Passport to World Band Radio 2009

The last Japan Radio NRD-545 DSP tabletop receiver (Passport 2008, pp. 135-138) has been manufactured, as needed parts are no longer available. The CHE-199 VHF-UHF converter option, which hasn’t been available for months, is also out of production.

There’s still a chance to get in under the wire. NRD-545 inventory in the United States is expected to cover orders throughout much of 2008. Only after that will the ‘545 mosey off into the sunset. Too, all options other than the CHE-199 continue to be available.

Successor? No word from JRC, and nobody’s holding their breath. With lower-cost alternatives such as the Etón E1 (Passport 2008, pp. 68-71 and RDI White Paper) now available [Update, see preceding], tabletop manufacturers are finding it tough sledding with their robust but pricey offerings.

Still, all the news isn’t grim—see the recent AR7030 post, below. Timing couldn’t be better.

Grundig’s Satellit 750, export version of the Tecsun S-2000, is scheduled to be released in the United States in March. At a planned $300, it would appear to be a mighty tough choice when stacked against the $400 version of the exceptional Etón E1 (see update) manufactured in India. See Gary Kinsman’s G100 comment of January 6th for more details.

Other new models, including the recordable Grundig G4 (right)—an apparent variation on the Degen DE1102 (Passport 2008, pp. 82-83) and Degen DE1121 (pp. 115-119)—and G6 (below) are in the wings for intro in February.

According to the Solar Influences Data Analysis Center, solar cycle 24 has finally arrived. For shortwave users, this is exceptionally welcome news, as it means that long-distance propagation will be gradually improving over the next several years. [Update: More on this here.] —via Stanley Leinwoll

NEWS FROM SIDC – RWC BELGIUM Fri Jan 4 2008, 1300 UT
Several observatories have reported the presence of a high latitude sunspot group (Catania, Kanzelhohe). MDI images show a bipolar structure. This bipole is the first of the new solar cycle which actually develops into a visible sunspot group. Solar cycle 24 has arrived!

It’s no secret that AOR-UK has been working on a DSP replacement for its highly rated AR7030 series of receivers (Passport 2008, pp. 133-135 and the AR7030 RDI White Paper).

Now, CEO Richard Hillier writes that although it’s too early to get into specifics, the new model could start appearing around early 2009, give or take. No price has been set, but it will be targeted to the high-end consumer market, just like the ‘7030.

Production of the AR7030 has ended, but there are plenty of units in stock at AOR-UK and its North American distributor. Thankfully, AOR expects to be able to repair this robust model for quite some time to come.

Not everybody is enamored with DSP receivers, so the remaining new ‘7030 units afford a final opportunity to grab a first-rate “normal receiver” before DSP designs completely rule the radio roost.