Best products from r/shortwave
We found 70 comments on r/shortwave discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 46 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Sangean ATS-909X BK AM/FM/LW/SW World Band Receiver - Black
- Included Components : Product, Manual
- Output Wattage : 1.5 Watts
- Power Source Type : Battery & AC
Features:
2. Sangean ANT-60 Short Wave Antenna
- Improves the performance and reception of your shortwave radio
- Extends to 23 feet and can be easily rewound into its compact case
- Has 3.5-millimeter mini plug
- Fits any 3.5-millimeter external antenna jack
Features:
3. Eton Elite Executive AM/FM/Aircraft Band/SSB/Shortwave Radio with RDS & Custom Leather Carry Cover, Model:NELITESATELLIT
- International Radio Receiver: The Executive Satellite Receives Every Radio Wavelength—Am(Mw), Fm With Rds, Lw, And Shortwave (Sw)—Anywhere; It Features Precision Automatic Or Manual Digital Tuning
- Versatile And Portable: This Receiver Also Picks Up Vhf Aircraft Band And Single Sideband (Ssb); It Comes With A Leather Case With Craftsman Stitching For Ultimate Portability, Making It Ideal For Travel
- Stay Safe And Have Fun: For Over 30 Years We'Ve Been Dedicated To Creating Award-Winning, Innovative Products For Emergency Preparedness And Entertainment; We'Re A Proud Partner Of The American Red Cross
- Keep Connected: From Weather Alert Radios And Backup Battery Packs To Solar-Powered Sound Systems, We'Ll Keep You Connected And In The Know At Home, In The Office, On The Road Or In The Great Outdoors
Features:
4. Kaito KA1103 Worldband Radio, Silver
- Dual conversion technology, wide/narrow AM filter
- Four tuning methods: direct, manual, scan and preset
- Built-in automatic battery charger and hinged battery cover
- Built-in alarm clock and sleep timer, tilt back holder, two colors available, we will ship whatever color avaliable in stock, silver first if you do not specify the color you prefer.
- 30 days money back guarantee and one year limited warranty
Features:
5. Kaito T-1 Radio Antenna
- Improves the performance and reception of your shortwave radio
- Extends to 23 feet and can be easily rewound into its compact case
- Has 3.5-millimeter mini plug
Features:
6. RADIWOW R-108 FM Stereo/LW/MW/SW/AIR Band/DSP Full Band Portable Radio with Headphones Jack and Antenna Jack, Sleep Timer and Alarm Clock, 500 Memories preset Stations (100 preset for Each Band).
【Product Size】 - 12.8(Including the turning button)x3.1x7.6cm. All dimensions are measured manually with deviation (ranged)at 1 - 1.5cm. Small and light, it can fit in the pocket and carry everywhere for entertainment or study.【Product Function】- FM Stereo/LW/MW/SW/AIR band/ DSP receiver...
7. TECSUN PL-310ET FM Stereo/SW/MW/LW World Band PLL DSP Radio Black by allnice
【Product Size】 - 14x3x8.5cm. All dimensions are measured manually with deviation (ranged)at 1 - 1.5cm. Small and light, it can fit in the pocket and carry everywhere for entertainment or study.【Product Function】- Alarm / Sleep Function, Digital Signal Processing, Auto Tuning Storage with...
8. TECSUN PL-660 Portable AM/FM/LW/Air Shortwave World Band Radio with Single Side Band, Black
- Dual Conversion, AM, SW-SSB, AIR Band reception
- SYNC detector for AM with selectable sideband reduces adjacent channel interference and fading distortion at night
- Convenient rotary dial or Auto Tuning Storage Function (ATS) For FM, MW, LW & SW Band; six tuning modes in all
- Built In Dc 5v USB Jack, Earphone Jack, FM & SW Antenna Jack, Built-In Charging System To Charge the supplied Ni-Mh Rechargeable batteries
- Includes stereo earphone, wire antenna, and carrying pouch
Features:
9. Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave World Band Receiver with Single Side Band Reception
- PLL digital tuner receives FM, MW/AM, shortwave and longwave
- MY-memory tuning memorizes and scans up to 100 frequencies
- Four tuning methods: direct, manual, scan and preset
- World clock and dual clock functions; built-in timer
- Label presets with 6 alphanumeric letters
- PLL digital tuner receives FM, MW/AM, shortwave and longwave
- "My-memory" tuning memorizes and scans up to 100 frequencies
- Four tuning methods: direct, manual, scan and preset
- World clock and dual clock functions, with built-in timer
- Label presets with 6 alphanumeric letters
Features:
10. Eton Executive Satellite Radio with RDS
INTERNATIONAL RADIO RECEIVER: The Executive Satellite receives every radio wavelength—AM(MW), FM with RDS, LW, & Shortwave (SW)—anywhere. It features precision automatic or manual digital tuning.VERSATILE & PORTABLE: This receiver also picks up VHF aircraft band & Single Sideband (SSB). It comes...
11. Zenith Trans-Oceanic: The Royalty of Radios
- Used Book in Good Condition
Features:
12. Scanner and Amateur Radio WideBand StainlessSteel Discone Base Antenna
* Great For Scanners! Broad Band Reception Covers over 25-1300Mhz!* Pre-Tuned, Transmits 144-160/220-225/430-470/900-1290Mhz Bands! (VHF / UHF )* Rust-Free Stainless Steel Elements! Great for Roof, or indoor/Attic too!Requires Optional mast pipe (1-1/4 to 1-3/8 inches)Accepts PL-259 connector. Self ...
13. Sangean ATS-909X BK AM/FM/LW/SW World Band Receiver - Black (Renewed)
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- 406 Memory Preset Stations
- ATS (Auto Tuning System) Auto Scan
- Five Tuning Methods: Direct Frequency Tuning, Auto Scan, Manual Tuning, Memory Recall and Rotary Tuning
- Large LCD Screen with Bright LED Backlight. Display view area: 3.33 x 1.95 inches Automatically Search for Strongest Signal Station within SW Station Pages
Features:
14. TECSUN PL-380 DSP FM Stereo. MW. SW. LW. World Band PLL Radio Receiver, LCD Display, ETM Function Added
- Using Silicon Labs Si4734 DSP; To Digitalize The Analog MW / FM / SW Broadcasting Signal Base On The Modern Software Technology And Radio Principles
- Small and exquisite design, convenient to carry, excellent for walkers, hikers, campers, backpackers
- Seven Tuning Mode Selectable,LCD Display Screen,550 Preset Memories,Digital Clock Function With 12/24 Hour Format,Highly Intelligent On / Off Switch
- Light & Snooze Function,Key Lock Function,Built-In Charging System To Charge The Ni-Mh Rechargeable Battery,Built In Dc 5v Usb Jack, Earphone Jack
- Accessories:1PC STEREO EARPHONE, 1PC EXTERNAL FM/SW ANTENNA, 1PC CARRYING POUCH AND ENGLISH MANUAL. 1 YEAR WARRANTY ONLY BACKED BY VAIROCANA
Features:
15. RTL-SDR Blog V3 R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Software Defined Radio with Dipole Antenna Kit
- Includes 1x RTL-SDR Blog V3 R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Dongle and 1x Multipurpose Dipole Antenna Kit
- Great for many applications including general radio, air traffic control, public safety radio, ADSB, ACARS, trunked radio, P25 digital voice, POCSAG, weather balloons, APRS, NOAA APT weather satellites, radio astronomy, meteor scatter monitoring, DAB, classroom learning, or for use as a low cost panadapter with a traditional ham radio.
- Several improvements over other brands including use of the R820T2 tuner, improved component tolerances, a 1 PPM temperature compensated oscillator (TCXO), SMA F connector, aluminium shielded case with thermal pad for passive cooling, activatable bias tee circuit and a much improved antenna set.
- Can tune from 500 kHz to 1.7 GHz and has up to 3.2 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth (2.4 MHz stable). (HF reception below 24 MHz in direct sampling mode with reduced performance). Please note RTL-SDR dongles are RX only.
- Comes with our portable dipole antenna kit. Great for beginners as it allows for terrestrial and satellite reception. Easy to mount outdoors and designed for portable and temporary outside usage. Please do not use outside during poor weather conditions.
Features:
16. 6in Y Cable 3.5mm 1/8" TRS Male to 2 x 3.5mm Female Left Right Red Mono TS Cord
3.5mm Stereo male to 2 x 3.5mm mono female (3.5mm mono left / right TS)Length: 6 inchesPVC jacket & insulationMolded strain relief hood
17. CC Shortwave Reel Antenna
- Improves the performance and reception of any Shortwave Radio
- 23 Ft. Long, smooth action roll-up wire
- Spring-loaded clip; attaches to any retractable antenna
- Capacitor loaded to enhance performance on lower frequencies
- One Year Warranty
Features:
18. Tecsun PL-600 AM/FM/LW SSB Shortwave Radio, Black
- PLL Synthesized world band receiver with dual conversion technology
- AM/FM + LW + SW + SSB reception
- Orange back-lit LCD with Frequency, Clock, Battery level & Reception strength
- 600 memories + Dual alarm clock + 1-120 minutes sleep timer
- 110V AC adapter and English Manual are included
Features:
Couple things that other comments seem to miss:
police/fire/aircraftmarine use, but you're not likely going to hear anything there in the US, these days, outside of pager systems. I haven't had much success with it myself, even being surrounded by the Great Lakes.None of this, of course, is meant to be discouraging, but as a radio fan located in the Midwest US, it's a definite challenge and a test of patience to really get anything worth listening to. I just want you to have a realistic expectation, instead of another "listen to my favorite frequency!" reply, since i find those to be the least helpful thing here on /r/shortwave . Location is always most important, with the radio being a very close second, when it comes to what you can actually do with the shortwave hobby.
If you are looking for good quality used radios keep in mind that at 20 - 30 years of age components like capacitors will begin to fail, even if the radio was never used. Still, if you try the radio and it still works, then it still works.
New portables:
If you want to spend $200 go for the Sangean ATS-909X. It's my portable daily driver. Worth every dollar and more. Most of the classic Realistic shortwave portables were actually rebranded Sangean radios. So, if you are looking for an old Realistic portable look for the original Sangean models as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Sangean-ATS-909X-BK-World-Receiver/dp/B005GTO0CY
​
At near the US $100 mark it is hard to beat these Eton Satellits for portable shortwave with SSB, FM with RDS and air band. For MW, not so much. These radios are a little smaller and much lighter than the 909X. Available in two cosmetic flavors but both radios are identical. I have been very happy with my Eton Grundig Edition Satellit.
Eton Grundig Edition Satellite:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ETON-SATELLIT-NGWSATB-AM-FM-LW-SW-radio-/263995847980
Eton Executive Satellit:
https://www.amazon.com/Eton-Executive-Satellite-Shortwave-NGWSATEXEC/dp/B01MTO7P8X
​
Although I don't own either of these radios they are well-regarded by radio reviewers that I respect. These are the best $50 portables. No SSB at this price point, but will handle a short reel-up external antenna well for shortwave. Both are pretty darned small.
Radiwow R-108:
https://www.amazon.com/RADIWOW-Digital-Portable-Receiver-Activities/dp/B07MQWL9NJ
Tecsun PL-310ET:
https://www.amazon.com/TECSUN-PL-310ET-Stereo-World-allnice/dp/B0104J57GS
I used to in a reasonably packed area of San Fransisco, and most nights I was able to receive Radio Havana Cuba(6100khz),CHU on 7850KHz, WWV/WWVH(5MHz&10MHz), Radio New Zealand International, and Radio China International with the indoor longwire antenna with a $30 homemade set. More recently I bought the Tesun PL 600 from amazon(~75USD) and I think its a capable receiver. The active antenna of the PL600 allows me to pick up quite a bit of Broadcast Shortwave. In addition the PL600 has SSB(single side band) which allows me to listen to ham traffic(My favorite bands are 40Meters and 80Meters) as well as CW(Morse code). In addition once and a while you can find traffic on HF ATC frequencies which is cool. Outdoor antennas do help a lot, but just going to the park with a portable receiver should reduce any interference. These bands are useable globally and the mountains should not be an issue. Since you are not transmitting, a long strand of wire, or the dipole included on the portable radio itself should be enough! If you have any questions feel free to ask!
if you like computers and software, you should look into wideband SDR, which is like this but using your own equipment and antennas. Its fairly simple to get started nowadays, with a PC/ RTL SDR / HF Upconverter.
This is the Radio I bought, the Tesun PL 600, there are probably better out there but for SSB at the time it was the cheapest.
this is very similar to the circuit I constructed for my first shortwave receiver if you are into DIY.
I had a KA228. I returned it after a few days because the tuner is digital with an analog interface (which was not explained in the product description), and fine tuning was basically impossible (which sucked a lot of fun out of the radio). Very sticky and jumpy, missed a lot of stations. I replaced it with a Kaito WRX911 (which is all analog and has a wider frequency range) for about the same price and am much happier with it, even though it does not have a DX/local switch and overloads easily.
That said, the sensitivity of that radio was pretty decent. I was able to pick up Radio Australia from Texas with it, and the very first thing I picked up with it was HM01 (Cuban numbers station), which you'll probably hear sooner or later during the day (somewhere between 9 and 12 mhz). The DSP also cleaned up the sound somewhat compared to this solid state analog WRX911.
Also, if you can stick with that radio for a while, your next upgrade will probably be to done that does SSB.
Finally, if you're getting a lot of local interference (from power lines, appliances, etc).. there are tons of different antenna designs out there to play with (invest in alligator clips to attach to your radio's antenna), but I've had pretty good luck making one of these with cardboard and aluminum foil (scroll all the way down to "The K3MT version").
Have fun!
If you're a big fan of this radio line I recommend this great book about them;
http://www.amazon.com/Zenith-Trans-Oceanic-John-H-Bryant/dp/0764328387/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453160820&sr=8-1&keywords=zenith+transoceanic+radio
I have a H500 model and it works great, awesome sound quality. Would love to grab one the 70s/80s era models too.
Thanks very much :-). I will keep trying. I am using a 23 foot plug in antenna made my Kaito here:
https://www.amazon.com/Kaito-T-1-Radio-Antenna/dp/B00066Z9XG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=kaito+antenna&qid=1575000752&sr=8-1
I am guessing it will be behind the CODAR making things even more difficult, but I guess it is possible to pick it up from the US. I wonder if it would be a good idea to check the weather in russia to see if it is heavy atmosphere over there (thus bouncing the signal more and all) Funnly enough I have the same story with the Squeaky Wheel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMcV8TYt--g&list=PL9LiN2Y2lKDGk-6-7L8UwwwEIZkA0hFJK&index=11&t=0s Only to not hear it again since. I was wondering what would be a best time of year as well? Thx.
concur with above. hanging a wire out the window will give you better results than some miracle promising tabletop antenna.
i have very limited outdoor space in my townhouse, so i just put one of these freestanding on my deck:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0065KNFLK
and pull the cable out when i want to play radio and i've had vastly improved results.
Welcome to the hobby! To improve reception, you need to improve your antenna. For short wave listening (SWL), a long wire is a good start. If you radio allows for an external antenna, you might consider something like this.
It is a shortwave and AM receiver, not a ham radio. The ham radios transmit as well as and receive.
I'd be careful of plugging it in and trying it if you don't know that it works already. Old tube radios can do a good job of killing you if they have a major problem.
Value? Yes, this radio is popular. One that works well and is in good condition can go for $200 or so. Super great condition is $300 or so. It is hard to tell from the photo since we can only see a tiny part, though I can see the faceplate isn't cracked around the screws. That happened a lot with this model. That's a good sign.
Untested and unworking, but complete? Maybe $80-$100.
The bottom line is, someone will definitely want it. It is a very cool radio with a long history. Somebody even wrote a book about them: http://www.amazon.com/Zenith-Trans-Oceanic-John-H-Bryant/dp/0764328387/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451588096&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=trans+osceanic
It's 36$ CAD so I figured it's not that low quality, but $11... wow
What do you think about these, they're a bit more expensive with good reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/Tecsun-PL-660-Portable-Shortwave-Single/dp/B004H9C4JK
Why you ask?
Tecsun produces some of the best general coverage portables on the market. If you like FM?--excellent FM reception. You like AM?--unmatched AM and SW reception. Want to learn more about shortwave? There are features in this radio that make the mind start churning and visualizing how it all works, (like repairing a SW signal with synchronous detection.)
​
--Frigid from hfzone.org
I just picked up the Sony ICF-SW7600GR a couple of weeks ago based on the good reviews, and I've been pretty pleased with it. The Grundig G3 looks to be decent as well.
I’m also new but from what I’ve just read in this sub, this Tecsun PL310ET is a good performer and only $48 on Amazon (depending on what your definition of cheap is, lol)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0104J57GS/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0104J57GS&pd_rd_w=XNEIq&pf_rd_p=8a8f3917-7900-4ce8-ad90-adf0d53c0985&pd_rd_wg=2Gr7L&pf_rd_r=0S6SWC7QRJJD06VW91PE&pd_rd_r=c82bad8c-f97d-4997-bf41-c9463c151553
I just got a Tecsun PL-880, which was around $150, so I can vouch for the brand anyhow.
You can go even cheaper with an analog tuner, but I’ve found that having a digital tuner makes a world of difference so you know exactly which frequency you are tuning into.
(Edited because I said lol too many times)
I'm in NB and have a Tecsun PL-310ET with an external AN-03L antenna.
Reception has always been great when I take it out camping or on hikes. It's also very easy to ground it to further increase reception (see quoted text below). If you're looking for something with SSB so you can also hear ham, the Tecsun PL-660 is quite well regarded, though might be harder to come by now.
> Run a wire from the negative battery terminal to a ground like a cold water pipe or a rod nailed into the ground. It's easy to just crimp it in the spring on the negative terminal. Instant ~20 dB improvement in reception, about 40 dB improvement total with a longwire attached. Just be careful if you come across a very hot signal. I'm in New Brunswick, Canada, relatively inland and at sea level, and with the longwire and grounding I was picking up NHK broadcasting from Issoudun, France at 99 dB and it was overloading and distorting. Detached the longwire and was getting around 80 dB with the whip antenna. This was in my apartment with the longwire half-assedly looped around a curtain rod. Pretty wild signal for a 5000 km shot but it's apparently a 500 kW transmitter so it kind of makes sense.
[later post than the one below/above]
another amateur radio different than you has advised me too to have a look at RTL-SDR USB dongles
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011HVUEME/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&linkId=e6b872ce4bf757ba9f71fbd35a53742e
I will then maybe definitely buy one (there are out of stock now and will be back on march 15th).
I will hope my laptop will have enough battery for the day when I will need to use the USB radio dongle.
Thanks again
I have a bunch of them, but my favorite by far is the Sony SW7600GR.
Last time I looked they were amazingly cheap on Amazon.
Failing that, any of the Tecsun or similar are very good, but make sure it has a BFO so it can receive SSB.
It really depends on your budget. If you only have $50 to spend, Tecsun PL380is tough to beat.
​
\> Please don’t reply with Web SDRs.
​
May I politely ask why? Some of the Web SDR's (like KPH) have amazing antenna farms.
​
​
Tis is a great deal! Ordered one myself.
https://www.amazon.com/Eton-Executive-Aircraft-Shortwave-Leather/dp/B000NOSCN0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26VE4B562TW7R&keywords=eton+elite+executive+am%2Ffm%2Faircraft+band%2Fssb%2Fshortwave+radio&qid=1574952931&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sprefix=eton+e%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1
I use the CC Radio SW with this antenna and I get decent reception from stations all over the world! Night time is the best time to listen.
Afaik, all SDRs currently available support Linux and most (if not all) will compile on ARM. Many people have used SDRs on the Pi 3, so the Pi 4 should work fine. Your main considerations will likely have to be frequency range, sampling bandwidth, sensitivity, and cost.
For $30, [this](RTL-SDR Blog V3 R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Software Defined Radio with Dipole Antenna Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011HVUEME/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2LkiDbECBPWMK) is a good receive only starter kit.
Also, the Adalm Pluto often sells for $99, has better bandwidth, sensitivity, and can transmit.
But, with either of these, you'd require something like a Ham-it-up to operate on the lower frequencies. (<80MHz).
I'd suggest checking out rtl-sdr.com for more SDR information. They also have a store on their site, but their SDR info still seems unbiased in my opinion.
Oh if you have a 1/8" input that makes it even simpler.
https://www.amazon.com/Cable-3-5mm-Male-Female-Right/dp/B00IUXO4OC/ref=sr_1_13?s=electronics&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1505429900&amp;sr=1-13&amp;keywords=1%2F8%22+stereo+splitter
Grab something like this and plug your reel antenna straight into the right input. It'll feed it to that ring of the stereo 1/8" in the radio.
This should help you out. Be careful while hanging it - stay away from power lines.
EDIT USA (.com) link in place of Canada (.ca) link.
Thanks again Stephen. Question about your proposed setup: do I need another adapter to convert my 3.5 mini plug into an RCA male input?
Here is link to antenna I'm using Sangean reel antenna
I've got the Sony SW7600GR and am very pleased with it. You'd need an AC adapter to use it on house current.
https://www.amazon.com/C-Crane-ANT-SW-CC-REEL/dp/B01I27ZOQM/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=tecsun+external+antenna&amp;qid=1566589632&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-2
This seems very portable.
This:
https://www.amazon.com/Tecsun-Professional-External-Compact-Shortwave/dp/B0104MT5HW/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=tecsun+external+antenna&amp;qid=1566589632&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-3
might also work
Doesn't it have a external antenna plug? Many of the cheaper shortwave wind up long wire antennas have a clip adapter to clip to the end of the whip, like this.