Advertisement
file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Administrator/Desktop/tecsun...
1103). Another good place to check for images is in the 60 meter shortwave broadcast band, 4750 KHz -
5100 KHz. Strong stations in the 49 meter band (5750 KHz - 6200 KHz) will produce images here, at 900 or
910 KHz lower. Both radios show problems in this band as well.
SIGNAL SPURS
In a quick check of the MW band, I found a couple of signal spurs on the PL-600, showing up as weak
heterodynes. One was at 550 KHz, which was probably a weak image combination with another local AM
powerhouse station at 1460 KHz. The Kaito 1103 had a nice image of this station at 560 KHz, with full but
weak audio. No image audio of this station was apparent on the PL-600 at 550 KHz, just the weak
heterodyne, which by the way was nullable, another indication it is image-related.
NOISE IMMUNITY
The PL-600 seems less noise-prone than the
Kaito 1103. In that, I mean it has less
susceptibility in reproducing household RFI
noise than the 1103. I can take both radios
to a particular part of the house plagued
with RFI from computers, switching
supplies, lighting, etc., and the 1103 is
always markedly noisier. The PL-600's
LCD display is also quite a bit cleaner than
the 1103. Moving your hand close to the
1103's display produces a tremendous
amount of hash. Not so with the PL-600.
MEMORY
The PL-600 has 600 memories, divided into ten pages of 50 each, and one page of 100. Even this can be
modified when you set up the radio. I've never been one much for using memory on radios, preferring to tune.
But memory operation couldn't be simpler, and is very intuitive. Tune the station, press the Memory button,
select the memory slot#, press Memory button again to store a frequency. You can even copy a memory
location into another one, a nice feature. Recall is even easier.
SUMMATION
I find the Tecsun PL-600 to be a marvelous radio for the price, and one I will keep. It is a strong contender
against the Kaito 1103 in performance/price range, stronger than any other I know at this time, and definitely
worth the $79.99 asking price. Realize it is near half the asking price of a Grundig G5 or a Sony SW7600GR,
and 95% as able. Though the audio might be considered a little harsh depending on taste, it is adequately
sensitive, selective, and has great nulling and peaking ability on medium wave. It has terrific ergonomics and
software, 600 memories, and adequate filters - specifically the narrow filter having excellent audio recovery
(particularly apparent in headphones). It has two tuning speeds, a well-designed BFO, a main tuning knob
including up and down tuning buttons, a real volume control, a bright (with backlight) easy to read display,
and a well-supplied accessory package. It will make a great substitute for my ailing 1103, and a great spotting
radio for MW band DX.
6 of 7
8/9/2009 7:53 AM
Advertisement
