If the receiver is re-tuned to reduce sideband splatter, the detector drops out of lock. However, if the fading is so deep that the station is totally lost, there is a small problem. There is a long time constant, so even during longer deep fading periods, lock is usually maintained. The readability is already zero before that point is reached. If the receiver is re-tuned, the received signal can drop to -122 dBm (0.17 µV) before it loses lock. PLL synchronous detectors can drop out of lock, but Drake has worked hard on this detector and it is very well designed. There is one small disadvantage: even if you re-tune 50 Hz (one step) it takes about 2 seconds before the detector locks, but there is no growling sound during the lock-time as long as you stay within the 4.5 kHz range. This large re-tuning range is of great help to reduce sideband splatter from adjacent stations!
In full bandwidth or in the sideband mode, it is possible to re-tune the receiver by approximately 4.5 kHz, before it falls out of lock. Drake uses a phase-locked loop detector, which offers not only the possibility to listen in full bandwidth, but also to the upper of the lower sideband once the detector is locked. For a low-cost receiver, the AM synchronous detector is real wonderful. Pressing the SSB button again toggles between upper and lower sideband. The SW has buttons for AM/AM synchronous and SSB, so it is not necessary to step through a menu, like the R 8. It makes it possible to control all the functions of the SW 2 from a few metres away, except volume, which can be only muted. Memory tuning has to be done by hand, there is no facility to scan automatically through the channels.Īn infra-red remote controller is supplied with the SW 2. In contrast to normal tuning, the up-down buttons step slowly through the channels, whilst the tuning knob makes fast changes possible. A memory channel can be selected by typing in its number, with the up-down buttons or the main tuning knob. But if frequencies change, the memories can be easily changed. These are channels used by international broadcasters such as the BBC and Radio Netherlands to serve North America. It is very easy to write, clear and re-write the memory channels.ĭrake has already programmed 32 memory channels with the frequencies of a number of short-wave broadcasters. Each memory stores the frequency and mode. There is also no “2nd VFO”, or rather an extra memory which allows to jump quickly between two different frequencies. During memory mode tuning, the display shows the chosen memory channel. This display is coupled to the mode, so in SSB it shows the amateur bands (USA band allocations, for instance 80 metres is displayed between 3.4 – 4 MHz). Outside the broadcast bands this display is switched off. If the receiver is tuned in the 7100 – 7600 kHz segment, the green figures show 41 metres. Two extra figures (green) indicate the metre band. The display can be dimmed and shows the real carrier frequency, so no re-tuning in USB or LSB is required. The SW 2 uses a very bright light-emitting diode (LED) display with 6 large orange-coloured figures, offering a frequency read-out to the nearest 100 Hz. Providing the volume control remains low, this clicking sound is not really annoying. During tuning, each step is heard as a click. If you keep the buttons depressed, the tuning steps get larger to a point that is easy to change by a few hundred kiloHertz. One single press on the up- or down button changes the frequency by 5 kHz. We find 50 Hz steps somewhat coarse for some types of data and SSB reception other sets in this price class offer smaller tuning increments. For finer tuning the main tuning knob can be used, which runs smoothly and offers steps of 50 Hz. You can also wait two seconds and then the switching is automatic.įrequencies can be only entered in steps of 1 kHz. If the up- or down button is pressed directly after entry, the receiver tunes directly to the given frequency. The keypad makes it possible to type in the frequency in kHz. It cannot be tuned under 100 kHz, so if you are interested in VLF reception, you will have to choose another set. The SW 2 is a microprocessor controlled receiver, covering 100 kHz – 30 MHz. We tested an off-the-shelf example in the course of September 1997 and these are our findings. It has been out in the USA for a little while and it is now filtering onto the shelves of selected dealers in Europe. The US company of Drake has recently put a new receiver onto the market. Drake, the manufacturer of this receiver. The Medium Wave Circle and Radio Netherlands has no financial connection with R.L. Value Rating star RADIO NETHERLANDS RECEIVER TEST LABORATORY: FULL REVIEW Price US$400, optional remote control $50 Power: 12.6 VDC, AC Mains Adaptor provided