IRST LOOK

New Product Reviews
Grundig Satellit 750 Etons New Flagship Radio

By Larry Van Horn, N5FPW

tn Corporation recently released its long awaited Grundig Satellite 750 LW/ AM/SW/FM portatop radio, and the MT First Look team had a chance to put the unit through its paces. Esmail AmidHozour, CEO of Etn Corporation, says The Grundig Satellit 750 is a model of what shortwave radios should be and Etn is proud to offer this highquality Grundig product to our discriminating shortwave listeners. When I pulled the rig out of its display box, it was the first time I had seen it, and my first impression was of a radio with a bit of a retro look back to an earlier era. I have owned a number of portables through the years, and this radios general appearance reminded me of some of the beefier portables from the late 70s and early 80s. It has two large handles on each side of the radio, a carrying handle on top of the radio, and a rotatable ferrite coil antenna for longwave/broadcast band reception. The signal strength indicator is an analog meter, not the normal LCD segmented meter you see on portables offered in todays marketplace. The Satellit 750 offers complete coverage of long wave, medium wave, and shortwave radio frequencies. Shortwave coverage includes the reception of the single sideband (SSB) mode allowing the reception ham radio operators, maritime and shortwave aeronautical stations. You can select either wide or narrow selectivity to reduce cochannel interference and you can tune stations using the conventional tuning knob, quick keypad entry or via the 1000 memories that the user stores. The 750 also receives the VHF aeronautical band (118137 MHZ), and the FM broadcast band (stereo reception available via the headphone jack). When I applied power and tuned around in the AM/FM bands, I noted that the radio provided good audio quality and volume. Reception on the FM broadcast band in our rural area, even on the internal whip, was very good. AM broadcast band reception was reasonable, but I had to cut off all the laptop computers in the shack. When they were on, signals on the AM band, except for local stations, were completely covered up by extensive computer interference. I do not have this issue with any other radios or portables in my shack. On the plus side, I did note that the 750 has a lower noise floor than on some previous models of Etn radios, specifically the E1XM. This may have more to do with the type of display used on these radios than anything else. Shortwave reception sensitivity was good throughout most of the tuning range. Unfortunately, we could not find any signals above 17 MHz that we could compare with our base line portable test receiver (a Sony ICF-2010), due to the low sunspot numbers. The signal strength of single side band (SSB) stations in the HF spectrum was good, especially compared to some other portables we have tested in recent times. My biggest disappointment with this radio is the way it handles the tuning of single sideband (SSB) signals. There are several conventional and well established ways manufacturers have handled this chore over the years. For instance, the best and most common method used in most current portables is to hit a switch marked either USB or LSB, and using filters, you receive that mode. Proper receive offsets are built-in to the filters and accurate tuning of SSB signals can be accomplished. Another method is to press a switch marked Mode or sometimes SSB, and each time you press that button you get a different reception mode (e.g. mode selection on later Drake receivers). Either method works very well. If you go back about a generation, radios from that era used a more straightforward method of tuning SSB signals. You pressed a button marked SSB or BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator), and then you turned the potentimeter control either right or left of center to clarify or tune in the SSB signals you were trying to receive. I even have one portatop that has a BFO control marked with LSB (turn the knob to the left to tune in a LSB signal), and USB (turn the knob to the right to tune in an USB signal). The Grundig Satellit 750 method of tuning in SSB signals seems convoluted in its approach. Their method basically combines all the three methods I have described above and rolls them into one. The Grundig has a USB/LSB mode selection set up on one button (like the later model Drake radios), but then you have an additional step in order to tune in a SSB signal. This additional step involves further tuning of the SSB signal using a BFO (beat frequency oscillator) control. This BFO is not a fine tuning knob, and, yes, on the model I tested I could change my sideband selection by shifting the BFO knob in the opposite direction than my original tuning setup. This brings up all sorts of issues regarding accurate frequency readout in SSB, accurate mode reporting, and other issues while operating this radio in SSB. If the 750 had just included some finer tuning steps, the BFO control could have been eliminated, and tuning SSB signals could have been accomplished more easily by the user. In sum, while this radio has the sensitivity to receive SSB signals in the utility and amateur radio bands, the tuning method is a detriment to accessing those signals easily, accurately and properly. The base and treble controls allow for a wide range of adjustment so you can set the audio just right for the station being received. The wide/ narrow filters are selectable regardless of mode on all bands except Air. This is something you normally dont see on most portable radios and is a welcome feature. One of the common com-

Inside the Box

The radio was well packaged in its display box and it comes with an AC/DC wall wart, owners manual, and warranty registration card. The case is made of a black hard plastic and overall construction appears to be solid. Overall ergonomics are fair. Number buttons and other major control buttons are large and have a good feel. The display is large and easy to read, especially with the amber backlighting on.
Overall rating: 2 and 1/2 stars

December 2008

MONITORING TIMES
MT FIRST LOOK RATING (0-10 scale)
Audio Quality..6. Audio Levels..6. Sensitivity..5. Back light..5. Display..6 Battery Life..6. Ease of use..7 Feature Set..5 Keyboard/Button/ Control Layout.5 Manual..3 Overall Construction..5 Overall Reception.5.
plaints about the feature set of this radio is the lack of synchronous detection. That doesnt bother me as much as the lack of an automatic loudness control (ALC) and automatic gain control (AGC) features. You will be riding the volume control quite a bit as you tune around with this unit, due to the lack of an ALC control. It appears that the AGC is set for a slow recovery and it is not adjustable.
Overall Rating and Final Thoughts
Overall, I have mixed feelings about the Grundig Satellit 750. Contrary to the way some have characterized this radio, I do NOT believe it is a major improvement over the now discontinued Grundig Satellite 800. And, as is the case with most radios, there is room for improvement, especially at the suggested MSRP of $399. Probably my biggest concern with the Satellite 750 is that it is a double, not a triple conversion radio. We didnt experience a lot of problems in this regard here in Brasstown, but I am not sure that will be the case by other end users in more robust RF environments. On stronger SW radio signals, when connected to an external antenna, I did note several instances of dynamic compression. The radio just could not handle the amount of signal being fed to it. When we would switch from the external antenna to the whip, the signal strength would improve dramatically, in some cases 20dB or more. The manual gets an F. It is not well written, has some obvious errors, uses very small type, and it is printed in low contrast grey ink, which makes it very hard to read. As with its predecessor, the Satellit 800, it appears there may be some quality control issues. The VFO knob wobbles and is entirely too loose. In the past, Satellit 800 users reported the tuning knob eventually falling off. A quick check with other radio enthusiasts who have used the 750 indicates that their units also have wobbly tuning knobs. I am not a fan of the battery contacts or battery compartment. The + side uses a coil of wire rather than a metal plate like a lot of other radios. It is only a matter of time before the batteries will have a problem maintaining contact and providing power. This has been seen on more than one model of portable radio where wire coils have been used for the positive contacts.

The other issue is that the battery compartment door is flimsy. Its a pretty tight fit, and if the door is not seated and secured properly, the weight of the batteries will cause the door to pop open and you will have D size batteries spilling out of the back of the radio. I discovered this issue when I tried to tilt the radio during AM broadcast reception. This radios design is not conducive to tilting. Not that you cant, but your batteries may fall out, and it is difficult to maintain a tilt, since it is not designed for it. Another power issue is that this radio uses a wall wart that is center pin negative, Yes, the shield is hot. You need to keep this in mind if you are going to use an alternative power source or need to replace the AC/DC wall wart. The AM/LW rotatable antenna works well, but if you put your hand on it anywhere but the at end of the bar to turn the antenna for null or peak reception, it will skew the reception pattern when you remove your hand. The compass rose style dial below this antenna is probably of little use, as it is hard to read and appears to be slightly off in calibration. I also noted that the radio exhibits a chuffing sound when turning the tuning knob at a moderate tuning speed. This is probably an indication of muting and may result in a signal being missed while doing band scans. I also received a report from one listener that his radio exhibited some sort of noise when tuning the VFO rapidly. However, we did not notice this effect on our unit. Finally, the volume control is not where you would expect to find it. Granted, I am right handed, but most radios do put their volume controls on the right hand side of the radio. The bass, treble and volume controls are all on the left front side of the radio. Given the lack of an ALC, and my constant riding of the volume control as I tuned around, it was a nuisance to keep reaching across the radio to turn the knob up or down. Also, the shafts for these controls are very short (about 1/4 inch) and I have a concern about the knobs falling off over time.

FEATURES/SPECIFICATIONS

Serial Number: S750808000214 Manufactured in China Frequency Coverage: Longwave 100-519 kHz; AM 520-1710 kHz (US/Canada)/522-1620 kHz (selectable); SW 1711-30000 kHz; FM 87.5-108.0 MHz (US/Canada)/76-108 MHz (rest of the world); Airband 118.0-137.0 MHz Tuning rates FM AM SW Air Band SSB mode Fast 1 MHz 10 kHz 5 kHz.025 MHz 5 kHz Slow.01 MHz 1 kHz 1 kHz.001 MHz 1 kHz plus manual tuning with BFO Selectable 9/10 kHz AM broadcast band tuning steps Selectable/tunable Single Side Band (SSB) reception Auto/Manual/Direct frequency keyin and station memory tuning Control knobs: Bass, treble, volume, SSB BFO, squelch, RF gain Antenna Attenuator: 0/-10/-20 dB Auto Tuning Storage function (ATS) for AM/FM/LW 1000 station memories (50 memories (MW/LW) 100 memories (FM/SW/SSB), and 500 customizable) Bandwidth button: Wide/narrow selections for all bands except Air Dual alarm clock function Audio: 4 inch, 8 ohm speaker at 2 watts audio output External audio jack: 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) stereo reception Power consumption: 80 mAh (without backlight)/90 mAh (with backlight) Power: Four alkaline D size (UM1) 1.5 volt batteries or four 1.2 volt rechargeable batteries; and AC/DC wall wart: 120VAC/6VDC 500 mA center pin = negative polarity 3.5 mm line in jack on front of the unit that will enable you to use the radio speaker for MP3 playback) Left/right RCA line out jacks (radio broadcasts can be transferred to recording device/audio amplifier) External antenna jacks: External 50 ohm BNC jack for FM External 50 ohm BNC jack for SW External 50 ohm 3.5 mm jack on the ferrite antenna for AM reception External 500 ohm (nominal( antenna clips for a random wire antenna (red clip) and ground connection (black clip) Internal whip antenna for FM/SW reception 360 degree rotatable ferrite antenna for AM/LW reception Internal/External antenna switch (LCD display indicates what position that switch is in) Dimensions: 14.65W (372mm) x 7.21H (183 mm) x 6.02D (153 mm) Weight: 5.9 lbs (2.66 kg) Includes owners manual, warranty card One year parts and labor limited warranty (North America) and two years parts and labor limited warranty (Europe)

Overall, signal sensitivity appears to be very good for a receiver in this price category, and there are some other neat features I like on the 750. But several of the other issues may make these points moot to some. Time and the marketplace will be the final determination whether the Grundig Satellit 750 lives up to its billing as the new flagship of the Etn receiver line.

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Satellit 750

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The Grundig Satellit 750 is an exciting portable that brings you the world of long wave, AM and shortwave reception as well as FM and the VHF aeronautical band. Your complete shortwave coverage includes the S.S.B. mode allowing the reception of ham radio operators, maritime and shortwave aeronautical stations. Tune your favorite stations by the conventional tuning knob, quick keypad entry or via the 1000 memories. Enjoy the fidelity you have come to expect from Grundig enhanced by separate bass and treble controls. Other features include: backlit LCD, wide/narrow selectivity, signal strength meter, rotatable AM ferrite antenna, earphone jack, external antenna jack, line output jack plus a 24 hour clock with dual alarm and sleep feature. 14.65 x 7.24 x 5.75". $ 299.95 Grundig Satellit 750 Order #0750 List Price $400.00
The Grundig G6 Buzz Aldrin Edition provides great listening options. Tune in to longwave, AM, FM, the VHF aircraft band or continuous coverage shortwave. This advanced dual conversion circuit features Single Side Band reception. This radio has keypad entry, manual tuning knob, 700 alphanumeric memories, backlit display with signal strength indicator, clock-timer, and mega-bass switch. There are jacks for earphones and external antenna. Operates from two regular or NiCad AA cells (not supplied). With AC adapter and earbuds. 5 x 3 x 1.2" 9 oz. The Grundig G6 will be included FREE with your Satellit 750 purchase through 04/30/11. This radio may also be purchased separately for $99.95.
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S450DLX

The Grundig G3 Globe Traveler is an innovative portable radio covering long wave, AM, FM (stereo to earphone jack), continuous shortwave plus the VHF aircraft band. It features dual conversion AM/ SW circuitry for exceptional sensitivity and image rejection. It offers S.S.B. - Single sideband reception. It has a large 700 channel alpha memory system with memory scan and auto tuning storage. Unlike other portables in its class, the Globe Traveler offers Synchronous Detection. This special feature addresses the issue of selective fading and adjacent channel interference on shortwave. Other enhancements include: Wide/Narrow selectivity, auto search, RDS, signal indicator, Local/DX switch, direct frequency entry and 24 hour clock with four alarm timers. It has an external antenna jack and a Line In/Out jack. Requires four AA cells (not supplied). If four NiMH AAs are inserted, they may be recharged inside the radio. Supplied with manual, protective pouch and AC adapter/ charger. 6.62 x 4.13 x 1.1". 13 oz. $ G3 Globe Traveler Order #4033 149.95
The Grundig M400 is an ultra compact portable radio that covers the AM, FM and shortwave in two bands: 5.9-10 and 11.65-18 MHz. The frequency display is to the nearest 1 kHz on AM and to 5 kHz on shortwave. There is a built-in clock-alarm. The left side of the radio has the tuning knob, an earphone jack and a lock button to prevents accidental frequency changes. An amazingly thin radio under inch! This radio operates from two AAA cells (not supplied). Supplied with a soft case that permits the radio to be played even while inserted. 2.75 x 4.33 x 0.472" 3.2 ounces. The Grundig M400 will be included FREE with your G3 purchase through 04/30/11. This radio may also be purchased separately for $29.95

The Grundig S450DLX Field Radio receives AM, FM and shortwave continuous from 1.7 to 30 MHz. A wide/narrow bandwidth switch reduces adjacent channel interference. The main tuning knob may be set to fast tuning, slow tuning or lock. Features include: Bass and Treble tone controls, RF Gain, 50 memories, 12/24 hour dual alarm clock, QuickTune button, sleep timer, 9/10 kHz MW step, battery level icon, DX/Local switch, FM mono or stereo (to earphone jack only) switch, F type antenna jack for external SW/FM antenna and terminals for MW antenna and Ground. There is an AM IF Output jack (F type) for future accessory devices such as DRM or SSB decoders. Jacks also for line level output and line level input, plus an earphone jack. The display is backlit and there is a switch to even illuminate the push button keys on the front panel. Includes 9VDC AC adapter or operates from six D cells (not supplied). 12.2 x 8.5 x 3.8". The S450DLX offers outstanding features plus that "great audio" you expect from Grundig! $ S450DLX Order #5450 99.99

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