12 Band Radio AM/FM/Shortwave Review
12 Band Radio AM/FM/Shortwave Feature
- 12 Band Radio AM/FMSW
- AM/FM/SW
- 10 Band Shortwave Channels
- Uses 2 AA Batteries
- Stereo Ear Buds
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
12 Band Radio AM/FM/Shortwave
Eton E5 AM/FM Shortwave Radio
Eton E5 AM/FM Shortwave Radio Review
Eton E5 AM/FM Shortwave Radio Feature
- Receives AM, FM, continuous shortwave, and SSB (single sideband)
- Cas is just seven inches wide and weighs 12.2 ounces
- PLL dual conversion tuner; gross and fine tuning controls
- 700 random programmable memory presets
- Headphone and external antenna jacks
 Simple to operate and carry, the E5 is great for tuning in the world wherever the notion strikes you. View larger. |
 On the right, a line out jack, tuning, and narrow/wide bandwidth selection. View larger. |
Weighing in at just 12.2 ounces, the E5's sleek, modern cabinet measures 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches (W x H x D). It's not pocket-size, but it will slide into a briefcase or purse with ease. Thankfully, the same rubberized coating that graces the exterior of the E1XM has been applied to the E5, giving it a stout and rugged feel. Most of the action can be found on the front of the unit, where you'll find a direct frequency entry keypad, as well as buttons for auto-scanning, up/down station selection, band selection, memory control, SSB mode, and volume.
A row of function keys below the radio's LCD screen are contextual, meaning they control different things depending on which mode the radio is in. When in shortwave mode, they are used to select the meterband. When the radio is off, they control timer, battery charging, AM tuning step size, and other funtions. Yet another row of buttons controls memory functions.
Sound like a lot of buttons for such a small device? It is, and that's the only real complaint we had about the E5. A lot of controls and features are somewhat crammed into a small space. It's a bit daunting at first, but once you master the controls you'll likely have no problem.
On the left side of the E5 you'll find a 3.5mm connector for an external FM or shortwave antenna. Etón generously includes an antenna that can be plugged in here to enhance signal reception -- although there is a telescoping antenna on the top of the unit. In addition to a power port and stereo headphone jack for FM listening, the side of the radio also sports an antenna gain switch that lets you choose between DX and local modes, allowing you to tone down excessively strong AM or shortwave stations if need be.
 A crisp, clear display and a keypad for direct frequency entry. View larger. |
In addition to AC power, the the E10 can run off of four Ni-MH AA cells, which are not supplied. These can be recharged when you plug the unit in. Of course, you can also use non-rechargeable AA cells in a pinch.
LCD Display
When viewed level with your eyes, the E5's backlit display is crisp and clear, with a clean layout that makes it easy to control the radio's tuning, clock, and timer functions. When viewed from an angle, the display is severely washed out, though. A separate space on the upper portion of the screen is provided for the clock display so you can view the time and tune the radio at the same time -- a nice touch.
Selecting shortwave meter bands is a breeze with this display, as you just push the meter band button (or the function keys below the display) until the meter you want is displayed on the screen. A signal strength meter is provided, as is a narrow/wide bandwidth indicator. The radio's memories are easy to browse and recall on the display, as well.
Tuning Options
Tuning the with E5 is straightforward and simple. As mentioned, the radio tunes AM, FM, shortwave, and SSB signals, and you can choose from auto-scan, manual up/down, tuning knob or direct keypad entry modes. If you're new to shortwave, auto-scan will quickly become your friend. With it, we quickly made a lot of discoveries, and heard stations from all over the world -- although our limited language skills made it difficult to always know exactly to whom or what we were listening! We also tried some SSB tuning, which is designed to capture ham radio and two-way radio communications. SSB is notoriously difficult to tune, but with a little time and effort -- including standing outside for a good while -- we were able to pick up some faint signals.
The E5's impressive memory system also deserves mention. With it, you can set up a huge catalog of stored frequencies -- 700 of them to be exact. Once stored, recalling all these memories is pretty easy, thanks to a fairly straightforward on-screen interface that stores and organizes the programmed memories. You can also scan through your memories to rapidly find the stored frequencies that are currently broadcasting.
Pros
- Solid construction, good sound quality
- Small enough to take anywhere
- Advanced tuning options
- Small size makes controls a bit cramped
- Small LCD viewing angle
E5 radio, AC adapter, wire antenna, stereo earphones, carrying pouch, carrying strap, and owner's manual. The E5 is the world’s leading portable, multi-band and Single Side Band (SSB) enabled radio. The E5 unites erformance and mobility into one compact unit, bringing the power of local and world-band radio into the alm of your hand. The ultimate in portable technology, the E5 is the latest edition to the Etón Elite range, demonstrating how form and function can work in harmony.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Philmore PM-X-58 Emergency Wind-up Crank Rechargeable Radio - AM/FM & 6 Short Wave Bands
Philmore PM-X-58 Emergency Wind-up Crank Rechargeable Radio - AM/FM & 6 Short Wave Bands Review
Philmore PM-X-58 Emergency Wind-up Crank Rechargeable Radio - AM/FM & 6 Short Wave Bands Feature
- Hand Crank Dynamo charges built-in Ni-Cads or use Alkaline Batteries or both
- 360 degree revolving telescopic antenna
- Built in flashlight, speaker & carry strap
- DC Input for charging (charger not included)
- Size = 8" x 5" x 2.5"
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Grundig AN200 Antenna
Grundig AN200 Antenna Review
Grundig AN200 Antenna Feature
- Passive (no battery required) loop AM antenna.
- Enhances AM reception with frequency coverage from 520 KHz -1,510 KHz.
- 9" diameter loop design with tuning knob.
- Use with direct wire connection or wirelessly for radios without AM antenna input.
- Powered by: solar power, crank dynamo power from the internal Ni-MH battery.
Friday, March 9, 2012
'NMO' 1/4 Wave VHF 2 Meter Antenna
'NMO' 1/4 Wave VHF 2 Meter Antenna Review
'NMO' 1/4 Wave VHF 2 Meter Antenna Feature
- Pre-Tuned For 144-152Mhz.
- Fits any optional "NMO" Motorola style mount.
- Black Base & Stainless Steel whip.
- Great For 2M Ham Band.
- Approx 18" Tall.
SuperSonic SC-1091 Portable AM FM Digital Alarm Clock Shortwave Radio
SuperSonic SC-1091 Portable AM FM Digital Alarm Clock Shortwave Radio Review
SuperSonic SC-1091 Portable AM FM Digital Alarm Clock Shortwave Radio Feature
- Lightweight Compact Portable Design
- Super Sensitive AM/FM Tuner with Shortwave Radio
- Digital Alarm Clock and LCD Display
- Built-In High Fidelity Speaker
- Convenient Foldable Carrying Handle
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Pyramid PS4KX 3 Amp Power Supply
Pyramid PS4KX 3 Amp Power Supply Review
Pyramid PS4KX 3 Amp Power Supply Feature
- Input:115V AC, 60Hz,50 Watts Output: 13.8V DC
- 3 AMP Constant/4 AMP Surge
- Powers Cell Phones,12V DC CB Radios, Scanners, etc.
- Electronic Overload Protection w/ Auto Reset
- Short Circuit Protection
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