to the Yahoo Ultralightdx file section, if you would like to optimize the sensitivity in your model. Or, if you prefer, you can send your radio here for a free AM alignment. 73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA) In a message dated 7/7/2009 5:39:24 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, jim01...@gmail.com writes: I received a new G8 the other day and immediately did a side by side comparison to my Eton E100. The results were both surprising and disappointing. The E100 seemed to be the equal of the G8 on all frequencies for sensitivity and audio fidelity. Also the G8 had a noticeable heterodyne on 1400 through 1430 khz. It's possible that the G8 I have needs some tweaking with the antenna coil, but the heterodyne issue bothered me more. I may return it to Amazon and get a replacement as I do want to experiment with it as a DX radio. Jim -- www.fhu.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com **Summer concert season is here! Find your favorite artists on tour at TourTracker.com. (http://www.tourtracker.com/?ncid=emlcntusmusi0006) ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8 Performance
As a side note the signal strength number on the left only goes to 98 on MW. I had it at WKDK a few feet from the tower and that's what I got. The right number quickly maxes out at 25. You get higher S/N readings on FM. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8 Performance
Powell, How well does the G8 fight off the sidebands from local AM station? Anything special there? I have one on order here. Thanks Russ J On Thu, Jul 9, 2009 at 2:39 PM, Powell E. Way III wrote: > As a side note the signal strength number on the left only goes to 98 on > MW.I had it at WKDK a few feet from the tower and that's what I got. > The right number quickly maxes out at 25. You get higher S/N readings on > FM. > > > > ___ > IRCA mailing list > IRCA@hard-core-dx.com > http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca > > Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the > original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the > IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers > > For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org > > To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com > > ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Grundig G8 at Radio Shack
Hi All, I bought a G8 at my local Radio Shack yesterday for $50 + tax. 73 Craig Barnes Wondervu, CO ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Grundig G8 vs. Tecsun PL-300WT
***Reply from Eton*** From: "Austin Parker" Hi, This radio [Grundig G8] and all other models do not have a DSP chip. Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with. Regards, Austin Parker Technical Support Specialist Etón Corporation 1015 Corporation Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA U.S.: + 1 800 872 2228 Canada: + 1 800 6371648 fax: + 1 650 903 3867 www.etoncorp.com The content of this email is property of Etón Corporation. The information contained in this communication may be private, privileged, and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, any distribution, copying or other use without written consent is strictly prohibited. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Grundig G8 discontinued by Radio Shack?
When I go to their site and type in Grundig G8 it says 0 matches. 73, George S., MN ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8 vs. Tecsun PL-300WT
Thanks for doing the legwork on this! This pretty much crosses the G8 off my list of radios to look at. Kevin S Bainbridge Island, WA > ***Reply from Eton*** > > From: "Austin Parker" > > Hi, > > This radio [Grundig G8] and all other models do not have a DSP chip. Let > me know if there's anything else I can help you with. > > Regards, > > Austin Parker > > Technical Support Specialist > Etón Corporation > 1015 Corporation Way > Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA > U.S.: + 1 800 872 2228 > Canada: + 1 800 6371648 > fax: + 1 650 903 3867 > www.etoncorp.com > > The content of this email is property of Etón Corporation. The information > contained in this communication may be private, privileged, and protected > from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, any distribution, > copying or other use without written consent is strictly prohibited. > > > > > ___ > IRCA mailing list > IRCA@hard-core-dx.com > http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca > > Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the > original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the > IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers > > For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org > > To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com > > ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8 vs. Tecsun PL-300WT
After this clarification from Eton, an extremely important question to answer now becomes whether one should get the silver PL-300WT or the black one! Paul --- On Mon, 6/1/09, sa...@sounddsl.com wrote: > From: sa...@sounddsl.com > Subject: Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8 vs. Tecsun PL-300WT > To: "Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America" > > Date: Monday, June 1, 2009, 2:58 PM > Thanks for doing the legwork on > this! This pretty much crosses the G8 off > my list of radios to look at. > > Kevin S > Bainbridge Island, WA > > > > ***Reply from Eton*** > > > > From: "Austin Parker" > > > > Hi, > > > > This radio [Grundig G8] and all other models do not > have a DSP chip. Let > > me know if there's anything else I can help you with. > > > > Regards, > > > > Austin Parker > > > > Technical Support Specialist > > Etón Corporation > > 1015 Corporation Way > > Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA > > U.S.: + 1 800 872 2228 > > Canada: + 1 800 6371648 > > fax: + 1 650 903 3867 > > www.etoncorp.com > > > > The content of this email is property of Etón > Corporation. The information > > contained in this communication may be private, > privileged, and protected > > from disclosure. If you are not the intended > recipient, any distribution, > > copying or other use without written consent is > strictly prohibited. > > > > > > > > > > ___ > > IRCA mailing list > > IRCA@hard-core-dx.com > > http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca > > > > Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list > are those of the > > original contributors and do not necessarily reflect > the opinion of the > > IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers > > > > For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org > > > > To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com > > > > > > ___ > IRCA mailing list > IRCA@hard-core-dx.com > http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca > > Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are > those of the original contributors and do not necessarily > reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing > staff, or officers > > For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org > > To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com > > ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Grundig G8 Continues to Amaze on FM
Hello All, Presumably everybody has heard by now of the fantastic FM performance of the new DSP-enhanced Tecsun PL-300WT (and Grundig G8 clone), but this new Ultralight radio seems to have a serious claim for the best FM performance in any portable yet-- small or full-size. For those of you still on the fence about purchasing this $50 wonder, a few more FM reception details may be of interest. Before returning to AM DXing in early 2007, FM DXing with homebrew cubical quad antennas was my primary craze. Using frames made with relatively waterproof white oak, a full-wave "driven element" loop was hooked up with ladder line cable to the 75 ohm input of a sensitive FM tuner, while a slightly longer "reflector loop" was placed about 2' in back of the "driven element," parallel, and on the same frame. The "reflector loop" was cut about 3% longer than the "driven element" (which was cut for the 3 MHz range of frequencies of interest) and the highly directional FM antenna was tuned by adjusting a short tuning stub on the "reflector loop" for maximum front-to-back ratio. After some tinkering, the $5 system worked like gangbusters, and the 94-97 MHz model was able to easily receive and separate three different stations on 95.3 MHz here (Vancouver BC, Ellensburg, and Aberdeen, WA), just by pointing it in three different directions. Using three different FM cubical quad models, I thought my log of regular FM stations was fairly complete, with lots of Oregon and BC stations. But this was before using the Grundig G8 Ultralight, with its simple whip antenna. Within a few days of trying, the G8 received five new FM stations that had eluded the tuner and cubical quad combination! Three were from Canada (CHQM-103.5 in Vancouver, the Victoria 107.3 alternative rock station, and "the Shore" 104.1), and two were from Washington (KJET-105.7 in South Bend, and KRQT-107.1 in Castle Rock). The amazing thing was that the G8 received all these new FM stations in the Puyallup Valley-- one of the worst FM reception locations in the local area. Of course, a high priority project here will be to tinker with the inductance match between the G8's FM antenna input and the three FM cubical quad antennas. The idea of using a highly directional FM antenna with the ultra-sensitive G8 is almost enough to make a DXer forget about the summer doldrums. 73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA) **It's raining cats and dogs -- Come to PawNation, a place where pets rule! (http://www.pawnation.com/?ncid=emlcntnew0008) ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Grundig G8 AM Band Sensitivity-- QC Record
Hello All, With the Ultralight radio enthusiast group purchasing the new Tecsun PL-300WT and Grundig G8 DSP-enhanced portables in droves, more information has been collected about Tecsun's quality control in optimizing AM sensitivity in the radios. Perhaps the most interesting data concerns the apparent difference in typical out-of-the-box AM sensitivity in the two models. This information is based on six alignments performed here (four G8's and two PL-300WT's), two by Steve Ratzlaff (both PL-300WT's) and one by Brian Roland (one G8). Of the five G8 alignments, four of the units had good AM performance out-of-the-box. One unit had perfectly optimized AM sensitivity as delivered from the factory, while three gained a minor improvement when the loopstick coil was shifted slightly to the right. The remaining unit required a coil shift to the left, partially off the bar. Of the four PL-300WT alignments, two of the units had good AM performance out-of-the-box. Both of those units gained a minor improvement in sensitivity when the coils were shifted slightly to the right. One of the other units required a major coil shift to the right (.5 inch from the original position), while the other unit required a major coil shift to the left, partially off the bar. There is now strong evidence that typical G8 loopstick coils have much less wax securing them to the ferrite bars than typical PL-300WT coils, a fact which results in easier AM alignments in the G8 models. Apparently a single Chinese factory has been designated to manufacture the G8, and this factory seems to be stingy with loopstick wax-- a positive thing for tinkerers hoping to align their units for maximum AM sensitivity. Of course, with Amazon's $50 delivered price for the G8, there is no longer any logical reason to purchase the electrically identical PL-300WT from China, and pay the $24 shipping charge. But for those still considering a purchase of the Grundig G8, the above QC information may motivate a few more to take the plunge. 73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA) **Summer concert season is here! Find your favorite artists on tour at TourTracker.com. (http://www.tourtracker.com/?ncid=emlcntusmusi0006) ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8 discontinued by Radio Shack?
Radio Shack likely has yet to get any. Powell POP email is powell at backroads DOT net - Original Message From: George Sherman T When I go to their site and type in Grundig G8 it says 0 matches. 73, George S., MN ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Grundig G8 is a Rebranded Tecsun PL-300WT
Hello All, In what must be one of the classic advertising gaffes in radio history, despite the Eton Corporation's Austin Parker insisting in an email to Paul (_texn...@yahoo.com_ (mailto:texn...@yahoo.com) ) that the new Grundig G8 has no DSP chip, the radio is in fact a clone of the new Tecsun PL-300WT, with identical circuitry and operation-- including the innovative DSP chip. Furthermore, despite the bizarre size and weight differences mentioned in the Amazon and Eton/Grundig promotions, the G8 has exactly the same size and weight as the PL-300WT, and has identical labeling (except for the Grundig moniker). Since Amazon.com is selling the Grundig G8 at $50 with free shipping, DXers considering a purchase of this innovative model can save the $25 shipping cost of a PL-300WT by ordering the G8 directly from Amazon, and receive the black-colored G8 (with a rubberized finish, unlike the PL-300WT) within about 5 days. Both user reports on Amazon are full of praise for the G8, presumably because neither user is aware that both AM and FM bands benefit tremendously from the superb DSP chip, from Silicon Labs. My G8 arrived from Amazon after a delay of 5 days, and had very good AM performance out-of-the-box. In comparison with an aligned PL-300WT, there was no observed AM sensitivity difference on either high or low band-- but of course that didn't stop me from aligning the loopstick. As received, the loopstick coil was pinned up against the left plastic bracket (as in all PL-300WT's so far), but in the case of the G8, this was indeed the exact coil position to maximize AM sensitivity. There appeared to be much less wax securing the coil to the ferrite bar (as compared to the PL-300WT), which made the alignment go much faster than in the PL-300WT marathons. Although my particular G8 was the first of these models to be received with the AM loopstick coil exactly matched to the DSP varactor for peak AM sensitivity, it remains to be seen whether this was just a lucky occurrence, or whether G8 models in general avoid the AM sensitivity variations of the PL-300WT. The G8 owner's manual is perhaps the only drawback of ordering this low-cost alternative. Instructions are very basic, and there is no table of specifications. G8 owners would be much better off downloading the PL-300WT owner manuals posted on the Ultralightdx Yahoo site by Steve Ratzlaff or Mike Schuster, rather than relying on Grundig's brief English-French-Spanish booklet. In summary, the Grundig G8's availability for a shipped price of $50 is a tremendous value for AM DXers, providing DSP-enhanced selectivity unprecedented in Ultralight radios. The opportunity of avoiding the slow, expensive shipping from China is a bonus. 73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA) **Dell Days of Deals! June 15-24 - A New Deal Everyday! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222865043x1201494942/aol?redir=http:%2F%2F ad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215692145%3B38015538%3Bh) ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Grundig G8 Continues to Amaze on FM
Hi all: I second Gary's comments, from the perspective of selectivity. I am in Paris at the moment, where flamethrower FM stations are spaced only 0.4 mhZ apart. Between 88 and 108 mhZ there are 48 stations that serve the metro area(!), compared to much less than half that number in Seattle. After turning on the Tecsun PL-300WT and telling it to scan and enter all the stations into memory, it has absolutely no trouble keeping them all separate. Additionally, they all come in perfectly in stereo, so whatever multipath and other problems might be present on many receivers, this little guy brings all stations in with ease. The most impressive thing is that a few semi-locals are also heard, thanks to the excellent sensitivity, and even with the locals blaring away 0.2 mhZ on either side, the semilocals are heard without any interference. MW is also fun here, in that there are only a couple MW stations left in the Paris area, so that at night the band is fairly wide open. The 300 kW local flamethrower on 585 is easily kept in check, allowing DXing on 576 and 594. Kevin S Bainbridge Island, WA (usually) > Using three different FM cubical quad models, I thought my log of regular > FM stations was fairly complete, with lots of Oregon and BC stations. But > this was before using the Grundig G8 Ultralight, with its simple whip > antenna. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
