Sangean ATS-909X shortwave radio receiver review and technical information
Normally, I reserve the News for local and world events that relate to our never
ending struggle to receive truthful information. One way to stay up with this information
is shortwave radio. So I decided to include this information and present it as news
worthy.
The Sangean ATS-909X is one instrument you should have on hand when a disasters
strike. Unfortunately, it looks like something going to break loose sooner then later.
When it does, having this simple state of the art portable shortwave radio that is
loaded with big dollar features at your side is must!
Here are some of the features and technical information to help you understand
just what is in ATS-909X receiver unit. The Sangean ATS-909X has the standard AM
and FM mode (including stereo through the headphones) operation radio receiver with
the universal frequencies. Easily, without knowing anything about shortwave receivers
you can switch over to SW, which also contains the SSB upper and lower modes as well
as the universal, AM mode.
To ensure great reception in all bands the purchased package includes the ANT-60
portable roll-up reel antenna (ANT-60 Portable shortwave antenna extends to a full
23 feet. It is easily rewound into its case, and terminated in 1/8" (3.5mm) Mini-Plug.
Adapter plug allows clipping to telescoping antennas on any radio.) that easily plugs
into the ATS-909X. Or stows away for later use. The ATS-909X also comes with its
own protective carrying case and a 200-page user manual in five languages - English,
French, Spanish, Dutch and German.
The ATS-909X operates conveniently on 4- AA battery, 9V wall power supply (supplied).
This means with such a low-power consumption it will easily operate on your car battery
without draining it down to an unsafe level even over long periods of time. Perfect
for camping or Bugging out of town!
Frequency coverage and modes of operation:
Longwave: 153-519 KHz
Mediumwave: 520-1710 KHz
Shortwave: 1711-29999 KHz
Stereo available through headphones
Digital bandpass filter for SSB / AM / FM / RDS modes – RDS is Radio Data System,
a communications protocol standard for embedding small amounts of digital information
in conventional FM radio broadcasts. RDS standardizes several types of information
transmitted, including time, station identification and programmer information. RDS
can be conspired to the data on you CD that shows the name of the song, author and
run time on your CD player that is extracted off of the CD itself. Only RDS is broadcast
along with the radio signal received and then displayed simultaneously. You’ll see
this on XM satellite radio receivers as standard operation.
Wide-narrow bandwidth selector switch with upper-lower SSB (Single-Side-Band) Note:
HAM and Maritime radio will use upper SSB on one band and then use lower SSB on another.
This option opens up a whole new world of radio listening!
The ATS-909X has the ability to enter frequencies with the key entry pad or
tuning knob selectable. A up or down scanning option helps you quickly cover all
bands available, enabling you to listen in on radio stations without knowing your
area and its local stations schedules. Memory selecting and entry of frequency is
easy via the keypad. Alpha-numeric abilities allow you to store 406 pri-selected
frequencies/stations with the name spelled out of the station you selected and other
information you may won't to display while channel surfing.
ATS-909X also gives you 42 world times viewing to help with scheduled broadcasts
worldwide. Display shows: FM RDS/RDS with PS, PTY, RT and CT with its LCD backlight
display.
Hope this brief summary helps you in your decision-making of which shortwave
receiver is best for you. Suggested retail is over $400 dollars. Wilderness Geek
is able to offer this radio at below $340. In the near price range, you may consider
the SANGEAN ATS-909X-BK Professional Multi-Band AM/FM/SW receiver at below $370.
Also available at Wilderness Geek superstore.
You want to compliment these radios with the GOAL ZERO 19010 Guide 10 Plus Adventure
Kit solar charger to assure you never miss a broadcast. Even while in the back country
distant from normal power sources.
Fun links to add to the excitement of shortwave radio: The Maritime Radio Historical
Society (MRHS) and ARRL HAM Radio
International shortwave broadcasts schedules: Shortwave radio frequency and schedule
listings
