Grundig Etraveller VII (Late Review)
Written: Sep 29 '06 (Updated Oct 27 '06)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Sensitivity is remarkable on SW, MW(AM, and FM. CB is impressive as well.)
Cons: Why the Grundig Etraveller ran it's course to dismissal is unclear.
The Bottom Line: A unique, quality Short Wave Reciever with user friendly features at a resonable retail price.
|
|
|
| mainlinemark's Full Review: Shortwave Radios : eTraveller VII portable shortwa... |
Many Short Wave portable radios have made their entrance onto the ever changing market of new technology. In late 1999, Grundig-Eton (formerly Lextronix and NOW ETON)introduced a new item that proved to be a "shining star"
in the ever changing display of short wave innovation. Housed in a 2.5 x 4.5 x 1" durable gray box, the Grundig Etraveller 7 Short Wave radio allowed real portability, true RX sensitivity and excellent selectivity while moving about or in travel on a trip. This afforded the user the ability to stay informed on MW(AM), SW (2-30 mhz. without compromise), and FM (Stero w/included earphones)in any environment with minimal signal loss - all for about $100.00. I purchased one of the last(new in box) radios from an online electronics warehouse (AJ Prindle)after much research and searching for an outlet that still had it in stock. Since December 2005, I have employed this device in my every day life for it's DX/RX capabilities -
including MW night DXing and Short Wave listening during prime time propagation. I have even used the radio for omnidirectional listening of Citizen Band communications (ie. 27.185 mhz.) while traveling or stayovers in motels located near truckstops. Although very small in size, the internal speaker provides excellent audio/sound quality that compliments the high level of sensitivity (obvious quality of rf.staging and shielding is incorporated in it's design) for which I bought the unit. The included earphones allow for stero monitoring on FM. The audio output and quality is remarkable (I use an ear bud for discreet purposes). The engineering invested into the design has not been seen by me in any other MW/SW pocket receiver - this truly is a pocket radio that can be concealed anywhere. NOTE that there are occassions when an apparent strike of static electricity turns off the radio -ie... when I take off my jacket in a hurry or rub clothing together near where the unit is held in a pocket - but it is insignificant, intermitent, and is taken care of with the touch of a button. ALL OF THE NECESSARY CONTROLS are ON THE TOP of the RECEIVER and this radio allows you to control ON/OFF and VOLUME from the top. The Frequency Display/counter, Clock, Alarm, Sleep Timer and Scan functions are accessed on the front of the radio by opening a protective swing-door which reveals a neatly laid out and simple array of function buttons allowing you to program or customize your intentions. The door/cover eliminates the need for a "lock" function key. SEARCHING on ALL BANDS is extremely fast and efficient and the frequency is displayed large enough to see comfortably. There is NO BACKLIGHT for low light environments which implicates the user to set and go before dark - or turn a light on. 2 AA batteries supply the unit's power (bottom rear and internally alongated) and the receiver is extremely efficient when using alkaline batteries. The RADIO continues to prove to be an invaluable tool - especially when comparing with other units that wane in performance specifications. The ONLY real NEGATIVE is that this radio HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED and replaced by product updates that do not utilize the vertical profile or meet this user's standards. I am well pleased with the Grundig Etraveller VII. The radio's dependability is an added testimony to Grudig-Eton's ability to bring about change in size without robbing the user of serious quality. If you are searching for this product then you will need to look to E-bay or a specialty corner market that may still have "old" new stock - AS THIS RADIO HAS NOT BEEN AVAILABLE AT THE RETAIL LEVEL FOR SEVERAL YEARS. If you do manage to find it, you will not be disappointed. Mainlinemark@yahoo.com. Mark S. Bias CW21600 SSB021600K
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
mainlinemark
|
|
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.