Eton E1 User Manual
the radio's frequency it needs to tune in and does so much more slowly than the SE-3, and it growls
a lot.
a lot.
But what about split-channel DX and interfering stations with very high signal levels? Well there's a
mixed bag. I tested this specifically on 1250 (Ontario) with a strong European on 1251. And now
we're at the core of the problem. The manual says that the AMSD will lock on the strongest signal
in the passband. So even if you choose LSB, adjust the PBT to get away from 1251, and even if you
manage to lock on 1250 - if 1251 increases its signal level it will simply take over the lock and you
will find yourself listening to 1251 instead of 1250! The problem will of course diminish the further
you are away from the offending signal. But there is in fact a problem here. Imagine this happening
when you are waiting for an ID, 10 seconds before the full hour.
mixed bag. I tested this specifically on 1250 (Ontario) with a strong European on 1251. And now
we're at the core of the problem. The manual says that the AMSD will lock on the strongest signal
in the passband. So even if you choose LSB, adjust the PBT to get away from 1251, and even if you
manage to lock on 1250 - if 1251 increases its signal level it will simply take over the lock and you
will find yourself listening to 1251 instead of 1250! The problem will of course diminish the further
you are away from the offending signal. But there is in fact a problem here. Imagine this happening
when you are waiting for an ID, 10 seconds before the full hour.
I cannot recommend the use of selectable-sideband AMSD for serious DX unless you are certain
that the lock won't be lost and "transferred" as it were, to the interfering station. This is especially
true if you operate several receivers and need to let the E1 record audio unattended. On the other
hand, if you meet that requirement, the audio quality from the selectable-sideband AMSD is very
good.
that the lock won't be lost and "transferred" as it were, to the interfering station. This is especially
true if you operate several receivers and need to let the E1 record audio unattended. On the other
hand, if you meet that requirement, the audio quality from the selectable-sideband AMSD is very
good.
ECSS audio quality is good, better than expected. There are slight tonal differences between USB
and LSB but they are not disturbing in any way. But the difference should have been avoided.
and LSB but they are not disturbing in any way. But the difference should have been avoided.
Selectivity, Noise Reduction
Portable receivers usually lack many (or all) of the interference-fighting tools. Alas, that is mostly
the case with the E1 as well. As stated earlier, its ECSS tuning is very good, but ECSS must be
regarded as a rather compulsory part of an HF receiver today. AM Synchronous Detection is quite
good overall, but not suited for DX-ing narrow splits. So, what do we have?
Portable receivers usually lack many (or all) of the interference-fighting tools. Alas, that is mostly
the case with the E1 as well. As stated earlier, its ECSS tuning is very good, but ECSS must be
regarded as a rather compulsory part of an HF receiver today. AM Synchronous Detection is quite
good overall, but not suited for DX-ing narrow splits. So, what do we have?
IF Filters
According to Eton's specs, there are three bandwidth choices; 2.3 (sometimes referred to as 2.5), 4.0
and 7.0 kHz. The 2.3 is apparently the muRata CFJ455K5 which is mounted in a large number of
receivers. I don't know the origin of the other filters. Judging from audio recovery, I'd say the 4.0 is
more like 4.5, and the 7 is more 8-ish. I hope someone will take the time to measure the correct
bandwidths and the shape factor. They appear to have good ultimate selectivity though. There's
nothing wrong with the filters except my personal preference would probably be less than 4, and 6
kHz for the two wider filters. Other people with other preferences will surely disagree. Actually, a
portable with a choice of three mode-independent, good quality IF filters must ble close to one of a
kind.
According to Eton's specs, there are three bandwidth choices; 2.3 (sometimes referred to as 2.5), 4.0
and 7.0 kHz. The 2.3 is apparently the muRata CFJ455K5 which is mounted in a large number of
receivers. I don't know the origin of the other filters. Judging from audio recovery, I'd say the 4.0 is
more like 4.5, and the 7 is more 8-ish. I hope someone will take the time to measure the correct
bandwidths and the shape factor. They appear to have good ultimate selectivity though. There's
nothing wrong with the filters except my personal preference would probably be less than 4, and 6
kHz for the two wider filters. Other people with other preferences will surely disagree. Actually, a
portable with a choice of three mode-independent, good quality IF filters must ble close to one of a
kind.
Passband Tuning (PBT)
Something we cannot do without! The PBT can be tuned +/- 2 kHz. For reasons mentioned below,
the PBT is in more use on the E1 than on my other receivers.
Something we cannot do without! The PBT can be tuned +/- 2 kHz. For reasons mentioned below,
the PBT is in more use on the E1 than on my other receivers.
A Notch Filter is an essential tool for removing heterodynes. Any notch filter will do really, even a
basic audio notch filter - but the E1 has none. That is in fact a major drawback with the radio.
Removing or reducing hets can to some extent be done by using the PBT, but it is 1) time
consuming and 2) can result in increased interference from a different source.
basic audio notch filter - but the E1 has none. That is in fact a major drawback with the radio.
Removing or reducing hets can to some extent be done by using the PBT, but it is 1) time
consuming and 2) can result in increased interference from a different source.
A Noise Blanker is also missing. Ignition-type noise, and in my case Loran C ticking, can be
reduced with a good noise blanker.
reduced with a good noise blanker.
And there is no Noise Reduction function. Although we have seen many of questionable quality, and
that they often degrade the audio quality, in some instances they really do help.
that they often degrade the audio quality, in some instances they really do help.