Hello all,

How important is single side band in a shortwave radio? My current model doesn't have this capacity. For your bugout/evacuation pack what would you prefer a 1.3lb radio with SSB or a 0.37LB radio without?

I have a nice Sangean SW with USB/LSB and rarely use the features. For my kit I like the Grundig FR200, which can be powered by crank (60 sec crank=90 mins listen) or batteries and has a built in light (which I modified to use an LED). They run around $40 and have excellent reception. Check around for reviews, good bang for the $.

What do you mean by "radio"? A receiver only, or a transceiver? What are you using it for?

SSB basically quadruples your power output, compared to double sideband with carrier. That's why most hams use SSB exclusively. I'm pretty sure most commercial operations that rely on HF (aka Short Wave) for long distance communications also use SSB rigs.

If all you want is a receiver to pick up BBC World Service or Voice of America, then probably you want (need?) to have the DSB with carrier.

As to your question "would you prefer a 1.3lb radio with SSB or a 0.37LB radio without?" it sounds like you have specific makes and models in mind. In which case I'd want to know (a) what are you planning to use it for? and (b) what are some of the other specs?

Good questions.

a) I plan on using this radio for emergency information incase I have to evacuate. For finding out how things are going elsewhere (receive only not transmit) ie. Incase the government tries to enforce vaccine usage I'll use this to see if it's ok to return from "camping".

I'd like the smallest and lightest unit possible (for ease of transport). The Grundig 100PE is the smallest I could find. Although I believe I heard that I would want a SSB receiver. From a quick internet search I've gleamed that the side bands were carrier waves originally...more or less a tighter frequency range? I just don't know what news is available on SSB. How useful is it? See note at bottom of page where I say I know nothing of sw/radios <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

b) The two models I am looking at are:

http://usa.shortwavestore.com/grundig-yb400pe.html
Grundig YB400

http://usa.shortwavestore.com/grundig-mini-world-100.html
Grundig 100PE

I'm not dead set on these models. I also am not familiar with shortwave/radios. My idea of shortwave is "turn dial until you get a station" and "shortwave skips across the ionosphere so you can hear over the horizon transmissions." Again usage is just for receiving news. My ignorance shines I'm sure <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I agree. I have the Grundig FR200 as well (and also replaced the bulb with an LED!). Its a great little radio with good tuning.

Try and stay away from the shirt pocket size radios unless they have digital tuning. An analog dial for that size radio is too small to tune effectively.


Chris

FYI

I have both these radios.

Both are good radios for their intended uses.

The 100 pe is the smallest radio of its kind and goes into my BOB with a small solar recharger and wire for better reception.

The yp 400 pe picks up all the bands i need VERY well and is located with the main survival stash with a larger solar battery recharger. All my survival gear uses AA batteries for redundancy and ease of recharging.

You cant go wrong with either or both depending on your needs.
I owned a crank sw radio and it broke in 2 weeks and the reception sucked. The yb 400 pe is hard to beat for reception in the same price size category.

If you dont plan on walking anywhere get the yb 400 pe, if you do get the smaller unit even tho it does not have SSB it will get tons of stations for information.

BTW the smaller unit does tune in just fine with an analog tuner, just takes some getting used to.

My opinion for what its worth.

Mike

Thanks to all for your advice!

-NIM

Next:

Anyone know a good space ship supplier to get off this crazy planet? <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Seems I remember that France and Russia are in the business of selling either launch vehicles or rides but the question - To Where? lingers unanswered.

If you want the "most" receiver you can carry, check the Yaesu VR-500. Not cheap at $250usd. The size of a pack of cigarets(forgot how to spell it,, advertising must be wearing off) it covers about .6mhz to 1.3ghz (in US cell and a few other frequencies blocked). Not blocked in rest of the world. Modes are AM Narrow AM, FM, WideFM, USB & LSB. Over 1000 alpha/numeric memories with computer linked database available (free software, you make cable or buy for $30usd.)

It has its drawbacks (limited RF attenuation, small speaker) but I find it very useful. It allows me to monitor all useful frequencies TVaudio, Public Service, AM/FM aircraft military and everything else but cell phones. Do a search on Yeasu VR-500 for more info, or there is a very informative yahoo group you should check before you buy. As a ham for over 30 years, I can't believe they crammed so much stuff in such a small package.

Contact me directly if you want more info.