NRD-545

The JRC NRD-545 receiver is a hybrid technology device, adopting a triple frequency conversion analog configuration with the last IF which is digitized by an 18-bit sigma-delta ADC to be processed by a DSP in a purely numerical environment. It covers the band of 0.1~30 MHz in all operating modes, including the synchronous AM (ie the ECSS) and the RTTY for which there is a special demodulator. The frequency coverage can however be extended to the VHF / UHF using a special optional module that can be installed as a plug-in card directly on the internal motherboard, if already installed the model takes the code of JRC NRD-545G operating seamlessly between 0.1~2000 MHz. Another version, the JRC NRD-545U, for market reasons is characterized by operating on a series of non-contiguous segments that are 0.1~823.9 / 849.1~1849.9 / 1910.1~1929.9 and 1990.1~2000 MHz.

NRD-545 features :

Tunable band-pass preselection RF filters made by a double resonant circuit controlled by varicap diodes. Front-end stage with preamplifier realized by a parallel of four FETs for a high linearity. IF filters freely adjustable between 0.01~9.99 KHz in steps of 10 Hz, PBS (pass-band-shift) to move the IF window of ±2.3 KHz in steps of 50 Hz, IF filter notch with minimum attenuation of 40 dB adjustable within ±2.5 KHz in steps of 10 Hz, notch-tracking function to keep the filter centered also by moving the tuning within ±10 KHz, automatic notch with intervention measurable in 256 steps, digital noise reduction function in 256 steps, double noise-blanker (NB) with intervention level adjustment, AGC time constant selectable between 40 ms (milliseconds) and 5.1 seconds in 20 ms steps, RF-gain for the regulation of gain in the RF and IF frequency chain, squelch, RF attenuator, audio tone control, clock with timer, output connection to activate a recorder, mute connection for pairing to a transceiver.

The tuning can be set using the central rotary knob, which takes advantage of an adjustable clutch, or with direct input from the keyboard or even remote PC management. The display shows each function including the S-meter which uses a series of segments on a graduated scale. There are 1000 memory locations in which is associated the AGC, the RF attenuator, the selectivity value, the eventual timer function. Search functions between limits of frequencies and between channels in memory with freely definable speed.

NRD-545 performance and practical notes :

The JRC model NRD-545 was, at the time of its introduction in the 90s, one of the first receivers with DSP available for the amateur. It marked a positive turn by digitally implementing, among other things, the continuous filter bandwidth adjustment in the last IF and the adaptive noise reduction function. On the merits of the features the NRD545 shows the true lights and shadows, expresses some good overall performance with an excellent level of flexibility but suffers from a not yet mature DSP technology. This last point is highlighted with a form factor in the selectivity not exceptional and with a mediocre audio response.

These aspects have led to a complex judgment, not unanimous, by the fans. In making comparisons with other receivers, including models of the same JRC, there were two schools of thought related mainly to the quality of listening in the CW / SSB scenarios (editor's note: utility stations, amateur radio stations) and AM / AM-S (editor's note: broadcasting stations). In any case, the NRD-545 takes advantage of a quality construction in terms of electrical and mechanical, with the typical modular construction of the JRC, and for this reason it is still appreciated today.

NRD-545 price

We have collected for your convenience the JRC NRD545 sale price (Euro) and its trend over time. Useful to guarantee a cheaper purchase of this radio and to put it for sale in the second-hand market. Of course offers, accessories, warranty terms and conditions can lead to different figures.

Price	Date	Condition
EUR 1209.00	2021-oct	Second Hand With CHE-199 VHF/UHF converter
EUR 1273.00 (1499USD)	2021-sep	Second Hand In nearly new condition
EUR 1489.00 (1299GBP)	2018-nov	Second Hand Fitted with the 12V 9000mAh battery modification for approximately 6-8 hours of continuous battery operation to avoid any power line related electrical noise
EUR 1615.00 (1895USD)	2018-nov	Second Hand Perfect, as new