Tecsun PL-330 Shortwave - Simple, simple guide for SWL, AM, FM, and SSB.

[@mrblueskynm3968]

I appreciate you demonstrating how you use your PL-330 for SWL. I'm a total newb to SWL and this is exactly what I was looking for to start out.

[@male42nfree]

Best review on how to operate the PL-330 that I have watched yet. As a newbie, I learned a great deal from it!

[@mysteryham4065]

Thanks a bunch and I am glad it helped. Have fun in the hobby!

[@chuckg6039]

Very imformative. Just got mine. Replaced a Kaito 1103 which now only works on FM. Sad as I loved that radio. Oh well. The 330 is super nice too.

[@247SH]

Best receiver I’ve owned at this price point. Sensitivity on the ham bands is great. Only criticism is the flimsy tuning rotor. It uses a very small potentiometer as does volume control. Several people have commented that detents aren’t precise and knobs can be quite wobbly, true of mine also.

[@mysteryham4065]

I 100% agree. Recently, it seems like the tuning knob skips channels or drops tuning steps sometimes. This would be the weakest point on the radio.

[@RJDA.Dakota]

@@mysteryham4065it is only an inexpensive portable. This is true but when I bought it I was still pleasantly surprised by the performance vs. price point.

[@Robb-jf7vg]

I liked this radio 📻 so much, that I immediately ordered a second one! 😊

[@mysteryham4065]

I hear ya. I really like the radio too. I use it everyday.

[@walleyvideo8297]

2 is 1 and 1 is none....:)

[@ahheng6402]

I got this Tecsun PL-330 about 3 month's ago. Good receiver with lots of useful features & easy to use. I just use a 30 feet random wire & a MLA30+ loop connected to the 3.5mm gets many signals. Using the extended antenna at outdoor is pretty good too. thank for sharing your experience.

[@johnnyquid-xj4kk]

Newbie here. Just bought a pl330 for the heck of it. Can’t wait. Cheers.

[@mysteryham4065]

Well you can't go wrong with this radio. I use it everyday. For me, it is an absolute solid purchase. Just take time to figure out how to operate it. There are tons of other KZbin videos to help. The manual is good as well. Enjoy!

[@johnnyquid-xj4kk]

@@mysteryham4065 thank you. looking forward to it. cheers from SoCal.

[@RJDA.Dakota]

I love this radio. It’s very basic but super fun and useful. There are so many things I can say about this set, mostly positive. The mute on tuning is the only real negative.

[@mysteryham4065]

Yeah the muting while changing frequencies is a thing, but I can live with it. Thanks for stopping by.

[@respectbossmon]

I had a chance to borrow one of these PL-330's not long ago. For what it is and costs, it is surprisingly sensitive (especially when using a decent external antenna). As you demonstrated in this review, the DSP offers almost brick wall filtering. That's a great feature for those using it to learn Morse code during crowded conditions, or trying to pull in a dx station out of a morass or close carriers and noise. Being a modern radio it has features my old Hammerlund HQ-180 doesn't, such as memories, auto-scan, true portability, and being able to be powered by an inexpensive cellphone battery (and FM broadcast ;) ). One point you made rings true. While it may be great for the casual user, like my HQ-180 this is an operator's receiver. It has features and controls that, once learned, greatly enhance the listening experience. It doesn't have a memory card slot like many other radios. That's ok. Until that feature allows me to record what I'm receiving, it's of no use to me. For the price, this is a great radio.

[@mysteryham4065]

Indeed. I don't use the memory features, but I should maybe start. I usually do a new scan each time I use it. Great little radio for sure.

[@charlesleonard9459]

I just received my 330 today and am impressed with it so far. Right out of the box I was able to set the time and turned it to sw and was able to get a few stations just using the whip antenna . I had an older Grundig yb400 for years that has stopped working and wanted to replace. Thanks for an informative video.

[@mysteryham4065]

Thanks for checking it out and enjoy the radio!

[@vicschubert6129]

Thank you for making this awesome video. For a newb this is exactly what I needed! Best -

[@TRGB1955SD]

I bought this radio in April and it is now my goto for SW listening. Highly recommend it as best value and bang for the buck. Your video is AWESOME. and I learned quite a bit from it. Thanks!! 73's. KJ7YQW

[@mysteryham4065]

I really like the radio too. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@Archtops]

One of my favorite radios. Liked and subscribed!

[@TheBarry1m]

Nice Job with the video, I have this radio and love it.

[@mysteryham4065]

Thanks. I like it more as time goes on. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@michaelbogdanowicz5059]

Very easy to understand video thank you

[@OzThinking]

Thank You Duncan! I have watched 100’s of videos on this great radio and yet you pointed out 3 very helpful tips that no one else has ever whispered. Keep up your great How-tos and enjoy the re-discovered hobby like I have.

[@mysteryham4065]

Thanks a bunch!

[@StratmanII]

Thanks for the refresher video... just subbed to your channel! I haven't seen a demo of the PL-330 in years as this model has been out for some time. 🙂 I got mine in late 2021 with the 3306 firmware and learned all the hidden features from various sources. I wish Tecsun releases a follow up model with the buttons from the PL-320, which I also have. They're slightly larger and raised, making them easier to depress without having to use my fingernails.

[@ve9mwbmike100]

Pretty clear video, thanks for the insight on this I am a Ham and travel with my ft 70 this will complement our evenings down south in winter as I have picked up quite a few stations on my older sw radio 73

[@mysteryham4065]

Indeed. I still turn this radio on at least once a day. Mostly shortwave, but If I want to do some quick scanning of the ham bands, it does great. Great for the price for sure.

[@DonzLockz]

Some good tips that I didn't know about tuning with the PL-330.👍

[@1959RT]

Excellent review. I'll put this radio on my wish list. Happy listening. 📻

[@mysteryham4065]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@agustinmoralesrodriguez1242]

It mutes between steps but not in an anoying way. It is actually a very friendly rig. ❤

[@suzi6509]

Great little radio, the one thing that really bugs me is lack of a kick stand at the rear, I'm always trying to prop the radio up on my table!

[@mysteryham4065]

Indeed...

[@walleyvideo8297]

Thanks you!!! I will begin to use this radio more!!!

[@mysteryham4065]

@@walleyvideo8297 I use it everyday. I hope you like yours.

[@beniciomoldenado2315]

Thank you for a great video, I learned a lot from you. If you haven't already done so, please make more videos that get progressively more advanced functions. I am also interested in antennas. What antenna are you using in the video? How do you set it up? As you might have guessed I am a complete beginner. I will watch this video again and pay attention to the name of the other KZbinr you complimented. Thanks again.

[@fishpotpete]

Great review and presentation style! I'm looking to get a "new" radio - I've had several used units through the years that I got from thrift stores and always sold them at a hefty profit... so I never held on to them long enough to learn how to use each model 🙂 I've got some bonus points from work I need to use before I retire - so I thought I use them on a NEW radio and actually learn how to use it and fully enjoy it! Thanks for the video...

[@mysteryham4065]

There are a lot of good vintage radios out there, but you never know what state they are in. If you want something like this radio, but much nicer - look at the Tecsun PL-880. One of my buddies has one and it is really slick with great sound.

[@fishpotpete]

@@mysteryham4065 Actually the PL_880 is what I ended up ordering after watching several videos (including yours). I've only had it one day and it does sound great... but more importantly for me, it easy to use! Thanks!

[@bartmiller1585]

Hi from kc5noa in Texas. I operate mobile on 17 meters. That is 18.110 to 18.168. Listen for me right at sunset. I like working the gray line. 73s

[@mysteryham4065]

Will do. Thanks. 73s

[@richardmerriam7044]

I have spare batteries (BL-5C) for backup so I won't have to wait for charging. That's also handy for DXpeditions. I like Todderbert's and Jay Allen's reviews. I've bought several radios after seeing their reviews. You explained the 'step' button for me. Interesting feature.

[@mysteryham4065]

Thanks. Yes… extra batteries are a good thing!

[@stevehaynes2857]

If the step button is not raised and is an issue for you, just make a small plastic rectangle the same size as the step button and glue it on the button - viola - now it is raised.

[@eduardoabrildefontcuberta5464]

what antenna length endfed did you use for the 10m HF receiving?

[@mysteryham4065]

For this video the length was about 66 feet.

[@inhaleexhale]

I am new to this (don’t currently own a SW radio … YET). I am curious what external antenna you had attached, and how that works. I am concerned about attaching any external antenna because we are the lightning capital of the USA and it gets SCARY here.

[@ditto1958]

Excellent tutorial

[@lomgshorts3]

Any Ham transceiver with continuous coverage can do Shortwave listening without the extra expense of buying a stand alone Shortwave receiver. After you obtain your license and have a HF Transceiver, when you can afford a stand alone receiver, THEN buy one. Of course, if you have all sorts of 'extra money', by all means buy anything you want. Ham gear is really pricey, unless you build from a half price kit, then you learn electronics in addition to your Tech license. To keep costs down, build from kits, build your antennas yourself, and learn antenna and electronics theory while building your own stuff. Plus, you will have bragging rights by pointing to a piece of gear saying 'I built that myself' !!!

[@williamwatterson2499]

You have a link for this radio? About also a link for the external antenna you are using?

[@mysteryham4065]

I put the link below for the radio. The antenna I used is a little overkill for short wave listening, because it is for transmitting as well. But a simple wire about 60 feet long will get the same results. But for reference, the antenna I used was an MFJ 40-10 End Fed Halfwave antenna. www.tecsun-radios.com/product/pl330-radio-receiver/

[@wapphigh5250]

Where do you get one with USB-C charge port and raised step button? I can't find them and specified like that anywhere. Thanks!

[@Monsieur-Estrada]

Bought one from Anon-co last month and it came with usb-c and raised step button. Go for it👍🏾

[@kokopelau6954]

Just bought my pl 330 on Amazon and it came with them.

[@timmotel5804]

Why is the 880 ignored? I've had one for over a year and it's excellent. What is it about the 330 that is everywhere on youtube? Best Regards.

[@theoverfiend7984]

The price basically

[@Greg-et2dp]

You can lisn to cb on your portable shortwave receiver

[@mysteryham4065]

Indeed. Yes, I check the CB frequencies on this radio from time to time.

[@kokopelau6954]

​@mysteryham4065 I am a newbie what are the CB frequency I would input? Thx

[@weeb9332]

I have this unit coming in two days. I am curious on your opinion as to how sensitive this radio handles medium wave DXing.

[@mysteryham4065]

Mine had very good sensitivity. If you want the best reception, some people swear by the MLA-30 loop antenna, but the telescoping antenna works pretty well. You could also simply clip on a long piece of wire to the telescoping antenna too.

[@Levanchik-mq7il]

Did you tear off the sticker or was it not there to begin with?

[@sharonjuniorchess]

@14:20 the display shows 7054.90 kHz so the whole numbers must be Kilo-Hertz i.e. 1,000 of Hz. The numbers on the right will be hundreds then tens of Hertz. If you had a third zero then that would be actual unit hertz. If the display was 7.0549 MHz then the decimal point is shifted 3 significant factors to the left. Am sure you know but easy to get confused when recording when you brain is screaming "hang on is that right?"

[@jaybird2299]

Can you post a link to the antenna you're using? Thanks

[@mysteryham4065]

The antenna I was using is for transmitting, so it would be overkill if you are simply receiving. So a very long wire would suffice. Also the MLA-30 loop antenna is really popular. But the antenna I was using was the MFJ 40-10 EFHW. Link... mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-1984mp?srsltid=AfmBOoqTXKXtZBCLpwhsHGFix9JVNoO-N1pkoExuOi_XrkkK_JtGQfjk

[@jaybird2299]

@@mysteryham4065 thank you sir

[@jeffreyhickman3871]

I’ve got a radio 📻 very similar to this. I bought it from Bookmans in Mesa, Az., for $40.00. It has a backlit display. Once I unpack, I want to use it. I’m into Shortwave, and DXing. Does it work better when you’re near a window 🪟, or does it matter where ya are in the house 🏠? I also don’t know if these radios 📻 work better in town, or out of town. Happy 😊 and safe New Year!! Just subbed!! Your friend, Jeff!!

[@mysteryham4065]

Thanks for stopping by. Having the antenna outside will generally be better than inside. Where inside the house depends on the station you are trying to pull in. Sometimes just moving the radio a couple of feet in a direction makes a big difference. There is less rf noise out in the woods as opposed to in the city. Enjoy your radio!

[@jeffreyhickman3871]

@@mysteryham4065 I live in Arizona, so I’d probably have better radio 📻 reception out in the desert 🏜️. Always remember, ANY radio 📻 reception is ALWAYS better at NIGHT!! That stands true, even with the home 🏠 radio 📻. I discovered this in 1987. I lived in Copper Center, Alaska, and could only get local stations 🚉. By the time night rolled around, I could catch stations 🚉 in Fairbanks, Alaska, 250 miles away. That even allows ya to catch radio 📻 stations 🚉 halfway around the world 🌎. I probably should try my radio 📻 in the middle of the desert 🏜️ some☝️ night. I’m at my brother’s house 🏠, saving 🆙 to buy a house 🏠. I’ll be able to get the radio 📻 when I unpack my stuff. Happy 😊 (and safe) New Year!! Your friend, Jeff.

[@MadelineStkitts]

My tuning knob was excellent at the beginning but after 50 used are so sensitive and jumped station.What solution i can used, the radio still work

[@johninyork]

Can you show us your antenna setup

[@mysteryham4065]

Sure. I can do a video on the HF and VHF/UHF antennas that I have up. But the external antenna that I used in the video was an MFJ-1984MP. Thanks for stopping by.

[@calypsopiter]

What external antenna are you using?

[@mysteryham4065]

I am just using a really long wire (about 65 ft outside in a tree, then into the window). Instead of worrying about different connectors for the antenna input of your radio, you can simply twist the bare wire onto the built-in telescoping antenna on your radio. I hope this helps.

[@bilbobaggins4366]

Hi whag frequency range is yhis radio in khz or mhz

[@mysteryham4065]

Here are the frequency ranges from the official Tecsun website.. FM: 64-108 MHz / 76-108 MHz / 87-108 MHz / 88-108 MHz LW: 153-513 kHz MW (AM): 520-1710 kHz / 522-1620 kHz SW: 1711-29999 kHz

[@rodrigonewman3496]

Can you tell me if it is possible to scan in lsb and usb modes? Tks

[@User-DX-radio]

No

[@mysteryham4065]

I think you can, but I can't remember how off the top of my head.

[@fwfefrtefdv4719]

Hi, may i know how to set FM channels using etm feature? Thanks

[@mysteryham4065]

I have not used the ETM feature yet. If I find out, I will let you know. But if you press and hold the FM button, it will scan and save stations in the quick storage feature. Thanks.

[@edwardwilliams7213]

Where did you purchase yours that it came with a raised step button and a USB C connector?

[@mysteryham4065]

I got it on Amazon from the official Tecsun Amazon store.

[@wapphigh5250]

@@mysteryham4065 Where? Can't find it ....

[@mysteryham4065]

@@wapphigh5250 www.amazon.com/dp/B0921HN6QM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[@chuckg6039]

I got mine last week from Anon-co. Direct from Hong Kong. Least expensive company. Received it in a week.

[@WeileWorld]

My first radio. I still try to learn to use it. Scan FM and save 1, 2, 3...

[@martinryan5069]

Thank you for video have one it's a have to have radio

[@whar2010]

Can you give more info on the outside antenna you are using?

[@mysteryham4065]

Sure. The exact antenna is an MFJ 40-10 meter End Fed Halfwave. I use it for transmitting for ham radio. So you don't have to get the same one. If you connect a long wire (about 65 ft) to the radio, you will get a similar result. If you don't have room for a long wire, I hear those MLA-30 loop antennas on Amazon are fantastic. Thanks for stopping by.

[@whar2010]

@@mysteryham4065 Thanks

[@Foulball0206]

Nice video

[@josealeixes2861]

Muito ótimo seus comentários eu devo comprar este rádio 📻 ele é muito legal gostei parabéns estou aprendendo com vc abraço

[@sidneycavalcant]

Tem fotos da antena usada e o local fixado ?

[@mysteryham4065]

I do not have a photo of the fixed antenna, but it is an end fed half wave. It is the MFJ-1982MP.

[@Just2362]

I have been charging the unit now for 5 hrs, is that normal?

[@mysteryham4065]

Mine does take a few hours to charge. It is not a fast charger. But take the battery out and see if there isn’t some factory seal/protector between the battery terminals and the radio charging contacts.

[@Just2362]

@@mysteryham4065 it finally finished after6.5 hours. The battery was about 50% discharged when I started charging.

[@billhennessy5118]

I wish you showed how to recall a station in memory. No problem in adding them, but the recall in the instructions are not that clear.

[@abdennourbouras6243]

Purchase link please , because am afraid to buy a poor quality batch or store

[@mysteryham4065]

I got it on Amazon… a.co/d/41tqlzA

[@sidneycavalcant]

O que ativado e desativado ao usar a tecla 9 com o rádio desligado no firmware 3306 ?

[@mysteryham4065]

I am not sure, but I think it adjusts the muting threshold.

[@retroelectro1190]

When I press the LSB button, then press and hold it, it doesnt scan....instead the screen flashes like an error. Is my radio a knockoff?

[@mysteryham4065]

Pressing and holding the LSB button is for fine tuning a frequency. In order to scan in LSB or USB, press and hold the left arrow. To scan in AM medium wave, press and hold the MV/LW button. To scan in FM, press and hold the FM/ST mode. I hope this helps. Before scanning, be sure you are in the mode that you are wanting. I hope this helps. If I am wrong, check the manual to be sure. Thanks.

[@robblerouser5657]

If you want a kickstand get one of those cheapies for a smart phones.

[@mysteryham4065]

Indeed. I was able to get an Amazon Basics adjustable tablet stand that work pretty good fro $10.

[@RJDA.Dakota]

Or go to Barnes and Noble and buy a small book stand. That’s basically what I already use and it works well. Bandwidth can also be adjusted to 2,3 kHz

[@StratmanII]

I don't know why the PL-330 was designed without a kickstand. I have this radio as well as the PL-320 which doesn't have SSB. The PL-320 does have a built-in rear kickstand although it's not very wide.

[@RJDA.Dakota]

@@StratmanII it is pretty thin. I have a small stand like a lecturn has for a book, it actually came with a radio that I bought from the EEB decades ago and they even called it a radio stand. That of course works for tablets and phones.

[@StratmanII]

@@RJDA.Dakota It's odd considering that Tecsun (finally) figured a way to incorporate a mini kickstand to the PL-320. After all, its dimensions and is rear case is almost identical to the older PL-330. I was hoping that they would introduce an updated version of the PL-330 with a kickstand but there are no news of a "Mk 2" version of this receiver. I've used plastic fold-able stands for smartphones before and they have a sharp curved bottom which to my horror, left a slight straight line mark on the bottom of my radios. The bottom gutter part of the stands are too narrow as they are meant to accommodate ultra-thin phones, not radios. I replaced them with transparent acrylic photo frame stands but their backs are too tall for small receivers and the edges of the stand have non-beveled, sharp corners. They're functional but hardly elegant. 😞 Looks like I have to keep on looking for dedicated radio stands. The ones designed for tablets and iPads also have thin bottom rests that won't even fit my Sihuadon R-108.

[@ransiggen]

I think far right 10hz

[@MCruzDXer]

Very small receiver. 73!

[@ChingasoClown]

What external antenna are you using?

[@mysteryham4065]

The antenna I used is a little overkill for short wave listening, because it is for transmitting as well. But a simple wire about 60 feet long will get the same results. But for reference, the antenna I used was an MFJ 40-10 End Fed Halfwave antenna.

[@ChingasoClown]

@@mysteryham4065 Thank You :)