Hello Farmerik,

All of the radios you mentioned (G8, PL-380, CR-1110 and PL-600) are on
hand here, in this overcrowded shack.

The CR-1110 is a rather odd bird that has far better AM sensitivity on the
high frequencies (especially the X band) than on the middle and low band.
It was tested extensively against an aligned Sony ICF-S5W on all frequencies
from 530-1700 kHz, and was found inferior in sensitivity to that classic
model on most AM frequencies, but clearly superior on the X band. It also
did not suffer from the ICF-S5W's severe image reception issue, of course.

I did a mini-review of the CR-1100 back in June, which may be of interest
to you. Some of the information is dated (such as the praise of the
PL-300WT, the only DSP model available at the time), but the rest should give you
detailed impressions on the model. Hope you enjoy it!

73 and Have Fun, Gary



Hello All,



Very impressed with the performance of the new Tecsun PL-300WT DSP-enhanced

Ultralight radio on medium-wave, it was a natural decision to place an

order with Amazon.com for the new full-sized Tecsun CR-1100 AM-FM
portable,

which uses the same innovative Si430/31 DSP chip from Silicon Labs. Today
my

new CR-1100 portable arrived from Kaito Electronics after a 4-day delay,

and payment of $69.99 plus $13.00 shipping (by USPS Priority Mail).



The CR-1100 is strictly a Chinese-market portable, to the extent that all

of the controls are labeled only in Chinese. Despite this, Kaito has

provided a very basic (and poorly translated) English manual, as well as
the

standard and far more thorough Chinese manual. The AM frequency steps have
also

been reprogrammed to 10 kHz, matching the North American market.



Immediately after arrival, the radio's out-of-the-box AM performance was

tested against a fully aligned Sony ICF-S5W portable (which has had the

frequency coverage extended to 1700 kHz). The comparison of these two
radios

proved to be very interesting, and showed that while the CR-1100 has some

good DXing potential on AM, it also has some puzzling shortcomings.



In comparison to the PL-300WT's sharp DSP-enhanced selectivity, the CR-1100

had a tough time going up against the ICF-S5W, with its common 455 kHz

Murata filter. Local slop on the CR-1100 was more troublesome than on the

PL-300WT, making it seem like Tecsun programmed the DSP chip to provide a

wider selectivity setting on this music-oriented receiver. The ICF-S5W was
able

to weakly receive KPQ-560 in the null of semi-local KVI-570 in the early

afternoon, while the CR-1100 could only produce KVI splatter. Low-band

sensitivity on the CR-1100 was very good, but not quite up to the
class-leading

ICF-S5W standard. Although the CR-1100's low-band sensitivity will match

that of the PL-300WT, unlike the PL-300WT, the CR-1100 cannot tune in 1
kHz

steps, making it impossible to chase TP's on the 9 kHz splits.



The CR-1100 versus ICF-S5W contest became much more competitive on the high

band, however, and on the X-band the new Tecsun was clearly far more

sensitive than the classic Sony portable. In fact, the CR-1100 sets a new

standard for X-band sensitivity among portables, having weak signal
performance

never experienced in extensive testing here. Weak fringe stations that were


barely audible on the ICF-S5W had solid audio on the Tecsun.



Also notable in the CR-1100 was the complete freedom from image reception

of local stations, a major shortcoming of the classic ICF-S5W. The Sony's

image reception detracts greatly from its otherwise stellar performance,
but

the Tecsun DSP chip appears to have solved the problem entirely.



After the out-of-the-box performance test, the CR-1100 was disassembled to

check the loopstick construction, and the possibility of alignment. Both

the PL-300WT and CR-1100 were designed to have a "no alignment" RF system,
in

which the DSP chip ensures maximum performance without loopstick peaking,

or adjustment of a 1400 kHz trimmer. In the CR-1100, there is a 4.25" x

.36" single-coil loopstick in the middle of the cabinet, which seems
rather

odd because of the extensive cabinet space on both sides which would allow


placement of a much longer ferrite bar, if desired. Alignment was attempted


by shifting the coil, but this had no effect on the CR-1100's sensitivity
on

any AM frequency. Apparently DXers will need to accept the CR-1100's

sensitivity as delivered, unless they wish to transplant a larger ferrite
bar

with a coil of equal inductance (which is certainly possible with all the

extra cabinet space).



The CR-1100 also has a sensitive FM section, although again, for some

unknown reason it seemed slightly less sensitive than that of the PL-300WT.


Perhaps there is a greater impedance mismatch with the CR-1100's short whip


antenna, but in any case the PL-300WT Ultralight can receive more weak FM

fringe stations here than the CR-1100.



The CR-1100 has a large music-oriented speaker and excellent audio, with

analog tone and volume control knobs. The 8-ohm speaker has a 1-watt rated

output. The radio also has 300 memories, and various digital tuning

capabilities. It operates on 4 "D" batteries, and comes in an attractive

black-brown cabinet. It is available from Amazon.com (via Kaito
Electronics) for

$69.99 plus $13.00 shipping.



So after the full evaluation, what would be the CR-1100 verdict for a

dedicated medium-wave DXer? If you are a domestic DXer that concentrates on
the

upper frequencies (especially the X-Band), the new CR-1100 would be tough

to beat. Its upper-band sensitivity (and generally good selectivity) is

likely to set a new standard for contemporary portables. Urban DXers will

appreciate the complete freedom from image reception, and general freedom
from

spurious products. Hobbyists who enjoy music reception will not be

disappointed in the CR-1100's audio qualities. However, if you wish to
chase

transoceanic DX, or wish to experience the maximum potential of the
exciting new

Silicon Labs DSP chip, my recommendation would be to pass on the CR-1100--

and go for the new PL-300WT Ultralight model. Its 1 kHz tuning ability and

stellar selectivity (plus superior FM sensitivity) make it the obvious

choice for most medium-wave DXers.



73 and Best Wishes,



Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA)








*

* _farmerik@..._ (mailto:farmerik@...) writes:







OK, now I get it. Sort of like the audio version of the screen break-up on
digital video. I can see why it would be a problem for really weak signal
DXing, however on my G8 I don't think I will miss any station strong enough
to actually listen to.
Both the G8 and CR-1100 hear weak stations with less noise and
interference than my analog radios, but miss all the really weak signals entirely. The
CR-1100 is significantly more sensitive and has less noise on its weak
stations though. Anyone have a PL-380 AND a CR-1100 to compare? My new PL-600
seems MUCH more sensitive than the CR-1100. - FARMERIK

--- In _ultralightdx@ultralightdxult_ (mailto:ultralightdx@...)
, Richard Berler <lrdheat@> wrote:

The soft mute occurs when tuned exactly on frequency on weak signals

that vary between s/n's of 0, and s/n's that rise above zero...instead of a
smooth rise or fall in the audible signal, the signal sounds like it is
flickering. The set, if soft mute is the default mode (as it is on the G8 and
PL-310), will semi mute the signal of a station that falls below (or rises
above) a certain threshold of signal strength, resulting in the flickering of
the audible signal.

Â
Heatwave

--- On Sat, 1/2/10, farmerik <farmerik@...> wrote:


From: farmerik <farmerik@...>
Subject: [ultralightdx] Re: G8 vs CR-1100 preliminary AM BCB

report-FARMERIK

To: _ultralightdx@ultralightdxult_ (mailto:ultralightdx@...)
Date: Saturday, January 2, 2010, 9:49 AM


Â




I used to use WICC as a test for a good radio in the daytime. It is much

closer to Westport than I am in the Northeast of CT, while Westport and
Naugatuck [WICC] are in the Southwest part of the state. Since you used to
live in the area, I'll mention some call letters next time.

Maybe I need some help understanding exactly what the dreaded soft mute

sounds like. Is it only a problem when tuned one or two Kc. off? Or is it
the mute which happens before you couple an external loop, and you have to
change frequency, and come back after the loop is in place? Maybe something
else entirely? - FARMERIK

--- In ultralightdx@ yahoogroups. com, Richard Berler <lrdheat@ > wrote:

Thanks!
ÂÂ
Also, check to see if there is a pumping on marginal-weak daytime

signals (the dreaded soft mute).

ÂÂ
I used to live in Westport, CT. From there, I needed a good radio to

get WBZ and WPRO during the daytime, and to get WCAU, KYW, and WFIL?(560)
from Philly.

ÂÂ
Heatwave
Streets of Laredo, TX!

> ÂÂ

--- On Fri, 1/1/10, farmerik <farmerik@ .> wrote:


From: farmerik <farmerik@ .>
Subject: [ultralightdx] Re: G8 vs CR-1100 preliminary AM BCB

report-FARMERIK

To: ultralightdx@ yahoogroups. com

> Date: Friday, January 1, 2010, 7:21 PM

ÂÂ

> I'll see what I can do. I usually don't listen in the daytime.-

FARMERIK

--- In ultralightdx@ yahoogroups. com, Richard Berler <lrdheat@ >

wrote:

Happy New Year!
ÃÆ'‚ÂÂ
Can you do some mid-day testing, and post your observations?
ÃÆ'‚ÂÂ
Thanks!
ÃÆ'‚ÂÂ
Heatwave

--- On Thu, 12/31/09, farmerik <farmerik@ .> wrote:


From: farmerik <farmerik@ .>
Subject: [ultralightdx] G8 vs CR-1100 preliminary AM BCB

report-FARMERIK

To: ultralightdx@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Thursday, December 31, 2009, 11:31 PM

>

ÃÆ'‚ÂÂ



I've had the G8 for a couple months, since joining here, but just

got my CR-1100 today. Both have the same DSP chip I believe. The CR only
tunes in 10 Kc. steps on the AM BCB, but I believe it can be programed for 9
Kc. steps too.[You can not 'slope tune' it off a Kc. or two to escape an
adjacent much stronger station.]

The CR-1100 is rated by Tecsun at 0.5mv/M with its larger ferrite

and the G8 is listed as 1mv/M. The CR-1100 is not really so much different
than a modified DSP ULR with larger ferrite, but I don't think it qualifies
for competition.

> > I placed the two radios side by side, facing the same direction,

running both on good alkaline batteries. I tuned three ten 'channel' bands,
700-790, 1000-1090 and 1500-1590, and took notes on each station I heard.
I'll summarize here. The CR is noticeably better on about 50% of the
frequencies, and about 1/3rd of those are substantial improvements. I got stations
on all but 6 of the 30 frequencies on both radios, so it is a good night
here in Connecticut.

As expected, the audio bandwidth on the CR sounds noticeably wider,

but what I didn't expect is that when ever there is back round noise, or a
second weak station is also heard, it is much quieter on the CR. I expected
wider selectivity to hear more noise and other stations not less. The
narrower G8 bandwidth seems to hurt, NOT help with interference.

Also, I looked at the meters for dBa and s/n. Both numbers scrolled

all the time on strong and weak stations. The CR had +5 to +10 more units
on the dBu scale on average, and sometimes the differences were much
greater. The G8 ran +10 to +15 units on the s/n read out. I don't know what to
make of that, but probably they are not 'calibrated' or 'standardized' , so it
does not mean a thing. If anyone can explain it, I'm all ears.

I tried the TERK with both radios, and as before with the G8, it can

lower back round noise,but it does not seem to ever dig a weak station out
of noise like it does on a cheap portable.

-FARMERIK

_Reply to sender_ (mailto:farmerik@...?subject=Re: G8 vs CR-1100
preliminary AM BCB report-FARMERIK) | _Reply to group_
(mailto:ultralightdx@...?subject=Re: G8 vs CR-1100 preliminary AM BCB report-FARMERIK)
_Messages in this topic_
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultralightdx/message/7038;_ylc=X3oDMTM1amxhMWloBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNjE0MDc2BGdycHNwSWQD
MTcwNjA1ODAzNwRtc2dJZAM3MDg2BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3Z0cGMEc3RpbWUDMTI2MjQ4ODU4MAR0
cGNJZAM3MDM4) (8)
Recent Activity:
* _New Members_
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultralightdx/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJnOWx2bDQ4BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNjE0MDc2BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNjA1
ODAzNwRzZWMDdnRsBHNsawN2bWJycwRzdGltZQMxMjYyNDg4NTgw?o=6) 9
* _New Photos_
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultralightdx/spnew;_ylc=X3oDMTJnMG50MHU2BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNjE0MDc2BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNjA1ODA
zNwRzZWMDdnRsBHNsawN2cGhvdARzdGltZQMxMjYyNDg4NTgw) 6
* _New Links_
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultralightdx/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJoM2JjY2xjBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNjE0MDc2BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNjA1ODAz
NwRzZWMDdnRsBHNsawN2bGlua3MEc3RpbWUDMTI2MjQ4ODU4MA--) 1
_Visit Your Group_
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultralightdx;_ylc=X3oDMTJmb2JjMDVsBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNjE0MDc2BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNjA1ODAzNwRzZWM
DdnRsBHNsawN2Z2hwBHN0aW1lAzEyNjI0ODg1ODA-) _Start a New Topic_
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultralightdx/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJmc3VvcWY2BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0B
GdycElkAzIxNjE0MDc2BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNjA1ODAzNwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNudHBjBHN0aW1lA
zEyNjI0ODg1ODA-)


MARKETPLACE


_Going Green: Your Yahoo! Groups resource for green living_
(http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=14kh0s3su/M=493064.13814333.13821539.13298430/D=groups/S=17060
58037:MKP1/Y=YAHOO/EXP=1262495781/L=/B=gCrsVkSO5_s-/J=1262488581063219/K=ijt
o_xdPJOR4juEFBTIJAg/A=5922843/R=0/SIG=11ckn2mo6/*http://advision.webevents.y
ahoo.com/green/)



(http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJlbDNvdTVtBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzIxNjE0MDc2BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNjA1ODAzNwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNnZnAEc3RpbWUDMTI2MjQ4ODU4
MA--)
Switch to: _Text-Only_
(mailto:ultralightdx-traditional@...?subject=Change Delivery Format: Traditional) , _Daily Digest_
(mailto:ultralightdx-digest@...?subject=Email Delivery: Digest) •
_Unsubscribe_ (mailto:ultralightdx-unsubscribe@...?subject=Unsubscribe) •
_Terms of Use_ (http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/)





.