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Reviews For: Telefunken E103Aw/*

Category: Receivers: non-amateur adaptable for ham use

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Review Summary For : Telefunken E103Aw/*
Reviews: 1MSRP:
Description:
A real heavy boat anchor from the early 1950s. Receives 103 kHz to 30.4 MHz with seven overlapping ranges (turret tuner). Modes A1, A2 and A3. Several versions with small differences. Model E103Aw/3 has universal AC/DC power supply. Models E103Aw/4 and E103Aw/5 only for AC mains.
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.boatanchors.de/german_receivers/telefunken_e103/telefunken_e103.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0014
DL9BDM Rating: 2022-09-04
A real boat anchor, EMP proof Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This review is probably only for european readers, because of the unlikelihood of such a radio appearing in the States. However, who knows?

It‘s a real boat anchor, because the weigh is around 40 kg (approx. 88 lbs) due to the extremely stable mechanical construction and the large aluminum housing cast in one piece. It was one of the first postwar allwave receivers produced by Telefunken in moderate numbers in the early 1950s for professional use (maritime, military, news agencies, point to point service etc. A larger batch were built for export to France and some for Italy). Inside is a large turret tuner. In terms of circuitry, it is somewhat reminiscent of a high-quality tube radio. So you should not estimate too great expectations on the long-term frequency stability, especially for SSB reception you have to retune occasionally.

The capacitors inside are of the highest mechanic and electrical quality. There is not a single electrolytic capacitor in this receiver, only paper capacitors in airtight soldered ceramic cases („Sikatrop“) and real metal-paper capacitors in the power supply, partly filled with oil.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, many of these receivers were offered by surplus dealers in HAM radio magazines.

So, how is it‘s usability by today's standards? In any case, something for high-frequency nostalgics and collectors. The E103Aw/* is the eye-catcher for every shack and extremely good for AM, both in the HAM ranges and for medium- and shortwave broadcast reception, because the IF filters (coils) are switchable from about 2 kHz to about 16 kHz (estimated) in five steps. This makes shortwave HiFi possible. Band cruising is a real fun.

SSB reception sounds also nice because of the strong BFO output, but good results only with AGC switched off - as usual in former times.

The sensitivity corresponds to today's standards and the ability of handling large signals is not a problem due to the very selective tuned frontend stages. IMD and crossmodulation I have never noticed. The frequency readout is relatively moderate - for accurate tuning you have to use the magnified logging scale. The procedere is as like e.g. the Hammarlund SP-600.

The frequency stability is acteptable for SSB and CW. You need to slightly retune sometimes. For CW reception a switchable 200 Hz audio filter is installed.

Occasionally, these receivers are in the german Ebay and HAM classifieds for relatively little money to get. However, the shipping is due to the enormous weight a big problem. So it‘s only for pick up.

I bought mine about 12 years ago at a HAM flea market for 300 Euros (too pricey from today's point of view). Except for some cosmetic work, everything was ok.

If all else fails, this RX will still work - if there is still mains power available.