Another for the radio techs out there

[Reg]

Seeing the talk of older radios on a recent thread got me to thinking.
Something I have been looking for a while now is a good AM receiver. Used to have a Panasonic 8 band that was my fathers that really brought in the stations but it started acting up a couple of years ago so had to set it on the shelf until I could find someone to repair it if possible but in the mean time want to find something new.
Have tried a couple of the China radios one in particular was to have been highly rated but turned out to be a complete disappointment.
Does anyone have any recommendations ? Price is not a object.

Thanks
Reg

[popper]

https://app.box.com/s/5u59vwlqu2oxex7t4afivmix90b269nr service manual. Probably need to find a Ham to fix it, no real radio TV shops anymore.

[MaryB]

Tecsun PL-660 Shortwave receiver from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Tecsun-PL-660-Portable-Shortwave-Single/dp/B004H9C4JK/ref=pd_sbs_23_7?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004H9C4JK&pd_rd_r=2529da03-8ed5-49c7-bf7e-288211dfdd1b&pd_rd_w=GHtVZ&pd_rd_wg=CW598&pf_rd_p=5873ae95-9063-4a23-9b7e-eafa738c2269&pf_rd_r=AS81K3JD8Y7M6N8HJ8KX&psc=1&refRID=AS81K3JD8Y7M6N8HJ8KX

[Outpost75]

Alinco DX-R8T

https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-010970

This product requires an optional power-supply (3A-class /12Vdc) and an external antenna to operate.

Features of DX-R8T/E
• I/Q signal output allows use of third-party SDR software
• 150 kHz 35MHz (T-model up to 30MHz) in AM/USB/LSB/CW/FM and IQ modes
• Front and rear jacks make connecting accessories easy
• Direct frequency input to the dual VFO system
• Detachable front-control panel offers more mounting options
• Large LCD display makes operation simple
• Front-speaker and powerful 2W audio output makes it easy to hear signals
• Rugged, die-cast chassis
• Narrow ceramic filters (AM 2.4kHz/SSB 1kHz) and 0.5kHz audio-filtering for CW
• 4-level RF preamp/attenuator
• IF shift and RIT reduces interference
• Noise blanker enables clearer reception
• 3 banks/600 memory channels make it easy to save banks of favorite frequencies
• Two sets of programmed search pairs and varieties of scanning modes
• Auto-power-off, Sleep-timer, Dial and Key locks, RX indicator illumination and more!
• Computer utility software makes it easy to manage settings and edit memories
• Monitor shortwave signals from aviation, navigation and data sources

[Standard accessories]
• DC cable (EDC-37)
[Optional accessories]
• EDS-17 Front control remote kit (5m cable, front panel bracket, unit cover and hardware)

[popper]

That panasonic is a dual conversion crystal filter 10.7 1st IF radio, a pretty neat one. Very similar to some Nationals in the 'old' days. Only multiband (she) has is Degen, portable with mp4 player. I got the old one, worn out ear jack. Used to be a lot of multiband but not many after the internet took over. I don't speak the lingo of AM stuff anymore. Heck, Fm is pretty sad too.

[Reg]

Popper

yup, thats the critter all right ! Going to print this off even though I am sure I am not qualified to do the parts replacement. Its possible I may have a lead on a ham who might do this in Scotts Bluff.
I really do thank you

[Reg]

Outpost75

This looks nice and will check into it. Not sure if such a thing is out there was really hoping to find something a lot like the old Panasonic as we also want to bring it with us when we take off in the camper. This looks more like a very nice base unit.

[Reg]

MaryB

Tried one of these, it just didnt have the range reception of the old Panasonic, lots of static. Perhaps I am looking for something that might not be out there anymore

[MaryB]

Those older AM receivers had a MUCH better antenna, I use the external antenna jack on my PL-660 and use a wire strung around my upstairs ceiling... forms a loop that is 25'x16'. and I have a small preamp on it... But my main receiver next to the bed is a Grundig Satellit 750, if you can find a good one they are worth the money. VERY good AM receiver, has a built in rotating bar antenna on top to notch out other stations. I was listening to WSM from Nashville last night(I live in SW MN!). Tecsun S2000 is the same radio. Not cheap, but works well.

[popper]

Old radios had more sensitivity than the new stuff. Cheap blasters are - well - cheap blasters. TV sets have reduced sensitivity now too as so many have changed to cable that doesn't need much. Guitar shops have little NOS and want a pretty penny them. There is a Co making tubes again, for high end stuff (old McIntosh, etc) but again, pretty pricy. For a while a Co made SS replacement tubes but IIRC they went bust. Watch out for NOS as many are scavenged and about worn out anyway. Kinda like once fired RPU?

[MaryB]

Good source for tubes, good quality and they will replace anything bad. http://www.esrcvacuumtubes.com/index.html my go to source when restoring an older receiver.

[firefly1957]

I do have some better AM reception from a couple CC Crane radios I have that are fairly new In the past I found a wire hooked to my big stereo receiver AM antenna poles to my Heating ducts did a grand job on reception . Today most power supplies,battery chargers, and many L.E.D. light bulbs also cause AM radio noise to make things worse!

[Petrol & Powder]

When dealing with AM radios the antenna is KEY !

Even a low quality AM rig will excel when paired with a good antenna.

The old "Select-a-ntenna" has been discontinued but used ones are available on ebay. For less than $60 you can greatly improve the reception of just about any AM radio. It is a tunable loop antenna that can be connected to the radio or simply placed near the radio's ferrite rod internal antenna.

You can also build your own tunable loop antenna. The parts needed are inexpensive and readily available.

One of my receivers is an old Yaesu FRG-7 that preforms beautifully with nothing more than a simple long wire antenna stretched from the house to a tree.

One of the big problems with AM radio is electrical interference, particularly from some types of lighting. In today's world where the old incandescent light bulb is becoming a thing of the past, AM radio users have to deal with fluorescent lighting and other sources of radio "noise". Creating a clean environment free from interference is a big part of enjoying good AM radio. Sometimes finding the source of that interference is harder that correcting it. I had a LED bulb in a fixture that only created electrical noise after it had been turned on for more than 10 minutes. Once I isolated it as the source of the interference, all I had to do was turn it off.

[Petrol & Powder]

And I'll toss in a shameless plug for C. Crane as a source for some good radio gear.
https://www.ccrane.com/item/rad_ccradio2_tnmenhr/100100/ccradio_2e_enhanced_amfmwx2-meter_ham_band_radio_titaniumorphan

I've been using one of their CCRadio sets for over 20 years and it's a solid performer. C. Crane often sells "orphans" (returned equipment) for less than new and they are good people to deal with.

C. Crane also offers their excellent twin coil ferrite AM antenna is reported to be an excellent rig but it's too expensive for me.
My homemade loop antenna or my SelectAntenna does the job for far less.

If you're into old tube gear, there are some fantastic old rigs out there. If you're just looking for a daily use AM radio and don't want to deal with vacuum tubes, there are some outstanding solid state sets available. Looking for old AM radio gear is often more fun than uing that gear ! Be careful, it's every bit as addictive as casting and reloading :-D

Good Luck !

[MaryB]

Hallicrafters S-38(original, b, c models, the d is ugly!), art deco look decent receiver paired with a hunk of wire...

[Petrol & Powder]

MaryB, you went right to the old Boat Anchors :-D

I'm going to toss out a newer option, the Tivoli Model One paired with a good AM antenna. They have GREAT sound and clean lines.

The CCRadio is also a solid performer and includes weather bands and can be operated with batteries if needed.

[georgerkahn]

Having a camp well off any "grids", I acquired a Milwaukee workman radio, which is OK for local AM/FM, but we use it mostly as an amplifier for iShuffles... :( HOWEVER -- (something for you to think about?) -- two nearby camp-owners have radios gotten from junk yards for next to nothing out of automobiles! The reception is like "wow!!!" -- one fellow listens to a Buffalo, NY USA station during the daytime -- roughly 300 miles distance! Using a plain-Jane auto battery charged by a solar panel, the electricity provided is pretty close to 100% noise free; he has a copper wire soldered to the tip of the car antenna he has on outside wall of camp, and it (the wire) can't be more than 10 - 12 feet long.
Just a thought.... again, it really works so well I'm thinking of getting a car radio and doing similar come Spring 2020. I'm sorry as camps are pretty much closed -- come Thanksgiving he migrates to one of the Carolinas for the winter, so I cannot advise what model/year car (if Clark knows?) his came out of...
BEST!
geo

[MaryB]

I have one of these coming to restore, the s-38 I mentioned above, very good receiver for the time period and it still compares fairly well now to the modern radios. Has that more rounded tube sound and that old radio smell of hot glass...

http://www.oldtuberadio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Hallicrafters-S-38.jpg

[fcvan]

I have an old Kenwood 930 that has the most wonderful audio. A friend found an old Kenwood receiver but I don't recall the model number. It was 12V, took random wire for an antenna and also has wonderful audio and 250 watts output. It is a boat anchor as far as weight goes, base station only.

My mobile unit is a Yaesu 817 with quick change antennas so I can operate on multiple frequencies at only 5 watts. The Yaesu 897 which is a mobile/base capable with an antenna tuner and 100 watts. Audio on the Yaesu radios is top shelf. I have been able to reach Portland Oregon while mobile on 5 watts, New Mexico/Texas border to CA/OR border mobile on 100 watts. FCC license W6FCV.

As far as car radios receiving AM stations, they are legendary. I had an AM radio in my truck (factory) and after sundown I would listen to the Navajo Nation Radio Station in New Mexico from Southern CA using the stock antenna. It was cool how they signed off each night in Navajo. I could also listen to Salt Lake City from Northern CA when they broadcast the World Series.

Radio is cool, there are a lot of cool radios out there for cheap at garage sales. The Kenwood receiver mentioned above was worth every bit of the $25 asking price. Real tubes, real radio, the solid state units, the better ones, match the old tubes. Nothing like an old tube unit that glows when the lights are off.

[okietwolf]

Hit up a truck stop. Lots of them still have citizen band radio shops. CB radios are AM transceivers on different frequencies. I am used to be one. Lol

[Petrol & Powder]

Hit up a truck stop. Lots of them still have citizen band radio shops. CB radios are AM transceivers on different frequencies. I am used to be one. Lol
And how would that help the OP?

[Gar]

I don't know how you intend to use the radio but the best one I have is a RSP-2.
It's a software defined radio (SDR) and beats any of the other rigs I own.
I collect vintage radios and have two dozen or so 'boat anchors', mostly Hallicrafters.
The SDR with a 70' long wire antenna pulls in more stations than any of the other radios.

[Reg]

Want to take a minute and thank all for their answers. Learning a lot some of which I should have taken into consideration and some I didn't.
A lot of what I am hearing is perhaps its best not to try to repair that old of a Panasonic radio. They were great in their day but perhaps their day is done.
Many have suggested the Crane radio along with others and am checking them out. At the moment I am leaning towards the Crane as it can go with 12 volts along with the 110. For us this will work out well as when we are in the camper we generally are not near 110 volts. We could use the generator but there is the noise we dont care for and also there is this matter of interference which also shows up in various lighting
A lot of knowledge here and believe me it is greatly appreciated.
Also taking a look at an external antenna.

[MaryB]

External antenna can be a simple hunk of wire, string it out a window, close the window on it(use #22 or smaller wire). Run the far end into the nearest tree or other support.

[Lead pot]

Mary,
You can still find those S-38's for around $50. but they have to get good and warm so you don't have to nail them down. :)
I used to run a TCK-4 de commissioned in 1947 from a Liberty Ship that ran two 813's in the finals and I converted it for a CW XMTR and used a Hallicrafters SX-73 XCVR a very good combination but I had to wait till after midnight to run the XMTR because it would get into every Telephone and TV around LOL.
I still have the TCK boat anchor in the shed.
The old Tube AM radios are simple to fix. Usually it's just a tube that went soft or a capacitor that is leaking and that can be traced out very easy with a probe.
I still run a old Zenith trance oceanic with a beverage wire hooked up for an antenna but yes static crashes get loud but after sunset it reaches out and pulls in fine stations from over seas.

[firefly1957]

I did not even think about the car radios in previous answer I have one in workshop that runs on battery charged by solar panel I have not used it since I installed security camera system that interferes with am radio.
I find both Ford & GM car radios can have great am reception but there is a security system in newer ones that may not let them play out of the car.
I remember many nights driving in my 1969 Dodge Polara the radio picked up AM stations at night from as far away as New Orleans to Michigan's U.P. while driving .

[semtav]

I remember many nights driving in my 1969 Dodge Polara the radio picked up AM stations at night from as far away as New Orleans to Michigan's U.P. while driving .

I had a 69 dodge Polara too. I just took the radio out of my old 78 Dodge pickup before I gave it away to Put in my truck. The newer radios suck.
I think part of the reason we got such great reception back then is because the radio stations would beam them our way. We would get KOMA out of Oklahoma City up here in Montana and they would actually carry advertisement from up here.Now we have to many radio stations cluttering up the airwaves. Only thing I can get at night now unless I'm real close, is KOA Denver KSL Salt lake City and KFAB Omaha. All talk Radio Stations.

[Petrol & Powder]

What Americans call AM, most of the world refers to as Middle Wave [MW]. The frequencies in that band 530 KHz - 1700 KHz, allow for long distance transmission at night due to reflection off of the F-layer of the atmosphere.
There's a lot of confusion and some downright misinformation about the propagation of those signals. Night time skip, clear channel stations and antenna design all have influence.
A lot of factors have changed how we get our information and entertainment. FM radio, satellite radio, massive cell phone networks, the internet in general, cable and satellite TV, etc. I don't think AM radio is going away but it has changed.

If you spend a little time to educate yourself about AM radio (and use reliable reference sources), you can have a much better understanding of that mode of communication. Some of that once common knowledge is becoming rare.

[semtav]

Anyone remember those powerful stataions from Mexico years ago??

thought I'd test my memory cause most of my playing with radios was 40 years ago.

So I wanted to see if the beaming AM signals was just my faulty memory :

From Radio World:


The Development of the Directional AM Broadcast Antenna

The advent of the directional antenna made it possible for co-channel stations to operate in close proximity

John Schneider ⋅ Jun 14, 2019

This article originally appeared in Spectrum Monitor magazine.

In the early years of AM radio broadcasting, all stations utilized non-directional antennas. Most all of these were wire antennas suspended between towers or buildings. Interference, especially at night, was severe. An interfering signal of 5% or less in signal strength was enough to disrupt reception of the desired station, and if the frequencies of the two stations were slightly separated, there would be a heterodyne beat note. As a result, only a few widely-spaced stations could operate on each of the AM broadcast channels in the entire country at night. This limited the number of stations that could coexist to about 500 nationwide, with many of them sharing time on a single frequency.

As antenna technologies were developed and improved in the early 1930s, a few progressive stations began experimenting with multi-element directional arrays. This approach offered two attractive benefits: 1) It could reduce radiation towards other stations on the same or adjacent frequencies, permitting more stations to share a frequency; and 2) a broadcaster could direct more signal towards the desired coverage area, and away from wasted areas such as open water in the case of coastal stations.

Lots longer article and well written.

What really drives me nuts is the allotment of FM stations. There aren't that many around here and two I like to listen too I'm half way between one on 95.3 and one on 95.5. Like they really couldn't pick a better spread in frequencies cause I cant listen to either at home.

[MaryB]

A small directional FM antenna is easy to make! some brass brazing rod, brass tube the rod fits in(to make a longer element)... hunk of PVC pipe painted with something to stop UV from destroying it. 3 elements would give you decent front to back and not a ton of gain(don't want to overload the receiver).

[firefly1957]

I had a 69 dodge Polara too. I just took the radio out of my old 78 Dodge pickup before I gave it away to Put in my truck. The newer radios suck.
I think part of the reason we got such great reception back then is because the radio stations would beam them our way. We would get KOMA out of Oklahoma City up here in Montana and they would actually carry advertisement from up here.Now we have to many radio stations cluttering up the airwaves. Only thing I can get at night now unless I'm real close, is KOA Denver KSL Salt lake City and KFAB Omaha. All talk Radio Stations.

I wish they still made cars like that 69 Polara mine was 9 seat station wagon 2 barrel carb 383 Engine with 9-1 compression It got 18 MPG stopping fast from over 70 MPH was dicey with drum brakes on all 4 wheels though.
I had a good radio in my 78 Ramcharger it was not to bad on gas either 15 mpg for a 440 engine. I had am/fm and 8 track tape in it the radio had great reception .