PL-660

The TECSUN PL-660 is one of the few world receivers that in addition to long, medium, short and FM waves also tunes the VHF band of 118 ~ 137 MHz where it is possible to monitor aeronautical radio-traffic on a regional scale. The device also allows SSB listening over the entire range 0.1 ~ 30 MHz to demodulate the maritime transmissions, utility, amateur radio. In the AM mode the user can activate the synchronous detection function (AM-S) by choosing between LSB or USB so as to improve the audio performance in the presence of a strong interference on an adjacent frequency. Also in AM, two bandwidths are available, narrow and wide, for the filter of the 2nd intermediate frequency (IF) at 455 KHz. Remarkable is the space where you can store your favorite stations, as many as 2000 locations adequately divided into specific sections by band or mode, plus 12 pages of 100 locations, each freely definable. Multiple modes to tune the device, using the keyboard by directly enter the frequency, by acting on the corresponding knob on the right side, with automatic scanning and 5 seconds of preview, with automatic scanning and storage (ATS).

PL-660 other features :

Selection of three-position RF gain (Local, Normal, DX), two audio tone profiles, signal strength meter (S-meter), clock, double alarm, snooze, sleep timer from 1 to 120 minutes for automatic radio switch-off, keypad lock, internal ferrite antenna for LM / MW band and extractable stylus for SW / FM, battery charge indicator, charger included. The package includes a wired antenna and a mains power supply.

PL-660 performance and practical notes :

Undoubtedly the Tecsun PL-660 offers considerable potential while being offered on the market at an attractive price. We have had the opportunity to test this Tecsun on the field (editor's note: with the exception of the aeronautical VHF band) obtaining a very positive opinion. We begin by confirming that the practical use is very easy, this was not obvious given the many options but the choice of using a multi-function knob (for tuning, setting the alarm timer, selecting the memory bank) helps to make intuitive the different settings. The keyboard group / buttons on its side clearly indicates where to intervene to manage the radio, this whether in the primary or secondary functions. About the performances the synchronous AM proved to be really effective and stable, a good aid for stations even of low intensity that are encountered in the short wave boroadcasting segments (SW) where the crowding and a separation between the signals of only 5 KHz is the norm. Remaining to the amplitude modulation (AM) it was found that the wide selectivity guarantees an excellent sound, appreciable typically in listening to the local stations during the day - in the absence of interference, while the narrow selectivity even within the limits of a modest filter shape has respectable characteristics.

The SSB is another strong point of the Tecsun PL660 but requires clarification. There is a way to set the LSB or USB via the dedicated button, at the same time the knob for the BFO is present under the tuning adjustment. Usually in the world receiver there are not both commands. The solution adopted here is justified by the fact that the tuning adjustment always takes place at a minimum of 1 KHz, so the BFO has the task of fine tuning for the SSB. In the daily use of a compact device this configuration is convenient because the broadcasters often operate on a frequency devoid of decimals (eg: 8930 KHz and not 8930.4 KHz) and therefore once the BFO is tuned the steps becomes fast using almost exclusively the knob of main tuning.

Being a compact receiver a compromise on performance is naturally intrinsic to the design of the apparatus. Among the shortcomings there is a propensity to intermodulations when using an external antenna and the sensitivity is set to the maximum in the "DX" position. This position is therefore useful with only the supplied stylus antenna. Even the image frequencies, origin of spurious signals, are not particularly attenuated.

Manual :

In other page the Tecsun PL-660 manual.

PL-660 price

We have collected for your convenience the Tecsun PL660 sale price (UK Pounds) 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
GBP 103.00 (120EUR)	2021-oct	Brand-new Store special offer
GBP 120.00	2020-may	Brand-new
GBP 109.50 (123EUR)	2019-apr	Brand-new
GBP 66.90 (85USD)	2019-apr	Brand-new