We’re Baaaack!
Our ISP recently overhauled its server setup to rationalize legacy issues from various earlier takeovers.
That’s the good news. Less worthy is that IBS’ incoming material ceased to come in. All of it, for the better part of two weeks.
At long last, this issue has been resolved by their techs, so we’re back up and running. We’ve tested everything twelve ways of Sunday, and it all passes muster.
So, yes, we’re back, and thanks for your patience!
May 8th, 2009 at 5:14 PM
My receiver test wish list:
Of course, you will test any new portable receiver (with frequency display) from Etón, Degen, Redsun, Tecsun… available on the US market or through eBay. Don’t waste too much place for scraps like Cobys. I think that the Anjan DTS-09 is also on your schedule, but there are many other models of that brand.
I’m very interested by tests of small DSP receivers from Kchibo. The best new ones from Kchibo are now sold under the “DSP-Rado” logo: D92L and D95L (they are available in Japan at World Musen’s).
In receivers for PCs, it would be very interesting to test the CIAO radio H101 from Italy, easy to buy from European resellers. Maybe not to the Winradio standard, but quite less expensive. Another one is the Dirabox DRB-30, although the 2nd IF change directly from 45 MHz to 10 or 12 kHz doesn’t seem very wise. Maybe look also at Woodbox? And the US designed RFSpace SDR-IQ seems also well mid-priced and realistic with mid-power PCs (not like the Perseus).
Looking to the table receivers, you never tested the Patcomm RX-16000E (I don’t know if it is still available). Table receivers are so scarce nowadays that I think you should test amateur transceivers with general coverage receivers, used as receivers only. An Elekraft K3 (with the full coverage preselector option) could be as good as an Icom ICR9500 for only 1/5 of the price. Many other transceivers include advanced DSP, even the low-priced Yaesu FT-450, but are generally designed/equipped mainly for the SSB mode, not for the AM mode. For broadcast listening, the compact Icom IC-703 (with AF DSP) could be a better choice. I well understand that a receiver cluttered with a 100W transmitter inside is not the best thing we could think of, so I look mainly at those with low power (10 W or less). Also, used as a receiver only, a transceiver can use a smaller power supply. I would check if there is a good AM filter and if the IF automatic notch filter is working in AM mode.
Summary: DSP Rado D92L, Ciao Radio H101, RFSpace SDR-IQ, Elecraft K3, some other transceivers.
Ed.: Thanks for the suggestions, Ray.
May 9th, 2009 at 5:58 AM
It would be most interesting if the Passport receiver “review crew” could obtain a Kneisner + Doering KWZ50 for an evaluation! Honorable mention goes to the AOR-AR7070.
Ed.: Real life, it absolutely, positively, finally exists?
May 16th, 2009 at 4:01 AM
The KWZ50 may not be in production, now that I think about it. They have not answered my emails regarding its availability. We can only hope that the good folks at K+D make good on what appears, for now, to be merely an on-line spec sheet. If and when the KWZ50 is released, I look forward to Passport’s review.
July 21st, 2009 at 2:10 PM
K+D´s main business is supporting the car industry with their products and this currently isn´t an easy one here in Germany. I doubt the KWZ50 will appear too soon.
December 27th, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Is this site dead, or in limbo?
John S
Ed.: Given that several postings and comments have been made in recent days…