Have you ever felt the urge to tune into the world beyond your local stations? I certainly have. There’s something captivating about pulling in broadcasts from distant lands, hearing news and stories unfold from across the globe. This fascination led me down the path of shortwave listening, but the bulky equipment and complex setups always felt like a barrier. I needed something compact, portable, and user-friendly. Imagine being able to slip a powerful world band receiver into your pocket and take it anywhere – that was the dream. Without a solution, I’d be stuck with limited local radio, missing out on a world of information and entertainment.
- TECSUN PL-368 is een draagbare PLL-DSP multiband ontvanger met SSB en synchrone detectie.
- Het biedt de nieuwe ETM+-functie van Tecsun met de mogelijkheid om specifieke tijdopslag voor lange golf, middengolf (AM) en korte golf in te stellen.
- Het verticale ontwerp doet denken aan de PL-360 en PL-365, maar biedt nu ook een toetsenbord voor een comfortabelere selectie van frequenties.
Things to Consider Before Investing in a Portable Radio
Portable radios are more than just a nostalgic throwback; they are essential tools for anyone seeking access to information and entertainment beyond the reach of local broadcasts. Whether you’re a news junkie wanting to catch international updates, a hobbyist fascinated by distant signals, or a traveler needing reliable information in remote areas, a portable radio can be a game-changer.
The ideal customer for a portable radio is someone who values access to a wide range of frequencies, including AM, FM, and especially shortwave bands. They appreciate the ability to listen to international broadcasts, news from around the world, and even amateur radio transmissions. This person might be a prepper, a traveler, or simply someone curious about the world.
However, if you’re primarily interested in listening to local FM music stations and podcasts within a city, a basic FM radio or your smartphone might suffice. A portable world band receiver like the Tecsun PL-368 is designed for a more specific purpose – global communication and DXing (long-distance reception).
Before you buy a portable radio, consider these key factors:
* Frequency Bands: Does it cover the bands you need (FM, AM, Shortwave, Longwave)? For world band listening, shortwave is crucial.
* SSB (Single Sideband): If you’re interested in ham radio or utility broadcasts, SSB capability is essential.
* Sensitivity and Selectivity: How well can it pick up weak signals and reject interference from strong ones?
* Portability and Size: Is it truly portable and easy to carry around?
* Battery Life and Power: How long does the battery last, and how is it powered (batteries, USB charging)?
* Ease of Use: Is it user-friendly, especially for frequency tuning and band selection?
* Price: Does it fit your budget while offering the features you need?
- Scherm en vermogen: 2,4 inch kleurenscherm maakt het mogelijk om gegevens duidelijker te lezen; ingebouwde grote capaciteit 3000 mAh lithium batterij kan lange tijd worden gebruikt
- Portable antenne - Deze Sangean ANT-60 antenne is een portable antenne voor perfect ontvangst van de korte golf. De antenne is afneembaar en draagbaar
- Eenvoudige bediening: grote rubberen knoppen, gevoelige knoppen, groot helder LED-display, gemakkelijk te gebruiken, zes mogelijkheden om de stations te kiezen, kan tot 2000 zenders opslaan, geen...
Presenting the Tecsun PL-368 Portable PLL/DSP Receiver
The Tecsun PL-368 is a portable PLL/DSP world band receiver designed for those who want powerful reception capabilities in a compact package. It promises to deliver excellent performance across FM, AM, and Shortwave bands, with the added bonus of Single Sideband (SSB) and Synchronous Detection – features usually found in larger, more expensive radios. It comes with stereo headphones, an external MW/LW antenna, a USB charging cable, a carry case, and an English manual.
Compared to market leaders like Sony or older Tecsun models, the PL-368 stands out for its vertical design, reminiscent of the PL-360 and PL-365, but with the welcome addition of a keypad for direct frequency entry. Unlike its predecessors that used AA batteries, it’s powered by a rechargeable BL-5C lithium battery, making it convenient to charge via USB. This modern approach sets it apart from older portable radios.
The Tecsun PL-368 is ideal for:
* Shortwave listening enthusiasts who need a portable and capable receiver.
* Travelers who want to stay informed and entertained while on the go.
* Hobbyists interested in exploring SSB communications and utility broadcasts.
* Anyone seeking a compact radio with advanced features without breaking the bank.
It may not be ideal for:
* Users who prioritize high-fidelity audio for music listening due to its small speaker.
* Those expecting the absolute top-tier performance of larger, more expensive communications receivers.
Pros:
* Highly portable and pocketable design.
* Excellent SSB reception for its size and price.
* Direct frequency entry keypad.
* Long-lasting rechargeable battery with USB charging.
* Built-in flashlight.
Cons:
* Smaller speaker may lack bass and volume for some users.
* Tuning knob can be a bit sensitive, requiring fine adjustments.
* Included external antenna is basic.
* Display, while functional, is not the most modern or high-resolution.
Features and Benefits: Delving into the Tecsun PL-368’s Performance
Let’s dive into the core features of the Tecsun PL-368 and explore how they translate into real-world benefits. Having used this radio extensively for months, I can share my firsthand experience.
Unmatched Portability: Radio Freedom in Your Pocket
The most immediately noticeable feature of the PL-368 is its incredibly compact size and light weight. It truly fits in your pocket, making it an ideal travel companion. Gone are the days of lugging around bulky radios. Whether I’m hiking, commuting, or simply moving around the house, the PL-368 is always with me, ready to connect me to the world. This portability is not just about convenience; it’s about freedom. Freedom to listen wherever and whenever the mood strikes. This is a significant advantage over larger radios that are confined to a desk or shelf. For anyone who values mobility, the PL-368’s size is a game-changer.
SSB and Synchronous Detection: Unlocking the World of Weak Signals
For serious shortwave listeners, SSB (Single Sideband) and Synchronous Detection are crucial features, and the fact that the PL-368 includes them in such a small package is remarkable. SSB is essential for listening to ham radio operators and utility stations, which often transmit in this mode. The PL-368’s SSB reception is surprisingly good for its size and price point. I’ve been able to clearly receive amateur radio conversations and weather broadcasts that would be unintelligible on radios without SSB.
Synchronous detection helps to reduce fading and distortion, particularly on AM signals. This is especially beneficial when listening to distant AM stations that are prone to signal fluctuations. With synchronous detection engaged, the audio becomes noticeably clearer and more stable, making listening a much more pleasant experience. These features transform the PL-368 from a basic portable radio into a serious tool for exploring the shortwave bands.
DSP and PLL Technology: Stability and Sensitivity in a Digital Age
The PL-368 utilizes DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) technologies, which are the cornerstones of modern radio design. DSP enhances audio quality, improves selectivity (the ability to separate closely spaced stations), and reduces noise. PLL ensures tuning stability, keeping the radio locked onto the selected frequency without drifting.
In practice, these technologies translate to a radio that is both sensitive and stable. It can pull in weak signals that might be missed by less sophisticated radios, and it maintains accurate tuning even during extended listening sessions. The result is a more reliable and enjoyable listening experience, especially when dealing with challenging reception conditions.
ETM+ (Enhanced Tuning Mode Plus): Intelligent Station Hunting
Tecsun’s ETM+ feature is a clever addition that simplifies the often tedious process of searching for stations, particularly on shortwave. ETM+ scans through the bands and temporarily stores discovered stations in memory. This allows you to quickly browse through active stations without having to manually tune across the entire band. It’s especially useful for shortwave listening, where stations can be scattered across the spectrum and frequencies may change.
I’ve found ETM+ to be a real time-saver. Instead of endlessly scrolling through frequencies, I can use ETM+ to quickly identify what’s active and then fine-tune to the stations that interest me. It’s a particularly helpful feature for beginners who might find manual tuning on shortwave bands overwhelming.
Direct Frequency Entry Keypad: Precision Tuning at Your Fingertips
The inclusion of a keypad for direct frequency entry is a significant advantage. Instead of relying solely on the tuning knob, you can directly enter the frequency you want to listen to. This is incredibly convenient for quickly accessing known frequencies or for tuning to specific stations listed in frequency guides. The keypad is responsive and easy to use, making frequency selection fast and accurate. For those who regularly tune to specific frequencies, the keypad is a must-have feature.
Long-Lasting Battery and USB Charging: Power On the Go
The PL-368’s rechargeable BL-5C lithium battery offers excellent battery life, allowing for hours of listening on a single charge. And when the battery does run low, charging is simple and convenient via a standard USB port. This eliminates the need for disposable batteries and ensures that you can easily recharge the radio using a USB charger, power bank, or computer. The USB charging capability makes the PL-368 a truly modern and travel-friendly device.
Built-in Flashlight: A Small but Handy Extra
While not a core radio feature, the built-in flashlight is a surprisingly useful addition. It’s not the brightest flashlight in the world, but it’s sufficient for navigating in the dark, finding your way around in a dimly lit room, or even just reading the radio’s display in low light conditions. It’s a small detail, but it adds to the overall practicality and versatility of the PL-368.
Social Proof: What Other Users Are Saying
Browsing online forums and user reviews, it’s clear that many Tecsun PL-368 owners are impressed with its performance. One user on a radio enthusiast forum praised its “amazing SSB reception for such a small radio,” while another reviewer on a shopping site highlighted its portability, saying “it’s perfect for taking on my travels.” Many users also appreciate the direct frequency entry keypad and the long battery life. While some mention the speaker quality could be better, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with users consistently highlighting the PL-368’s impressive features and performance for its size and price.
Conclusion: Your Pocket Portal to the World of Radio
The desire to connect with the world beyond local broadcasts is a powerful one. Being limited to local stations means missing out on diverse perspectives, global news, and the thrill of DXing. The Tecsun PL-368 Portable Radio offers a compelling solution to this problem.
This radio excels in three key areas:
1. Portability: Its pocket-sized design allows you to take world band listening anywhere.
2. SSB Performance: It delivers surprisingly good SSB reception, opening up the world of ham radio and utility broadcasts.
3. Value: It packs advanced features like DSP, PLL, ETM+, and a keypad into an affordable package.
If you’re looking for a truly portable and capable world band receiver that won’t break the bank, the Tecsun PL-368 is an excellent choice. It’s not perfect – the speaker is small, and the tuning knob takes some getting used to – but for its size and price, it delivers exceptional performance and features. Ready to start exploring the world of radio? Click here to explore the Tecsun PL-368 .nl and discover the world of audio that awaits!