Dane I'm perhaps thinking we're talking of two completely different classes of radios here.
AOR manufactures mainly communication receivers not world band radios. I think there is a significant difference between the two as you will see from the spec sheet I will copy into this message. It will cost me almost the same as one of the world band radios over here as the agent imports directly from Japan. There is a company over here which will import the Eton Satellite Radio from Amazon for me for more than I will pay for the AOR. Also I doubt whether I will receive any support from them after the sale. The aor agent has been here for many years and has a very good reputation. Please note that this unit is not just a scanner but a portable communications receiver. I am copying the spec sheet for the aor receiver below. Hope the list will allow it through. Unparalleled frequency coverage combined with precision stability! Somewhere Beyond Amazing… ® Now you can own the world-class AR8200 Mark III portable receiver with unparalleled frequency coverage from 500 KHz to 3 GHz. An even better Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator for solid frequency stability. Improved RF circuits combine greater sensitivity, resistance to intermod products and enhanced Signal to Noise ratios. The Mark III features better audio frequency response and includes NiMH AA cells that can be charged while operating the receiver. When you’re ready for the best, you’re ready for AOR – The Authority on Radio. TM AR8200 Mark III • New TCXO for greater stability – performance not found in most desktop units! • Covers 500 KHz ~ 3 GHz – world’s first handheld with this range!* • Ni-MH batteries included (1800mAH) • 1,000 memory channels (20 banks X 50 channels) • 40 search banks • 2 VFOs • Alphanumeric channel and bank labels • Computer control and programming. (requires optional connection cable) • Download free control software from AOR web site! • “All Mode” reception includes “super narrow” FM plus wide and narrow AM in addition to USB, LSB, CW and standard AM and FM modes • True carrier reinsertion in USB and LSB modes. Includes 3 KHz SSB filter! • Detachable MW antenna with negative feedback • Optional internal slot cards expand the Mark III’s capabilities. Choose from Memory Expansion (up to 4,000 memories), CTCSS Squelch & Search, and Tone Eliminator • Tuning steps programmable in multiples of 50 Hz in all modes • 8.33 KHz airband step is correctly supported • Noise limiter and attenuator • Band activity “scope” display with “save trace” capability • Four-way side panel rocker switch allows one-hand operation • Large, backlit, multifunction display and illuminated keypad • Battery Save function with Low Battery indicator • Operates on 12 VDC external power • BNC antenna connector • Wide choice of accessories Discover why AOR receivers are the choice of many federal, state and local government agencies. Military users, laboratories and professional newsgathering operations also use AOR, the serious choice in advanced technology receivers. TM Authority on Radio Communications *Cellular blocked on USA models, unblocked version available to qualified agencies, documentation required. Specifications subject to change without notice or obligation. The AOR AR8200 Mark III sets new standards for wide-range receivers. Prepare to be astounded at the versatility and broad range of features found in the AR8200 Mark III. Unparalleled frequency coverage, superb sensitivity, precision stability from the TCXO, enhanced resistance to intermod, Ni-MH battery power and more! Large Display changes configurations for the mode of operation you select. (see illustrations). Each memory channel can also display up to 12 characters of text. Data Port can be used for computer control, memory configuration and transfer, cloning or tape recording output. (Optional cables required to utilize these features.) Flexible Memory Allocation allows you to add more memory channels to a bank and decrease the number dedicated to another, making memory management more efficient. You can also edit, move, swap and delete memories. Programmable Scan and Search Modes allow you to configure multiple operating profiles for general monitoring or a specific area of interest. MW Bar Antenna captures AM broadcast stations. Antenna has negative feedback and is detachable. Telescoping Main Antenna allows operator to configure length and angle of antenna (up to 90 degrees from vertical) for optimal reception. Far superior to “ducky” antennas. BNC antenna port allows for easy connection to external or mobile antenna systems. Tuning Steps can be programmed in multiples of 50 Hz. Detailed Operating Manual helps you learn the many capabilities of the AR8200 Mark III in a clear, concise fashion. Many “Extras” included with the AR8200 Mark III: Ni-MH batteries, wall charger, auto (cigar lighter) power cable, telescoping antenna, MW bar antenna, belt clip, carry strap and manual. Free Memory Control Software makes it easy to manage 1,000 alphanumeric memory channels, 40 search banks, 2 VFOs and all mode reception. Available for download from www.aorusa.com. SPECIFICATIONS Receive frequency range: 500 KHz - 3 GHz (Cellular Blocked for US version) Receive modes: WFM, NFM, SFM, WAM, AM, NAM, USB, LSB, CW Freq. step: 17 different steps including 1 MHz Sensitivity: 500 KHz - 1.9 MHz AM 3.5 uV (10dB S/N) 1.9 - 30 MHz AM 2.0 uV (10dB S/N) 30 - 470 MHz AM 1.5 uV (10dB S/N) NFM 0.85uV (12 dB SINAD) WFM 1.0 uV (12 dB SINAD) 470 - 1,040 MHz NFM 0.8 uV (12 dB SINAD) 1,040 - 2,040 MHz NFM 4.5 uV (12dB SINAD) 2,040 - 3,000 MHz NFM 14 uV (12dB SINAD) Selectivity: SSB/NAM 3 KHz (-6dB) / 9 KHz (-40dB) AM/SFM 9 KHz(-6dB) / 20 KHz (-40dB) WAM/NFM 12 KHz(-6dB) / 25 KHz (-40dB) WFM 150 KHz(-3dB) / 380 KHz (-20dB) Antenna connector: BNC Impedance: 50 ohms Audio Output: 120 mW (8 ohm) 10% THD Power requirement: 9 - 16 V DC Current Drain: 190mA at rated output(120mW audio output) Operating temperature: -5 to 50 degrees (C) 23 to 144 degrees (F) Dimensions: 61(W) x 143(H) x 39 (D) (mm) Projections excluded Weight: Approx. 340 g Approx. 12 oz OPTIONS: Slot cards (only one usable at a given time): CT8200 CTCSS squelch and tone search TE 8200 Tone Eliminator AR8200 MKIII IR - Special US govt. only version with infra-red illumination (IR) of the display and operating keys EM8200 expands memory to 4000 channels, 160 search banks. VI8200 Voice Inverter (requires documentation in USA) CABLES: CR8200 tape recording output cable USB8200 computer connection for use in downloading control software CC8200A computer control cable with level shift. Cellular frequencies blocked on USA version; unblocked version available to qualified entities, documentation required. Due to ongoing product development, specifications subject to change without notice or obligation. AUTHORIZED DEALER: AOR, LTD. 2-6-4 Misuji, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0055, Japan Tel: +81 3 3865 1695 Fax: +81 3 3865 1697 p...@aorja.com http://www.aorja.com AOR U.S.A., Inc. 20655 S. Western Ave., Suite 112, Torrance, CA 90501, USA Tel: 310-787-8615 Fax: 310-787-8619 i...@aorusa.com http://www.aorusa.com -----Original Message----- From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane Trethowan Sent: 28 April 2016 03:18 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: A Few Words On The Eton Satellite Radio I don’t know anything about those, is this a portable we’re talking about? I was immediately reminded of a company called AOR I think it was, whilst their receivers may have been good the sensitivity and performance on the HF bands was not, I got this from someone I know who has had a few of their sets. It should also be noted that many of the portable sets I’ve written about now employ DSP - Digital Signal Processing - which makes the portable radio a more powerful and flexible unit than its ever been thus giving us more features, better sensitivity and selectivity. For example, it now only costs $50 to get a basic set with outstanding FM performance and a little more to get something with both outstanding AM/FM performance and slightly more for a well respected World Band radio. Not all that long ago to get something that performed well on FM would have cost hundreds of dollars and todays FM performers even beat some of the best Tuners I’ve seen. The trick with all this - if you take an interest that is - is to stay informed if possible as to what’s happening. The other big development of course has been SDR’S - Software Defined Radio - many of these radios are in fact small computers which run on software so no need for any of the expensive hardware designs that defined the radios of years past. I’m setting up a SDR system now with various components and software, I sent an article about this to the list some time ago. The Interface I’m using is a command driven one. > On 28 Apr 2016, at 6:46 PM, André van Deventer <andred...@webafrica.org.za> > wrote: > > Must say at this stage I am also looking at the AR8200 Mark3 > receiver. At least they have an agent over here which is very > knowledgeable > > Bit pricy though but I have always been very impressed with the products from > them which I have used. > > Nice thing about it is that it is programmable by computer also. > > Any other AOR users on this list? > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of > Dane Trethowan > Sent: 28 April 2016 01:07 AM > To: PC Audio Discussion List > Subject: Re: A Few Words On The Eton Satellite Radio > > Okay an apology from me to you, there were a batch of the Eton Satellit which > muted as you described but those made after September last year have a > revised firmware that illiminated this problem, I must have one of those with > the updated firmware. > > > > > On 28/04/2016 1:42 AM, André van Deventer wrote: >> I listened to a youtube demonstration of this radio. You could clearly hear >> the break in audio when the tuning knob was turned even on USB. I >> understand that the tuning knob has clicks. So if you tune for example >> through the short wave frequencies there is a very slight break in audio >> for each click. This was in fact what also irritated this specific >> interviewer. >> >> I'm in the market for a good portable receiver but I would not like >> something like that for tuning shortwave bands and especially doing USB work. >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of >> Dane Trethowan >> Sent: 27 April 2016 12:30 PM >> To: PC Audio Discussion List >> Subject: Re: A Few Words On The Eton Satellite Radio >> >> And where has it been said the audio is interrupted when the tuning knob is >> turned? I don’t recall any mention of that do you? >> >> >>> On 27 Apr 2016, at 8:23 PM, André van Deventer <andred...@webafrica.org.za> >>> wrote: >>> >>> Must say what I find immensely irritating with this specific radio is the >>> sound of the tuning during bands. >>> >>> Perhaps I come from the time of analog receivers where the tuning is >>> smooth. Now every time that you turn the tuning knob and it clicks the >>> audio is interrupted. My old AOR 3000A receiver does this on the fm bands >>> but not on AM and SSB. >>> >>> I would be in the market for a portable receiver that has both the short >>> wave bands and SSB mode, is reasonable accessible and does not have this >>> annoying tuning feature. >>> >>> André >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of >>> Dane Trethowan >>> Sent: 27 April 2016 11:25 AM >>> To: PC Audio Discussion List >>> Subject: A Few Words On The Eton Satellite Radio >>> >>> The radio arrived yesterday. >>> >>> For those who wish to find out more about the new Eton Satellite note that >>> the Satellite in the name of the radio is spelt without the trailing E, I >>> would never had known this if it weren’t for my Braille Display <smile>. >>> >>> List members would have read the review of the radio I posted and I agree >>> with pretty much every point in the review so there’s little point me going >>> back over old ground. >>> >>> Audio out of the speaker less than 3 inches in size is nothing short of >>> impressive, not as good as the audio from the Tecsun PL880 but still good >>> all the same and of course the speaker of the PL880 is a 4 inch unit so if >>> its audio quality you’re looking for in a small unit then the Tecsun PL880 >>> sets the bar though its slightly bigger than the Eton. >>> >>> The Eton is well thought out in just about every way, everything from the >>> double-jointed telescopic whip to the arrangement of functions. >>> >>> The presets are arranged in pages, press the “Page” button and you can type >>> in a number of a page of presets followed by the page button to get there. >>> >>> Once there just press one of the preset buttons above the keypad or tune to >>> a station and hold down the preset button for 3 seconds to set. >>> >>> This Satellite is one of the very few radio sets around that performs well >>> on each and every band and I can only say its about time. >>> >>> The clicks when turning the jog dial feel most satisfying so you’re not >>> going to accidentally turn 2 clicks instead of 1, certainly one of the best >>> mechanisms I’ve seen in a jog-dial. >>> >>> The speed of the dial can be changed either between fast, slow or off by >>> repeatedly pressing the dial. >>> >>> I’m extremely glad Eton chose to add an Aux-In function to the radio though >>> this function isn’t immediately obvious to the user, the Line-out jack can >>> be switched to an Aux-In jack so the user can take full advantage of the >>> audio powered packed into the radio through an external source. >>> >>> Stereo headphones sound really nice through this radio, perhaps a little >>> quiet for some models of stereo but good enough for most. >>> >>> so is the Satellite worth the $200 U.S. price tag? Most certainly and I >>> have the feeling this is the last great Shortwave radio we’re going to see >>> for quite some time, or perhaps this radio may well be the last we’ll see >>> in a good line of radios, time will tell. >>> >>> >>> ********** >>> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the >>> halfwits in this world behind. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> --- >>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. >>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus >>> >>> >>> >> ********** >> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the >> halfwits in this world behind. >> >> >> >> >> >> --- >> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. >> https://www.avast.com/antivirus >> >> >> > > -- > > ********** > Those who don't need help are prepared to help themselves > > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > > ********** Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the halfwits in this world behind. --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus
