I received my *Skywave SSB* yesterday... it's a nice unit! The packaging and accessories make a good impression too. I like it better than the original Skywave for sure.
On weak daytime signals its almost as good as the 909X and Satellit Exec but falls behind on the weakest of the MW signals... that's expected due to the bigger ferrite in the bigger radios. However the SSB modes in the new Skywave are a really good addition for tight signal situations! For instance, there's a fairly low power (4.5 kw) Milwaukie, Oregon station just 10 kHz up from powerhouse KOMO 1000, and the Skywave can hear it when using USB...indoors and in the daytime. Not only that, using LSB I can easily hear a 5 kw Dalles, Oregon outlet on 1440, just 10 kHz away from my strongest local KSUH 1450 (1 Kw omni-directional, Korean lang., 1.4 miles away). I'm *very* impressed with what this little handful has accomplished in the short time I've had the radio. This radio should do well at the coast with receiving some TPs and DUs when using LSB/USB, especially with a coupled loop. FM is of course superb on the Skywave SSB, just like on similar SiLabs-chipped receivers. The weather channels are good to have too, and I read in the manual that the radio can even be set to receive weather ALERT broadcasts such as when severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are approaching. The radio's build quality is just fine for the price. I like the new gray color, and I don't mind the "Speak & Spell" toy speaker shape once I saw the radio in person (I admit it--I'm a designer and the looks of a radio are more important to me than to many DXers). The Skywave SSB's build quality is pretty good too. The radio seems sensitive enough (MW & HF) and I haven't noticed any abnormal amount of digital noises. Like many radio hobbyists, my own home has enough buzzes and hash to cover up any weaker circuit oddities. Speaking of oddies, I've never encountered a radio that ramps up in volume over 1-2 seconds when you turn it on... has anyone else? I'll be interested in my cross-town pal Gary DeBock's opinion of the the Skywave SSB after he's taken his for a test drive. Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
