Many due to SWLing Put up contributor, Dan Robinson, who shares this replace to his unique Tecsun S-2200x evaluate:
by Dan Robinson
Since my unique Tecsun S-2200x evaluate, I’ve been working further checks on the S-2200x and have the next observations, and responses to some feedback. As I proceed to check this receiver, I conclude that basically if one has to have only one radio, a 2200x would actually be all you want. However the identical might absolutely apply to the S-8800, or H-501 or PL-990. Lately even a PL-880 would suffice, although that mannequin is de facto challenged within the space of synchronous mode. With that mentioned, listed here are my further observations on the 2200x:
TWO MAJOR POSSIBLE ISSUES: In testing the 2200x unit I’ve right here, the receiver seems to lose sensitivity within the larger HF ranges. That is to some extent the place, say within the 27 mHz (CB) vary, I used to be listening to transmissions on all different radios on the identical antenna whereas the 2200x was basically deaf. Moreover, the radio was much less delicate on this higher HF vary with the antenna swap within the EXTERNAL place than it was on INTERNAL. That is actually unusual. See the following paragraph for concern
No. 2 involving SYNC.
AGC/SYNC: Whereas synchronous on the 2200x works effectively with stronger stations, the receiver does battle a bit with weaker alerts. For example, testing on 15,575 khz (South Korea) utilizing the telescopic and an an exterior lengthy wire confirmed that in synchronous, there was a great quantity of “pulling” with the sign, which was solely honest stage. The query of whether or not Tecsun has made any modifications to SYNC mode between the H-501/Pl-990 and S-2200x stays, and we’d hope to listen to from them on this concern.
As all the time, reader feedback spark further pondering. As one consumer noticed, Tecsun might have added AGC FAST/SLOW/MEDIUM choices along with offering a AGC, and guide AGC. My additional testing reveals that on weaker alerts, the SYNC on the 2200x can nonetheless be challenged. By the best way, SYNC operates not solely on SW, however in AM and LW as effectively.
SSB: One reader asks if SSB efficiency on the 2200x has “the identical woeful SSB audio high quality points brought on by AGC and a low lower off frequency of round 300 hz making the audio sound skinny, missing bass whereas on SSB?” And the reader notes that these are “points with each single Tecsun and most different DSP radios and on account of the price of these radios one ought to count on good performing and sounding SSB.” To adapt a quote from certainly one of my favourite Clint Eastwood film traces (“Deserves bought nothing to do with it”) on this case I’ll say that Excellent has nothing to do with it. We’re all having fun with a mini-boom within the look of latest receivers – to count on absolute perfection, no matter the place a receiver is made, is unrealistic.
ANTENNA: I’ve acquired quite a few requests to do a video displaying reception utilizing the telescopic versus exterior. One video of such a comparability is right here: https://youtu.be/XgD1IblA-b4 and reveals the telescopic antenna in comparison with an extended wire. I’ve not related the 2200x to a magnetic loop however will do one other video displaying this.
RDS: Quite a few customers/viewers have commented on the absence of RDS within the 2200x. That is certainly a great commentary – appears that it could have been simple for Tecsun to incorporate this, and one wonders if the corporate will take into account including this as a function not solely within the 2200x however H-501/PL-990 as effectively.
AC POWER: As everybody in all probability sees, there appears to be no technique to run the receiver on AC energy. There’s a twin USB-A dice included within the package deal, however as now we have discovered, working receivers whereas they’re charging just isn’t a good suggestion.
TUNING KNOB: Sure, the principle tuning knob nonetheless displays wobble. It’s a puzzle as to why this could’t be resolved, particularly years after the unique Grundig 750 emerged and the outdated fashions continued to have this concern for years. However the motion of the knob itself is de facto clean and it’s a pleasure to tune this radio, no less than based mostly on the pattern I’ve right here.
Click on right here to view on YouTube.
