[IRCA] Tecsun PL-600 LW-MW-SW Portable

[d1028gary@xxxxxxx]

Hello All,

One of the newest SSB models from China, the Tecsun PL-600 is obviously designed to compete with the Sony ICF-SW7600GR, with very similar size, shape and features.?As a much newer model, however, it has superior digital features and a much lower price-- $65.95 plus $24 shipping, from the eBay seller "tquchina."

Although this model is seriously oversized for Ultralight radio qualification, it does have one stellar quality that would thrill any?pocket radio transoceanic DXer-- the ability to act as a compact SSB spotting receiver, with a sensitive and selective AM section. Its 4" x .4" loopstick is identical to that of the new PL-450, and provides highly directional nulling capability to identify?transoceanic SSB carriers.?In addition, its SSB?fine tuning range covers about?5 kHz?of total spectrum, giving it greater flexibility than the?more narrow SSB tuning range of the ICF-SW7600GR (which is switched between LSB and USB).?The?BFO circuitry?is also stable enough for routine copy of amateur radio?SSB and CW signals.

As in the ICF-SW7600GR and ICF-2010 models, the PL-600 has a broadbanded, fixed loopstick which doubles as the LW antenna. These loopsticks have two fixed coils with no alignment system, making them?a completely different type of antenna than the single-coil E100 and C.Crane SWP loopsticks, both of which can be replaced by a sliding-coil transplant providing greatly increased sensitivity.?In the case of the PL-600 (and also the ICF-SW7600GR and ICF-2010), greatly increased sensitivity can be obtained by matching the stock coil inductances in a longer composite ferrite bar loopstick transplant, however.

As a stock model, the SSB-equipped PL-600 should be a great choice for Ultralight radio DXers?needing a "spotting receiver" for transoceanic DX possibilities.?Strong?TA or TP carriers on a PL-600 should indicate a great chance for stock Ultralights like the E100, C.Crane SWP or DT-400W to receive their first transoceanic DX signals.?As one of the lowest priced, relatively?competent SSB portables on the market currently, the new Tecsun PL-600 can really help the beginning TA or TP DXer discover the thrills of transoceanic DX?at a very reasonable?cost.

73, Gary DeBock???? 
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