Re: [IRCA] Taking a Double Dip DX Plunge
There is a wet spot on my shirt from drooling over the SDR recievers. I love the display and the ability to record the whole MW band. I hope that the price will drop a bit so I could use multi recievers and antennas on a desktop... Is this possible Anywho... I guess it's back to the 7030 and T615 for now... Thank you. Derek Vincent Vmedia360...everywhere On Jul 28, 2009, at 10:37 PM, Jim Renfrew jrenf...@rochester.rr.com wrote: An just how much was that check you sent? I'll get one at some point, but I'm keeping tabs on the price for now. Jim Renfrew - Original Message - From: Walter Salmaniw salma...@shaw.ca To: Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America irca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:13 AM Subject: Re: [IRCA] Taking a Double Dip DX Plunge At 08:58 PM 7/28/2009, you wrote: I put a check in the mail today to Universal for the Microtelecom Perseus SDR receiver. I still need to choose a portable computer, among the ideas listed on Five Below, plus additional storage ... and a number of different antenna configurations. Any experimentation I do will be of the haphazard variety! My antenna during the glory days of DX 1964-66 consisted of half a TV antenna lead-in to one terminal and a wire under the eaves of my garage apartment to another terminal on my old HQ-160. Had (and may still have, if they haven't deteriorated) tapes of Algiers QRM'ing Colombia on 890, Argentina QRM'ing Australia on 950, Japan QRM'ing Jamaica on 750, etc., with that configuration while DX'ing in Pampa, Texas. I also hold in my hand a Grundig G8. Does this really qualify as a ULR? I'll have to keep separate logs! Qal R. Mann, Krumudgeon (Krum TX) Congratulations, John. I know you WON'T be disappointed. The Perseus SDR is, to me, the best thing to come along since sliced bread! Walt ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com --- --- --- --- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.34/2268 - Release Date: 07/28/09 06 :00:00 ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Interesting low power station in
Hi Patrick, How have you been? That tracks with what I saw. You can hear my recording of the station at http://bill.dxclipjoint.com/sounds/toh/001680-downtown-dallas-tis-20040530-1330.mp3 There are references to the station at the following URLs. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-911highrise_11met.ART.North.Edition1.3e1b6a0.html http://www.dallasalert.org/docs/DERTPRES.pdf http://www.downtowndallas.org/OurPrograms/Safety.aspx I wonder if they ever had call letters and why they were not licensed as a normal TIS Bill Harms Elkridge, Maryland Patrick Griffith, N0NNK / WPE9HVW wrote: Bill, I noticed that the application status is marked dismissed. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] TP LWBC, the seasons are changing
This morning for the first time since spring I heard 153, 180, 189, 234, 279 Radio Rossii; around 1140 utc. Lately only 180 and 279 are regularly heard so today was unusual. All levels were poor with 180 and 279 a little better. Steve NE Oregon R75, longwires ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] The Kchibo D92L reviewed
Hi all: Just posted to DXer.ca is a review of the new Kchibo D92L Ultralight receiver, which like the Grundig G8 (Tecsun PL-300WT) incorporates the latest DSP technology from Silicon Labs. In summary, as a barefoot receiver it is not a very good performer because of a poorly-designed and/or faulty LCD screen which emits excessive amounts of hash. However, when mated to a passive loop or external antenna, it really shines, and the multiple bandwidths (1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 khz, per sideband) make it a potent DX receiver. Several DXers have also just received its big brother, the D96L, and are busily evaluating whether or not it is an Ultralight and how its performance stacks up, so stay tuned! The D92L review can be downloaded here: http://www.dxer.ca/file-area/doc_download/242-the-kchibo-d92l-receiver-a-review Kevin S Bainbridge Island, WA ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Taking a Double Dip DX Plunge
I wrote it for the price on the Universal website ... plus shipping ... http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/commrxvr/0122.htmlhttp://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/commrxvr/0122.html Recent low five-figure inheritance helped. John - Original Message - From: Jim Renfrewmailto:jrenf...@rochester.rr.com To: Mailing list for the International Radio Club of Americamailto:irca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 12:37 AM Subject: Re: [IRCA] Taking a Double Dip DX Plunge An just how much was that check you sent? I'll get one at some point, but ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] 1700 with old gold rock music
Tuning into the X band last night and trying for 1710 I drew a blank there but one space back on 1700 I heard some 50's and 60's rock music coming in on a shaky and fluctuating signal. Could not get an I D but did catch the ABC network news at the 11pm TOH.The only listed station on 17 is one in Texas putting out a mighty 880 watts at night down from 8800 daytime.The San Diego Business station was not in at this time.Could it have been the Tex or was I getting a recently started new station? Anyone out there with info? Thanks.Bill in Vic BC __ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] July 26th Grayland ULR DXpedition-- Aussies Boom In
Gary - you need to get a bigger car! Maybe you should get a truck and a flatbed trailer so you can transport the 13' loop. You could REALLY confuse the general public by pulling into a rest area, putting on the headphones and while moving the loop every five degrees, mumble the title from that old R.E.M. song What's the frequency Kenneth? That would get them. Seriously - a nice report! 73, Dave in Indy -- Message: 5 Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:49:29 EDT From: d1028g...@aol.com To: irca@hard-core-dx.com, ultraligh...@yahoogroups.com, a...@nrcdxas.org Subject: [IRCA] July 26th Grayland ULR DXpedition-- Aussies Boom In Message-ID: cab.4c4e6d50.37a08...@aol.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Hello All, Thanks to the Victoria DXers (and their comments about the relative desirability of Grayland as a DXpedition site), it was with a newfound appreciation that I started the 2 hour drive to the Grayland Motel's Room 14 on Saturday afternoon. When the 93 degree inland heat gradually became 63 degress on the cool ocean coast, I was appreciative indeed. On Saturday morning, by fortunate coincidence, fellow Puyallup, WA resident Guy Atkins had just received the latest DSP-enhanced wonder in the Ultralight Radio market, the Kchibo D92L. This radio represents a serious new effort by Kchibo to manufacture high-quality portables with DSP-enhanced selectivity, and has the option of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 kHz selectable DSP filter settings. Provoking intense interest in the Ultralight radio enthusiast group, this new model (along with its D96L sibling) offers the possibility of great AM selectivity without the need to transplant premium Murata IF filters (in rather tricky modification jobs). The chance to test out this new wonder in the ultimate challenge of split-frequency TP-DXing was irresistible, so Guy and I quickly arranged a transfer operation with military-like precision, prior to the Grayland trip. Mutual travelers on southbound I-5 gaped in disbelief as they viewed the bizarre collection of disassembled PVC-framed monster loops crammed into my compact car-- and seemed to give me a little extra space as a precaution. Representing my own fanatical contribution to the recent boom in ULR-related experimentation, I had taken along a collapsible-frame 8' (diagonal) PVC Loop, a collapsible-frame 6.5' model, and an all-PVC altazimuth support base. These three items just barely fit in my compact car-- and probably made fellow I-5 travelers convinced that I was just barely sane. Arriving at the Grayland Motel's Room 14, the 6.5' tuned passive loop was set up inside the room next to the window (again, just barely fitting), but the 8' loop was left in the car, to be assembled on the ocean beach at 1100 UTC (0400 local time) the next morning. Viewing this contraption in the car, the curiosity of several of the motel residents was apparently aroused, and they couldn't resist asking me what in blazes the thing was. They must have thought I was nuts when they heard it was a custom loop antenna, to hear Australian stations on the AM band. But when I told them that this was really just a small-sized version of the 13-foot fixed frame version at home, they seemed convinced that the Room 14 resident was not playing with a full deck. The first TP to reach audio level was 738-Tahiti at 0815 UTC (0115 local time), which had weak French on the 6.5' loop during its sunset peak. As I grabbed Guy's new D92L to make a relative selectivity comparison with the C.Crane SWP Slider model, 738-Tahiti's audio quickly fizzled out-- along with any chance of much sleep before the notoriously early DU dawn enhancement. Arriving at the Grayland Beach Road picnic table in total darkness at 1100 UTC (0400 local time), DU heterodynes were plentiful and strong on the SSB spotting receiver I was using (a slightly modified ICF-2010, with a 30 transplanted loopstick). I wasted no time setting up the 8' passive loop on the PVC altazimuth tilting base, and started checking for audio on the 9 kHz splits. As usual, the New Zealand big guns (567, 657 and 1035) were the first to have much signal strength, around 1150. But with the mission to thoroughly compare the selectivity of the new DSP-enhanced Kchibo D92L against the Murata CFJ455K5 filter model C.Crane SWP Slider, for the first 30 minutes of dawn enhancement my focus was on finding DU's with significant domestic splatter, to run relative reception tests (and record MP3's). This was more challenging than it might appear, since DU's rarely hold their signal levels for minutes on end, and I needed to throw out some tests (and recordings) when DU signal levels dived-- which would have given an unfair advantage to one of the tested radios. Finally, after several attempts, I had good MP3 recordings of 738-2NR and 567-2YA on both radios inductively coupled to
[IRCA] 10 kHz AM Tuning Step Selection on the Kchibo D96L
Hello All, The all-Chinese owner's manual of the new Kchibo D96L model has not exactly thrilled the North American purchasers of this innovative DSP radio. One of the grand mysteries has been how to change the D96L's AM tuning steps from 9 kHz to 10 kHz. Reading the Chinese description for this process (on Page 9) is highly unlikely to provide any benefit for a native English speaker. With a native Chinese speaker residing with me, I eagerly showed her the D96L manual, and asked her to change the D96L tuning steps to 10 khz, if possible. She quickly said no problem, and proceeded to try following the manual instructions. After about 10 minutes she was obviously irritated, and made the grand proclamation that This manual has a problem! Using rudimentary Chinese translation skills retained from our dating period back in ancient history (1987-90), her American husband was then able to figure out the process within about 5 minutes. Here it is: With the radio off, hold down button #19 for at least 4 seconds. You will see the display light up, and the large letters OEL appear on the display. Quickly press button #15, which will make the display light up with Step: 9 kHz. Quickly press button #19 again for a short time (less than a second) to change the tuning step from 9 kHz to 10 kHz, and then the radio will tune in 10 kHz tuning steps when it is turned back on. You can toggle between 9 kHz and 10 kHz tuning steps by repeatedly pressing button #19 for short times this way, and the radio will tune in whichever tuning step you finally select (once it is turned back on). The Kchibo D96L represents a significant upgrade in quality from the D92L, which cannot tune in 10 kHz steps. These new DSP-enhanced radios are being thoroughly evaluated by initial purchasers in the Ultralight radio enthusiast group, and further details will be given out shortly. 73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA) **Hot Deals at Dell on Popular Laptops perfect for Back to School (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1223106546x1201717234/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Faltfarm.mediaplex.com%2Fad%2Fck%2F12309%2D81939%2D1629%2D8) ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] TP LWBC, the seasons are changing
I have been finding that 738 (assume Tahiti) has been in by 0630 UTC most nights on the flimsiest of antennas - in my case (where there is rehab work going on on my 7th floor balcony...) I am using a 6' firestick whip tuned for CB - works fairly well on most bands other than MW. In a few days I will get a wellbrook out there or start listening barefoot with the E1. -- .. Colin Newell - Editor - CoffeeCrew DOT Com --- Victoria, British Columbia - Blog - Coffee DOT BC DOT CA DXer DOT CA and Bob Harris DOT Com -- ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 1700 with old gold rock music
Bill, I'd bet on the Brownsville TX station. Frequent visitor here even with XEPE on. Before the mexican came on 1700 Brownsville was usually atop Sherman Des Moines. Don K. S.F. CA bill kral wrote: Tuning into the X band last night and trying for 1710 I drew a blank there but one space back on 1700 I heard some 50's and 60's rock music coming in on a shaky and fluctuating signal. Could not get an I D but did catch the ABC network news at the 11pm TOH.The only listed station on 17 is one in Texas putting out a mighty 880 watts at night down from 8800 daytime.The San Diego Business station was not in at this time.Could it have been the Tex or was I getting a recently started new station? Anyone out there with info? Thanks.Bill in Vic BC __ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 1700 with old gold rock music
Bill, Just gave radio station KVNS1700 a call and the man I talked to said they have ABC news at the top of the hour. He said that he was surprised that the station made it up to your area. He also mentioned that they get reports from Europe. The man said that they were 880 watts at night. Nice catch Bill, congratulations. Dennis, Salmon Creek, WA - Original Message - From: bill kral jwk...@yahoo.ca To: irca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 10:06:20 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [IRCA] 1700 with old gold rock music Tuning into the X band last night and trying for 1710 I drew a blank there but one space back on 1700 I heard some 50's and 60's rock music coming in on a shaky and fluctuating signal. Could not get an I D but did catch the ABC network news at the 11pm TOH.The only listed station on 17 is one in Texas putting out a mighty 880 watts at night down from 8800 daytime.The San Diego Business station was not in at this time.Could it have been the Tex or was I getting a recently started new station? Anyone out there with info? Thanks.Bill in Vic BC __ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] WWV Solar Report
:Product: Geophysical Alert Message wwv.txt :Issued: 2009 Jul 29 1806 UTC # Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center # # Geophysical Alert Message # Solar-terrestrial indices for 28 July follow. Solar flux 69 and mid-latitude A-index 4. The mid-latitude K-index at 1800 UTC on 29 July was 0 (4 nT). No space weather storms were observed for the past 24 hours. No space weather storms are expected for the next 24 hours. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Trends -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Date 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 UTC 0300 0600 0900 1200 1500 1800 2100 0300 0600 0900 1200 1500 1800 SFlx 68 68 68 68 68 68 69 69 69 69 69 69 69 69 A-in 33333354444444 K-in 12121111110110 ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] TP LWBC, the seasons are changing
At 11:47 AM 7/29/2009, you wrote: I have been finding that 738 (assume Tahiti) has been in by 0630 UTC most nights on the flimsiest of antennas - in my case (where there is rehab work going on on my 7th floor balcony...) I am using a 6' firestick whip tuned for CB - works fairly well on most bands other than MW. In a few days I will get a wellbrook out there or start listening barefoot with the E1. Same here, Colin. A good carrier, but very low modulation around 06:30+ most nightsWalt ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] WWV Solar Report
:Product: Geophysical Alert Message wwv.txt :Issued: 2009 Jul 30 0001 UTC # Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center # # Geophysical Alert Message # Solar-terrestrial indices for 29 July follow. Solar flux 68 and mid-latitude A-index 1. The mid-latitude K-index at UTC on 30 July was 1 (06 nT). No space weather storms were observed for the past 24 hours. No space weather storms are expected for the next 24 hours. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Trends -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Date 28 28 28 28 28 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 30 UTC 0900 1200 1500 1800 2100 0300 0600 0900 1200 1500 1800 2100 SFlx 68 68 68 68 69 69 69 69 69 69 69 69 68 68 A-in 33335444444421 K-in 12111111011001 ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Warbler on 1040Kc
Here is something I haven't heard in almost a year - the Warbler is back. At 2230 EWT, on 1040 Kc they were blasting away! Have you noticed how quite it has been for hurricanes? Get ready for some nice storms. Willis Old Fort, TN ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] TP LWBC, the seasons are changing
At 15:46 7/29/2009, you wrote: This morning for the first time since spring I heard 153, 180, 189, 234, 279 Radio Rossii; around 1140 utc. Lately only 180 and 279 are regularly heard so today was unusual. All levels were poor with 180 and 279 a little better. much duller here Steve...279 delivered weak audio about that time here, and weak Japanese pips on 774 at 1200UT, but otherwise all you could say about the audio was that it didn't sound DU, intelligibility was nil. best wishes, Nick * Nick Hall-Patch Victoria, BC Canada ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Kchibo's Top DSP Portable (D96L)-- First Impressions
Hello Guys, The official Ultralight radio status of the Kchibo D96L has yet to be determined, and several of us who have ordered the unit are still comparing notes on its performance. At least from my own perspective, however, the D96L model I received from the seller on _http://www.ecrater.com_ (http://www.ecrater.com) has convinced me that this new DSP radio is really something special for AM-DXers. In comparison with an aligned Grundig G8, the out-of-the-box low-band AM sensitivity seems very competitive, especially once the whip antenna is raised to a vertical position. The D96L X-band sensitivity seems slightly superior, however, even before my radio has AM alignment performed. Hobbyists are cautioned that this is only one sample, however, and we don't yet know if this sensitivity is typical of the factory D96L models. The D96L's DSP-enhanced selectivity is exceptional on the AM band, especially on the 1 kHz setting. My own impression is that this AM selectivity outperforms the PL-300WT/ G8's AM selectivity by a wide margin, although it remains to be seen whether this stellar quality will be competitive with the Murata CFJ455K5 premium IF ceramic filters transplanted into the Slider E100 and Slider SWP models for 9-kHz split frequency transoceanic DXing. The D96L does share a quirk with the G8-- heterodynes from 1600-1630 kHz. But it has several convenient features missing from the G8: direct frequency entry, and selectable DSP filter settings (1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz). This latter capability really transforms the radio into a DXer's dream. FM reception is very similar to that of the G8/ PL-300WT, although my own impression is that the FM sensitivity is off a shade from that of the G8, perhaps because of the different whip antenna design. The amazing FM selectivity is identical, however, as well as the stellar stereo separation. G8 and PL-300WT owners will probably not find much difference in the D96L's FM performance, including the capability of chasing E-skip and tropo DX. The D96L is designed strictly for the Chinese domestic market, and the labels and owner's manual are entirely in Chinese. There is no effort underway to provide an English manual. Most of the basic operational points have been figured out by the initial ordering group, but we are still puzzling over some of the finer points. The batteries are of a lithium-ion proprietary type, and the supplied adapter is designed for 240V house current-- meaning that none of us has yet been able to get the batteries to show a full charge on the radio's display. Interested DXers may wish to wait until we have more QC information on the D96L before placing an order, but at least from the perspective of the unit I received, the radio looks very promising indeed. Thanks again to Guy Atkins for his detailed work in investigating this model, and its sibling, the D92L (and tracking down an ordering source). Both of these new DSP models will be thoroughly reviewed in the upcoming 2009 Shootout, as well as the other new DSP models causing such a sensation in the Ultralight radio enthusiast group. 73 and Best Wishes, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA) **Hot Deals at Dell on Popular Laptops perfect for Back to School (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1223105306x1201716871/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Faltfarm.mediaplex.com%2Fad%2Fck%2F12309%2D81939%2D1629%2D9) ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com 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: irca@hard-core-dx.com
