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• Updated : Dave's SW Receiver "Master List" and UniWave Di-Wave 100 DRM Receiver pages (May 10)
  
  
• DEGEN DE1128 / Eton Grundig "G2 Reporter" UPDATE : Our "eton Grundig G2 Reporter" (Degen DE1128) Receiver Review Now Posted . We have to say avoid this model (at least at this time) !! We experenced serious dropouts with MP3 files and skipping with WAV files on BOTH test samples (more so with TRANSFERED 128 kbps MP3 music files) . Yes this bug effects recording as well as playback. Sorry to have to be such a "sour pickel" on this one , but that's the way it is (solid thumbs down). If you desire a recordable-radio device, consider the Degen DE1126 for a pocket model and the older Degen DE1121 for a bit larger set with improved and real MP3 record performance. IF eton (Degen) will REALLY fix this is a good question ? Of course for the details read the review.
  
  The Degen DE1128 version will be useless for North American users as Eton has requested that Degen restrict the "home model" MW to 9 khz steps only and also NO English display support to protect G2 sales. The eton variant "G2 Reporter" uses a white backlight LED instead of green on the Degen (I like green better myself). The line in jack is a huge plus in my view (just like on the DE1121). Sold in Europe as the eton "G2 Reporter". Of course the HUGE plus with the G2 Reporter (over the Tecsun PL-398 MP) is that it will RECORD radio reception "off air" just like with the DE1126 and DE1127 . Early DE1128 user reports. Here is another translated DE1128 Chinese review. (Updated : May 05)
  
  
  Two DOGS to stay away from. The Grundig G2 "Reporter" (left photo above) has serious issues with MP3/WAV dropouts/skipping (playback and record) . Degen DE1127 (right photo) is another one to avoid as it can have a intermittent "excessive" battery drain issue . We tested 2 samples of each to (almost) rule out just defective production units ? We will update IF and when any new details emerge on either set . Also be sure and see the review pages for more information (click on photo's above) . (N9EWO Photo's).
  
  

• TYT TH-UVF9 : Yes , ANOTHER new Chinese HT. Display looks very interesting as shown here. Price and other "general information" unknown at this time. A full size transceiver with 4 watts output . Now does it REALLY have a TRUE dual receiver ?? (May 05)
  
  
• Major Donation "THANK YOU" : Peter B. helped us greatly in acquiring the "Grundig G2 Reporter" test sample . "THANK YOU" Peter . In fact without his MAJOR donation , it would not have happened . But we cannot forget everyone else (as listed above) who help keep this web page here and updated......many thanks to you folks as well. Lets hope that Eton (Degen) does something about the issue at hand with the "G2 Reporter" ? If they don't, it's a dead product in our view !! Keep in mind that the firmware version in both test samples was V0.2.1 . Yes, we have tested 2 production samples of the G2 and both suffered the same ills (about 500 serial numbers apart). Be sure and read the review for complete details. (May 02)
  
  
• DEGEN DE1126 and DE1127 UPDATE : Degen DE1126 / DE1127 review (at the bottom of the DE1125 review page) . We have also added the larger Degen DE1126 "Kaito" variant to the DE1127 review . The DE1126 has improved FM sensitivity over the 1127 to my ears. The 1126 has about a 6 inch longer whip (much thicker much more durable too). The DE1127 is a smaller device , but the DE1126 works a bit better and larger LCD (less self generated crackle noise in "off air" record too). Also the DE1126 has louder and much richer audio "on headphones" (it has higher audio amp output) . In general the DE1126 wins the horse race for me , However, sour AGC issues on SW are STILL a nasty problem with either model . Now with the additional battery discharge issue with the DE1127 on 2 test samples (as covered in the review and below), I now say stay well away from this 1127 smaller version !!
  
  I have updated my FREE 14 page PDF DE1126 / DE1127 "owners manual" .(Please Note : My new version "4.0 manual" requires adobe reader 9.0 or greater) .There are MAJOR CHANGES in which new versions of the "Firmware Updates" MUST be done . We totally BRICKED our # 1 DE1127 test sample as we did the V 0.1.8 "FIRMWARE UPGRADE" wrong (with no English instructions provided). Much more information is covered in our NEW PDF manual and on the review page . Degen has removed ALL Firmware Updates from the web site at this time.
  
  IMPORTANT FOR THE DE1127 ONLY : With both test samples, the Degen DE1127's battery can discharge more than it should when OFF (this is intermittent) . If you leave the set off without charging it (even if started being fully charged) , in a few weeks the battery can become totally dead. This is NOT a problem with the DE1126 variant. Who knows what is happening here and again is another intermittent bug. (Updated : May 02)
  
  
  Degen DE1126 (left photo above) is the best POCKET model in the series so far in our testing , but still don't look for super receiver performance on SW or MW . FM performance is very good with the DE1126 . The same AGC issues still exist with both models in the series ( DE1126 and DE1127 ) , but a added thin wire at least helps with SW reception now . Please see the review for more information . If you need it nice and SMALL but with REAL SW performance and SSB to boot , the tested (middle photo) Grundig (Degen) G6 is the better choice in our view . , or the larger DE1121 (right photo) if you need GOOD on board recording . (N9EWO Photo's)
  
  
• TYT TH-UV3R : Samples are starting to appear of this new Chinese (VGC made) MICRO Dual Band HT . Yes this is another variation of the Baofeng UV-3R . But here we have a USB port on the unit and a full key board (no additional computer interface cable needed ?). Also supposed to be 2.5 watts out (not just 2 W). Battery LOOKS to be using the same separate one as with the "original" Baofeng UV-3R models ?? (it's not using the Baofeng NEW + PLUS version batteries) . This model is using the single 4 conductor jack for speaker/mic on top (where it should be). But I have to wonder if it’s at the old WEIRD original Baofeng UV-3R wiring scheme, or perhaps now at the Yaesu/Icom standard ? (My bets are it’s at the Yaesu/Icom standard , and this would be great news if true) . "Import Communications" (ex-Wouxun US) web site . Sorry , we do not plans at this time to test this model (donation ??) . (Updated : Apr 24)
  
  
• NEWSTAR DR111 : The Uniwave Di-Wave 100 appears gone from the market place (at least as I type this) . We all know there has been a lack of standalone DRM receivers on the market . Newstar Electronics has started to sell prototypes of the DR111 AM/FM/SW DRM "Tabletop" set this month (reports indicate they will take PayPal) . Price is unknown . Review has shown up here (in parts) . This is a tabletop set and not quite as fancy as the Uniwave Di-Wave 100 , but has dual speakers . Of course we need more GOOD DRM programming on SW . (Apr 15)
  
  
• Degen DE1121 / Kaito KA1121 UPDATE : There is actually a "Record Pause" on the DE1121 / KA1121 afterall . It is the "A-B" button on playback (that is the large "round" button in the center of the 4 smaller round ones). Our thanks to Joe S. for the great find here . Our review has also been updated to include this excellent news . (Apr 09)
  
  
• The new GRE PSR-120 "analog only" scanner was (USA) FCC cleared on April 4th. This is a small analog only scanner like Uniden's new BC-125AT. However unlike the Uniden the GRE covers the 800 Mhz and the FM broadcast band . Downsides are it has no alpha tags and lacks military air coverage that the Uniden does . Of course the "Close Call" function is the real plus with the BC-125AT . GRE does not do as well with the "Spectrum Sweeper" feature . (Apr 09)
  
  
• The tiny Japanese made AOR "AR-Mini" has been discontinued . I reviewed this (along with the also discontinued Icom IC-RX7) here. Neither one of these "wide band" handheld sets were anything to get excited about. Too much money for too little performance. Excessive phase noise totally killed the AOR AR-Mini (for starters) . I would say "get them" while you still can (remaining new samples at dealers), but in this case and same size package the Icom IC-R6 should be the better deal and improved performance to boot (not tested) . (Mar 27)
  
  
• " Martin Lynch and Sons " in the UK appear to have just a few "AOR AR7030" accessories left for sale . Left are the "Data Master" Program (which by the way will NOT work on Windows 7 64bit) , Daughter Board , Service Kit and the 1.0 Khz filter. It is unknown if they will ship to North America ??
  
  Mark Sumner of "MWS Technical Services" also in the UK told us that he actually has all the remaining AR7030 "parts" as he acquired them when AOR UK / RIMARTON closed . He has been running a small business , (design and building of logging and communication products for the water industry) as well as selling parts and doing repairs on the AOR AR7030. Mark is still happy to help owners of the AR7030 out where needed . (Updated : Mar 26)
  
  
• LAST CALL for the SANGEAN ATS-909 receiver . Universal Radio in Ohio USA has a very attractive price on the last remaning NEW samples of the ATS-909. Very limited supply , get them while you can !! Is the last "Taiwan made" Sangean receiver . (Mar 20)
  
  
• Updated Review : GRE (GRECOM) PSR-800 digital handheld "scanner" receiver. After a bit of "real use" we have added information on the restricted audio output from the "headphone/earphone" jack (and it has no cure). New text located near the bottom of the page. To me this is a MAJOR drawback of the receiver.
  
  Our samples "battery cover" cracked only a bit over 2 weeks old and GRE America were NOT going to cover this under warranty. OK, after near 2 weeks of email "run-a-rounds" , they finally sent me a "replacement battery cover" (under warranty). This did NOT happen until intervention by the dealer. I take great care with all of my electronics. Another bug is the wear marks on the base keyboard plate have appeared (as it has for many) . Update : This now has been fixed and covered under warranty !!! Uses a "micro" SD card . (Updated : Mar 14)
  
  
• Uniden's new entry level BC125AT handheld scanner is now in stock at US Dealers . This new model is analog only, no 800 Mhz coverage, no trunking but does have alpha tags and CTCSS / DCS. FREE programming software, USB driver and PDF owners manual can be found here (Uniden web site). *** UPDATE *** New Firmware 1.02.05 (April 27, 2012) , for information click here.
  
  We discovered this while looking at the BC125AT's FCC OET web page. , the scanner is made in VIETNAM . After talking with Dan VE2XWA, his BRAND NEW sample of the BCD396XT P25 handheld model was also made in Vietnam. He (and others including the similar BC346XT model) have had issues with the outer plastic cases cracking (or near falling apart for some) new out of the box. Make of this what you wish , but this sure does not sound good to me. GRE did clear up the PSR-800 front panel issues and this was very good news ("thank you" GRE), but I would not count on Uniden even admitting to this ?? Mind you as I have experienced with Uniden service over the years and this is about par for the course (near NO REAL customer service)....good luck !! UPDATE : Reader reports to me that his BCD996XT was also made in VIETNAM !! Perhpas the reason why the way above average internal "strange 24 ohm speaker failure" rate with Uniden handheld scanners of late , including the Home Partol 1 (who knows) ?? (Updated : May 01)
  
  
• Baofeng UV-3R micro dual-band HT has a new version called the " + PLUS ". It now uses "Kenwood Speaker Mics" , also appears to have improved case construction and buttons/knob (NOT TESTED) . Other changes are a different battery and rear charger contacts , a real drop in charger (no more charger DC input jack on radio any more) , improved belt clip. Downside : It now uses the reverse SMA antenna connector as found on most Wouxun's (ARG !!). Unknown if any circuit improvements have been done ? This latest version is still around $ 50. USD shipped from China (of course taking your chances ”roll the dice") . Here is a short 409shop "You Tube" video . Also don't forget my reviews on the 1st and second versions which are located on my Yaesu VX-3R page. (Updated : Feb 08)
  
  
  NEW 3rd version of the Baofeng UV-3R Dual Band Handheld. This one is called the "+ Plus" .
  Uses a different battery (no more sloppy fit rear cover), improved REAL drop in charger. However the charge jack on transceiver was removed.
  Now uses the reverse (female) SMA antenna connector . Another improvement : Kenwood Speaker-Mics (jacks) instead of the single 4 conductor jack type .
  Click on photo above for more information and additional pictures . (NOTE : This new 3rd "+ Plus" version has NOT been tested by me . )
  
  
• We try the KK5DR Icom PS-125 (power supply) fan modification . Text located 3/4 way down the old IC-756 PRO II page including a couple of new pictures . The simple modification helps to tame the LOUD fan noise. Hardest part it to PROPERLY take the case apart. Lots of screws and you could have a nasty problem if you remove the wrong ones !! Of course this will VOID the warranty. (Dec 20)
  
  
• Updated Review : Updated text and added a new photo (bottom) to the eton "e1" LW / MW / SW / FM / XM Portable Receiver page . (Nov 23)
  
  
• Simple Way to Tame the (discontinued) Yaesu VR-5000's Nasty Overloading on HF / SW Bands". Add an external variable attenuator . We now have tested the somewhat expensive "Scanner Master ATT-20" pre-made VARIABLE attenuator . It works well and be sure and check out the added light review on my "Yaesu VR-5000" web page (located mid way down the page). A RF adapter is required as the ATT-20 uses BNC connectors . Adjusted JUST ENOUGH to kill the overloading !! Our thanks to Dan VE2XWA for the tip and test sample. (Updated : Sep 17)
  
  
• Added Review : We review the standalone " Sangean DAR-101 " MP3 digital recorder . This is a very nice little " flash " MP3 recorder at a great price. We had a bug with the SD card(s), but fixed it. Turns out Sangean does not do a proper card format using the "on board" function (see review) .
  
  The DAR-101 features a built in 1 watt amplifier , 3 inch speaker and phone stereo 1/8 inch "line in / line output" jacks. Digital SPDIF (RCA) output too. But again the amazing part is the low "street price" price (at least in the USA). This recorder is a nice departure from the handheld ones we see about 99.9% of the time . It's 192 kbps top MP3 setting is perfect for high quality "off air" radio recording and playback and works good for music files too (even at the 128 kbps rate). Built in "one event" timer in 12 or 24 hour format. Power is with the included a "linear-analog" 9 Volt AC adapter (Yes adapter has AC output , not DC) or 4 AA batteries , and when ni-mh cells are used can be charged onboard. However , the required SD or SDHC memory card(s) are not included . With information direct from Sangean USA : Recorder generated files , transferred to a computer can only be done via the SD / SDHC card , a direct USB cable connection is NOT possible. This was a TOTAL change from the PRE-Production Sangean advertising (information now corrected on the company web sites) . The Male A type USB connector found on the recorder is only for PLAYBACK of files with a flash memory device . (Sep 14)