Worldband Radios

[Richsquest]

I bought a Sangean radio receiver whilst in wintering in France from a chandler in Lyon, I clearly asked if it would receive SSB transmissions both voice and data as I neede it for weather reports. The radio has never worked properly despite rigging external antenna's and having a radio ham try to get a good reception.
Recently whilst talking to other liveaboards I discovered that 2 other people had recently bought these radios and were suffering the same problems.
I wrote to Sangean some 4/6 weeks ago ( the radio is still in guarantee) but have not had the courtesey of any reply.
Are there any others who have had the same problem ?


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jerryat]

Hi Rich!

Which model Sanfean do you have? These radios are badged versions of other, well-known makes. For example, I have the ATS818ACS (God knows what that lot stands for!) for playing with at home, and get excellent wefaxes and RTTY (radio teletype) just using a bit of wire draped over a pelmet for an aerial. It is also sold under the Roberts (high quality radios) and other names.

No problems with the five day Med forecast from Offenbach and the like. Tuning is digital and the fine tuning is down to 1hz. If your model won't tune this finely it will be difficult to get consistent pictures and often comes down to luck and an exceptionally clear signal - sometimes difficult to get in the Med due to the mountains etc.

I assume you are switching in the BFO to receive the USB signal and are tuning the frequency to around 1.8hz below the published frequency. Otherwise you may be suffering from interference from your own boat's electronics, your computer (especially if running it on an inverter - use the internal battery or DC-DC charger only, when receiving) or outside influences like masts, high building etc.

The smaller Sangeans do not have sufficiently fine or stable tuning for fax/data reception and you may have one of these. For information, my unit cost about £170.00 in the UK about two years ago.

Hope this helps a bit anyway,

Cheers

Jerry

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Richsquest]

Thanks for the info, when we get back to the boat we will certainly give it a try.
We do notice though that when on shorepower the fridge sensors do cause problems, as such we were recomended to use an external antenna, 10 mtrs, but still to no avail.
By the way we have the same model as yourself.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jerryat]

Hi Rich,

Glad you've got the same model because you definitely will be able to get good weatherfaxes/RTTY in the end, so your supplier hasn't sold you an inferior set. By the way, what software are you using? I use JVComm32 for faxes and MMTTY for rtty. Though the JV will give your both, MMTTY allows a full screen set-up so the text is easier to read - just a personal preference.

See how you get on when back aboard and PM me (if you like) if you still get problems, and I'll get my radio out, scratch my chin some more, and see if I can spot the problem! I usually punch in the required frequency (less about 2hz) then fine tune the signal. As you probably already know, you will not easily pick up wefaxes in the evening or at night, and both these and rtty are better obtained mid-morning, at least, that was our experience in the Med. We also found problems in most marinas because of the masts, mass electrics etc. If you go to Gib. forget either of 'em - you can't get anything there!!

Anyway, hope all goes well,

Cheers

Jerry



<hr width=100% size=1>