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Author Topic: Recommendations for AM FM SSB radios - Any kits you know about?  (Read 322 times)

KK6PKT

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Recommendations for AM FM SSB radios - Any kits you know about?
« on: October 30, 2020, 03:45:31 PM »

I have been shopping this week for a good AM FM Radio for backup monitoring of the radio when internet and power is out. All I can find is some small radios with various features on Amazon, and C Crane company - and C Crane is a bit out of my price range right now.

There must be a split the difference option between $39.95 and $170.

Also, I’d love to BUILD a kit that was a decent radio (even from plans from scratch if necessary) but not sure if such a modern day HeathKit type project exists these days.

I’d appreciate any advice on this from the intelligencia here!

Mark
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K6AER

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Re: Recommendations for AM FM SSB radios - Any kits you know about?
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2020, 04:20:42 PM »


This took 6 seconds.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=am+and+fm+portable+radio

ou aer never going to learn unless you put in the effort.
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N6MST

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Re: Recommendations for AM FM SSB radios - Any kits you know about?
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2020, 04:38:13 PM »

Sideband kit - http://www.qrpkits.com/survivor.html

And don't underestimate the usefulness of a simple AM/FM radio like the Sony ICFP26. I used a model similar to this (although many years ago) and could hear everything AM of FM that was going on around me. Most of it's use was for Dodger games, though.

Also, don't pay any attention to the people who say things like "just Google it" or other such nonsense. In the case of K6AER, he seems to know all about you and how much effort you've put into this but I very much doubt he knows anything of the sort. There are tons of people who like to help and won't make uneducated assumptions about you. Don't let the trolls get you down.
« Last Edit: October 30, 2020, 04:41:13 PM by N6MST »
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KF5LJW

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Re: Recommendations for AM FM SSB radios - Any kits you know about?
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2020, 05:16:45 PM »

make uneducated assumptions about you.

You are so correct. One might assume he is to lazy to do a simple search.
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SWMAN

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Re: Recommendations for AM FM SSB radios - Any kits you know about?
« Reply #4 on: October 30, 2020, 05:19:03 PM »

 Kaito radio and electronics has many many radios like you are talking about. Google Kaito radios and you will find the web. Great prices and fast shipping. I ordered 3 times from them directly and was very happy.
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KK6PKT

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Re: Recommendations for AM FM SSB radios - Any kits you know about?
« Reply #5 on: October 30, 2020, 06:58:40 PM »

Thanks you all for the help... The last 3 of you were exactly what I was hoping to hear from. I will follow your advice (including ignoring opinions of K6AER). The off thing is that I had just spent the last hour or so searching google with various terms, including the one he posted and didn’t see kits or anything more sophisticated as I had asked about.

I miss the old heathkit it days. A good radio you could build.  I will look up the kaito radios and qrpkits.com as I didn’t see those in the searches before. I was hoping to find just such a recommendation as this to go searching with more purpose than “AM FM portable radio” which IS one of the searches I had found before posting. :)

I think the world is becoming more coarse, and some are not as kind as they used to be. It is a sign of the times, but I really appreciate the guidance of those that offered good advice. That’s what this site is really all about.

Michael K6AER, I hope you have a good night and feel better about yourself that you have schooled me :) I‘ll definitely be more careful before I post again. Perhaps I’ll spend 3 hours searching google next time before bothering the group.  AND, you may want to learn to spell correctly before flaming someone else about doing the proper work on google. But I guess, “ou aer never going to learn *either* if you don’t put in the effort” :P:P:P
« Last Edit: October 30, 2020, 07:14:07 PM by KK6PKT »
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KK6PKT

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Re: Recommendations for AM FM SSB radios - Any kits you know about?
« Reply #6 on: October 30, 2020, 07:20:24 PM »

Kaito radio and electronics has many many radios like you are talking about. Google Kaito radios and you will find the web. Great prices and fast shipping. I ordered 3 times from them directly and was very happy.

BINGO! Just the kind of site I was seeking. Thanks SWMAN! And, N6MST - that little sony does take me back to the days of my youth and listening to ball games in my bedroom. I had a little radio like that growing up. Also, the qrpkits.com site looks intriguing... might be getting some of their stuff soon. Thanks!
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SWMAN

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Re: Recommendations for AM FM SSB radios - Any kits you know about?
« Reply #7 on: October 30, 2020, 08:00:02 PM »

 I forgot to mention that the Tecsun radios are very good and Kaito sells all of them.
Good luck.  Jim W5JJG
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K1OC

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Re: Recommendations for AM FM SSB radios - Any kits you know about?
« Reply #8 on: December 06, 2020, 01:04:49 PM »

There is also the CountyComm GP-5 receiver.  https://countycomm.com/products/countycomm-gp-5-ssb-general-purpose-radio

Not a kit, but as one reviewer said, "If you’re looking for an emergency communications receiver–something to stash in your vehicle, emergency kit or bug-out bag–the CountyComm GP5/SSB is a great choice and value." https://swling.com/blog/2014/12/a-review-of-the-countycomm-gp5ssb-portable-radio-a-great-emergency-portable/#:~:text=While%20the%20SSB%20performance%20can,a%20great%20choice%20and%20value.

Don't be misled by its name. It's good on AM, FM, and SSB, and covers the broadcast bands as well as the ham bands.

73 de Tony
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KG4RUL

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Re: Recommendations for AM FM SSB radios - Any kits you know about?
« Reply #9 on: December 06, 2020, 08:55:11 PM »

There is also the CountyComm GP-5 receiver.  https://countycomm.com/products/countycomm-gp-5-ssb-general-purpose-radio

Not a kit, but as one reviewer said, "If you’re looking for an emergency communications receiver–something to stash in your vehicle, emergency kit or bug-out bag–the CountyComm GP5/SSB is a great choice and value." https://swling.com/blog/2014/12/a-review-of-the-countycomm-gp5ssb-portable-radio-a-great-emergency-portable/#:~:text=While%20the%20SSB%20performance%20can,a%20great%20choice%20and%20value.

Don't be misled by its name. It's good on AM, FM, and SSB, and covers the broadcast bands as well as the ham bands.

73 de Tony

I found this receiver to be a total PITA to tune.  Sent it back for a refund.
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