Travel Radio 4.0

[PM4HIRE]

A new travel radio has recently come on the market called the Tecsun PL-380. The PL-380 has been getting rave reviews among folks that are into radios. This radio sports two interesting innovations.

First, the radio has digital signal processing (DSP) chipset that are only found in very high-end communication receivers. DSP capability greatly improves reception on the AM and FM bands. Second, the PL-380's batteries can be recharged using any USB port on a personal computer, no more lugging around an AC adapter (wall wart). I have the earlier version, the Tecsun PL-310 with the same level of performance and features as the PL-380. Another feature that sets these two travel radios apart from their competition is the ability to seemingly run forever on a single battery charge.

I got my Tecsun pocket radio in about eight days from Hong Kong via USPS.

[Terk]

Hey Tom, cool radio! Can you use standard AA batteries (non-rechargable) in it?

Mel

[KarlJ]

Looks like a nice little unit. I've forgotten more about SWL than I ever knew, but before internet streaming and such, I could spend hours on end listening to the BBC, DW, Japan Radio, etc.

[PM4HIRE]

Tecsun PL-380

The Tecsun PL-380 radio comes with 3 rechargeable batteries, but yes you can use regular AA batteries in this radio.

I spent many hours listening shortwave radio, but today I listen to the BBC and other countries off the internet. I once won a contest Why I love to Swiss Radio International and was interviewed live on Radio Japan (NHK).

[PM4HIRE]

Click here for a comparison of travel radios currently
available in the marketplace, written from a technical
perspective.

[ex machina]

Click here for a comparison of travel radios currently
available in the marketplace, written from a technical
perspective.

Very neat, thanks for pointing this site out.

[ex machina]

I use a Sangean ATS 505, but it eats batteries like they are going out of style, so it stays on the desk as a desk radio, sitting on a turntable with a Terk antenna. It's a pretty good set-up. But I am really happy with my Sony Walkman radio. I got one of the models that can get the old TV stations too. The new version seems to be the same, just no TV reception. It also gets weather band, AM, and FM. It uses ear buds and runs a long time on one AAA. I'm using it now to listen to Coast to Coast AM.

[PM4HIRE]

I take a Sangean DT-400W to dialysis b/c it is the only pocket radio that functions well in a high RF environment and has decent battery life, say 40 hours on the FM band using 2 AA batteries.

[ex machina]

I like the Sangean, I just don't like the way it goes through batteries. 4xAA and they last 10 hours or so. I even had C. Crane run a check on it when I had the speaker replaced and they said it was in good order. I guess that model (ATS 505) has a propensity for ravaging batteries. I have a Radio Shack AM/FM pocket radio (12-467) which I really like. Analog tuning, and the batteries last a long time. It uses 3xAA. That cost me around 20-30 USD. Great little radio. I wish the Sony Walkman I have used 1 AA instead of 1 AAA. I prefer to have one size that I need to cache. Even my flashlight uses AA. If I had my druthers, all my gadgets would be AA. Just makes it easier.

That said, I am on the prowl for a new flashlight. I am looking for something small enough to wear horizontally on my belt, uses AA, and has an LED or other long lasting bulb. Preferably something with some kicking lumens. The bulbs keep breaking on my back porch, and I want a light I can just have with me at all times so it is handy when I need it. The key-chain lights were useful for a spell, but I am tired of replacing them when the battery gets drained because I sat pressing it in my pocket or such. Time to upgrade.

[PM4HIRE]

Flashlight

Here's the flashlight I recommend:

http://www.rei.com/product/695379

[ex machina]

Here's the flashlight I recommend:

http://www.rei.com/product/695379

Thanks for the tip! I ordered it and 40 Radio Shack Alkaline AA batteries from Amazon. Got a good price and free shipping.

Merry Christmas, PM4HIRE!