portable radio selection. Is SSB needed?
Submitted: Monday, May 31, 2010 at 13:35
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ben_gv3
Hiya all,
I'm looking at buying a portable radio for use on AM/FM/SW.
I've narrowed it down to the
Degen 1103or
Kaito 2100, also sold thru Jaycar but under a different name.
The Kaito doesn't have SSB reception whilst the Degen does. Is SSB required? From what I've read most of the HF communications (VKS737 etc) uses SSB. Is this correct? Can I even receive VKS737 through a radio or is a license required? I imagine since a VKS user needs to pay a
membership fee then there is licensing involved or is that for transmit only???
I've just noticed that Kaito make the Degen 1103 model but everyone knows it as the Degen.
Reply By: Star Bug - Monday, May 31, 2010 at 14:22
Monday, May 31, 2010 at 14:22
What do you want to listen to?
If you wanted to listen to HF 2 way comunications like VKS then yes you will need something that is SSB capable. IF broadcast AM/FM programs on the MW/HF/VHF bands are you target I wouldnt bother with SSB.
No, you dont need a licence to recieve any broadcasts, be they comercial or otherwise.
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Follow Up By: ben_gv3 - Monday, May 31, 2010 at 14:56
Monday, May 31, 2010 at 14:56
I have no experience with HF comms, ie VKS, so have no idea on what it offers and hence whether it's worth listening to. All I know is that it offers Skeds which I assume is local weather and news reports? I could also listen to 2 way comms I suppose. I'm not sure what value that offers.
Does it offer any more information then say the local ABC?
From a ExplorOz review the Degen 1103 is not worth buying for the SSB ability alone as it wasn't very clear.
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Monday, May 31, 2010 at 15:20
Monday, May 31, 2010 at 15:20
If you go into the articles section in the blue bar across the top of the
forum you will find quite a bit of info on communications in remote areas. This might help you understand HF and VKS737 better and help you to decide what it is that you are looking for.
In a nutshell radios like the Degen are just a portable radio that is able to listen to an extended range of frequencies including HF.
HF radio allows members to transmit as
well as to listen on selected frequencies across long distances, something that enhances safety when travelling away from civilisation.
Cheers,
Val
| J and V
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Reply By: long haired nomad - Monday, May 31, 2010 at 19:00
Monday, May 31, 2010 at 19:00
Are you after a radio for communication purpose ie: CB, UHF or for listening to news music etc etc? If its just news and music there is a bloke in victoria i think who sells a certain brand of radio with an aerial suitable for outback areas. But for the love of me i cant think of his website but im sure someone on here will help out.
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Follow Up By: Bazooka - Monday, May 31, 2010 at 22:22
Monday, May 31, 2010 at 22:22
PK's Loop Antennas
http://www.amradioantennas.com/
After reading many comments and in-depth reviews on ExOz and other websites I bought the Degen 1103 for $A90 from liypn on Ebay. Haven't used it out back yet but good little radio so far. Previously considered the usual suspects, Sangean ATS909 and Sony 7600gr, but Degen won primarily on price.
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