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Reviews For: Vectronics (MFJ) VEC-102k Shortwave Radio Kit

Category: Ham Radio Kits

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Review Summary For : Vectronics (MFJ) VEC-102k Shortwave Radio Kit
Reviews: 1MSRP: $79.95
Description:
Shortwave Regenerative Receiver Kit East to build
Product is in production
More Info: http://MFJ.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0014
KG6QNK Rating: 2011-05-21
Fun, Educational, Easy to build Kit Time Owned: N.A.
This was the first project I built when I got back into Radio. Finished project in it's enclosure has a substantial look and feel about it; however the actual circuit is quite simple. Components are spread out on the circuit board, in order to prevent coupling, or so I assume. Regenerative Receiver requires the use of two controls that interreact with one another to properly tune the unit. Once you get used to it, it is a lot of fun. Good quality components, especially the vernier ball bearing air variable main tuning capacitor. Only one Toroid Coil to wind, it's very easy- good experience if you have never done this before. Manual is quite good with: building instructions and operating suggestions. Will work with simple length of wire strung out as an antenna. Tuning Knob frequency indicator is very coarse and aproximate, I don't even use it...just an extra piece of plastic that flops around. Come to think of it, should get accurate frequency readout by placing unit next to Radio with digital readout. I did not find the Frequency display or lack of it problematic...the "only" $79.95? price tag is...it is overpriced, in my opinion. Seems to me, MFJ could reconsider some of their price-points and make more profit by selling more units cheaper- win win situation. Many would consider this a "Novelty" Receiver; fair enough, nonetheless it is fun to use and build. Inspite of hefty price tag good project for beginning builders. If you can solder and follow the instructions, you will most likely be rewarded with a Radio you will have fun with for years to come. Regenerative Receivers are not single signal reception...I did not find this problematic and there are strategeries that can be used to minimize this. Except for the price I can recommend this kit. Ten tec has a couple Regenerative Receiver kits for consideration and schematics are available for various "Gennies" online. Cheers.