Tecsun PL-310ET world-band radio
Continuing with the "grey nomad" outfitting. When I go camping,
with car and tent, I like to listen to the radio. problem is, the only
one I own is in the car, and the ignition has to be turned on (in the
first position), and it only has AM and FM, no shortwave.
These days, listening to the radio, AM/FM/SW, is less popular. It is
all Internet and streaming media. However, an "old fashioned" world-band
radio is pleasant entertainment in the tent at night. Besides, many
campsites do not have wi-fi signal. So, what to buy...
Curiously, I couldn't find much choice in the local shops. I would
like to run it off 5V USB, and direct frequency entry at the keypad
would be nice. Must have a socket for external antenna. Narrows it down.
Narrows it down too much, couldn't find anything local. So, look
online, but it must be a reputable brand. There are some discussion
threads on world-band radios at the Whirlpool forum, and I came to the
conclusion that the Tecsun brand will be a good buy. Here is a forum
thread discussing Tecsun radios:
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1680412
Narrowed it down to the PL-310ET. There is an Australian business that sells these:
However, I ordered it from Hong Kong, along with an external antenna:
Price for radio was AU$63.92, antenna AU$12.60, adding 10% GST (sales
tax in Australia, automatically deducted by eBay) was AU$7.67, total
cost AU$84.19. Superb price.
Note, the eBay vendor that I bought from sells the English version.
Some other vendors sell a version that has mixed Chinese and English.
Finally, if you would like to see a video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMZZG87iQL4
EDIT 2019-05-31:
The radio arrived today, in my letterbox. It had a tracking number, but
no signature was required. I suppose, the more expensive postage option
would have the sign-on-delivery. Surprised how fast it got here. Quick
test, it works, and works well.
Tags: nomad