Prompted by an interest in the Si4734 chip firmware in the Tecsun PL-360
model (along with Scott), a full disassembly of the compact model was undertaken
today. Tecsun's reputation for engineering technician-friendly disassembly
methods played a large part in the decision, which would have been much tougher
to make with a Kchibo or Degen model (neither of which have Tecsun's high
reputation).
The compact model did indeed prove to be quite technician-friendly, and
although the Si4734 chip itself was located under a 4-tab soldered shield on the
back of the digital board, it was not too much trouble to remove the shield
and take a photo of the Si4734 chip, posted below.
For those interested, and 8-photo album of the PL-360 disassembly has been
uploaded to the Ultralightdx photo site, along with descriptions of the various
components. The PL-360 has now been fully reassembled and checked out, having
managed to survive the adventure. Tecsun's high-quality construction has once
again saved the day :-)
