RadioBanter - View Single Post - what is best inexpensive (used) digital SW portable radio to give to a 12 year old?

February 7th 06, 06:09 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.boatanchors

wrote:

Hi,

I have several young boys in the 8-12 age range who need an activity to
help them get focused on something so they will take a better interest
in school.

My thoughts are giving them an inexpensive battery operated digital
radio with the shortwave bands and a book on short wave listening and
amateur radio.

Which would be the best used sw digitals to buy that would be decent
enough to pull in the other countries?

Thanks,

John

Some thoughts...

Any of the little 'Chinese' portables will pull in other countries. The
cheapest ones tend to suffer from overloading, may not have full
frequency coverage other than shortwave broadcast, etc, etc.

But, for well under $100 (more like 60-80) you can get full coverage, a
decent dual conversion receiver and BFO to tune sideband and CW, etc,
etc. For exposure to amateur radio they need a BFO.

For myself, I'd personally buy one of the NEW Chinese digitals like the
no-name DE110* series or Kaito KA1102, etc. (I can't believe I'm saying
that). Thats probably overkill for kids of that age.

In these little sets you basically get what you pay for and the price
reflects that. The $15 ones 'work' just fine for a kid who has never
heard shortwave radio before.

I can't think of a common USED digital model that has SSB capability in
the same price range. Browse the Shortwave category on ebay to get a
handle on whats out there these days.

The other side of the coin would be an old tube receiver. You can get a
decent Hallicrafters S-40 (including shipping) in the same price range.
I *should* recommend the venerable S-38 but they tend to carry a
"collector" price tag. Some kids are impressed with old gear, some are
totally turned off by it.

Good luck to you!

-Bill