#54: Small travel radios

[@snowpuppy77]

Enjoyed this video. Thank you for doing it. I have the Hermitshell case for the CCrane Skywave. It is custom designed for the radio. It holds the radio and the CCrane earbuds in a mesh pocket on inside. I highly recommend this case for travel. Totally protects it.

[@garyblackerby3226]

snowpuppy77, I have one of those too and you are right. It’s perfect for the Skywave SSB that I purchased. ...one of those suggestions at the bottom of the Amazon order page!

[@b.2221]

How to sum up your video from a man in the streets perspective, which is me, you cover all aspects of what I would like to say and ask. You hit on all the good and bad points of these radios, and that is not an easy thing to do. What I am trying to say is anyone thinking of purchasing any of these radios can not go wrong with watching this quality video of yours Sir, and for that I thank you very much. 👍 Tom.

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

Thanks!

[@jeffking4176]

One of the best comp. vids. I’ve seen. I’ve already ordered my CCSkywaveSSB, so waiting for your vid. on it ‼️🙂

[@johnyoung4039]

Thank you for your review. On a lighter note, when the ccrane radios tone is set to voice rather than music, it doesn't sound as tinny. Thank you again for this review. Stay safe.

[@rampmonsters]

Good thorough inspection and explanation of those 3 radio. I know which one I will be getting Next now thanks

[@nerdbit84]

Wow, best review comparison on KZbin. Thanks

[@ronaldzuccala1889]

Simply the best review i have ever seen. Thankyou.

[@whollyunaware5185]

Thanks for producing an amazingly thorough comparison of these radios. It certainly exposes the shortcomings that result when compactness is a major design objective. (The initial dimension given for the Tecsun - 3.5 cm in length - was obviously in error. I assume it is actually 13.5 cm).

[@jeffking291]

2 years ago I commented: I now have the C.Crane CCSKywaveSSB, an awesome radio. Also: XHData D-808, Another awesome radio. The Tecsun PL-390 is also an excellent radio, but a bit longer due to the 2 speakers (same radio as the PL-380, but 2speakers, longer telescoping antenna and [supposedly] a longer ferrite rod.). 📻🙂

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Thanks. I like my decades old Radio Shack DX-399 better than all of those. But it doesn't have Weather. It still works great after all these years!

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

Cool! Older technology can produce great results; I've spent many nights successfully DXing with Realistic DX-100 and DX-302 receivers from the early 1980s. It never ceases to amaze me how even old AA5 tubed sets can produce surprisingly good results simply tuning around the AM broadcast band in the evenings relative to new sets such as these.

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

It's old but digital and pushbutton. I like also that the key lock is a switch and not a button, so it would be hard for it to accidently get switched off. I think it's about 20 years old but I don't remember for sure.

[@jeffking291]

Robert Calk Jr. Most likely made by Sangean. 📻🙂

[@jeffking291]

.....- One year later, I now also have the XHData D-808. Very impressive. Also note: prices are a bit different now, and if you watch, Amazon has deals every once in a while. (There is also the Radiwow - the non-SSB version of the XHData D-808, which is also noteworthy for its excellent AM( MW) reception. 📻🙂

[@cym247]

The best pocket radio in the world is ‘Tivdio’. Sound is perfect...mp3 is nice...

[@MarkAllen-wc8cd]

Just got the Skywave ssb. Fantastic. 2 batteries. Scans and stores all freqs..Small.

[@racinchef]

If you haven’t already tried one, you might also like the Sangean ATS-405. Although, not quite fitting the 3X5 size, it nevertheless is also a fun and great tuning radio.

[@jeffking291]

Another great radio is the Tecsun PL- 390. ( It’s a bit longer, so has a longer ferrite rod [ AM antenna]. And longer “whip” antenna. It does a bit better for reception.). 📻🙂

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

Both Eton and Tecsun tunes Russian FM band : 64 - 108 MHz, CCRANE and ELPA only have Japanese FM band : 76 - 108 MHz, but AM tuning step turns 9 kHz (522 - 1620) and Normal FM band : 87 - 108 MHz, turns 10 kHz AM step (520 - 1710 kHz). Eton, Tecsun and Elpa have LW band, normal LW BAND (153 - 279 kHz) for Elpa, Full LW band for both Tecsun and Eton. CCrane doesn’t have LW tuner, but NOAA 7 channels (taxi radios in Europe), both Elpa and CCRANE have Air Bands.

[@jimberence]

I like the Tecsun pl-380 cos it's cheap . The only thing for me is it does not have external sw/FM antenna jack..otherwise it's perfect...

[@jeffking291]

AM-1090 KAAY ( Little Rock AR. -50,000 watts). [one of my favorites]. 📻🙂

[@snowpuppy77]

The new Tecsun PL-330 is about the same size as the PL-380 but thinner. Has same basic functions as PL-380 but also has SSB, ETM+ (which is a good improvement), and the ability to disengage internal antenna for better use of an external antenna via the antenna jack. I really like the PL-330 better than the Skywave as I own both. Audio quality of speaker much better on PL-330.

[@DXLUPO]

very good Video, and now , dont know what to do, Tecsun PL 380 or CCrane Skywave... hmmmmm not easy. Please tell me... Air band (Skywave) is nice but which one is better on FM, AM SW?

[@gklinger]

An ultra portable radio with SSB, a digital RSSI and S/N display, side tuning knob with selectable tuning speeds, built-in charger, a numeric keypad and a similar colour scheme? It does exist. It's called the Digitech AR1780 and sells for about $100 USD. It lacks the Skywave SSB's WX functionality but you'll gain RDS and an external antenna input. Thank you for another excellent video.

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

I had no idea the Digitech existed, but now that you've pointed it out, I see there are reviews out there, e.g., swling.com/blog/2017/11/review-of-the-digitech-ar-1780-portable-shortwave-radio/. It does indeed look like a nice radio; I'll try to get one!

[@gklinger]

Radio Physics and Electronics Video Blog I've had one for a few weeks and I really like it, far more than I expected to, if I'm being completely honest. It fits perfectly in my jacket pocket so I've had it with me since the day I got it. Whenever I have a spare moment I pull it out to see what I can pick up and I've been pleasantly surprised a few times now.

[@ofthedawn]

But you have to pay 60 dollars shipping.

[@ajmalharaj7201]

How many Rupees

[@marcosmelendez09]

Hello. Greetings from South America. What is your opinion on the CCrane Skywave? Do you recommend it for casual listening and dxing? What are those larger portable radios you talk about to rival with?

[@jeffking291]

Have you tried the XHData D-808, yet ❓ AM (MW) is OUTSTANDING❗️ And has SSB, along with all the features of the C.Crane CCSKywaveSSB- at about half the price. An awesome radio. 📻🙂

[@DXLUPO]

XHDATA D 808 has tiny sound, horrible storage management, and big display and little numbers on it.

[@jeffking291]

hammond Wolf The sound does lack some bass, but to me , my PL-600 sounds muddy. Storage is also not a problem, as I really don’t use it, except for a handful of stations. BUT, that’s what makes things interesting, some have a MAJOR problem with the “soft-mute” of the DSP. Me, I’m less bothered by it, as I tend to tune stations slowly anyway. You are not alone, the sound is one recurring complaint. Some of the controls are hard to get used to , at first. 📻🙂

[@DXLUPO]

@@jeffking291 All well, no problem the XHDATA D 808 is not a bad device and its range of performance is already enormous, but in the end you can already tell its price. I personally like to use the Tecsun PL 880 and that is a different league from the processing, unfortunately also the price. On the Ccrane Skywave I find the functions measured by the device size class. Everything has it's price.... :-)

[@jeffking291]

hammond Wolf Agreed. It’s the price that makes the XHData . I too favor the 880 as my favorite, but still not crazy about the 18650 battery. I’d much rather have “AA” batteries, like the 600/660/680. I keep my CCSKywaveSSB put away for emergencies, mostly. Only occasionally breaking it out. I use the XHData for around the house when listening to MW, and not doing any serious listening or DXing. 🙂📻

[@jameslucas6589]

I know the C.Crane is nice as I have had one in the past with good results. That said, I don't know the precise name for the gray/black crystal display, but they are infamous for failure and it failed in my C.Crane. A lot of money for that unit; over 200 dollars. The failure follows into DVMs and other devices, cheap garbage. I recently had to choose a new DVM and I chose the Agilent OLED model just for the reason described to have good visibility for many years. Funny, when digital calculators became popular and affordable in the early 70s, the were red LED. Then they figured out how to get cheap. I'm in VT, wonder if I can get WSM???? May be with an old WWII Collins and 2000ft of wire...

[@jeffking4176]

James Lucas Don’t know what is in Canada that would block WSM, but I was listening to it last night. The Nashville station came in like a local on both my Tecsun pl390,and my(vintage) Candle (brand)1224 am/fm/sw radio. -- I’m in Jacksonville.

[@solidaudioTV]

Thanks for the detailed comparisons. I prefer to listen to AM radio thru a more full-range speaker system if I can. It seems to me these might work well plugged into larger speakers. Can you comment on the quality of signal coming out of the headphone jack on these models? I've heard how some radios have so much bass boost that it can really throw off the tonal balance on the line out. BTW, your video quality and presentation are very good but I wonder if the length of thia video could have been cut down somewhat for time? - got a little sleepy there around 40mins on the signal strength & nulling part :-) Best Regards from Oregon. ~David

[@jeff2424]

I have the Eton and you will be unhappy using it through the headphone jack. There is always a loud background hiss, even when the volume is turned to its lowest setting. If you change bands (or turn the radio on with headphones connected), there is an ear-splitting click. The otherwise good performance of the radio is marred by its poor audio through the headphone jack.

[@solidaudioTV]

@@jeff2424 - Thanks for the info! I think I probably would have opted for one of the other 2 radios anyway, but that's good to know so I can cross it off my list.

[@jeffking291]

You would do well to check out the C.Crane “CCRadio 2E/ CCRadio 3. Or the Tecsun CR-1100. 📻🙂

[@357bullfrog2]

I would love to see a decent radio with and on/off/volume knob and a dial that stayed lit while it's on

[@MrTonyd1954]

what does the meter button do on both the skywave and skywave ssb. Im new to shortwave and do not fully understand the purpose? Thanks

[@jeffking291]

humberto arias “ meters - or “ meter band”: Most of us here in the US generally go by kHz (ie: 6.250 kHz) , where in the rest of the world more thinks along “meters “ If you took a frequency “dial”, and started it out at 550 kHzand went on to 1710 kHz we call it “AM” ( Medium Wave to the rest of the world) - so, extend that “dial”- [ 1710 kHz=1.710 MHz]. Go all the way up to 30.MHz. All along the way are sections of the “dial” where Short wave stations are sort of grouped together, or where you will find Amateur Radio broadcasts ( Ham Radio). ( ie: usually you will find the most Short Wave stations broadcasting during “Prime Time” in between 5.800 MHz- 6.300 MHz. This is called [generally] The “49 meter band” A lot of Ham operators can be found between 7.000 MHz - 7.300 MHz. This is the “41 meter band. In the day time, you would find Short Wave stations , say, 11680 - 12.050. This is known as the25 m.b. CB radio uses the 11 meter band - around27.MHz. (The higher the MHz, the lower the m.b. , [[ don’t ask-that,i cannot explain🙂]]. So in answer to your question: the “ meter” button, takes you to each of these [ meter] bands - a sort of short cut to where the action is. But on most of these [ better ] radios, you are not confined to just the certain “bands”, as there are stations and “ other happenings “ outside of those particular bands. I hope this helps. Let me/us know. 📻🙂

[@jeffking291]

I also highly recommend “ The Official Short Wave Channel “ on KZbin. He has loads of information on every part of Short Wave listening. He is great at answering any questions, and has Live shows as well. A great resource. Also: “Tom’s Radio Room Show”. ( where many of my vintage radios have been showcased😁) 📻🙂

[@jeffking291]

Welcome to the most interesting world of RADIO. I’ve been into radio since I was 10. I love listening to am stations from far away, and Short Wave Radio. I also collect radios ( from vintage to new.) There are all kinds of listeners. And many facets to this hobby. There’s so much more to it than most people think. 📻🙂

[@jeffking291]

Also if you are looking for a radio, there are many, like this one , who do nothing but review radios ie: “Two Hands And A Radio” “Radio Waves By Todderbert” I highly recommend.

[@MrTonyd1954]

Jeff King thanks for all the great information. A hobby I know I always will enjoy for many days to come. Keep up the great work with your videos

[@gkseifert]

Ummm, the Tecsun is actually about 13.5 cm long, not 3.5. My PL-310et (very similar) is 14, including the new tuning knob. I hate that ridiculous tuning oddity you mentioned too. I dont think I will ever get used to it. I was surprised to hear that your battery life was good. On my 'et' version it is horrible. I assumed it had something to do with the temperature sensor, but yours seems to be the same, so I dont know what the problem is. I am still quite happy with it. Love the ETM tuning.

[@tomjones239]

I got the Grundig G6 Aviator with SSB brand new for only 50 bucks. Oddly enough I can get our local NOAA frequency on the air band.

[@jeffking291]

Tom Jones The NOAA is different frequency. I have the G-6 “ Buzz Aldrin “. Made back before Erin decided to go cheap, and drop the Grundig name (and quality😐). AM( MW) reception is not the greatest, but a fine radio( once you remove that nasty rubberized coating that gets all sticky and gooey.). Very sophisticated for it’s time. Mine is now 10 years old. 📻🙂

[@tomjones239]

@@jeffking291 I actually do get the weather on an air band frequency on the G6. LOL! Mine is too sensitive but I live out in the sticks and it works great because there aren`t any powerful stations to bleed across the bands except the NOAA frequency. Mine does great on AM and shortwave. It also couples very well with a Tecsun loop. I was really impressed with the AM reception when I got it because it`s so tiny. The only problem is it`s a bit less sensitive on the upper AM/SW bands compared to my Eton Elite Traveler and Tecsun but my Tecsun only works well on AM using headphones. Very strange. I posted a video on my channel comparing them in an attempt at blackmailing Tecsun into sending me a radio that actually functions properly.

[@jeffking291]

Tom Jones Interesting about the Weather station. The G-6 really is a nice little radio. I like Tecsun but they lack consistency in their quality control department. Had a PL-660. Wonderful radio but developed a squeal on MW and SW. ( a friend placed the order for me - decided to save me $12. I got a radio with no warranty. Radio was fine for 3 months. It was a total loss. Replaced it with the PL-600. A fine radio but un-inspiring.) So my XHData D-808 is my “daily driver”. Thanks for the update info. 📻🙂

[@jeffking291]

Tom Jones I’ll have to try my G-6 to see if I can get any weather stations on mine. I’ll let you know. 📻🙂

[@tomjones239]

@@jeffking291 When searching the air band for NOAA frequencies use 1kz tuning. Our local NOAA channel was found on 128.616

[@emailshafihusain]

Great review. If you get a chance then please review all small portables with full SW spectrum and Air band. I used Grundig G6 Aviator for many years but then switched to PL680 as Grundig got sticky as if melting. Now I am looking for something compact in the same range but chargeable through USB. Something like skywave USB. However, I need LW as well so not able to make up my mind.

[@searchassis5929]

Keep it up!

[@sarfrazahmed3188]

it is available in pakistan?

[@bryanhead2670]

If it has fm stereo,,small jack,,,deep bass boost,,,high quality speaker,, im all in?!?!?

[@vicmabus1532]

Tuning knob on my Skywave broke off.

[@SANTONSANTO]

From my childhood I've been listening that SONY's radio is the best of the world. Isn't it ?

[@jeffking4176]

Santo Chowdhury Used to be the case. NOW, Sony “farms out “ for their radios. They don’t really make them any more. The old Sony radios were dynamite 🧨. The new ones, - Not so much. 📻🙂

[@japerry75]

The 2010 by Sony was a terrific radio and so was the 7600GR among others. I wish Sony still made shortwave radios but as far as I know they are maybe only available in Japan as they've definitely left the US Market. There were some other SONY radios that were pretty good of the ICF models.

[@KarenLopez-in5ih]

Cc Crane

[@tomjones239]

I bought the new version of the Eton called the Elite Traveler. It has amazing reception, especially on AM. I can live with the bad design, the quirks and all the rest just for that reason. The one I have shines on AM and has amazing reception overall on all bands. I bought a Tecsun PL 310 ET and it`s the worst radio I`ve ever seen. A 5 dollar toy radio would do better on AM. I`m disabled and probably won`t be able to travel 40 miles to return it since I live a long ways from the UPS place. I`m extremely angry with them because they won`t help me. I will NEVER buy another garbage radio from them! Chinese junk!

[@六甲おろし-w5y]

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