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Hi,

My budget is limited at the moment, but after trying an Eton S350GL using only its whip antenna, I was rather amazed at what I could receive considering I was stood in a less than ideal location at the time. Considering the cost of the unit, even more so.

The only downside was it didn't have SSB mode, otherwise I would have bought it.

I'm currently looking at the E5 (not only does it have SSB, but it also covers airband too).

I try not to get too hung up on cost or brand, but wondered whether anyone had any experience of this?

Generally, does portability cost in terms of receiver quality?

If I start to like this, I am tempted to spend big bucks on a full-blown base station, that not only covers HF, but amateur and other bands. I'd even go so far as to get a license.

Right now though, I just want a cheap(ish) radio, that works well.

If there is anything around this price bracket (£90) that at the least covers HF and SSB and that is portable, and that exceeds this unit, I'd be interested to know.

Thanks in advance.

Chernobyl2.

I have a Grundig YB400 which is a predecessor to the E5/G5. I like it a lot. It has good dynamic range for a portable, SSB works pretty well, audio is great for a little radio such as this.

The Kaito 1103 is a pretty nice little SSB capable portable that compares pretty well to the others in it's price point. The Sangean ATS909 is nice too, but I prefer the audio from the Grundig.

__________________
Highlander, NA-821 on 11 Meters.
N9RZF, David on Ham Bands.

Yaesu FT-847, Galaxy DX-2517, President Lincoln, Cobra 150 GTL, Uniden Grant LT.

you might be intersted to have a look here...

http://www.eham.net/review

It gets some very mixed reviews, but may give you some ideas for an alternative.

Portable sets I can't really help you with, I've never used, wanted or needed one, but if you do decide to buy a home based receiver, I can reccomend the RadioShack / Realistic DX-394. I had one for a few years and it was well worth the £45 (second hand, they're about £200 new I think) I paid for it. Just get the longet piece of wire you can find and solder one end to a phono plug and plug it into the Hi Z socket on the back, then throw the rest of the wire out of the window and tie the other end up as high up as you can. It's not the best reciever in the world, but it's a good and cheap starting point. If you get more interested later on and as you say you may be going in for your licence, you might want to look at getting a 2nd hand HF tranceiver, FT840's, FT747's, FT757's are widely available in the UK for below the £250 mark, and will work a lot better than any of the cheap receivers. If you do progress onto your Foundation HAM licence you will then have something to transmit on aswell.

lightly agreed...

Which part do you lightly agree with?

I am aware not to expect the best receiver in something like this, but obviously still want to make sure I'm getting something good.

What is the fine tuning like? How does it work, and can it be used in SW modes or is it for SSB only?

If/when (more likely when) I look at getting a "proper" base station, it will be no expense spared to get the best.

Chernobyl2.

The E5 is on order, and should be here next week!

I'm hoping for tomorrow but I think it unlikely.

Chernobyl2.

I just thought they cut a few too many corners to save on production costs.

From what I've read, it is a good performing radio all-in-all...

RadioIntel.com - Reviews Eton E5

Hope you like it and post back your findings...

Thanks!

According to that review it is slightly less sensitive than the S350DL, which is something I was wondering about (I had a look at the S350DL and was immediately impressed by its sensitivity and clarity using only its whip antenna), but given that it seems to excel with an external antenna, it's probably not such a big deal.

It doesn't appear that it will arrive today, so will have to wait until Monday/Tuesday before I can get my hands on it.

Chernobyl2.

I've got it!!!! Arrived this morning in the post.

First impressions is that it doesn't seem quite as sensitive as the S350DL, but I'm just about to hook an external aerial up to it so shall be interesting to see how it performs then!!

So far, liking it a lot!!

Managed to pick up Shanwick Volmet 400 miles away. One thing is that it doesn't appear to like is being near the house when using the whip antenna - the signal soon faded.

Chernobyl2.

Hi,

I hooked up a length of wire to a stereo 3.5mm jack, but it seems the whip antenna is still connected?

Does anyone here know how the aerial should be wired, and whether it can be a stereo jack or needs to be mono??

Heard some interesting things earlier. Excellent!

Managed to pick up the time signal on 10.000 MHz and 15.000 MHz, but after I connected the external aerial it boomed through on 5.000 MHz.

Chernobyl2.