Re: PL-360? anyone have one yet?
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Hi Farmerik,
There was a PL-360 "first impressions" post written here about a month ago
(which you may have missed), so it is pasted below. A 11-photo PL-360 album
has also been uploaded to the Ultralightdx file section, if you are interested
in the physical details.
73, Gary
First Impressions Post (from 2-9-10):
Hello All,
The Tecsun PL-360 is the latest model in a series of Si4734 DSP-chip
based designs from China's premier radio manufacturer, and it comes with a
price tag ($45.99 plus $24.00 shipping from eBay's "Anon-co") about the same as
the PL-380's and PL-310's with which most of us are familiar. Probably the
easiest way to describe the new PL-360 is to compare it to these well-known
models, especially by concentrating on the features left out in this new
radio.
First of all, as an AM-FM-SW model, there is no Long wave coverage. The
PL-360 has its DSP filtering fixed at the 3 kHz setting (like the
PL-300WT/ G8 models), which makes it less than optimal for 9 kHz-split
DXing enthusiasts. The plug-in rotating loopstick is interesting, but its 2"
length really doesn't provide AM sensitivity close to either the PL-380 or
PL-310. The audio from the tiny speaker is a shade less pleasant than that of
the larger radios, and the whip antenna is also a shade
shorter-- detracting from the FM and SW reception somewhat. Unlike the
PL-380, full-blown soft mute seems to have been restored in this
consumer-oriented model.
The PL-360 has all of the Si4734 chip functions with which we have become
familiar, however, and its 1 kHz tuning steps do provide the necessary
capability to enjoy transoceanic DXing (preferably with a more serious
antenna). The compact size of the PL-360 makes it easy to slip the radio in
a shirt or coat pocket, and the plug-in loopstick (with a standard phono jack
plug) will certainly be easy to replace with much more effective loopsticks, or
external antenna connectors.
The PL-360 comes with a 22-page English owner's manual, 3 rechargeable
AA batteries, stereo ear bud phones, a clip-on wire antenna, and a USB cable to
allow battery charging from your computer. Silver and black colors are
available, and the radio and accessories come in an attractive storage
case. Full details on the new Tecsun PL-360 will be contained in an upcoming
review.
73, Gary DeBock
(in Puyallup, WA, USA
In a message dated 3/8/2010 6:32:17 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
farmerik@... writes:
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