[IRCA] Tecsun PL-380 DSP Receiver-- First Impressions

[D1028Gary@xxxxxxx]

Hello All,
 
As most Ultralight radio enthusiasts are aware, China's premier radio  
manufacturer has released yet another DSP-enhanced AM-FM-SW-LW portable for our  
consideration. After a wait of about 17 days after ordering from the 
outstanding  eBay seller "Anon-Co," I received my new black PL-380 today in a very 
 well-packed shipping box, complete with the standard accessory pack (3  
rechargeable AA batteries, and a USB cable to charge these batteries from a  
computer) plus stereo ear bud phones and a clip-on wire antenna. The  total 
cost for this collection was $45.99, plus $24.00 shipping (for registered  
air mail from Hong Kong).
 
Roy (in Australia) has already given us detailed impressions of his  
PL-380's performance, which were much appreciated. My comments will  hopefully 
augment his reports, and help to clarify some aspects in which  individual 
model differences may be coming into play.
 
Physically the PL-380 has a cabinet the size of a PL-300WT/G8, and may be  
pictured as a PL-310 without a round tuning knob (the PL-380 has an internal 
 thumbwheel, like the PL-300WT/G8 models). 
 
As Roy has reported, the 4734 IC chip's infamous "soft mute" function  
(plaguing the PL-300WT/G8 models, the PL-310 and the Kchibo D96L) has indeed  
been turned off in the PL-380. This makes it much easier to tune 1 or 2 kHz up 
 or down from a DX station's frequency (to reduce local QRM), without 
having  the DX signal drop off severely. For a transoceanic DXer needing to  
optimize very weak signals in the face of domestic splatter, this is a major  
improvement.
 
As opposed to Roy's report of his PL-380 being down in AM sensitivity  
relative to his PL-310, my new PL-380 seems to have AM sensitivity  equivalent 
to the PL-310 models here, both on the high and low band  frequencies. There 
may be individual differences in the loopstick  construction process for the 
PL-380 models coming into play (such as we have  experienced in the 
PL-300WT/G8 models), resulting in variable AM sensitivity. We  will know for sure 
when there is a larger sample base (and a larger sample base  of PL-310's).
 
With the exception of the "soft mute" function being disabled in the  
PL-380 model, the overall AM-DXing performance of my new PL-380 seems  identical 
to the PL-310's here. Both models have exceptional 1 kHz DSP  selectivity 
for an inexpensive pocket portable, and should be should  be ideal for one of 
our hobby's ultimate thrills-- chasing TA's or TP's  with a hand-held 
receiver.
 
The FM, SW and LW performance of the new PL-380 will be investigated  in 
the next few days, and propagation permitting, the new model  will chase TP's 
in earnest tomorrow morning. From all appearances, this new  DSP ultralight 
is well worth the $45, and should thrill those DXers who have  been eager to 
chase transoceanic and domestic DX without the "soft mute"  irritation.
 
73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA)
 
             
_______________________________________________
IRCA mailing list
IRCA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca

Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers

For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org

To Post a message: irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx