Tecsun PL-310ET FM / MW / LW / Shortwave Portable Radio Review

The Tecsun PL-310 AM FM Stereo LW Shortwave portable radio is in its own catagory.
▶ The Tecsun PL-310ET at Ebay: bit.ly/Tecsun310ET
(paid link) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you.
▶ Todd's Shop: www.amazon.com...
(paid link) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.
This is the best bang for the buck! Loads of features you will ever need.
My favorite features of this radio:
The display is nice and large, giving supporting information such as a signal strength meter or UTC clock.
Browsing function...this has the be one of the coolest features I've see yet. You have this for normal searching plus surfing your presets.
550 presets...Do I ask for more?
Bandwidth control on the MW and SW. 6,4,3,2, and 1Khz spacing.
Always on option for the LCD's side light.
FM reception is top!
AM reception is close to top!
Price!
If you have just entered the hobby or a collector of different radios, don't hesitate to punch that buy it now button. Its so worth it!
* Todderbert's Rockin' Radio Shop *
www.radiowaves...
You can help support the channel now by just doing your normal shopping through my Amazon links.
You don't even need to buy the item you are linked to. Just remember to use the link when you decide to shop for something at the big online store :) Awesome!
▶ Amazon Item Donation: www.amazon.com...
▶ Patreon Forum: / todderbert
Special thanks go out to my Patreon Cornerstone Supporters:
Arnold Alt
MaryAnn A
Rita B
▶ Todderbert's Discord: / discord

[@todderbert]

▶ The Tecsun PL-310ET at Ebay: bit.ly/Tecsun310ET (paid link) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you.

[@alphaandomegaministry2718]

Just received my 310ET from China with full manual (all in Chinese) laugh. Not to worry, we can just download the manual. Been looking at this radio for 2 years. Wow! I'm blown away by the quality, clarity and functionality of this radio. For a small radio its a pocket masterpiece of technology. Huge amount of fun to learn to use. This will be travelling the world with me. My address was incorrect so I had to intercept it at my local sorting office. A kind manager trawled thru many parcels to find it. Thankyou Royal Mail.

[@DaleChiTown]

Just received this yesterday. I bought thanks to your review. It's my first SW radio. Very excited. Thanks for all the good reviews.

[@DaleChiTown]

A year later. I love this radio 📻! Pulls in a fair amount of SW - I live on the southside of Chicago - evening is key. AM is excellent and FM is outstanding! The headphone experience is almost unmatched. I use this almost daily. It’s a go to. Thanks again for the reviews.

[@Buzzygirl63]

Great little portable. I had one of the pre-ETM era but broke it, so I got another one. It's very sensitive and selective for such a small receiver. I even used its longwave function with a homemade antenna (indoors; cake-form wrapped in litz wire) and it picks up lots of LW beacons from all over the Midwest and Canada.

[@MrBrian8749]

After using this radio for several months, I have to say it's the best money I spent on a small radio. The 310et is a real performer and can hang with the big boys in portables. I take everywhere and even walking the dog. The 310et is a great starter radio for the beginner and pro alike. Thanks again for the videos I enjoy watching. Brian

[@todderbert]

Glad your enjoying the videos. I like the 380s buttons and display. Though I do find myself using the 310ET's ext jack in bed for FM listening..lets me keep the whip retracted. Plus the audio is a bit better on the 310 vs the 380.

[@christophers5510]

@@todderbert how is the radio at picking up AM signals?

[@todderbert]

It does better then most of my smaller portables. It has a decent ferrite antenna inside.

[@christophers5510]

@@todderbert thanks

[@marcuskeulertz5852]

It performs even better than the SONY ICF SW7600GR it's just an amazing receiver for it's size and price.

[@Xmukherjee]

Tecsun PL-310ET medium wave stations sound lot better than Sangean PR D-15 radio with 8" ferrite core. PL310ET comes with 4" ferrite core but pulls in AM stations clearly. Great little radio.

[@peterhall2520]

I've had this radio for about 2.5 years now after seeing your video, thank you :0)

[@barrymorris6943]

Outstanding Video. Very informative. Well done. I just bought one after watching this video. Your reviews are very good.

[@tomjones239]

Lots of great functions and easy to use. I really like the shortwave reception.

[@DarrenN72]

Got this radio. Nice little radio. Performs very well for it's size. Had I known then when I got back into SW listening a few years ago what I know now, I realize this really would be the only radio I need. I don't do SSB so it's a good radio for me. Fun little radio to play around with

[@xeroxene]

I was researching the 606 and 380 and ended up here. Thanks for this video, it really helped me decide on what I wanted from a budget sw receiver. 310et it is!

[@Flux799]

Alpha Omega how’s the 310et holding up?

[@xeroxene]

@@Flux799 I've had it for a couple of years now. And am 100% satisfied with it. Hopefully by now you've also bought one.

[@chrisb3989]

Got one arriving next week…..really looking forward to it.

[@JoloNavarro]

Got this one for 29 bucks on my local store. So excited for it to arrive!

[@kennyandsaradechmerowski455]

I just got one yesterday and have been playing around with it. Thanks for the information. I will be using this when I camp for sure.

[@ChrissyFreitas]

Just ordered one of these little pups today! Got the silver "bling" model for $40 and hope to receive it soon from Anon-Co.

[@todderbert]

Cool little radio! you will like it.

[@ianharrison6597]

Thanks for the review. This is now on my list ahead of the R-9700DX. The variable B/W should be very effective on crowded MW. I’ll post up my results after I’ve given it a test drive.

[@soupdragon12345]

I just got one on eBay for $29 used . Love it so far . Thanks for the video .

[@markjou9799]

I have this radio and couldn’t find nothing on the number of hours this could operate on a set of batteries. So I had some old Eneloops sitting around with a code of “17-10 HL” which I’m assuming means that they were made in October of 2017. So I charged them up and put them in the radio and set the radio to my local AM radio station and set the volume to #7. The radio stayed on for 87 hours non stop.

[@1michelmarques]

Thanks for the information!

[@markjou9799]

@@1michelmarques Your Welcome

[@tomjones239]

If you tune 1kz down from the frequency you`re on when using this radio on AM it turns off soft mute on weak stations and the pumping from the automatic gain control on strong ones. Try it.

[@andysrandomness]

Tecsun always has very good sensitivity with FM and the AM is good as well

[@tomjones239]

My 310 et is great on shortwave and I like the features. I decided to keep it for that reason but I wish AM worked right. I have other radios for AM though and in the future if I use longwires and a coil to boost AM reception maybe the low gain will prevent overloading. {EDIT} Playing around with this radio on AM I noticed I was getting strong meter readings but using the speaker the stations were weak. Then I tried headphones and AM works fine that way and is very sensitive. Battery life seems great. Still on my first set of alkalines and I`ve been falling asleep a lot listening to AM using earplugs. There`s some annoying pumping on stations while listening that doesn`t happen on my other radios but it doesn`t happen all the time. Not sure what that is. This is a nice radio for the price. Maybe I`ll buy another one in the future that works using the speaker on AM. (EDIT) On AM the pumping and/or soft mute can be defeated by tuning 1kz off frequency. The volume drops considerably so use headphones when doing this.

[@SamBorgman]

Thanks for that info.

[@fritzglaeser7071]

Thanks for your wonderful, informative and unbiased reviews. I really like your review routine and diligence with every radio, regardless of price. I ordered the above Tecsun from Amazon and hope to receive it in 2 days. As I am new to this endeavor I am really looking forward to receiving it. Thanks again and I look forward to watching more of your reviews! I am going to search for your tips video on short wave as I live in a basement suite with not a lot of windows, may need some pointers on reception. Cheers Fritz

[@almamun-gk4bv]

hey todderbert.thanks for great review. I have just ordered it today and watching your video for third time.waiting for my one to receive. yea I'm exited.my first radio.

[@muhammadalgarfy2121]

Where are you from???

[@jansirkia3809]

Thanks for the great review! It will help when mine comes in mail. Again thanks!

[@todderbert]

Any questions on operation let me know. :)

[@Samarsky_Shalopai]

Good radio, bought and did not regret

[@tomjones239]

This radio is supposed to arrive tomorrow. Can`t wait to test it up against my Grundig. I hope I get a good one.

[@ashab1]

How did it go? how has it held up?

[@andrewmcphee8965]

I didn’t need another radio but the reviews of this intrigued me. It certainly is a good performer but I have found it is not a good radio for ‘knob turning’ style of browsing on shortwave because of the 1 kHz steps. SW stations are spaced 5 kHz apart, so it’s frustrating to tune. It has fast tuning in 5 kHz steps but in practice it is useless for browsing. I’ve found the only practical way of listening is to use the ETM function.

[@geneedwards5639]

Very informative review. I just ordered the 310et after viewing this video. Thanks for the review.

[@todderbert]

Your Welcome, I will have a short video published tomorrow with the 310 outside picking up some shortwave. It was fun.

[@beachz101]

Mine is arriving today. Many thanks.

[@michaelmcgee6465]

Just found your channel and subscribed. I wanted to ring the bell to be notified when you post new videos but the bell is gone. Idk? This is a super review on this radio! Kind of a tutorial on the 310et. I was waiting for you to show how to make it wash the dishes and bring you a beer, lol... I've had a 310 close to a year. I love it. After watching your video I realize that I need to set down with it and the owners manual along with watch this video and learn to take advantage of all of its features and functions...... I 've noticed some have mentioned the sound, it being a small radio. I plug a $35 set of Lodgitech speakers into the headphone jack and it sounds great, will rock on fm to. Thanks for the great video.

[@todderbert]

Welcome aboard! Glad you like your Tecsuns. I still use my 310ET because I also use headphones and love Fm listening with it.

[@Steven-re7xt]

Just baught. Used. I just don't know why any body would want to quit this radio. Mine just walked in and stole the show. Matches 330/660. Rigs hands down. . Looks like I have a new one in the stable tkx odn-1

[@tonyperone3242]

I have a Skywave and while it works good it does not have the build quality of the Tecsun PL 310. From what I have learned from the video is that the 310 has better audio and many more features then radios in a higher price range. Thanks. Enjoyed.

[@todderbert]

The 310ET is a good radio. I use it alot. My Skywave gets used quite a bit. I like it's air and weather bands.

[@3dhYT]

_Translator:_ This Tecsun is much better than my SONY ICF-P27. Too bad I didn't know this brand before. Although I still like my little radio.

[@7775Kevin]

I have a new version of this radio and it’s pretty great. The only problem I have with it is that the numbers and letters on the keys are very faint and barely readable.

[@barrskibeast]

I recognized your familiar accent before you even pulled in 560 and 720 haha.

[@joesjunkgarage]

Thank you for another wonderful radio video! I purchased a new Eton Satellite after watching one of your previous videos. I absolutely love that radio! I was looking for a smaller, less expensive travel radio for an upcoming trip this summer. After some research and watching this video from you, I just placed an order for one! I’ve enjoyed all of the videos I’ve watched from you so far. Thank you for taking the time to produce these videos! Funny thing is, we must be in a similar area of the country as I get the same stations. By chance, do you know if there are ever radio swap meets or radio shows in our area? Thank you!

[@todderbert]

There may be HAM fest, or meets, but I can't get out much due to disability. I would love to go to a radio show, or club.

[@georgemercado8676]

Nice review! I will definitely buy this, it will be my first time to try shortwave. Got a question here about the shortwave antenna, which is better to buy the antenna that has the jack ones or the one that you clip to the telescopic antenna??

[@todderbert]

I find the one that uses the jack gives you better gain. Some have adapters like the Kaito T-1.

[@marcosmza1962]

Great little radio. I could get crazy Dxs only with the whip

[@todderbert]

sweet, I use a Sangean wire strung up in my room. no crazy SW DXing but great FM reception.

[@marcosmza1962]

Take a look kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoHMi3x_hatkq80

[@marvinthebronyanddxer3384]

I hope i will buying it in Christmas day

[@Steven-re7xt]

Got mine "used" wasn't a mistake. And friends amazed by it's hunting stations. Then I press button it gives us the wx, and news. Can't beat it. Tks de odn-1

[@wayofthinkin]

Thank you !! Great review. I just might have to get this sharp little gem . , Dean.

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Excellent ! But it's so small, the audio has no much bass.

[@jimhansen1245]

just ordered it

[@JohnnyCNote]

If I may add some constructive criticism, the review really started to drag during the tuning function portion. You could have reduced the length by at least 40%, picked up pace and covered a few additional features. I did find the review to be informative despite the problems I listed, but I'm confident that with these suggestions you'd have a great review!

[@todderbert]

Thank you for your comment. I'm glad your here.

[@georgeiron8399]

I enjoy the part where you tune slowly thru the bands,it truly gives a good indication on how well the radio receives. Hopefully someday in the future KZbin will make a slider bar in the videos that a person can slide with the mouse to fast forward thru the parts they don't want to watch, but I guess we can't have everything we want. On a side note could you speak much softer maybe even just keep it to a whisper. I watch your videos with my volume at 98% when my 2 year old takes a nap and geez it sounds like your hollering at us! Shes a bear if she doesn't get her sleepy time!

[@Radio_Activity]

Completely disagree. The tuning section is what many of us come to watch. It gives a very good overview of how the radio actually performs.

[@jyoung5594]

I think most of your viewers enjoy the band scans. I like the AM band scans it shows a lot about how a radio will perform. Your channel is awesome and your reviews as well. Plus we get to see Iron Man what else could you ask for.

[@acikabdullah1543]

Hello, sir tecsun pl 380 or pl 310 et radio best of shortwave world receiver reception and sound ?

[@tomjones239]

The PL 310et has a better sound but reception varies unit by unit. Both are good radios if you can get one that isn`t defective.

[@terencejames909]

Great video thanks

[@soupdragon12345]

Hi and thanks for the video I am trying too set the snooze and the book says press and hold the power button , when I do that it turns radio off ? When I press the alarm button the snooze comes up but how do I set the length of time ? Thanks again .

[@KF0KDE]

I just ordered this radio from Amazon. Guess it'll be here next week. My question is, is there a hack to get MW to use the external antenna like on some of the other Tecsun radios? Thanks.

[@user-mw5kd1nd3e]

Спасибо. Классное видео. Жду такой же приемник с Китая.

[@brianshull2000]

I love your review on this radio. I'm looking for a radio that is capable of searching for AM, FM, SW, LW, Weather, Fire/police, marine, air craft and so on. Do you have any recommendations or will this radio cover all I'm asking?

[@todderbert]

Not this radio, there are only a select few that cover those frequencies, and they are handheld scanner styled. Expensive. I would recommend a C.Crane Skywave, or Radiwow R-108 to start.

[@brianshull2000]

@@todderbert perfect, exactly the answer I was expecting to hear. Thank you for the recommendation

[@prashantvernekar41]

I'm planning to buy XHDATA D-808.. so what you say which one is good to buy XHDATA or tecsun pl310et?!! are they both same in features? Which one gives cool reception?!!

[@todderbert]

The XHData D-808 is a different product versus the 310ET. The D-808 has much more to offer the user. Single Side Band on Shortwave and the inclusion of the AIR band. I use my D-808 much more than my 310ET. If I was starting out with a tight budget the 310ET would be my first choice into the world of shortwave listening, but if I had a bit more to spend it would be the D-808 all day long.

[@marksommers4868]

People need to take into account, what's going on with the Sun- That big thing in the sky DOES Effect radio propagation- There's Nothing wrong with the radio- Rite now, the higher frequency are really messed up- 6-10-11 meters, line of sight? Tecsun radios are really, rite now the BEST Deal out there- Your antenna can make all the difference- - Rite now, the poor sun has a cold, soooooooo - Listening to S .W.- We must be patient- If you have computer, Sometime, check out WIDE BAND WEB IN ENSCHEDE THE NETHERLANDS- you can listen to their receiver, Although, it's located in, I beleive, Flanders? --- Anyway, love your vids! Keep up the good work------ Maybe, vids about. Antennas, making loops, di poles, Maybe loaded stick ? People need to know, THE SUN, That old timer in the sky, DOES Effect radio propagation - Kind of like the old outer limits- THERES NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR RECEIVER !!!!!! Anyway, keep up the good work- Always enjoyable!

[@Sanctified_EDC_Gear]

Great video . Would you suggest the PL- 310 or the PL- 380 ? They both seem pretty Good , just wondering which one you find Better .

[@todderbert]

Thank you Steven, I would recommend the 310. The tuning knob is nice, the speaker audio is better and the AM reception excels on this one.

[@Sanctified_EDC_Gear]

@@todderbert thank you very much 👍

[@todderbert]

Your welcome.

[@bnmdad]

I now have both, and I will agree that the audio on the 310 is MUCH better. Listening to music on the 380 is painful

[@argentik82]

I ordered mine only to see if I can turn my KZbin addiction into SW addiction. What I expect is get my sight and hands free and allow myself to do some useful things. And save some bits and some bucks.

[@todderbert]

very smart indeed. :)

[@argentik82]

@@todderbert And finally, I'm using it with pleasure. Now, have to find out if a long wire would be a better option than a homemade magnetic loop. It's an impressive pack of tecnologies, and really well done. Thanks, Tod, because all your efforts inspire many people.

[@tomjones239]

Todderbert, see my channel for my short demonstration video of the horrible AM reception of my Tecsun PL 310et compared to my Eton Elite Traveler and my Grundig G6. Tecsun didn`t believe me when I told them my radio had issues and asked me to make a video to prove it. This is the video. See video description. I live too far away from the UPS store to return it but Tecsun refused to help me. I`ll remove the video when they send me one that works on AM. LOL!

[@jimgordon1563]

Hi. I recently took delivery of the PL-310ET and unlike most people, I am rather disappointed with its shortwave performance. It seems deaf. I have tested it using its telescopic aerial and found that it performs very poorly when compared to my aged Yachtboy 400 and ICF -2001D on the same broadcasts like CRI, RRI and VOA using their telescopic aerials. Now I realize that these were more expensive receivers but many others on KZbin seem to have had better results even with the telescopic aerial. Perhaps its the case that it will improve during winter. I'm also aware that we are near the bottom of the solar cycle. What have others based in Europe found? Does it really require an external aerial to perform well on the shortwave bands? Like others, I have found it very sensitive on FM and AM. Longwave performance was passable.

[@stephenhall6595]

I have one of these and can not pick hardly anything on SW and LW is poor too. FM is very good on it.

[@tomjones239]

@@stephenhall6595 My Tecsun 310 does very good on SW tested against my other radios but is very weak on AM unless I use headphones then it works fine. Very strange!

[@badhonrudra]

Can i charge batteries with it?? Someone says, after using few moths, some buttons has fall... Is is really possible to happen??

[@muhammadalgarfy2121]

Hello Todderbert. I am Muhammad from Egypt. I follow you since 3 months and I like your vedios bcz I am interested in Radios specially Shortwave Radios. I need your advise to buy a new portable radio like the tecsun 310et but without the LW wave bcz I think it is not allow in my country. Good features, less interference and alarm clock radio.???

[@markjou9799]

I have been using an old Sony ICF-2003 for 20+ years now and just decided to upgrade to the tecsun 310. I was so torn between the 310 and the 380, but picked the 310. If I like the 310 I think I will also buy the 380. Anyways does anyone know how many hours you can get out of a set of batteries? I use the eneloop AA(white color) batteries in my ICF-2003 and get maybe 21-25 hours out of them. What kind of usage can I expect to get out of the 310?

[@jimberence]

Hello sir, another question is which one under 45usd is the best for DSP, FM,AM,SW bands & portable? Thanks in advance

[@todderbert]

On sale, the Sihaudon R-108 is the one to watch for. Probably will be great deals on Cyber Monday.

[@jimberence]

@@todderbert tq sir

[@jimberence]

@@todderbert hello sir, what about the radio that got the dedicated aa or aaa batteries, which one is the best for below 45usd ? Thanks in advance.

[@RAJKUMARRAJARATHNAMSUBRAMANIAN]

Hi, which one is better pl380 or pl310et ? Could you please confirm, I need good reception of FM AM and SW.

[@todderbert]

for overall reception, the 310ET is the winner. I like the dedicated external antenna jack on the side for FM/SW. It also has a longer ferrite antenna for AM. I like it, but the 380 is just nicer to use, with its premium feeling buttons. You can't go wrong with the ET, It has great sound too :)

[@RAJKUMARRAJARATHNAMSUBRAMANIAN]

todderbert thanks for your reply, I plan to go 310ET.

[@todderbert]

Your welcome, let me know how the radio is when you get it :)

[@rekhabalu3178]

Hi rajkumar.rakesh from chennai.where are you from?.have you ordered the tecsun PL 310et?.Any benefit since SW is not on the world map a lot.please send me your input.thank you

[@RAJKUMARRAJARATHNAMSUBRAMANIAN]

@@rekhabalu3178am is not working properly so I thought of sw will work but that also now a days not works well. Only fm is receiving better that also with lot of ads. In my child hood days my dad having old radio which receive Singapore sw, London sw better signal reception, now all are gone. I am also from Chennai.

[@navidansari1895]

Can i play this with AC/DC power source? If yes does it charges the batteries from power source while playing?

[@BryanGushen]

How does FM reception on a handheld like this compare to a larger FM radio or even a household receiver?

[@todderbert]

Sometimes they can be better, depending on the tech. DSP FM radios like this are great. Sensitive and Selective.

[@waakaaboutgyal]

@todderbert Thanks for the review. How is this radio after 3 years? I'm considering to buy one for my dad in Nigeria any day from now. Is it worth it? How durable is it? I appreciate you as I anticipate your response.

[@todderbert]

Mine is still working, have had batteries in it all this time. A great investment, one of my favorite budget Tecsuns.

[@waakaaboutgyal]

@@todderbert awesome 👌 thanks so much for your responding so fast.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Do you think there's any considerable Loudspeaker soundquality difference between the PL-310ET and the PL-380?

[@todderbert]

The 310ET is less tinny, because of its larger size.

[@Darek80]

Hello todderbert ! I'm looking for good FM receiver for my parents but not expensive. LW/SW reception isn't necessary. What you can advise ? Which model of tecsun do you recommendation ?

[@todderbert]

Not sure which Tecsun I would recommend. Right now the Sony ICF-19 looks like a good choice. It only uses D batteries, but they give you 400 hours of run time. amzn.to/2HBlbTB If you were to buy a Tecsun, maybe the R-206. Not sure of the going price, but my sample was under $20. These radios have simple controls and prices under $30. My best recommendation is the Sony ICF-506, because it performs very well and comes with the ability to use AC with its provided cord. For some reason Amazon is out of stock, it usually sells for around $40. amzn.to/2vZgS3j

[@todderbert]

Another I thought I should mention, the Sangean PR-D6 amzn.to/2r85Lze Amazing portable for the money. My review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqS6n4qYlLJ6jNU

[@braaji]

How is the sound compare to tecsun 880 and sony sw55?

[@denmoer]

I own this Tecsun 310et, I find the AM to be weak, and the sound in FM to be very tinny, I see you also have the sangean 18, could you do a side by side review???? I believe the sangean will blow away the tecsun in sound quality, and AM reception

[@todderbert]

On Radio Jay Allen's website he gave the Sangean PR-D18 a two star rating while giving the 310ET a one star in his AM Mega Shoot out article. The external audio on the Sangean is better(probably from the bigger cabinet) then the Tecsun, but on headphones I like both. I like the idea of doing a VS comparison, may be something I look into this month.

[@Radio_Activity]

I agree. I've been testing this one against the Radiwow R108 and the R108 is superior on MW. It holds on to signals much better than the PL-310ET. The 310 can get very warbly sounding and unintelligible on weaker stations. The R108 seems to cut through inteference, making the signal much clearer and listenable.

[@tomjones239]

@@Radio_Activity Try using headphones and tune 1kz off frequency when using the Tecsun on AM. The volume drops considerably so it doesn`t work using the speaker. It cures that issue.

[@tomjones239]

Outside Denny ... Try using headphones on AM using the Tecsun. Mine is extremely weak on AM using the speaker but works great using headphones. To defeat soft mute and pumping of the AGC tune 1kz off frequency.

[@soupdragon12345]

Hi my tuning knob on my 310 just came off !! Can I just glue it back or will that make it worse !!’

[@todderbert]

use a small bit of painter's masking tape, and put it over the tuning shaft before pressing the knob back on. should do the trick.

[@soupdragon12345]

@@todderbert no glue then ?

[@todderbert]

@@soupdragon12345 never use glue near a radio :)

[@viccovicco6799]

Hii, good vibes Tod, question, compared with radiowow r108, wich has better fm reception? Saludos desde México!!!

[@todderbert]

Both are decent, the R-108, may be slightly better.

[@AMDXplusplus]

do a video on the tecsun pl 600 radio

[@todderbert]

I would love to, but my funds are starting to dry up. My Patreon page is slowing filling with supporters and I will utilize those funds for more radio purchases. We are getting close to the first channel goal which is $75 a month. At that level I am going to start giving away radios I have reviewed as a once a month drawing for all my Patreon supporters.

[@markjou9799]

So it’s midnight on a Saturday night and I’m listening to my pl 310et and the sound went from a number 7 down to a 3. Has this ever happened to anyone else?

[@todderbert]

Batteries good? not sure this is a battery saving function. I know some radios will do this when plugging in headphones, and disconnecting them.

[@Sandsmell]

Why it doesnt have Dab ?

[@kritthongsai3347]

Can someone please tell me that the headphone output on this one is fine? I just bought the PL360 and found that It produce a lot of hiss in background even nothing is broadcast on (I mostly listen in the FM band.).

[@todderbert]

No hiss on strong FM stations when the Stereo is disabled. If you use Stereo there will be noticeable hiss.

[@lmlm2104]

Hello!, a query regarding the alarm / alarm clock: is the alarm clock programmed only in "buzzer" mode or can the alarm clock be set to radio mode so that it turns on at a certain time on a certain radio frequency? Thank you so much!. Greetings from Argentina.

[@todderbert]

You can wake to radio, or buzzer by tapping the alarm button while the power is off. The symbol will change from a speaker to a bell.

[@lmlm2104]

@@todderbert excellent thank you very much!.

[@YaxisX]

Will this radio pick up W1AW broadcasts on 3581.5 KHz?

[@valdyjosedegodoyjunior]

Hello. My PL-310ET came to me with the frequency in MW of 522 - 1620 KHz. I don't know how to change it to 520 - 1710 KHz. Some help?

[@todderbert]

Radio Off, Press and Hold the Numeral Three Button. It should Display 10kHz, if it says 9kHz, tap it again.

[@valdyjosedegodoyjunior]

@@todderbert I achieved! Thank you very much for your help! I am very grateful!

[@Marcos_Ledinich]

What's the best shortwave radio under 100 usd you have ?

[@todderbert]

If you can find one, the XHData D-808 would fit the bill: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3LPfampnNWfb9k

[@EdyBraun]

Just watched a few of your videos, thanks! I wish to enter the hobby and want a budget receiver. I want to explore what's out there and pick up all sorts of interesting transmissions from far away places (not just my local AM/FM stations). Any suggestions? Is the Tecsun PL-310ET good for this? Or should I get the R-909 which you reviewed? Or do you have any other suggestions? Thanks.

[@todderbert]

This is a good radio, along with the RADIWOW R-108 which also includes the AIR band, rechargeable battery and a great speaker: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH2cp4hqi6eopZY. If you were to spend a bit more I recommend the bigger brother XHData D-808 kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3LPfampnNWfb9k or the almost identical Digitech AR-1780: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGS3kJaemsuZeZo . Both of those radios give you the addition of Single Side Band tuning on Shortwave. Great for listening to HAMs and other broadcasts that utilize this transmission style. The 808 is rechargeable, the 1780 takes standard AAs. Each radio has it's merits, but are equally the same on reception. Comes down to personal preference. The biggest recommendation is improving your reception kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2SzemBon7BqnpI with a simple long wire attached to the radio's external antenna jack. You will gain much in they way of signal strength. Have a great time and feel free to contact me.

[@EdyBraun]

@@todderbert Thanks again! What do you think about RTL-SDR dongles (USB)? I am using Ubuntu Linux and apparently there are some options out there for special software/drivers for Linux that would work. Any experience with that setup? They are also fairly cheap (seems to be around $20-30), and the software is free. I guess I would need to make sure I get it from a reputable supplier on eBay and with the proper chipset that is compatible with whatever drivers/software is available for Linux. Any ideas?

[@todderbert]

@@EdyBraun I have not used a SDR yet. They are cheap enough to experiment with. I heard they are good for VHF. You will have to let me know how it works out with Ubuntu, I have a few machines running that OS.

[@jblackjack]

Does anyone else find the antenna wobbly at the base?

[@aishwaryap]

Does the light 💡stays lit or turns off after some time ?

[@todderbert]

Turns off after 5 seconds.

[@wilsonhallman5708]

Help. How do I get it to return to the regular radio. Since I've used the etm every time I turn it on I can only switch to the stations I've found while using the etm. I want to turn the tuning knob and search for stations myself. HELP.

[@todderbert]

Tap the VM/VF button till the Frequency Flashes.

[@wilsonhallman5708]

@@todderbert thanks. I asked my question before I watched all of your video. You answered at the end of your video. Thanks. Your videos are very informative.

[@todderbert]

@@wilsonhallman5708 Glad you got it worked out :)

[@submeitsfreebruh]

what is your FM reception rating of this? Average, good or very good ?????????

[@todderbert]

Good.

[@johnbailey1085]

this radio is 41% off on Amazon right now $47

[@jimhansen1245]

could you link the spool antenna?

[@viswanathanramasamy1980]

Hi, todderbert, can this radio play with direct power supplied only from DC 5V USB charger?

[@todderbert]

yes.

[@jimberence]

Hello sir, between this & the pl-380, which one is better in FM receptions? Thanks in advance

[@todderbert]

They are both similar, I enjoy the 310's Speaker tone.

[@jimberence]

@@todderbert tq sir

[@lukeswall5999]

How awesome, is that? WIND playing Alvin and the Chipmunks, and WGN playing The Kinks. CFZM playing Bruce Springsteen

[@bigkamran]

How about the SW ?

[@kevinesteban9526]

Hello!, have you compared the PL310ET with more expensive receivers? Do you have good performance? outperforms more expensive receivers in FM?

[@todderbert]

It doesn't outperform them, but it can keep up. My best FM portable in the house is my C.Crane EP -Pro. I had a Tecsun 880 which is supposed to be one of the better FM receivers, and I found myself using my smaller portables more often, probably because they are easier to carry around.

[@kevinesteban9526]

Sangean DT-200X vs. PL310ET in FM. Which is better?

[@todderbert]

The Tecsun.

[@kevinesteban9526]

Thank you. It is a big difference? where the notes?

[@todderbert]

Well, the 200X is way more portable. FM on both is good, the 310 gets the extra distance on stations with it's fixed whip antenna. I use both radios off and on still.

[@peternorth5608]

Good day sir, Can the external antenna jack be used with medium wave just like with the pl330? Thank you.

[@todderbert]

Only works for Shortwave/FM.

[@bongtechnature]

@@todderbert which one is better pl-380 or pl-310et ?

[@todderbert]

@@bongtechnature They are similar, the 310 has a nicer sounding speaker, and an antenna jack input for a long wire.

[@bongtechnature]

@@todderbert fm reception is better on which one?

[@todderbert]

@@bongtechnature they are identical to me, and my location.

[@chrisb3989]

Is that thing in the bottom left a sticker that can be removed?

[@wolfmanradio]

Yes, it’s a sticker. I just left it on mine, because the Chinese writing looks cool. Hopefully you’ve received your radio by now. You’re really going to enjoy that radio for many many years to come. It’s so solidly built, pulls in tones of stations, and is a great bedside companion. I recommend getting yourself an under-pillow speaker, so you can listen at night. Make sure to take the time to READ the instructions; you’ll be glad that you did. I’ve had mine for a few years, and it’s never let me down.

[@chrisb3989]

@@wolfmanradio thanks it arrived 3 days ago. I have removed the sticker and cleaned off sticker glue residue. It is a great sounding radio and I love the multiple bandwidth filters for cleaning up noisy sw signals. It’s quite a sensitive and selective radio. It’s quickly become my go to radio for sw. I use a 100 foot wire strung to the top of a nearby tree and it performs like a champion.

[@Madmax-TV]

Hello, sir how can i change the °F to °C on display on this 310et?

[@todderbert]

Change the AM stepping to 9kHz.

[@Madmax-TV]

Just a 1 press button..haha thanks sir tod. I still love PL-380 at night, easy to operate in the dark.

[@cameronmurphy8005]

what is the main differrence between this and the og 310?

[@todderbert]

The ETM Storage. A nice feature if you travel and don't want to ruin your saved "home" stations.

[@XplorerDinesh]

Hi, In terms of sound quality and reception, can you please suggest a good radio in budget. I am more into bass heavy speakers. Also i am confused between PL380 & PL310ET. Please suggest which one is best in sound quality for listening to FM music. If any other brand or model is there, which is better than these two, in terms of sound and in budget category then, please do suggest. Thanks.

[@todderbert]

Neither is bass heavy, you need a PL-880 for that. The 310ET has a bigger, and better sounding speaker.

[@user-bs6ih6gi9o]

Can a TECSUN pl-380 receive UVB-76 on USB mode on 4625.00? *PLEASE ANSWER!*

[@todderbert]

no the PL-380 can not receive USB. An Inexpensive SSB receiver is around 70-85 US dollars. Three models I can think of. Tecsun PL-365(CountyComm GP5), Kaito KA1103, and the XHDATA D-808.

[@user-bs6ih6gi9o]

Thanks for answer!!!

[@cybertantra]

The shortwawe frequency Channel it still picks up, just a bit distorted

[@jargiajatt]

Love the channel. New subscriber. I watched a ton of your videos already in a few days. Please advice the best radio to suit my needs: 1) Main purpose:listening to mp3 through minimum 32 gb sd card. AM/FM or FM alone. 2) Long lasting charge. AAs not preferred but ok. 3) High quality built. Thanks. A quick response would be much appreciated. I will keep checking frequently to see your reply. Need to make an informed decision asap. God Bless.

[@todderbert]

The only radio I can think of is the Tivdio V-115 . Inexpensive, compact, gives detailed info on the playback, records, has good FM, ok AM, locals mainly. Shortwave for fun. BL-5C battery will last around 8-10 hours per charge, so get a couple extra from Amazon. I think it's max support is 32Gigs, as most radio/players seem to be. Retekess is the Tivdio company. Here is a link to the radio: amzn.to/2xYtuWU and Extra batteries that I use in mine: amzn.to/2pAE8hP

[@jargiajatt]

WOW!!! I bought the EXACT same model a couple of days ago from Amazon but it did not meet my expectations. I tried 128, 64 and 16 gb cards. It worked for 16 but not for 64. I did not have a 32 to test. But, the bigger thing was it wouldn't turn on unless I was using the charger. The battery levels were showing fine. So unless I missed something, it seemed to me a defective unit. I am in the process of returning it and ordered a cheaper one Lefon Mini Digital AM FM Radio Media Speaker MP3 Music Player Support TF Card/USB Disk. But I still want a long term high quality unit. Maybe order another Tivdio V-115? Thoughts please.

[@todderbert]

Well, I ordered a 115 a few weeks ago and it was fine, but a month ago I had to return one because it had a faulty DSP...quality control is a bit flaky. If you get a good one, they stay good. Also they say 32G max for the SD. I just like the LCD display and the ability to change folders, EQ, and playback settings. Charge the battery first. I have had issues with the onboard chargers and now have a stand alone BL-5C charger.amzn.to/2CqxJhP

[@jargiajatt]

I will try to charge the battery again when I go back home. Hope it works and I don't have to send it back. Thanks for your valuable inputs, Sir. Good day.

[@jargiajatt]

Had to charge for quite some time initially and then everything charmed me. I love it :) !!! Thanks!!!

[@felipe9165]

Como ativar o modo LW nesse rádio?

[@pr_dx]

segura o botão de MW com ele desligado, embora aqui onde stou por exemplo não vou ouvir nada.

[@user-bs6ih6gi9o]

Can i listen to The ”UVB-76” at 4625.Khz On USB mode at This Radio? Please answer!

[@todderbert]

no, there is no USB/LSB or BFO feature on this radio.

[@user-bs6ih6gi9o]

Do you know any other cheap radios that do have The USB mode, so i can listen to UVB-76

[@user-bs6ih6gi9o]

Do you know any other cheap radios that do have The USB mode, so i can listen to UVB-76 please answer!

[@cybertantra]

The shortwawe frequency Channel it kinda picks up on am

[@user-bs6ih6gi9o]

Ok. Big thanks!

[@MaratMatkasimovNWS]

WHY YOU GET CHINESE VERSION