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system set code whether you are using alkalines or NiMH. The NiMH batteries are chargeable right in the
radio using the AC adaptor. You can even set up the charge rate too. Charging automatically shuts off when
finished. Excellent. The radio came preset for NiMH batteries.
The radio was also preset for North
America, in that the medium wave (MW)
broadcast band split was already set up for
10KHz. The long wave band (100KHz -
520KHz) was already activated too (the
LW band on this radio is
activated/deactivated by setting a system
set code).
No other setup was required.
QUALITY AND ERGONOMICS
The PL-600 build and fit quality is good,
about the same as the Kaito 1103. The
telescoping whip antenna seems a little
cheaper in quality. My top section was
slightly bent the first time it was pulled out, but easily straightened. It is the same length as the whip on the
1103, though not chromed as much.
Buttons are square on this radio, and give a nice solid click when pressed. Lettering is next to each button
(usually above or below), not on the button itself, so it can't be worn off by repeated pressing of the button.
Good thinking. Keypad is layed out very well. Very intuitive. Ergonomically, this radio is a near masterpiece.
You hardly need the manual to learn how to use it.
A front-firing, round speaker is to the left, nearly 3 inches across. The left side of the radio has an external
antenna jack, a three-position attenuator switch, a two-position tone switch (favoring treble or bass), a
headphone jack, and a power jack for the AC adaptor (6 volts, center pin is negative, by the way).
Three knobs are on the right side of the
radio. They are tuning, volume, and BFO
(used for tuning SSB). The BFO has a
center detent, a nice feature.
On the back of the radio is a flip stand for
elevating the PL-600 if set on a flat surface.
The PL-600 also comes with a handstrap.
THE LCD DISPLAY
The display is clear and easy to read,
contrast is good (better than other reviews
seem to have indicated). Backlight is yellow
with a faint greenish tint to it. I like it, as it
seems more natural and warm. It is 1000%
more readable than my Eton E1, which was
five times the price. The clock shows all the time, and in 24 hour format, hours and minutes only, no seconds.
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8/9/2009 7:53 AM
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