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PLEASE NOTE : This "news" page is subject to frequent changes and updates (without notice).
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*** NEWS PAGE CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS BELOW ***
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****  PLANNED UPCOMING REVIEWS  ****
(subject to change)
- ATS-25 with Binns 4.1 firmware (tentative, Jul~Aug 2022 ?) -
*****  WEB PAGE UPDATES / ADDITIONS  *****

- REVIEW : ATS-25 / ATS25 - LW / MW / SW / FM DSP Receiver (with 4.0 Binns firmware update) The updated ATS-25 receiver review is now available (includes the Version 4.0 Bernard Binns firmware review, bottom half of the page). (Updated : May 09 , added internal photo, fixed bad links, corrected text)


Again let me say that doing this (or any) firmware update is NOT for the general consumer. It is NOT an easy task. But I can tell you that it makes it more of a usable receiver. Less weird operation and much less tuning "chuffing" (muting), but not that it eliminates it either, but say 80% of it. The spectrum scan function is very good (it's not real time of course). A bit more responsive touch screen now as well. Headphone output continues to be weird on our test sample (defect ?). Actually works...but only has output on FM ! We have found a easy workaround to this and see the main review for that latest added information. Now have 75 memory channels programmed from the front panel. Those memory channels have alpha tags too but entry of those did not work so well with the test sample.

Updates (Jun 29) :
-  Bernard Binns has kindly allowed me to help beta test the upcoming 4.1 firmware for the ATS-25. We were unable to do the firmware update at first with the "ESP32 Download Tool" program as version 3.9.2 it would not work with the old Windows 7 laptop computer that we were using. But he provided a earlier 3.6.3 version that did the trick. Then was easy and ALL in ONE bin file.

The 4.1 firmware will NOT be free and has a required activation procedure. Bernard has told us that he is planning to release a "one time" free open source firmware update for 4.0 (4.01), where the bugs found by him and yours truly will be fixed. For those who need more functionality and support, there will be the paid version 4.1. which we are currently beta testing. The cost will be symbolic, but it will help compensate him for the time spent on its creation and stimulate further development (just as with this web page).This firmware will be sold via AliExpress (for those who were wondering). Actual release date of 4.1 is still "To Be Announced" (early July).

New firmware did not fix our issue with the headphone jack only working on the FM broadcast band. Must be a defect with our test sample ? I have traced back a line involved with the antenna switch that I suspect has to do with this. Some part(s) misdirecting the headphone toggle (hardware issue defect / part ?) ?

A quick list of new features of 4.1 (and bug fixes noticed so far).
- Synchronous Detection (double sideband only just like with V2.0 beta. Right now it sometimes gives poor lock performance with our test sample, but is highly variable. With some signals it works OK, other times it's a wash out.).
- MUCH improved RDS display.
- RDS Clock and Date display (displays on FM Band only).
- Built in Wi-Fi (App to follow).
- Alpha Tags now enter properly (bug fixed).
- Pre-Set Tuning Band edges now more proper along with ITU Region toggle in Menus.
- Nifty new CB channel and frequency mode screen.
- Choice of original bar S-meter, or a new retro mechanical look meter (as shown below).
- FMBC now has 200 kHz North America tuning step selection.
- All mode squelch.
- Battery voltage display now working again (as it was with original firmware beta V2.0)

Bernard Binns version 4.1 firmware for the ATS-25 DSP receiver. (N9EWO Photo)

- Jeff Magee (UK ?) has released his sketch (firmware) called "Espruino" for the ATS-25. Check out  his you tube video here. Also have a peek at his comments here, scroll down the page a bit. Please note he has ONLY implemented FM broadcast band so far. But plans to make it work on all covered frequencies in time. Lets hope he includes Sync Detection and stable SSB performance ?

- Antonino Russo has released a modified 5.2 version firmware (not tested). This is his version of Binns 4.0 and only implements full RDS data (station name - rds news - rds time). Antonio's modification will be included with Binn's updated 4.1 version.
- We see it being sold now with Bernard's 4.0 firmware installed as the "ATS-25+". We would have to assume that the hardware has not been changed at all (it's all with the updated firmware) ?

- Kevin O'Reilly has discovered 2 new variants (not tested). Please see his "You Tube" video dated Apr 07 here. The new models marked as the ATS-60 and ATS-100. But it's NOT the ATS-100 pocket model you are thinking of what he shows here (typical Chinese model confusion). Kevin was also able to install the Binns firmware successfully.

- The upcoming Binns Russian 4.1 firmware will restore SYNC mode, along with improved CW settings. Alternative S-Meter GUI selection. See this You Tube Video for a peek.

- Another variant has appeared as the "ATS25X1". Advertised having screen brightness adjustment (but that's about it that we can see other than with the updated firmware installed).

- For those who are having problems updating the firmware, please have a (and perhaps a second or third) look at Tony's "You Tube" video. 


REVIEW : ATS-25 / ATS25 / LW / MW / SW / FM DSP Receiver
It's an attractive looking package with a colorful touch color LCD display
, but is riddled with bugs at least with the tested V2.0 beta firmware.
Sync Detection only appears available with the tested Beta V2 firmware.
Update with new 4.0 firmware review now posted (bottom of it's page).
- UPDATED - SONY SW RECEIVER PAGE : ICF-SW7600GR , ICF-2010 (ICF-2001D), CRF-1, ICF-6500W A general text page rewrite. In our view the ICF-2010 (ICF-2001D outside North America) was Sony's BEST SW receiver they ever made. The usual old age traits of course do happen as with ALL old sets. (Updated : Apr 03)



- UPDATED - "Dave's Favorite Links / Archives"  ADDED Yaesu FRG-8800 PLL unlock repair tip links. If you have not yet, please have a look here for radio repair, radio / TV history and You Tube Video links. Also our archives can be accessed here even back to 1998 when we first started this web page. The reason why this web page came to be was because of the MAJOR Bourn's encoder failures with early AOR AR-7030's. AOR UK was not admitting to this issue and just about all of them were suffering from it at that time. We were using a very simple program called "Coffee Cup Express" to assemble the web page back then on a Windows 95 computer (don't laugh too hard). (Updated May 28)

- REVIEW : ICOM IC-R71 Tabletop HF Receiver Located on the bottom of our IC-R75 information / review page, we have added a ICOM IC-R71A mini review and links. (Mar 26)


The classic ICOM IC-R71A HF Receiver.
Either you love or hate it's audio quality on AM ! (N9EWO Photo)

- REVIEW : Burkhard - Reuter RDR55E Tabletop SDR HF Receiver Reuter RDR55E Tabletop SDR HF Receiver guest review is now available. Our thanks to Dean Bianco. (Mar 19)


- REVIEW : TenTec RX-320 / RX-321 Reviews.  Ten Tec (Globe Wireless) RX-320 / RX-321 reviews now available. With the RX-321 test sample , this has to be one of the best sounding HF receivers we have EVER tested. Outrageously low audio distortion. Be sure and see the Sherwood distortion lab numbers on the bottom of the review page as well. The overall RF performance with the professional RX-321 is greatly improved over the consumer RX-320 model. (Updated Mar 19)



- REVIEW : Icom IC-7300 Ver 10.6 (Updated).
- Added N9EWO comments with the Windows IC-7300 Memory Manager Program (Free Lite Version) with test sample 2 (using Windows 7).
- Added a IC-7300 vs. IC-R8600 SWL comparison list (near the bottom).
-"TIP" in regards to it's well known tight microphone connector and a internal photo of the tested SM-6 desk microphone.
- New information on the new ST-4003W "ICOM Time Adjustment Software".
- Updated "When the Rose is Not a Rose" (Sour Audio Quality for Broadcast Listening).
- Added the LCD "white line(s)" syndrome that MANY old and new samples are now suffering from (also see the news section below for more information on this).
- Added new text : "So Are You Are Having Limited SSB RF Output ?" (important discovery by Wayne W1QC, plus my additional finding here).
- Added new text in regards to USB cable use (if inserted when powered ON can cause internal port damage to transceiver.) (Updated : Jan 12)

- REVIEWS "Task Chairs" (Mid Back) (updated) : "BodyBilt" J752 ESD / Global T9F695506 / Eurotech 4x4LE-LM59802A / Lemberi AB-EOC01.  Sadly it is already time to replace the Chinese cheapie Lemberi chair as tested in the report (only lasted 14 months and that is pushing it). The gas lift failed VERY early on and the already uncomfortable chair has now become dangerous to sit in anymore (health and stability issues). We were considering to replacing it with the with the OFM 119-VAM-AA , but sadly it has been discontinued ! So now we might try another sample of the Global #T9F695506 (with the first test sample the backrest tension adjustment was defective) in time ? NOTE : It's base is made out of wood material.

We would like to try another sample of the 24/7 Chinese made Global T9F695506.
It had excellent back support and was generally very comfortable for the money (about $ 250. USD shipped).
 (first sample had a defective back tension adjustment and did not try another one at that time.)
Has alligator feel black vinyl that appears to be of good quality.
 (as noted with the defective test sample in late 2020) ?
UPDATE : Reader indicates why the back tension adjustment MAY have been OK ?
 See updated chair review page for information.

The Global Industrial "Interion" T9F506795 APPEARS to be another decent mid-back
 low cost model chair to consider if you can do without with seat and backrest rocking.
Does not use a wood base which is a good thing (most lower cost chairs use wood chip bases) !
Please see the updated chair review page for more information.
 (PLEASE NOTE : We have NOT tested this chair).

 We did endless WEEKS of task chair research in late of 2020 and again in early 2022 and came up with nearly NOTHING that was to our desires and requirements. If any reader has ANY suggestions, please let us know (email address as the top of this page). Criteria is NO mesh or cloth / fabric coverings (must be vinyl or Polyurethane), NO bonded leather. Also NO task chair where the arms attach to the back (and yes arms are a requirement). Price point $ 200. to  $ 400. area USD ?

The two chairs we made comments to of late (additional information) : The Office Master EV44 ESD task chair appears to be a very nice chair for radio room uses. However it does NOT have or an option for chair tilt or backrest tension. The more expensive Cramer RPM Fusion series does offer these options with what they call " 6 or 7 way" models. This allows the chair (seat and back together) to tilt forward and back and to rock when seat angle is unlocked. Also includes a tension control with these 2 Cramer models. HUGE downside here is this makes the chair awfully expensive at around (or above) $ 700. USD with the arm option. Important features I put as a must have with any office chair. The Global chair above has backrest tension adjustment feature for around $ 250. so be it a Chinese made model. The Chair Master EV44 and more so with the Cramer RPM (properly configured) are WAY outside my budget range. But are still something to consider for those who can afford it and desire an above average quality "radio room " chair ! (Updated  May 15)

- "Radio's That Never Were" - (updated)  Added new entry and photo : KWZ-50. (Updated Dec 17,2021)

- REVIEW : "Icom IC-R8600" Ver 15.2 (Updated). We took another hard look at the IC-R8600's so-called "Synchronous Detector" and have did a reversal view with it's performance. Is about near equal to the lousy IC-R9500 Sync (our review on the IC-R9500 here) ! At first we felt it was improved, but after a few years of ownership the final word is it's NOT to our ears. Also corrected the round EIAJ DC plug information. This was wrong in previous versions of the review but has now been corrected. March 2021 service manual addendum (changes and 2nd production run for the USA 02 cell blocked version). Also added USB port connection warning. (Updated May 29, added another LCD failure report and text / link)

 - ADDED Coby CX-CB91A review (from old notes) on the "Miscellaneous Reviews" page. (Oct 28, 2021)


- ADDED Selected Sherwood Engineering lab numbers and reports (PDF files). Posted with permission by Rob Sherwood (NC0B) (Updated Mar 02 : Ten Tec RX-320 and RX-340 added)

- REVIEW : LOWE HF-250 HF Receiver (updated) Added REQUIRED electrolytic capacitor replacement section (in yellow block at the bottom of the review page). (UPDATED Sep 20,2021)

- REVIEW : JRC NRD-630 HF Receiver (updated) Updated the JRC NRD-630 review text.  Minor text corrections made. Better quality main and internal PC Board photos. Added Sherwood Enginerring NRD-630 lab numbers (PDF). While it might be a extremely well made premium HF receiver, the overall performance and audio quality were a fast downhill silde in our hands on testing! Looking at Sherwood Engineering NRD-630 lab numbers (click here), it's IP3 Dynamic Range at 2 Khz spacing comes in at only 70db. That is a very sad showing for a excessively pricey modern premium receiver if you ask me ! (Updated Aug 10, 2021)

- REVIEW : Kenwood R-1000 (updated) Restored and updated (version 2) the PDF version of our Kenwood R-1000 “39.545 MHz” Display Repair doucment. New main photo added as well. Also added front end filtering information. (Updated Jan 30)
- REVIEW : TECSUN PL-660 (updated)  Added new text and photo to the PL-660 review from information via Paul G and his new 2020 sample purchased from ANON in Jul 2021. Also added a few new You Tube links. (Jul 14,2021)

- REVIEW : JRC NRD-545 DSP HF Communications Receiver (updated). Restored the BURP and TICK MP3 audio files to the review. Common traits for the NRD-545 and is most annoying. (Jun 28, 2021)

- REVIEW : Malahit DSP1 Original Russian Standalone SDR (updates). IMPORTANT UPDATE : 1.10d "Rev2" firmware comments. "Good News ", starting with 1.10c "Rev2" (my marking) firmware the "Sync Detector" now works properly, in fact it's excellent ! Please see the news section below for additional details and change log. (UPDATED Jan 23)

WARNING : Owners need to keep in mind that you should NEVER touch the LCD hard ! Only a very light LONGER touch is required. Excessively HARD presses (or fingernails) on the LCD will lead to premature failure for sure in time ! Equally nasty no-no's are the use of those stylus pens or any screen saver sheets. Ditto for the Icom IC-7300 and IC-R8600 !

- REVIEW (Updated) : Sangean ATS-909X2 LW / MW / SW / FM / AIR Portable. Fixed typos and added a "firmware change log" PDF file. Addedd new information to general design (IF and the ceramic filters being used. Updated Comparison Chart (located on bottom of it's review page).
- REVIEW : Philmore / LKG - MW122A Regulated Power Supply New updated text and photo / links.
- REVIEW : ICOM IC-R9500 (added PRO and CON list plus updated text)
- REVIEW (Updated) : FLEX-6400M Tabletop SDR HF / 50 MHz Transceiver (Dean Bianco's Guest Review) .

- REVIEW : Tecsun PL-600 (early production sample).
- Tecsun PL-600 Audio Distortion Modification links and information.
- Sangean ATS-803 / ATS-803A - Realistic DX-440 "Anti-Chuff" Modification
- REVIEW : Sangean HDR-16 AM/FM HD Portable (Guest Review)
- REVIEW : Grundig Satellit 750 / Tecsun S-2000 / Eton Elite 750 Receiver

- JRC NRD-525 Important Serial Number Information
- REVIEW : Ameco TPA / MFJ-1020B Tunable Preamp - Active Antennas
- REVIEW : WJ-8711A "Condor" SP-1348 Electrolytic Capacitor Chart
- REVIEW : Sangean ATS-909X - "Downright Poor Audio Quality on MW/SW"

- REVIEW : AOR AR-DV1 - Massive USB Port Failures (with later production)
(IMPORTANT UPDATE, see Yellow Block in USB Failure section near bottom of page: Oct 07, 2021)
- REVIEW : C.CRANE Skywave AM/FM/SW/AIR/WX Portable Pocket Radio
- REVIEW : AOR AR7030 - Added Old Age Check List / Audio Distortion Comparison Chart / New links (on page bottom) (Updated : Oct 08, 2021)
- REVIEW : SDRplay RSP-1 / RSP-1A SDR Receiver
*****  NEWS ITEMS and LINKS   *****

Two NEW Eton Portable Receiver's

- NEW "Eton Elite Executive HD". This new eton model replaces the Eton Elite Executive. It adds HD (digital) listening to the FM broadcast band. More colorful display. Also features 10 hz tuning in SSB / CW modes. Good news is it USES 4 AA BATTERIES (thank goodness it's not a Lithium-ion type). Updated USA release date is November 2022 (see more information below). USA dealer "Universal Radio" in Ohio is selling the entire eton SW receiver lineup once again. (Updated Jun 28)


NEW "Eton Elite Executive HD" MW/SW/FM/AIR portable.
(click on photo for larger view) (Universal Radio Photo)
- NEW "Eton Elite Satellit". (Updated : Jul 02) 

Universal Radio in USA is showing the Bandwidth filtering as :
AM : 1, 1.8, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6 kHz
SSB/CW : 0.5, 1, 1.2, 2.2, 3, 4 kHz

Humm......this clearly points to DSP filtering somewhere in it's architecture and now have a STRONG gut feeling something like the Si473x chip is being used to provide this ? Similar "super-het - DSP hybrid" design like the Tecsun PL-880 ? Of course we don't what's going on here for sure yet and time will tell the real story, BUT is appearing that it's NOT just the e1 being re-released as much as it LOOKS like it from the outside. Backlight colors are : Blue, Green and Amber. My e1 review is still available here.

Quick Manual and Spec Sheet are available for download on the manufactures web site.

NEW "Eton Elite Satellit" portable. It is NOT looking like a re-release of the e1 ?
Same case / features but appears much different innards ???? (eton photo) 

UPDATES (Jul 02) : Eton dealer "Universal Radio" in Ohio USA is accepting orders as of Jun 28, 2022 for the "Eton Elite Satellit" ($ 599.99 + $ 14.95 USA shipping, sorry Universal will NOT ship outside the USA) for late July 2022 delivery. List price is $ 699.99.

The new "Eton Elite Executive HD" ($ 249.99 tentative) is now listed for November 2022 release (subject to change and pre-orders are NOT being accepted yet).

- Introducing SDRconnect - SDRplay Hamvention 2022 demo (you tube video here) We can hope this improves SDRUNO's generally difficult installation process and unstable operation for some. (May 25)
From "Jon Hudson" SDRplay (via Groups.io) :

“SDRconnect” is the new name for the multiplatform version of SDRuno (up till now we called it SDRuno V2)

At Dayton, we are demonstrating the completely rewritten Core DSP engine for Spectrum and Waterfall displays – with the prototype software running on a Mac M1 computer.  We are also showing networking capability by remotely accessing an RSP based in the UK.

This is still an early stage demo, and the software team have a lot to do to complete the graphical user interface.

Work is underway on the new graphical user interface which:
• Retains the style and popular features of SDRuno
• Offers a more consistent and intuitive layout
• Addresses fixes and improvements suggested by users ever since SDRuno was first adopted.

SDRplay plans to release the first version of SDRconnect before the end of 2022.

SDRplay is promising that SDRconnect will fully support the older obsolete RSP2 and RSP2pro products, although the original RSP1 (phased out in 2017) will not be supported by SDRconnect.

(SDRuno V1.42 will continue to be available for RSP1 users).

The new graphical user interface will bring a lot of advantages based on what users have been asking for - like more consistency in the way panels and menus are organised making it more intuitive and easy to use, and the ability to lock panels together.


Introducing SDRconnect Software - Hamvention demo (you tube video)
N9EWO full "RSP1A" review is still available here.

- MFJ-1026 Deluxe Noise Canceling Signal Enhancer . I have received a couple of emails (again) of late asking me if I have ever used the MFJ-1026 ? Yes I have and is still a hobby saving device I use when local interference plagues listening on the SW bands. Thank goodness it's never for any extended period for me and these days power line interference is the issue. I will direct you to the "Monitoring Times" article I wrote back in April 2007 (click here, in PDF format). For anyone who is going to use it with a transceiver you need to add another relay in the AUX antenna input. Don't trust it the way it comes for ANY transceiver use (and that silly RF protection light bulb). Please see this useful "You Tube" video here. This information is also (and has been) provided over on my links page. Please check that out if you have not already.

The AUX antenna pre-amp feature in the 1026 model is a near REQUIREMENT (I will say don't bother with the lesser MFJ-1025 model). We tried a Timewave ANC4 years ago and it was not usable at my location due to the lack of the AUX antenna preamp. There are the lesser Chinese devices, but these have MUCH fewer parts so don't expect the same performance (not tested) ? See below for more information on these Chinese versions. (Apr 12) 


MFJ-1026 Deluxe Noise Canceling Signal Enhancer (my MT review here)
Even if a bit pricey these days, is still a most worthy accessory in the
HF listening shack. This is NOT a plug and play device.
A second and proper AUX noise antenna is REQUIRED ! (N9EWO Photo)

- METAL CASE UPGRADE FOR THE SDRPLAY RSP1A. The metal case upgrade for the SDRPlay RSP1 / RSP1A will be available once again soon (see comments here on the bottom of this page) . As we cover in our RSP1 / RSP1A review (see bottom of our main review for comments), this is a most worthy purchase. It also reduces the size so is a bit more compact. Unknown if the zippered case will still be included ? Keep an eye on the Amazon and ebay links (also the RTL-SDR Store) for actual availability and pricing. RTL-SDR.com informs us that due to the latest China COVID lock down, delivery has been delayed (date unknown). (Updated : Apr 10)
 
Back by popular demand : The excellent metal case upgrade for the
SDRPlay RSP1 / RSP1A to be made available once again. (N9EWO Photos)

- Reuter RDR52 - Digital Standalone Receiver - "The first Contact"...Fenu Radio "You Tube Video" of the new Reuter standalone RDR52 HF SDR / DSP receiver. At least there is a physical volume control on the RDR52. Our thanks to Dean Bianco for the information. (Jan 31)


- "QRM Eliminator X-phase 1-30MHZ HF Bands machine".

Is this device going to work as well as the MFJ-1026 at only around $ 50. USD (not tested) ?
A number of variants of this "el-cheapo" antenna phaser are floating around including on Amazon.
There is also a Russian RA0MOS kit version of this, but has even fewer parts. 

Missing on this Chinese cheapie vs. the MFJ-1026 is the all important selectable Pre-Amp for the AUX (noise) antenna. No reverse phase function (which needs to be adjusted with the MFJ sometimes). Appears to have a receiver transmit relay on board but no automatic switching (PTT connections required, which is no biggie as you should not trust the automatic relay function in the MFJ-1026 either.

As it usually goes with Chinese radios and products the price is highly variable. We have seen as low as around $ 35. on ebay.
 
I see this same Chinese ebay seller has a PC board only version available. The innards are the same as with the fully assembled one (Ali Express shows internal photos here), We have not tested this far cheaper alternative to the MFJ, Also available as a unassembled kit (PC board and parts).

 By the way USD MSRP on the MFJ-1026 was just increased to $ 270. We still have a 1026 version at HQ and continues to be a very useful gadget for killing local power line noise (aside from MFJ’s usually poor quality control). Our Monitoring Times April 2007 review on the MFJ-1026 can still seen here. If one using the MFJ-1026 (or the lesser 1025 without the preamp) with a transceiver, there is a simple AUX antenna relay modification (addition) that is a requirement to be done. Our thanks to Payman A. for the heads up on the Chinese device. (Updated : Nov 16, 2021)

- CountyComm GP-7 SSB : Video on the CountyComm GP-7 SSB portable. I can not see any differences over the OEM Tecsun PL-368 including using the same BL-5C battery (aside from the stainless steel antenna) . Price : $ 95. USD. CountyComm is also offering a extended run time operation kit (extra battery and EXTERNAL fast charger for $ 15. USD) which is a very nice touch. Our GP-5 SSB review is still available here. I see the GP-7 SSB suffers from the same VERY annoying tuning muting / chuffing as with the GP-5 SSB model. Seems that the also untested Tecsun PL-330 makes more sense in this price point having a real external SW antenna jack , so if you don't need that TV remote size. Anyway it appears these both have the normal Tecsun trait of lousy SSB clipping distortion and unacceptable Sync performance. Model not tested by N9EWO. (Updated : Nov 01, 2021)

The NEW CountyComm GP-7 SSB is now available Price : $ 95. USD.
A Tecsun PL-368 in a gray cabinet plus an added stainless steel whip antenna.
Improvements over the elder GP-5 SSB model (as shown above) include keyboard entry
and bandwidth adjustment  / sync functions. (N9EWO Photo)

- ICOM IC-7300 / IC-9700 :  Bad LCD displays with some current (and older too) production samples.

This was covered on one of the Icom IC-7300 Facebook User Groups and equally important these QRZ forum postings (also see eham reviews). It appears that Icom has received at number of BAD batches of RayStar LCD screens affecting some currently sold IC-7300 and IC-9700 samples. Actually this bug started to appear more a little under a year ago with one batch and now a new round with LCD displays with white lines. From viewing all of these user report failures this is NOT happening with just one or 2 samples (it’s MANY more than that).
 
Reports indicate this has effected a number of very CURRENT production samples out of the box brand new. Some only being days old in 2022, while others take a month or 2 (or even longer say a year) to appear. But as I read there are much even older samples that are also suffering from this "White Line" issue(s) as well. With some it has been 3 lines have appeared. I have to wonder IF abusing the LCD (say touching it too hard) or using those stylus pens (or even worse trying to use screen protectors) could be a factor in this LCD failure occurring ?

Also reported that IF out of warranty ICOM is NOT covering the replacement LCD or labor charges (which is about $ 250. USD including the return shipping fee). (Updated : May 29 , another [2 1/2 month old] IC-R8600 with a line across the screen reported.)



- ICOM FIRMWARE (Updated Nov 12, 2021)

- ICOM IC-R8600 - LCD Display Failure Issues have been reported (see bottom of N9EWO's IC-R8600 review page)
- ICOM IC-7300 and IC-9700 - LCD Display Failure Issues, (also please see this Facebook forum)

- JRC Receiver Display Failures
- "Knock off the knockoffs": A plea to cassette deck manufacturers (FAKE Chinese "JUNK" manufacturing)
- HF RFI Generator - "Electronic Defrost Timer"

- What happens when an Uniden SDS100 battery fails
- Uniden SDS-100 and SDS-200  Entire receiver on "one chip" disaster ?
- Uniden SDS200 - LCD Failures (again)
- Uniden SDS100 - J401 Bad Connection To PC Board
*****  MALAHIT - MALACHITE NEWS and LINKS  *****


N9EWO Malahit / Malachite DSP1 (original version (review is available here).
(Please Note : The DSP1 version is discontinued, no longer available new)

- Looking for the REQUIRED FLAT top 18650 (unprotected) Battery for your Malahit Receiver ? : Seem to be in short supply these days ? If you live in the USA we see a couple of LG made ones listed on the ONlY BATTERIES web site that APPEAR to be in stock (as I type this) ? PLEASE NOTE : We are not recommeding these per say, this is just for the information only and nothing more ! (Jul 19, 2021)
- Malahit DSP1 Firmware 1.10d / Rev2 (Released November 17, 2021 download link here) :
Please Note : The DSP1 version is discontinued, no longer available.
This appears to be the final DSP1 firmware version.
Firmware 1.10d (what we call Rev2):
- fixed the error indicating the firmware version. The version is now indicated on the splash screen in the lower right corner
- added display noise reduction function to HARD menu (EMI Reduction)
- WTF replaced with WF
- changed encoder control - now, being in the menu, the frequency encoder is used for control
- added 9kHz step in SSB
- added the ability to select colors in the Visual menu
- excluded Sleeptime parameter for backlight control
- no delay when switching between menus
- small bugs fixed
- Nov 17, 2021 lower receiving frequency reduced to 10 kHz

We have installed 1.10d (what we call Rev2) in our DSP1 test sample and the review includes updated testing notes. (Updated Mar 03)

Information on the Chinese Malachite / Malahit SDR's - "Caveat Emptor"
 See N9EWO Russian Malahit / Malachite - review page here

NOTE : Original posted information page is still available via
 "The Way Back Machine - Internet Archives" ....CLICK HERE
*****  RANTS and REVELATIONS  *****

A EXTREMELY RARE "5 Volt" CLEAN LINEAR USB Power Supply
 (for USA 117 VAC input voltage)

Have covered this topic in the past with other radios that use a USB socket for power. What to do about the excessive RF noise that ALL switching AC adapters emit for use with a HF receiver ?  CCrane in California USA still has available an excellent , RARE and fairly inexpensive ANALOG / LINEAR / REGULATED 5 V 900ma USB power supply that provides enough “cool” and TOTALLY CLEAN current for operation with receivers that use a 5 pin MINI USB socket (example : Tecsun PL-880). CCrane Item # CWTPLP, Model: SR0509U. Yes it has a good old power transformer and linear type regulator. If one is handy enough, can add four .01 disc ceramic capacitors across its internal 4 power rectifier diodes to make it even cleaner (kills off diode hum for close indoor antennas, see photo). We just soldered them across the top of each of the diodes. But this is not a requirement of course AND DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK !!

Super RF quiet LINEAR 5 V AC Adapter with MINI USB connector (left). Sold by CCrane in the USA.
Hefty 900ma Output. CCrane Item # CWTPLP, Model: SR-0509U (subject to availability).
Right photo shows 4 - 0.01 disc-ceramic capacitors added to
 reduce rectifier hum with indoor antennas on MW and HF.

The downside is that the CCrane power supply has a MINI USB output cable and you need a MICRO USB for the Russian Malachite SDR (Chinese ones use a USB Type C) so of course it will not work out of the box. Not to worry as there are simple adapters available on ebay and elsewhere. Example adapter here but a warning here that it will be a bit stressful on the receivers USB socket (so be very careful). If one is electronic handy could just change out the DC output cable for the proper one with a USB "Micro" plug (just dealing with the red and black wires of course). The CCrane adapter above is screwed together for easy access.

It appears that this adapter has become discontinued ? But not 100% certain as I type this.

IMPORTANT - WARNING ! : With the Russian Malahit / Malachite SDR operational current consumption approx. 300ma (as indicated in the manual), normal operation with this CCrane AC adapter is no problem at all. However when charging the internal lithium ion battery, current jumps to around 850 ma PEAK (NOTE : RECEIVER OFF) and makes this supply operate HOT and near it's maximum rating ! It would be a good idea to use a 2 AMP USB switching type adapter when charging the internal battery to rule out any possible heat failure problems down the road of the linear power supplies regulator.
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