Tecsun PL-330 AM FM LW Shortwave SSB Portable Radio Review

[@todderbert]

(paid link below) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you. ▶ The Tecsun PL-330 at Amazon: amzn.to/2OD6qbR (paid link below) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you. ▶ The Tecsun PL-330 at eBay: bit.ly/TecsunPL330

[@mrgolftennisviolin]

Your videos have inspired me to dig out every radio I own and to learn a lot more about how radio works. Your passion is contagious, easy decision to subscribe!

[@todderbert]

Thanks! Still tons to explore on the Radio Waves :)

[@mrgolftennisviolin]

For my next portable, would you recommend the Tecsun or a CC Skywave? Both seem great but I’m leaning towards Skywave with the prices being similar right now.

[@todderbert]

@@mrgolftennisviolin The Skywave is a winner, and has great headphone audio. Having Weather Alert is awesome.

[@vadaboy]

I did a scan the other night from northwest Connecticut, 62 am stations, 81fm, 42 shortwave, wow! I used an old 23 foot grundig compact antenna.

[@moogdome2562]

Just bought one from Amazon after this great demo. Thank you

[@IbrahimIbrahim-mr9yn]

Please how much in dollar

[@Foulball0206]

Me too

[@quickdraw42]

I bought this radio some time ago. It actually receives shortwave better than my tecsun s-2000 base shortwave radio! It works extremely well, but keep in mind that it is a small radio and everything is smaller on it like the buttons. If I had a single complaint, it would be that there is no kickstand so one will have to be set up. (minor issue). Like Bert says, the radio is well worth the money. Thankyou for the super review.

[@fwfefrtefdv4719]

Hi, I saw PL380 price much lower than PL330, what is the reason?

[@peterbaugh51]

A tip for hikers and campers; you can buy a solar charging radio like the Midland ER210 emergency weather alarm radio and use its power port to charge the Tecsun PL-330. I have two of those radios. I also bought two high capacity spare BL-5C batteries I can use for travel. But the greatest thing about the PL-330 for me is that I can operate this in the dark. The layout of the controls are so logical and so simple to memorize, the first day I was operating this in the dark just by feel with my fingers. Accessing all functions. Including all the memory bank functions. The separate memory locations are also incredible. This has features I wanted 25 years ago. Like being able to store upper, lower side band and SW frequencies on the same frequency. Then later deleting which ever one you do not want. Memory banks for each hour of shorteave. Memory banks separate for each 6 hour block of medium wave. Another separate bank for FM. And a base memory. Sensitive, and great sounding speaker. Stereo FM earbuds. Long lasting battery life. I could go on but you get the idea. Still cannot believe the features of this radio at this price. Thanks for the video.

[@nrich5127]

I got a Tecsun PL-310 , a very similar unit , and it has remained the best radio I've ever owned. The biggest plus is the stable sensitive tuning which delegates all my other radios to the trash can. I sometimes use a small Mifa speaker for FM radio when I go to the beach for better sound.

[@mcdeadsquirrel]

This is just one of the great reviews on the Internet. All of the reviews are good but when you have something that a lot of people are very interested in, it makes it even better!!! Thanks!!!

[@watershed44]

@todderbert I always find myself waiting for you to upload new videos, because your reviews are so thorough and a pleasure to watch. Thanks for all the work you put into them!

[@todderbert]

You're Welcome. Glad to have awesome viewers such as yourself :)

[@mgray612]

Fast forward two years and the pl-330 comes with usb C charging, and the STEP and ETM buttons are raised above the bezel :). This is still an excellent review thanks a ton

[@45acpP90]

Which vendor did you purchase from? I'd like to find it with USB C.

[@7775Kevin]

Got the new version with USB C port and the raised Step and ETM buttons. Works great. The radio came with a battery, too.

[@coptertim]

I've become a real fan of Tecsun radios. When I tried to buy this model, the PL 330, they were out of stock everywhere so I switched to the 880. After watching your review I believe the only real difference is in the size. I'm always amazed by Tecsun's AM and shortwave reception and I'm sure the 330 is just as good. It comes with a good manual in the box, even tho you wont need it. The PL 330 will be a good addition to my travel bag.

[@richsherman3673]

Portable is an understatement, I would call this Portable Compact. Great review, thanks.

[@jesses7244]

Todd thank you for this in-depth review and breakdown of features. I am just getting into the hobby of radio, and was able to score a used Tecsun PL-330 for $45 on ebay with free shipping! Two years later, your video is still helping us newbies get the best bang for our buck!

[@todderbert]

You're Welcome, btw nice Switch logo. Are you a Switch collector? I just got my first one this Christmas.

[@jesses7244]

@@todderbertNot a collector per se, just a lifelong fan since the Zelda days on the SNES

[@todderbert]

@@jesses7244 My wife just picked up the remake of Links Awakening for the Switch. Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom are games I want to play this year.

[@1975adam]

​@todderbert I also am a switch person .my pl 330 is in my p.o box I am just reviewing it and haveing a drink atm

[@chriscook215]

Just got this in the mail, a couple of days ago. Glad I got it !!!

[@whollyunaware5185]

It seems like Tecsun has another big seller on its hands - hopefully, enough to keep them in the business of designing future models of SW radios. The multitude of features combined with terrific sound quality in its compact size seems unbeatable for the price of this unit. Thanks for very capably demonstrating it to us, Pete.

[@jjarratt]

I received my 330 last week and have put it through its paces. I like this radio , especially ETM+. The antenna is a little short but is adequete for most listening. I am also using an outside 60 ft wire antenna that I built with a 9:1 balun. The antenna does cause the local MW station to bleed into the SW band so I put a MW filter in series with the antenna and the result is very good. The MW station disappears and the noise floor is much lower. Considering the price, I would rate this radio as simply amazing. BTW. The system version I have is 3306. I don't know what the difference is from 3305.

[@ralphpannone3391]

I have this radio It’s a fantastic radio As are the other 6 I have purchased since subscribing to this channel. Not to mention the flashlights!!! My collection has doubled since finding this guy’s channel 😊

[@sidneycavalcant]

Quais rádios tem ?

[@StratmanII]

Hi Todderbert, I really enjoy watching your reviews of current and vintage radios and ordered a PL-330 last week. According to the China based seller, Tecsun has reverted the 3306 firmware to the earlier 3305 version, probably due to bugs in the 3306. She mentioned that customers buying the PL-330 in 2021 will be getting the 3305 firmware for the time being. The BL-5C battery was initially my pet peeve but I soon found out that I could order original Nokia BL-5C 1020 mAh batteries on the cheap and have also ordered a universal flat battery lithium ion charger for a good measure. I decided on the PL-330 as it's more precise on SSB reception compared to my existing PL-660 and can also have its frequency calibrated in case a station is off by a few kHz. I don't know if the PL-330 has an RF attenuation switch (DX/Normal/Local) but I find it very useful on the PL-660 when scanning only for strong stations and ignoring signals that are mostly static and electrical noise. Keep those interesting reviews coming - especially the ones of vintage SW receivers from the 70s! Best 73 from Malaysia! 📻😀👍🏼

[@StratmanII]

Updates: I finally received my PL-330 in ten days from the XHDATA official store. For some reason it came with the 3306 firmware and not the 3305 version as advertised. I couldn't believe how compact and lightweight it is and makes my PL-660 look like the flagship PL-990! 😶 The PL-330's plastic housing appears to be a lower cost plastic compared to the PL-660 and the tuning knob isn't as smooth, but I guess I'm paying more for the radio's technology than for its construction or audio quality. Still, the PL-330 is overall a satisfying, really pocketable receiver with an excellent sensitivity and a slightly better EMI rejection compared to my PL-660. It's the best MYR267 (US$64) I've ever spent on a world band pocket receiver with SSB capability! Thanks Todd for your great video reviews, keep 'em coming! 📻😀👍🏼

[@sidneycavalcant]

Acredita que a versão 3306, já tenha sido resolvido agora em 30/04/2023 ?

[@sidneycavalcant]

Qual site adquire originais BL5C ?

[@StratmanII]

@@sidneycavalcant Yes, the 3306 is still the latest firmware version in 2023. I have not heard of a new firmware update for the PL-330 yet. If there is nothing wrong with firmware 3306, Tecsun won't bother releasing version 3307. Your radio is good to go! 📻👍🏼

[@StratmanII]

@@sidneycavalcant I don't know which online seller advertises "original" BL-5C batteries as there are several Chinese battery manufacturers that make them under various brands. The simple rule of thumb is: avoid BL-5C batteries that claim having large capacities like 2400 mAh (like those "gold" jacketed batteries). The usual capacities for a BL-5C is between 900 mAh and 1100 mAh. It is possible for a battery manufacturer to make a 1800 mAh one but any capacity beyond that is doubtful. The BL-5C is a very slim and small battery. It is technologically impossible to squeeze 2400 mAh into it without making the battery thicker. Some brands that claim to have 2400 mAh turned out to have less than 1000 mAh!

[@Bassotronics]

The Report Of The Week will be happy with this one for sure.

[@IrishvintageTVRadio]

I have my PL-330 for maybe 3 months now, very happy with it so far.

[@radiorexandy]

WOW! Just based on a "Bang for the Buck" rating, this radio is top drawer. I didn't hear any "FM breakthrough" on the short wave bands, which was the bane of the old analog transistor portables of the sixties and seventies.. I do think I heard some minor circuit noise at a few spots on the shortwave bands, however -- a common shortcoming of almost all digital radios -- regardless of price. One error in an otherwise very excellent review I would like to point out is that the 75/50 selection referred to was not Hertz but microseconds FM de-emphasis selection. 75 in the US on FM and 50 in Europe.

[@NTPTM]

Hej Todderbert thanks for the review of Tecsun PL-330 the PL-330 is a great radio and clearly Tecsun has improved the speaker quality and other things in the new Tecsun radios 2021 take care have great sunday.

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

PL-368 smaller than PL-330

[@listerdave1240]

One improvement it could do with is including air band. It probably wouldn't be too difficult to extend the range of the FM band and feed in to the AM demodulator.

[@godfellas483]

Great review Todderbert...🙂 Tecsun has a great support page on their website. They have all their radios manuals in pdf format. The printing is so small in the given manual, I like to blow it up on my PC so it's easier to read. Keep up the great vids!

[@geoffh784]

Thanks for the review, based upon it I've just ordered one, looks like a great little radio!

[@Bdub1952]

Thank you for the great review. I've had my Chinese domestic version for a few months now (3302), and agree with your assessments. It can't be beat for the price. I might add that the clock in this radio stays much more accurate than the clocks in my PL-310, P-L380, PL-390, my CC Skywave, CCRadio 2E, original (Sangean) CCRadio OR my Drake R8.

[@kaysguy]

I've been waiting for this review and this radio. Now I need to get one.

[@peterbaugh51]

Kickstand tip; if you are just listening and not programming the radio, you can use the antenna as a kickstand. It works fine if you're careful. I use a portable clip on wire antenna for reception anyway. A kickstand wouldn't help for programming the radio. The buttons are very firm to push but I think that is a good thing. Great radio.

[@godfellas483]

Great review Todderbert! Time to upgrade from my PL 380. I love the tuning dial and volume knob. This is my next purchase.

[@acidfroggy1194]

Nice receiver! I wish it also picked up 6 meter ham and air bands, but I also know there's not a lot of demand for that. Thanks for making another great video!

[@suprlite]

Just ordered 🙂 also ordered a Rtl-Sdr V4 and a baofeng uv-5r. This hobby is waay more affordable now than it was in the 80s-90s when i sooo urged for it.

[@DriveInFreak]

Thank you. 8) I've been waiting for this. That one has a full 9KHz bandwidth on AM/MW, thus is capable of full fidelity sound. If you have a music station on AM in your aria, tune it in, switch the BW to 9KHz. plug it into your sound system, and be prepared to be blown away. Do yourself a favor and just tune the SSB to even 1KHz steps (i.e. last numbers 00 e.g. 3.898.00 , 3.899.00, ect). Now that analog dial ham rigs are a thing of the past (and actually somewhat frowned upon) even KHz frequencies are practically all that are used. I haven't heard anyone on a +/- 1/2 (e.g 3.898.50) in a very, very long time. Keep up the good work. Love your vids.

[@todderbert]

SSB can be calibrated. I was messing with mine and may have detuned it by mistake.

[@DriveInFreak]

@@todderbert How long did it take for yours to come in the mail?

[@todderbert]

@@DriveInFreak About Ten Days from the HK dealer, I think they have a warehouse in NY.

[@todderbert]

@Ge 3305

[@Antenna101]

have been using this radio for 2 weeks now, love it!

[@bobsoldrecords1503]

I can't wait to get this in the mail. I was a DXer many years ago and decided to get back to the hobby recently. I'm going to have fun with this little guy cruising the bands giving the pirates on 4th July

[@domingollerena8808]

I have the PL-880 model, and they really are very good and have a great sound, for their small size, as well as all their characteristics. Thanks for your video.

[@baneverything5580]

@jeremy ballin It has different features, better sound, uses a better 18650 battery, and I think it has an RF gain switch which allows you to use longer and more resonant antennas without overloading. But all of these various radios have their advantages and disadvantages. Some prefer the Tecsun PL-660 because it has no muting on tuning and it also has a three position gain control switch. I like mine but the volume is kinda low on SSB which can be remedied by connecting external speakers. Finding active signals is easy because you can tune very fast since it`s a PLL receiver and not DSP. I bought the one in this video as a backup and because you can use an external antenna on AM. I love to experiment with antennas so that should be fun to mess around with.

[@markdouglas1741]

Hi Todderbert, Thank you so very much for taking the time to make this comprehensive video as you said you would. I found a hidden feature on mine! If you press and hold down the # 3 button the radio will disconnect the internal mw bar antenna 📡 and switch to the telescopic for mw. You may have noticed that i had to drop my membership with you todoy. This is because my Visa has been stolen. The bank has closed the one i paid you with. Should be all fixed and back with you quickly. Mark.

[@todderbert]

No problem Mark, hope to have you back as a Channel Member.

[@jeffking291]

That’s really interesting. Especially for us who listen to a lo of distant MW stations. 📻🙂

[@eighteenin78]

I have one of those red loop antennas where the input jack would come in handy for MW, but I did not know that a telescopic whip was any use on MW on any radio.

[@jeffking291]

@@eighteenin78 I have 3 vintage AM radios that actually came with external whip antennas. 2 are Channel Master radios, and one is a little 1959 Toshiba. And it does help on these . And an extra length of wire to the antenna also helped. 📻🙂

[@markdouglas1741]

Hey old Master of the DX bands. Any way You could order an English owner's manual. I sure look after all of your effort

[@richardmerriam7044]

Mine should arrive in a few days. A good solution for the missing kickstand are book stands available from Amazon. Adjustable tilt angle, and will fit many different radios. I use one for the PL-380 and it works well. The apparent reason for the 'step' button being flush may be its location being close to the tuning knob. Pretty busy control panel!

[@CJDarkRose]

If I didn't already have a Skywave SSB, I'd jump on this. I might get one anyway, since I have a stash of those XHDATA BL-5C's now.

[@todderbert]

You will enjoy the Audio on this one for sure. Plus the Time Slots are an Excellent tool for scanning the bands.

[@marrkparkes3775]

Jump

[@ZommBleed]

Just got mine in today. Version 3306. This truly IS a sweet radio. I have the H-501 and this little gem goes places with me where it's not practical to take the 501. IT'S AWESOME!!! I have the SO-259 -to- 1/8 mono jack adapter. I ordered the random wire antenna from the W2DX guy (if I have his name correct) on eBay. My next radio is going to be the 680. I'm putting off the S-2000 indefinitely. These three just might round off my my radio fetish. I'm going to mount one of them in my Freightliner cab. This will be great when I'm out on desolate locations. I might even switch back to night shift just for the clear signals. The STEP button is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be on the 330. The lack of a kickstand...meh. The angle of kickstands sucks on ALL radios. They put the radio in a position for all lighting conditions to glare off the display and orientate the control interface at an awkward angle. So, the lack of a kickstand isn't a deciding factor for me. BTW, great video. I've rewatched it and will do so again. Thanks for the great info. You are greatly appreciated, sir.

[@tfptalowahfishingpaddlinga3742]

Where can I get a copy of that special features print out? Thanks so much for the great review

[@Mark-gy9dc]

I just got mine from Amazon. they must have seen your review lol. because mine came with raised buttons that were flush with the bezel, it also came with the battery and a USC-C Charging port.

[@todderbert]

The Most Excellent Tecsun PL-330 is now at Amazon ▶ amzn.to/3s0HdWo The Awesome Tecsun PL-330 is available on eBay ▶ bit.ly/TecsunPL330

[@joeblow1942]

How is it that you were getting such radically different kinds of music without switching channels?

[@todderbert]

@@joeblow1942 Using a small FM Transmitter with a MP3 Player hooked up to it. I am changing the tracks manually. Also these transmitters are great for MW receivers in a noisy environment.

[@joeblow1942]

@@todderbert So the FM transmitter is a separate device from the radio and you were playing the music from the MP3 player through the speakers in the radio?

[@todderbert]

@@joeblow1942 Yes, the transmitter was taking the MP3 Player's music and broadcasting it on 92.9MHz. So any FM radio could pick it up within a few hundred feet.

[@BG101UK]

Nice that this actually has Long Wave, which is all too often omitted on so-called "World Band" receivers.

[@tonymagnier9846]

One persistent bug in my PL-330 is if you set the radio to external antenna (long press 3 with the radio on) and you run an ETM on MW or LW, when you get to tune through the channels it heard on ETM, the external antenna function has disabled itself, you have to long press 3 again...but when you move onto the next station it heard you have to once again set it to external...very annoying...anyway maybe the later models have sorted this, I dont know.

[@GnosisMan50]

You could get a 0.032" gage black plastic sheet (or any other color) from a hobby store, cut a piece the size of the STEP button, and glue it on with crazy glue.

[@RobHinkforth]

How long does it take for the battery to be fully charged? When the radio is plugged directly into the wall via an adapter or while connected to a computer. Thank you

[@todderbert]

About Three Hours.

[@RobHinkforth]

@@todderbert thanks and one additional follow up. How many hours of listening time (on average) is there on a fully charged battery. Thanks

[@todderbert]

@@RobHinkforth Appx. 8-12 Hours, more if using headphones.

[@kc8tby]

Wonderful and very detailed and comprehensive review! Thanks for uploading this, Todd! I own this little radio and everything you said about this little gem I found to be true! The only complaint I have , and I hate to nitpick, but I wish they had included some sort of backstand ! I dislike having to find something to prop this little radio on each time I use it. LOL! OK...aside from that I LOVE this little radio. It is a true DX dream machine!

[@todderbert]

I agree about propping it up. I use a phone stand.

[@mpatrickthomas]

😂😂.. I'm EXACTLY the same way.Will I not buy it because it doesn't...no,but just having that thin plastic kickstand to rest it on is great cos it's at the perfect angle.

[@jeffking291]

Great video. I’m almost tempted - just not crazy about the battery. 📻🙂

[@klrscout]

Yeah, an 18650 would probably be overkill, But I've standardized on them.

[@troyvalentinoriedel]

I have a couple of portable radios, mp3 players & recorders with this battery ... and I was skeptical at first. Mine hold a charge for a very long time - and when stored they seem to be very low self-discharge and thus they've grown on me (I'm indifferent at worst ... I've *never* run out of power when using them).

[@joeblow1942]

Why don't you like lithium batteries? I try to buy everything with lithium now because they last a long time and don't lose their charge when not using.

[@jeffking291]

@@joeblow1942 I don’t mind the 18650 batteries so much, but I live in Jacksonville Florida. The last hurricane that came NEAR us -stayed off the coast [ and I live 30 miles inland], my power was out 5 1/2 days. Some didn’t have power for 2 weeks ❗️ The XHData, and PL-880 both take the 18650, and so do a couple of my Emergency Radios. So, I had to buy a couple extra batteries and a charger for them. And every 2 months I make sure the radios are working, and recharge ALL my batteries. ( 16 “AA”/ 6 “AAA”/ 2 “9-Volt / 8 “D” batteries [ I don’t have any “C” batteries yet]) And I keep a rather large stock of Alkaline batteries for emergencies. So I’m really not into having to buy another charger and more batteries. Yes the radios can charge them , but like many others, I prefer not to use the internal chargers unless I have to. With an 18650 with more capacity, I can go a day or two without having to charge it. So I prefer those radios that take “AA “ batteries. (( also , if the Lithium batteries sit too long without being used, they do go bad.)) 📻🙂

[@joeblow1942]

@@jeffking291 What's wrong with using the radio's internal battery charger?

[@pvman2]

Is there a portable with all the bands as this one AND HD radio?

[@filipmac5577]

Should i buy a Tecsun pl-330 or a pl-600? Which one is a better option, the 600 is larger but I do not know if it is a better radio electronically.

[@marvinhanson6942]

If you push and hold number 3 button it switches to the antenna Jack on the side for broad cast and shortwave, awesome radio love mine.

[@STR82DVD]

Looks like you received a very early revision with them pouch rather than the zippered case. Thanks for the content lad.

[@ah.nge.lay77]

Pl330 is radio air band line connect (yes or no)?

[@tommythetoe]

Thank you I needed a replacement for my old grundig shortwave. Your reviews are very good. When I followed your link there was a 10% discount. I am sure I will prefer this radio that grundig weighed a ton. This radio plus my 65 watt power bank will still weigh much less.

[@stephenbetteridge5161]

Bought this radio and plugged a Bluetooth splitter into the device. Wow, I'm fussy with sound quality but using our Sony Bluetooth headphones we were Super impressed with sound quality. 9/10. Sony wh-ch20n headphones.

[@mikemortensen4973]

I just got one yesterday and the AM bandwidths were the normal 9Khz, 3.5 and 2.5 I think, which is what they are supposed to be. But now if I press the AM BW button while in MW on a AM station and rotate the volume knob, it only shows 1Khz and does not change. Can't find any info on this anywhere, Anyone know what possibly happened and how to restore the proper bandwidths?

[@astrazenica7783]

Wow he said it's 10:43 in the morning. I look at clock and what time you think it is when I heard that..... 10:43

[@ronbotex]

How would you would compare this to the XH-DATA D-808? I do like the 18650 better than BL-5C

[@todderbert]

I would pick the D-808. though I would miss the ETM+ feature.

[@ronbotex]

@@todderbert That's good because I have the D-808. A surprise auction win on Ebay for about $65 .....

[@44Mag]

Very good, comprehensive and effective review. Thank you. I currently have an old Panasonic RF-B60 that I've had for about 20 years, and this PL-330 looks like a good upgrade radio with the full band coverages and large memory storage. (Though it does look like I would give up the air band of 108 to 137 that I get with the B60) Thanks again.

[@todderbert]

You're Welcome! The BF-60 is an very good radio. The Tecsun offers the ETM+ which is nice.

[@44Mag]

@@todderbert What is your current favorite radio in the $200 and under group? (with best channel attenuation and clearest sound with just a reel-type external antenna like the Sangean $15 model?) - Thanks

[@todderbert]

@@44Mag My Sangean 909X, if you can find under $200, if not the Eton Elite Executive.

[@todderbert]

@@brsingh4912 Yes, and the B65 is awesome as well.

[@MauriatOttolink]

Does the Tecsun have a receiver mute facility to be used with a QRP transmitter? Is the external antenna socket for MW and LW only or does it include short wave?

[@huntercarver1851]

Includes FM and Shortwave

[@MauriatOttolink]

@@huntercarver1851 Thank you, my friend. And any mute switch for trx/rx use?

[@huntercarver1851]

@@MauriatOttolink Not sure of a mute switch on it. That could be one of those hidden features though.

[@MauriatOttolink]

@@huntercarver1851 Thank you Sir,

[@larrybragg7406]

I have a Tecsun 330. I have to keep it to the 2.2 filter on SSB for the best sound. I wished they had access to all the filters for SSB instead of just the 4. Everything else, I really like.

[@JosephMerolle]

@Todderbert is the MLA-30 plus antenna the best option we have?

[@todderbert]

There are more expensive Loop Antennas out there, but I'll stick with a simple long wire.

[@ma-mo]

Bought mine a few weeks too early. Apparently. Mine was a bit more expensive for an earlier Chinese-market version. Still, it's a great radio, for sure.

[@Juani2392]

Whats new on new version?

[@viswanadhamsaripalli1791]

Where this can be purchased?

[@frankv7774]

620am outta Milwaukee but no 1130am they must power down at night? Plus no Madison WI stations again?

[@todderbert]

Not normally, but I get them during the day: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqXYoaGobqeIjdk

[@robertrockwell7581]

I have the Tecun R9700DX now thinking of buying this for the SSB.

[@markdouglas1741]

Personally , I have noticed in all your mw tests with an analog rig, when you use the CC Sky Wave to check what exact frequency you are on. It seems to always Pick up a lot of rf and at times this burier's the signal on mw. Big money for what you get.

[@fwfefrtefdv4719]

Hi i have bought one. It always automatically switch off after awhile. Don't know why ?

[@lmlm2104]

Hello!, a query regarding the alarm / alarm clock: the alarm clock is programmed only in "buzzer" mode or can the alarm clock be put in radio mode so that it turns on at a certain time on a certain radio frequency? Finally I need help to decide between acquiring the Tecsun PL330 vs Tecsun PL310et or the new Xhdata D109. I don't have the opportunity to see them in person or try them since I'm from Argentina and these products are not available in stores here, so I have to buy them through Amazon Argentina. Thank you very much! Greetings from Argentina.

[@baneverything5580]

No RF gain control?

[@gusdx3654]

Great video, as usual. I was expecting this video. You’re my benchmark as your pros / cons match with mine. Question: this with its features or Digitech AR-1780 (for me the best portable overall, mainly because I am more an SSB DXer) ?

[@todderbert]

The D-808 and Digitech AR-1780s are great radios. There are always pros and cons to each model. The 330s ETM+ Feature along with its easy to navigate normal presets is fantastic. Time Slots, brilliant idea. Speaker audio may be slightly better on the 330 as well. Overall Sensitivity across all the bands will go to the larger 808, 1780s.

[@gusdx3654]

@@todderbert noted with thanks!

[@watershed44]

@@todderbert The Digitech AR-1780 seems to be nearly impossible to find here in the USA at any price. I guess the Australian company sourcing them never set up a distributor for the USA? The 1780 seems to be the best overall unit for folks who like to listen to the ham bands on SSB.

[@zakofrx]

@@watershed44 They sell them on Ebay.. The other day they were available for $85 au on Ebay which is around $65 us or less.. Digitech is like the Realistic brand... Tandy/RadioShack used to have the house brand of Realistic which was modified rebaged specialist electronics from big companies.. All the Tandy stores in Australia shut down ages ago so another company "Jaycar" moved into that market and they use Digitech as their house brand.. They offers stuff normal companies don't like little portable sm/fm radio that have the schematic and data on the chip set.. People have bough these around $8 us radio to add SW to them etc.. As the chipset supports a heap of extra stuff..

[@don7117]

Would you pick this over the Radiwow R108? Or is there something else in the Radiwow price range you would recommend? I am trying to pick an entry level radio to replace my old Grundig FR-200.

[@todderbert]

I would pick this one over the R-108 for the SSB alone. If you need the Air Band, and don't have a need for SSB, then the R-108 will save you some money.

[@don7117]

@@todderbert My problem is I know absolutely nothing about radios. I just ordered the R-108 over some of the other radios in that price range (through your link) a little while ago, mostly because it had the air band, which I though would be interesting, and also because I have no idea what SSB adds to the experience. From a few quick searches, it looks like SSB is more active that regular SW? I don't have aspecific ~need~ for either. Just trying to figure out which would provide a more interesting listening experience. Based on your comments, I am thinking I should go with the PL-330.

[@todderbert]

@@don7117 The R-108 is a great starter radio. Excellent Audio, plenty of bands to explore, and affordable. Most move up to a radio with SSB if they feel the need. Personally, I rarely use SSB on my radios. Today I was listening to a normal shortwave broadcast of World Music. Now that was a treat.

[@2543-n5i]

Hi Todd, Mike again.......also just saw the Tescun 660 & 680.......you could throw those into the mix too .... Hey, appreciate your help .... I am over here in Michigan, near Lake Huron, In the Thumb!

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Just ordered mine as a first ssb radio. Just too curious about stuff like numberstations and the rest. Nice price as an intro as well. Any advice on external antennas for starters, if needed at all? Ps. The manual can be downloaded as a pfd, much easier ;)

[@todderbert]

The Kaito T-1 22' wire is what I use, at Amazon: amzn.to/41NXRLo , there is also the Sangean ANT-60 amzn.to/41F0vTP . You will be surprised with the results from these simple wires. I have mine strung through the balcony door, out to the porch.

[@heyyy4783]

Will you be doing a teardown? I'd like to see the PCB to know the build quality and which chip it's based off.

[@todderbert]

Possibly, though I am using the radio alot :)

[@hadibq]

I found a glitch on this PL330 when it's turned off while on an MW station, when back on, it does keep the latest frq but does not demodulate (only static) until you tune again. very weird. Note: I have this PL330 with the firmware 3306. the special feature Key-9 on the PL-990 is also available.

[@starfield1874]

I love my PL-880, but really like the size of this 330. May look into getting one as space in my laptop bag is very limited.

[@todderbert]

It is worthy, just had mine out today on a walk. The Speaker audio is an upgrade over previous models in this size range.

[@markmeador1137]

Like your very detailed features of this radio. I am going to get one of these. My yb400 is really looking old.

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

Thank you sir, very informative and I just ordered the radio off your link and you have a new subscriber

[@todderbert]

Thanks! Now for some Shortwave fun :)

[@charlesyoung3795]

I have a Realistic DX 440, am range 150- 29999 kHz, fm, Lw, Mw and shortwave. It has bfo and rf gain, other features to many to mention. I bought it back in the 1980's portable and still works great.

[@c120flyer]

Yep, I have a DX-440 as well, and it’s not a bad receiver! I carry it when I travel in our RV. An external antenna really brings it to life!

[@charlesyoung3795]

@@c120flyer I found in the absence of an external antenna just take a wire of any length and put two alligator clips one on each end and extended telescopic antenna and clip it to I can aluminum window frame it will really enhance reception and when I was out camping I got like a 50 ft copper wire and just like throw it over a tree and do the same thing with the alligator clips and it really enhances reception too.

[@yaserksa0034]

I have a questin do you spend the must of your time on radio or its just havet

[@todderbert]

The Radio is on more than the TV is in my household.

[@youmbgtube]

Excellent reviews. Years ago I had a small Sony Am/FM/SW analog radio that I loved and played with the SW once in a while. I couldn’t find a replacement until I saw your review of this Pl-330 and just received it this morning. I live in the SW suburbs of Chicago. As you reviewed the FW/MW are easy to tune and sound quality is excellent Issue I’m having is with SW. I’m new to digital SW tuning. I did the auto scan but didn’t find any stations sitting by a window with the antenna fully extended. On my analog Sony I could usually find a few stations. Is there a guide to help me or am I possibly doing something wrong. - Thanks/Mike

[@todderbert]

Try this site: shortwaveschedule.com/

[@stephencarne8716]

@@todderbert) I’m

[@radio1000hills]

plug a ware antenna

[@orangeandslinky]

Can you hear CB on AM on it?

[@PatrickIrelandsentienti]

A great review, I love shortwave.

[@BigJesse579]

Is there a toggle for 12/24 hour clock display?

[@todderbert]

Just 24H.

[@BigJesse579]

@@todderbert I hope you know how great your videos are. You do a fantastic job.

[@todderbert]

@@BigJesse579 Thanks, it is good to hear that once in awhile :)

[@F4LDT-Alain]

Great review, as usual. I really like my PL-330, it's an excellent SW performer with more usable SSB than the D-808. All this in a compact package. However mine has a flaw that tends to get worse with time: the tuning button is way too smooth, the slightest contact makes it move. And it's becoming very imprecise, skipping steps or making two frequency hops with a single step. It gets really annoying when browsing the bands. Is anyone else experiencing this as well?

[@duncan3417]

Hi, I was wondering if you can teach me about SSB? I bought a used Sony ICF-7600D radio. I do not understand , to use SSB, do I put the radio on AM or shortwave. setting ? I am not quite grasping this. Thanks for your videos. They are great, but this band is over my head. Best Wishes

[@jisa98]

Nice radio, Amazon should have it in stock.

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

Cheap on Aliexpress

[@ralphnunn3]

FYI, for the future for catching hams - 14.300 is the Maritime Mobile Net. It is my understanding that they're on that net 24x7.

[@todderbert]

Thank you.

[@jplacido9999]

14.300 MHz is the Ham Emergency 20m frequency. That's why they are there..😀👍

[@darwinfox6734]

Thanks for reviewing the Tecsun PL-330. I will be looking forward to day and night band scans. Also, could you compare the performance and features of this new radio, to the Digitech AR-1780, XHDATA D-808 and even the Tecsun PL-380. The main differences that I see are, the Tecsun PL-330 has better audio, synch and an external antenna jack that will also work on MW and LW. The Digitech and XHDATA probably have better reception on the internal ferrite rod for MW. the Tecsun PL-380 probably has no real advantage other then it's price and it has no SSB. So, what do you think? This would make a good video and show us allot about these similar radios. Darwin

[@davidbutton8281]

Love the channel and grateful for all your efforts in providing most excellent content! In comparing this to the Eton Elite Executive (Which I think you liked so much you bought two!), taking cost out of the equation, what say you, in terms of reception, build quality and ease of use?

[@todderbert]

I would pick the Eton, but if size were an issue, the Tecsun all the way.

[@davidbutton8281]

@@todderbert Thank you!

[@draff1662]

The PL-330 is an amazing radio. Again you are spot on with your review. If you don’t have a lot of money and you want SSB and sync, this is the radio to go for IMO. The Radiowow and XH-DATA are great radios I just think the feature rich PL-330 has an edge over them. I have no issue with the battery, actually I get great battery life and gradually I think we’ll see less and less AA being used on future radios. No big whoop to me - things change, so do I. Carry a couple of extra in your radio Go-Bag. Tecsun has provided us with four new radios in 2021 - all of them are impressive. Thanks for your review.

[@hauptuhrdotnetblog6700]

Is it normal that capacitive coupling between the hand and antenna or touching the antenna or external antenna socket causes the frequency to shift a few hertz on SSB? I’ve noticed SSB and CW signals sounds wobbly if I am holding it in my hand and am not perfectly still.

[@todderbert]

May be possible, I tend to have my radio sitting on something while I tune in Shortwave.

[@KrishnaKrishna-bj7nf]

will this radio scan the stations digitally ? i saw you tune by turning the knob only, i need a radio that will scan, stop a bit, and continue scanning. Thank You Kindly Sir.

[@todderbert]

In VF mode you can hold the VF button down to start a scan that will stop on the station for a little bit before it keeps going, giving you time to manually save it to your presets if desired. Tap any button to stop scanning.

[@onedirection3510]

I’m thinking this vs the cc skywave for a first sw radio. Which way would you lean?I also enjoy am radio. Thanks.

[@todderbert]

The Tecsun for a first Shortwave radio is the best choice, value wise.

[@onedirection3510]

@@todderbert Did you mean the PL 330 or the PL 310 ET? The 330 is $89.99 same as cc skywave. 310 is $48

[@todderbert]

@@onedirection3510 You get SSB on Shortwave, ETM+, and the ability to use external MW antennas on the PL-330. If someone is on a budget, I recommend the Radiwow R-108 for an entry level radio.

[@onedirection3510]

@@todderbert Good to know. I’ve been reading that sw particularly in the USA has declined a lot. Not many sw stations available like before. Is this true? Still worth dxing on sw?

[@todderbert]

@@onedirection3510 sure it is, you can pick up other countries. plus HAM radio operators from all over.

[@dinocalvisi7694]

I have a Tecsun PL-330 and love it!! However on the AM band i know you can store radio stations in memory, but how do you assign the numbered keys to a radio station, eg say if i press key number 1, then this will bring in station 630, or if i press button number 2 it brings in a different radio station. Any help would be much appreciated.

[@todderbert]

You have to be in VM mode then enter in the corresponding preset number.

[@tim2269]

WHOA am I tempted. I have a PL -600 because of your site.Would love a tutorial on how to program and use features.It seems overly complicated to my novice eyes

[@letstravel5278]

so did you end up buying it? how are these two compared?

[@charlesleonard9459]

I have a question for you or anyone who might care to answer. I recently got my Tecsun 330 and I was and continue to be impressed with it. Now I am considering how to get even better reception,and am wondering about getting an indoor loop antenna. So my question is it worth while doing so. For context I live in central Virginia 50 miles from the mountains and 50 miles from the coast. I do have a reel type antenna would a loop antenna be better? Just curious and thanks in advance for any suggestions/advice.

[@todderbert]

If you are looking into an active loop like the MLA30, I have found using it indoors gave me similar reception as the 22' wire I have outside. The Loop antenna does have a lower noise floor.

[@glennsanders6464]

I received mine about a week ago and it's awesome 😎 Mine has the newest version of software, a English manual and a nice Tecsun branded zipper pouch instead of the draw string bag.

[@sidneycavalcant]

Notou algum erro devido a versão nova do firmware ?

[@Seekthetruth3000]

Good review, thanks. I wish it had a tone control/knob.