[IRCA] FM DXing with Ultralights-- The Top Models

[D1028Gary@xxxxxxx]

Hello Guys,
 
     Although we were all originally attracted to  Ultralight radios because 
of their overachieving AM-DX capabilities, it has  recently become abundantly 
clear that many Ultralight AM-DXers are also  Ultralight FM-DXers (like me), 
and there have been several requests for a "quick  and dirty" recommendation of 
the FM-DX capabilities of the top  models.  So, in order to show that these 
portables' amazing capabilities  are not limited to medium wave, here is the 
"executive summary" of the top  performers:
 
1)  Sangean DT-220V    This silver-colored model with  built-in stereo 
earphones is an absolute turkey on AM, but is a screaming eagle  on FM (I always 
wondered what the $53.26 price was for).  The FM  sensitivity is amazing, with 
decent reception of both Victoria, BC stations  (98.5 and 100.3), and passable 
reception of some Vancouver, BC (95.3 and 101.1)  stations, as well as a couple 
of Portland, OR stations (101.9 and 103.3).   It has only five memory presets 
and no bass-boosting system, but audio quality  is not bad (although plug-in 
stereo headphones are far more comfortable).   Using a whip antenna, for raw 
FM sensitivity, it is tops in the pocket radio  class. It retails for $53.26 
from Amazon, with free shipping.
 
2)  Sangean DT-400W    This is a new yellow-colored  model that will be fully 
reviewed in the Midsummer Shooutout for AM  capabilities, but its FM 
performance is definitely worth noting.  Just a  shade less sensitive than the 
DT-220V, it can provide decent reception of the  two Victoria stations (98.5 and 
100.3), but reception of the Vancouver, BC  or Portland, OR stations depends on 
your propagation luck. It has outstanding  audio quality and no fewer than 16 FM 
memories, and for stereo music  enthusiasts, is a runaway winner in listening 
pleasure.  Unique among the  top FM-DXing models, it uses the plug-in stereo 
headphones as an antenna  (not a built-in whip antenna).  For this reason, a 
substitute plug-in  antenna is provided for speaker operation.  For those 
considering a  purchase, the AM capabilities are identical to those of the DT-200VX 
(not bad at  all, although not up to the level of the SRF-T615 in 
sensitivity, or E100 in  selectivity).  It retails for $54.75 from Amazon, with free 
shipping.
 
3)  Sangean DT-200VX   This black colored-model has great  FM-DX 
capabilities, using circuitry apparently identical to the DT-400W, but  Sangean has either 
improved the alignment or components in the new 400W model,  providing a 
shade more FM sensitivity (at least in my review model).   Otherwise, the 
performance is identical to the above 400W description, with  decent capabilities for 
both AM and FM DXing.  It retails for $49.99  from Amazon, with free shipping.
 
4)  Eton E100   As long as you don't care much about audio  quality, this 
somewhat overdesigned (and discontinued) portable will provide a  lot of FM-DXing 
excitement.  With a built-in whip antenna and more  memories than you'll ever 
need, it provides FM reception fairly similar to that  of the DT-200VX, 
although the reception can be improved dramatically by placing  the whip antenna 
next to a decent FM external antenna lead-in wire.   Stock sensitivity is 
sufficient for reception of Victoria, BC (98.5 and  100.3), with ghost-like 
reception of Vancouver, BC and Portland, OR  powerhouses.  The big drawback of this 
model is somewhat nasty audio, which  is not really helped by the pedestrian 
high-low switch control.  FM  stereo-headphones plugged into this model cannot 
improve the harsh  audio, which borders on the irritating.  Aside from this, the 
E100 has  the FM sensitivity to provide a few thrills, especially for those 
who think  FM-DXing should not be confused with FM-stereo listening.  The E100 
has  been discontinued by Eton, but is still routinely available as an NOS 
unit from  many sources (including a current Durham Radio promotion on dxer.ca at 
$44  U.S.)
 
     Hopefully this basic information will be a helpful  starting point for 
those interested in FM-DXing with Ultralights.  If there  is sufficient 
interest in this Ultralight FM-DXing concept, a more detailed  "Shootout" might be 
possible in the future.
 
                                                              73 and Best 
Wishes,
 
                                                              Gary DeBock     
 



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