I just finished a full restore on a Racal RA6790/GM. all brand new capacitors, new faceplate ,new keypads and new power supply. I'm currently looking for the ISB board aswell as the individual USB/LSB moduals. This Radio reminds me of an aircraft carrier,, only what you need and nothing more. no dsp and no post processing accept AGC. pretty good for a 40 year old Rig. I'm gunna keep this one for a long long time.
Suffering thru COVID right now and makes me feel better seeing your great receivers, look like there are in great condition as well , i will be using my r 8600 today, thx matt
I had the R9000 for many years I'm in the UK fantastic receiver i sold it in 2019 an American buyer purchased it, im sat here wondering if this is that very radio i don't think Icom made many of them, fantastic collection you have there.
Wow, what an awesome collection of high-end commercial and consumer grade radios. I had a JRC NRD-535D., disappointed in how it did in this comparison. The WJ-8711a sounded the best to me. What a great radio! I wonder how it compares to a Ten-Tec RX-340? I believe I have heard the internals are very similar.
It was not easy, but I took your advice, and I finally found someone on Ebay that sold me a working RF/AF gain potentiometer. My 33 year old Drake now works like a champ. I have the Drake schematic manual, but it does not give the manufacturer's part number. I am happy! BTW, when are you going to buy an AOR 7030 HF receiver? You are just not complete without one. Its one of my gems.
I am very happy to hear you got your Drake running well. I am hesitant about a 7030 because it is so menu driven. I really like radios with buttons for each function!
Agreed. AOR UK used menus as a cost savings method. But it was really designed to be used with the IR remote. But it performs very well and has, at least on paper, a high RF dynamic range that the Drake. Mine has two Collins after market mechanical Collins cascade (MCC) IF filters in it that have a razor sharp roll off skirt.
@@dieselten01 The AOR-7030 does have a so so menu system it's IR remote control. But even though its 26 years old, its a fantastic radio. My Yaesu FT991A is very good and has a noise reduction function that is fantastic. But because the noise floor is so low in the 7030, I find it superior to the FT991A receiver section. I can audibly receive a weak station from Peru at 4.94 MHz at 4 AM. With the Yaesu, I can hear it, but only with DSP noise reduction. The Yaesu NR is good, but it somewhat degrades reception audio tonal quality. On the AOR-7030, its not necessary to have NR because it's noise floor is so very low. Perhaps the reason is because the AOR power supply is a clunky DC linear power supply. Non switching linear power supplies are what I use at our workplace EMR laboratory for testing military electrics. I use two great loop antennas for DX-ing. A Chameleon CHA-Pro loop, and a MFJ-1886. Received the MFJ a few a month ago and its one of the last ones before MFJ closes. I wish I could have bought the British loop you have, but the owner retired and finding one on Ebay prove fruitless.
I use two NRD-545s as my main RX, and I have to say that the AM sound is terrible. This is probably because JRC is originally a manufacturer of commercial radio equipment, and its main focus is SSB. The reason why it feels noisy is because the AGC goes extremely deep. However, the sound in AMS mode in strong electric fields such as local stations sounds like FM. ECSS (synchronous detection) is extremely powerful and locks quickly. Noise reduction can also be effective, although it depends on the situation and is not always effective. Two types of noise blankers with adjustable depth are effective, and the notch filter is also powerful. The difference between the two types of noise blankers is the width of the corresponding noise pulse. Passband tune is also very effective. These are the benefits of DSP. However, the audio is still not good. In the end, the focus is on improving intelligibility rather than being high-fidelity. The specially-operated tone control narrows both the bass and treble bands and works to extract only the AM/SSB human voice or CW tones.
A wonderful concert, several world receivers on the table next to each other. I would be interested in comparing the AOR7030 PLUS that I had years ago, and if you are interested in getting another box for the table, look for the RFT EKD 500. Also an interesting device for your collection. I remember a friend had a TenTec RX 350, also a beautiful radio, unheard of at the time.
I just looked up the RFT. Kind of plain in my opinion. At this point I get another radio because it excites me for some reason. The RX350 I have heard poor reports on the quality level. Especially 20 years later, the radios don’t stand up well. I have a 340 and although it is awesome, it is also not currently working.
I just don't get all the digital mini-screen readouts on HAM radios nowadays? To me, it takes the fun out of operating a RADIO. It's more like operating a computer radio.. Bells and Whistles, hey mommy look at the blue and green lights on my new toy... Why do you need a spectrum scope when you have a VFO, meters, and your ears?
Hi Nick, do you know that.... ftdx 101 can do VFO tracking and diversity gain receive with 2 antennas ( may be 2 identical loops ) at least 1 wavelength separation on the Ftdx 101 ?
@@dieselten01 Well sure. But eBay prices on everything are through the roof. I have plenty of good radios, none of which I bought on eBay. I may try some of the ham auctions that show up locally. My late father had the IC-781, the transceiver version. Watching that scope was an incredible experience.
I have explained it numerous times. My fingers are sore from all the typing. If you really wanna know you’ll have to go back and either watch the videos or better yet. Read the comments where I actually specifically answered those questions. Sorry I can’t do any better than that.
I just finished a full restore on a Racal RA6790/GM. all brand new capacitors, new faceplate ,new keypads and new power supply. I'm currently looking for the ISB board aswell as the individual USB/LSB moduals. This Radio reminds me of an aircraft carrier,, only what you need and nothing more. no dsp and no post processing accept AGC. pretty good for a 40 year old Rig. I'm gunna keep this one for a long long time.
Suffering thru COVID right now and makes me feel better seeing your great receivers, look like there are in great condition as well , i will be using my r 8600 today, thx matt
Get well soon Matt! And thanks for the kind comments. Get that 8600 humming!
Very nice collection of receivers - thanks for demonstrating their operation. Best wishes from UK.
Thank you Redsky
that's a Cuban Regime interference in 11.930
I had the R9000 for many years I'm in the UK fantastic receiver i sold it in 2019 an American buyer purchased it, im sat here wondering if this is that very radio i don't think Icom made many of them, fantastic collection you have there.
Thank you Richard
Always wanted the JRC as a teen but could never afford it. Your collection is amazing.
Thank you Gareth
Have been looking for a good used one but never found a quality one. Just lovely to see one that is in such lovely condition.
You have an outstanding collection.That racal is really fantastic.
Thank you
Wow, what an awesome collection of high-end commercial and consumer grade radios. I had a JRC NRD-535D., disappointed in how it did in this comparison. The WJ-8711a sounded the best to me. What a great radio! I wonder how it compares to a Ten-Tec RX-340? I believe I have heard the internals are very similar.
Paul I believe you are right about the 340. I have never owned one though so can’t comment directly. Thanks for watching!
That was really enjoyable to view your impressive station setup! Very nice!!!
Thank you Steve
Very nice shack!
The WJ-8711 is a dream receiver of mine.
Thank you for showing the comparison!
Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!
It was not easy, but I took your advice, and I finally found someone on Ebay that sold me a working RF/AF gain potentiometer. My 33 year old Drake now works like a champ. I have the Drake schematic manual, but it does not give the manufacturer's part number. I am happy!
BTW, when are you going to buy an AOR 7030 HF receiver? You are just not complete without one. Its one of my gems.
I am very happy to hear you got your Drake running well. I am hesitant about a 7030 because it is so menu driven. I really like radios with buttons for each function!
Agreed. AOR UK used menus as a cost savings method. But it was really designed to be used with the IR remote. But it performs very well and has, at least on paper, a high RF dynamic range that the Drake. Mine has two Collins after market mechanical Collins cascade (MCC) IF filters in it that have a razor sharp roll off skirt.
@@dieselten01
The AOR-7030 does have a so so menu system it's IR remote control. But even though its 26 years old, its a fantastic radio. My Yaesu FT991A is very good and has a noise reduction function that is fantastic. But because the noise floor is so low in the 7030, I find it superior to the FT991A receiver section. I can audibly receive a weak station from Peru at 4.94 MHz at 4 AM. With the Yaesu, I can hear it, but only with DSP noise reduction. The Yaesu NR is good, but it somewhat degrades reception audio tonal quality. On the AOR-7030, its not necessary to have NR because it's noise floor is so very low. Perhaps the reason is because the AOR power supply is a clunky DC linear power supply. Non switching linear power supplies are what I use at our workplace EMR laboratory for testing military electrics.
I use two great loop antennas for DX-ing. A Chameleon CHA-Pro loop, and a MFJ-1886. Received the MFJ a few a month ago and its one of the last ones before MFJ closes. I wish I could have bought the British loop you have, but the owner retired and finding one on Ebay prove fruitless.
nice collection, high-end stuff!
Thank you
I use two NRD-545s as my main RX, and I have to say that the AM sound is terrible. This is probably because JRC is originally a manufacturer of commercial radio equipment, and its main focus is SSB.
The reason why it feels noisy is because the AGC goes extremely deep. However, the sound in AMS mode in strong electric fields such as local stations sounds like FM.
ECSS (synchronous detection) is extremely powerful and locks quickly. Noise reduction can also be effective, although it depends on the situation and is not always effective.
Two types of noise blankers with adjustable depth are effective, and the notch filter is also powerful. The difference between the two types of noise blankers is the width of the corresponding noise pulse.
Passband tune is also very effective. These are the benefits of DSP. However, the audio is still not good. In the end, the focus is on improving intelligibility rather than being high-fidelity.
The specially-operated tone control narrows both the bass and treble bands and works to extract only the AM/SSB human voice or CW tones.
NICE rigs! N3JLR
A wonderful concert, several world receivers on the table next to each other. I would be interested in comparing the AOR7030 PLUS that I had years ago, and if you are interested in getting another box for the table, look for the RFT EKD 500. Also an interesting device for your collection. I remember a friend had a TenTec RX 350, also a beautiful radio, unheard of at the time.
I just looked up the RFT. Kind of plain in my opinion. At this point I get another radio because it excites me for some reason. The RX350 I have heard poor reports on the quality level. Especially 20 years later, the radios don’t stand up well. I have a 340 and although it is awesome, it is also not currently working.
watched again, the only consumer grade radio who can challenge the WJ and harris is the drake
A super collection..
Thank you
Amazing recaiver station.
Thank you!
harris and watkins look military grade the jrc consumer grade
great equip & video . w1tt
Thank you
Besti on AM: 1)WJ, 2)Drake
Thank you for your comments!
I just don't get all the digital mini-screen readouts on HAM radios nowadays? To me, it takes the fun out of operating a RADIO. It's more like operating a computer radio.. Bells and Whistles, hey mommy look at the blue and green lights on my new toy... Why do you need a spectrum scope when you have a VFO, meters, and your ears?
Nick, I'm thinking about parting w/ an (as new) JRC NRD-525. Do you have any idea of what I should ask for it? Thanks, ...Rich N3JLR
I would not be the best barometer here, but it is prolly over $1000. Go to ebay and look up what they sell for there
like the harris 505A . arno
Hi Nick, do you know that.... ftdx 101 can do VFO tracking and diversity gain receive with 2 antennas ( may be 2 identical loops ) at least 1 wavelength separation on the Ftdx 101 ?
Yes. Did you know you can’t get lower than 6 khz bandwidth on AM?
😊😊😊
the jrc 535 was the worst. the harris did all very good and so the drake
Any tips for someone who would love to buy an R9000, and doesn’t want to pay eBay prices?
I bought mine on ebay. You have to pay to get a good radio.
@@dieselten01 Well sure. But eBay prices on everything are through the roof. I have plenty of good radios, none of which I bought on eBay. I may try some of the ham auctions that show up locally. My late father had the IC-781, the transceiver version. Watching that scope was an incredible experience.
What antenna(s) are you using?
Wellbrook
@@dieselten01 ok thank you! You were getting some great signals and sounds!!!
And why you do not like the Ftdx 101 ?
I have explained it numerous times. My fingers are sore from all the typing. If you really wanna know you’ll have to go back and either watch the videos or better yet. Read the comments where I actually specifically answered those questions. Sorry I can’t do any better than that.
The DRAKE is the best.