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write your own review of the Alinco DJ-S11T.
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KD5RFT
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Rating: 4/5
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Feb 7, 2002 17:33
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Best Design in its Class
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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The DJ-S11 as I understand it falls in the microtxcr class. It has a 340mW (1/3W) output. The beauty of this radio is it's case design. The belt clip is located flush with the top of the radio, much easier to carry than comparable radios where the clip can be as low as 1/3 height from the top. I've never had it fall off my waistline - and without a belt most of the time. The antenna may be lacking because it's a tad shorter than an optimal length and non removable, but it contains a feature I haven't seen in other HTs. Not only is it telescoping, it folds down behind the radio into a grove, eliminating the antenna from the dimensions of the radio. How many of us must unscrew our HT antenna to carry it on our waist because it stabs us in the ribs? This can't be a primary rig, but is by far the most convient to carry without the need of attachments (like antenna).
Intermod is fair. Batteries last for weeks or more with typical RX. The dual mode nightlight is convient if you primarly like to listen, especially at night. You can toggle the display between auto or on/off modes. There is no DTMF keypad, but the shift button makes tuning a breeze after a few entries.
The mod allows for RX/TX on MARS/CAP/NOAA/MURS (check current regulations before TX). It's a little weak on the receive out-of-band, but I found holding a hand over or touching the tip of the antenna will add one bar to the RX.
I can find no documentation on the charging capabilities. I read a rumor that the base was canceled to keep to lower cost of using this radio. I did some probing with my multimeter and I believe that applying 6V to the radio will slow/trickle charge NiMH/NiCD just fine.
The case and antenna are durable. I've had a few knocks from a desk, monitor, and assorted places with antenna extended and only once did the antenna slightly bend... it was exactly at the rubber coated section near the base of the antenna and had no effect on the main antenna or the swivle connection on the unit. I easily bended it back in to place by hand and can find no evidence of a remaining bend or dent.
Long winded review, but hope this adds to that body of knowledge on the internet for others to make a more informed decision.
73...Nick, KD5RFT
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KU4QD
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 19, 2002 15:12
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Very good for what it does
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I carried one of these (or the matching DJ-S41) in my purse for a few years. It's small, lightweight, and works. The 340mW is enough to bring up a number of repeaters in the area full quieting, even with the short antenna. Both receive and transmit audio are very good.
The complaint about intermod protection (or the lack thereof) is true of most modern Japanese toys. I live near a medium sized city (Raleigh, NC) and in most places I hear repeaters. I have to go to a really high intermod zone to have a problem, and then so does about every other rig.
The DJ-S11 is fairly intuitive and the ergonomics are quite good for a rig this small. The Alinco engineers really seemed to do a good job designing this little HT. My only complaint is that the antenna is fixed: you cannot remove it and connect to an outside antenna.
A new ham should have no problems enjoying this rig to the fullest provided they make sure they are in range of a repeater or two they can hit at milliwatt power. Checking with a local ham might have helped the first reviewer make a choice that made sense for him. For a lot of new hams this rig will do everything they need in an HT.
The only reason I got rid of this rig was to go to a dual band HT (with all of 200mW output). It's ideal for special events and public service work, and the batteries last a very, very long time. There is probably no better value out there.
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KC8PMM
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Rating: 3/5
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Jan 16, 2002 07:37
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Good for $88
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Useful for crossband repeating but not much else. Antenna stinks. Worth the price new.
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W5PM
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 27, 2000 11:58
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how about that price!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This applies to the S-11, S-41 and S-46. The radio is easy to program, yet I have never unintentionally erased or overwritten anything. With the folding antenna, the radio fits in your pocket. It runs on AAs, which can be found in almost any corner store. It has good audio. Unlike every other modern radio I have owned, I have never had to reset the microprocessor and start all over. We use the 2m (since 1997), 440 (since 1997)and FRS models (since 1998) in my family and have had no problems whatsoever. As a primary rig, you would find the radio limited, but that is not how we use them. We use them for Scouts, hiking and skiing. Also good for walks around town. I would recommend the radios as part of an emergency go-bag, to complement a 5-watt or higher HT with external antenna capability and cross-band repeat.
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ND4MR
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Rating: 3/5
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Apr 26, 2000 19:46
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Never ask more than they can give
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I own two of these little DJ-S11's and recently gave one as a gift to another ham. They are great little radios for what they do, but don't expect from these "Toy Radios" more than they were designed to give. Their receiver has virtually no intermod protection, and if you use an S-11 in an urban environment you'll probably hear more paging transmitters than ham transmitters. The S-11's own transmitter is a mere 1/3rd watt, and it has a shortened (read: inefficient) antenna, so its transmit capabilities are likewise limited. Having said all this, I really like my pair of S-11's. I keep one in the trunk of the car as a supplement -- not a backup -- for my 50 watt mobile, and have another that is often worn on my belt. Just remember that, with ANY of these micro-tiny radios, they have significant limitations, and buying one as your FIRST radio -- or, heaven forbid -- your ONLY radio, is unwise and ill-advised.
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KD7HUU
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Rating: 3/5
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Apr 24, 2000 15:34
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Not very happy
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I need to clarify and update the first review. I found out afterwards that the repeater was about 7miles away. I did talk to other hams and they said the 70cm (DJ-S41) works much better. I had someone(KB7AQD) contact me and he liked the smaller radios. All he uses it for is recieving, he ended up trading me the Alinco for an HTX-202 and I am much happier. I can get out to a lot of repeaters now and am able to talk to several different amateurs. Thanks Robert(KB7AQD), Terry.
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KD7HUU
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Rating: 3/5
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Mar 31, 2000 12:46
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I do not recommend this for a first radio.
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Time owned: unknown months
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I bought this radio as a first radio, I've only been a ham since Feb. 2000. As most new hams, I've read about, I just listened for a few weeks. When I did get around to xmitting, I couldn't even get to a repeater 1/2 mile away. It makes a pretty good receiver. I realize that this only has 340mW output, but I bought it without talking to any other hams. In fairness, I have not tried to use the 5.5v output adapter with this radio.
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