DE1103

Degen
DE1103

Specifications

Prices

Double-conversion portable world receiver with FM-Stereo, Long Wave, Medium Wave, Short Wave. SSB mode, selectable IF bandwidth, high sensitivity. Ideated in P.R. of China.

Reference market : consumer

DE1103 specifications

General

Frequency coverage
0.1000 ~ 29.9999 MHz 76.0000 ~ 108.0000 MHz
Mode
SSB / AM / WFM
Tuning step
1 KHz [1] 25 KHz [2]

Receiver

Sensitivity [3]
SSB	0.7 uV (0.3 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.4 uV (1.3 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.3 uV (3~20 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.5 uV (20~26 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.6 uV (28 MHz, 10dB S/N)
AM	2.5 uV (0.3 MHz, 10dB S/N) 1.4 uV (1.3 MHz, 10dB S/N) 1.0 uV (3~20 MHz, 10dB S/N) 1.7 uV (20~26 MHz, 10dB S/N)
Selectivity
SSB / AM	3 KHz (narrow) 6 KHz (wide)
RF attenuator
Local / DX [1]

Features

Memory
268 total memories
Display
1 KHz frequency resolution 4-segments signal meter bar LCD with imitation of analog multi-band scale
Power supply
4.8 ~ 6V battery (4 x AA Ni-MH) VAC power adapter
Power consumption
90mA middle volume level, backlight OFF
Connections
Jack 3.5 mm (headphone) Jack 3.5 mm (audio line out) Jack 3.5 mm (antenna)

Mechanical and environmental data

Dimensions
165 (W) x 105 (H) x 29 (D) mm

On 0.1~30 MHz band, AM mode.
On 76~108 MHz band, WFM mode.
This parameter, not in official data, was obtained with direct tests.

DE1103 description :

The Degen DE1103 is a compact, double-conversion super heterodyne, portable radio that covers FM broadcasting and the entire long, medium and short wave bands without gaps in AM as well as in SSB. Among the features: coarse and fine rotary control (for the SSB) tuning on the right side, by direct setting from the keyboard, with recall from the memories, with automatic scanning. Telescopic antenna for SW / FM bands, internal ferrite antenna for LW / MW between 100~1710 KHz, input for external SW antenna. Large LCD display with frequency / time indication, signal level / battery charger. A 12-band analogue scale with emulation of the mechanical style indicator. Illumination of the display and all the buttons with orange light. Switch between Local / DX in the LW / MW / SW bands with the insertion of an RF attenuator. Two IF filters for SSB and AM so as to adapt the bandwidth to listening needs. Two profiles audio tone control (Music and News). Auto-off timer in 5~99 minutes, two alarms with programmable power-on. Batteries compatible: alkaline and Ni-MH rechargeable. Integrated battery charger combined with the use of the external mains adapter. Audio outputs for headphones and recorder.

DE1103 performance and practical notes :

With this model Degen has created a receiver with a very good price / performance ratio. The sensitivity is indeed excellent with figures comparable to what is found in the mid-range desktop communications receiver. With the small DE1103 it is possible, in concrete, to listen extremely weak signals in the Medium and Short Waves. This especially in SSB opens to the monitoring of the amateur radio bands and utility services. Equally excellent, in relation to the type of apparatus, the dynamic-range that demonstrates low intermodulation phenomena even in the presence of strong signals and the use of an external antenna. This last element deserves applause to the designers because it is not common to verify such behavior. The bandwidth choice for the two medium frequency filters (IF) is well balanced, perfectly suited to the AM and SSB reception needs in the presence of emissions on adjacent channels. It is pointed out that the receiver is not able to distinguish clearly between LSB / USB, the user through fine tuning can in any case position the BFO on the side with respect to the center of the IF filter so as to accentuate the desired mode.

DE1103 price

We have collected for your convenience the DEGEN DE1103 sale price (US Dollar) 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
USD 88.00 (75EUR)	2021-oct	Brand-new
USD 56.00	2018-nov	Brand-new With stereo earphones and 4 x Ni-MH rechargeable battery
USD 52.00	2018-oct	Brand-new

DE1103 review

Sensitivity
Selectivity
Dynamic range
Spurious response
Audio
Signal functions
Control functions
User friendly
Stars: 1=insufficient \| 2=just sufficient \| 3=mediocre \| 4=good \| 5=excellent

Luigi C.

September-7 2023

I purchased the receiver 10 years ago, I was positively surprised by the performance/price ratio which I honestly didn't expect. Interesting is the possibility of unlocking, with a few simple maneuvers of the controls, reception even below 100 kHz and unlocking reception with an external antenna of the LW and MW bands.

Despite the "traumas" (falls) suffered over the years, it still works satisfactorily. I did some corrective and "conservative" maintenance, as the quality of some details (welding and internal connections) left a little to be desired.

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Angelo

April-4 2022

I've had it for years, but I'll never give it away if it doesn't break. It stands alongside the well-known YASU VR-5000, AOR AR-8600 MK II and RX ICOM ICR-75, ALINCO DX-R8 and others.

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Fishinfoo

Love this little receiver! I hung a wire in a tree 9 years ago while living in Colorado, and was surprised to hear 20 & 40M band amateur radio operators from Florida to California plus broadcast bands with clarity far beyond its price point. Still works fine after all these years.

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