PL-360? anyone have one yet?
|
Rik
I was curious if anyone had the PL-360 yet, and if so how it works with an external loop antenna like the Terk or Tecsun directly connected to the radio. - FARMERIK
|
|
|
|
Hello Farmerik,
The Tecsun PL-360 is one of the new models here, but unfortunately there
hasn't been time yet to tinker around with external air core loops directly
connected to the plug-in jack. There are several experimental projects competing
for time here, but I hope to do this as part of the upcoming PL-360 review
article.
The PL-360 (with the plug-in stock loopstick) does have great inductive
coupling with the PVC-framed air core loops here, although the fixed 3 kHz DSP
selectivity makes the model less than ideal for 9 kHz-split DXing. The PL-310
and PL-380 would be much better choices for those hobbyists interested in
transoceanic DXing.
73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA)
In a message dated 3/6/2010 1:52:57 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
farmerik@... writes:
|
|
|
|
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:
|
|
|
|
Rik
Gary - I am not surprised to hear you have too many projects going already to complete a full review. I was just wondering if anyone had any first impressions. - FARMERIK
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In ultralightdx@..., D1028Gary@... wrote:
|
|
|
|
Hello Jack (and Tony),
Thanks for your question, and I'm happy to hear about your PL-380 purchase
based on my articles.
Like Tony mentioned, the Tecsun PL-380 (like the PL-310) has a dual tuning
rate on the AM and other bands, which is selected according to the user's
rotation of the tuning thumbwheel. When the user rotates the thumbwheel at a
fast rate on the AM band, the tuning is performed at 10 kHz steps.
When the thumbwheel rotation slows down, the tuning rate is switched to 1
kHz steps. This dual tuning rate system cannot be switched off (like on the
PL-300WT/ G8 models), and takes some time to master. As you might guess, it is
not universally popular with DXers, but does seem to work fairly well in
most situations.
73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA)
In a message dated 3/9/2010 4:30:59 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
jleonard@... writes:
|
|
|
|
franktowntrain <jleonard@...>
Hello Gary, no I don't have a 360 but I just rec'd today a PL-380 based on your shoot out results and review but I'm having some trouble tuning it. I followed the manual and set 10Khz tuning steps and it will tune in 10khz steps using the "vf" key but I can't seem to get it to tune in 10khz uning the thumbwheel, when I hit the "vf" of course it is scanning quickly thru and only stops on strong signals. Is there any way to tune manually in 10Khz increments? Am I missing something here?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
thanks Jack Leonard --- In ultralightdx@..., D1028Gary@... wrote:
|
|
|
|
Tony Germanotta
i have the 310, so it might be different, but you get it to tune in 10Khz steps by turning the wheel quickly. It then automatically goes into that mode, then you can step along with each click. (and 5KHz on SW bands). It's quite a feel operation though, you never really know how fast you have to turn the dial to get onto the steps and then you can slow down just a fraction too much and you're back at 1KHz steps again. The 310 has a conventional knob for tuning on the side, which probably makes it easier to do this, than with the dial on the face of the 380.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mar 9, 2010, at 7:30 PM, franktowntrain wrote:
|
|
|
|
Jack Leonard <jleonard@...>
Hi Gary, I guess I would have bought a PL-380
anyway because I've so many good things about it as an MW dxer but the manual
tuning is quite a issue for me. I don't seem to able to get it to move
any less that two or three stops at a time that is it jumps from 580 to 600 or
610 when I rotate the tuning wheel quickly, I guess I can always use the keypad
for tuning but that gets old very quickly. I have not done any MW listening yet,
trying to get to know the features, but it seems to be an outstanding FM
receiver even on the speaker the tone is surprisingly good and its very good on
the headphones and what an array of features in such a small package,
remarkable.
regards
Jack Leonard |
|
|
|
jim_kr1s <jkearman@...>
--- In ultralightdx@..., "Jack Leonard" > > I don't seem to able to get it to move any less that two or three stops at a time that is it jumps from 580 to 600 or 610 when I rotate the tuning wheel quickly, The radio will train you over time. :) I agree, wish they'd left it as in the G8, where you can select 1-, 9- or 10-kHz steps on MW. Once you get a bunch of loggings, you'll start going for target stations, and then the keypad is more useful. 73, Jim, KR1S http://kr1s.kearman.com/ |
|
|
|
bbwrwy
I agree with the others, tuning either the PL-380 or PL-310 receivers can be tricky. I have both and they are well worth the trouble of learning how the tuning works.
Simply pay attention to the > or >> symbols displayed to the right of the frequency. The > is shown when the tuning knob is turned slowly in 1 kHz steps. You'll see >> when tuning in 9 or 10 kHz steps. If you see >> while tuning in 1 kHz increments, immediately remove you finger from the tuning knob and start again. It requires practice, and with a little patience you will get use to it. Good luck and DX. Richard. Richard Allen 36°22'51"N / 97°26'35"W (near Perry OK USA) |
|
|