Radio receiver Degen 1103: a review, description, features and reviews

Erroneous are those users who are sure that the times of portable radios have ended in the last millennium. The era of devices created for radio amateurs will exist for many more years, because until now no mobile device with an integrated FM tuner allows you to catch short, medium and long waves. But it's so interesting to listen to the ether of the whole world, amateur and pirate radio stations, and also to entertain yourself by eavesdropping on private negotiations in the open frequency range.

In this article, the reader is invited to get acquainted with the Chinese receiver Degen 1103, capable of working at virtually any radio frequency. The review, description, characteristics and user reviews will allow potential buyers to find out about the wonderful device more useful information.

Specifications

The portable receiver works in all frequency bands known to the world , this is its main advantage:

• VHF (FM) 78-108 MHz with a step of 25 kHz;
• DV / SV / KB (AM) 100-30 000 kHz in 1 kHz steps, with the possibility of extending the range in manual mode.

In addition, the Degen 1103 radio receiver has a double frequency conversion of the entire AM band, and is also equipped with an automatic scanning system for occupied frequencies. Digital volume control, 268 cells for recording stations, SSB (taxi, security and other private organizations), stereo mode support, built-in alarm clock and presence of control buttons make this device truly unique in the digital audio market for listening to radio channels.

Let's get to know each other

The Chinese managed to surprise even the most demanding buyers who prefer products of European and American quality. Degen DE 1103 radio receiver is extremely rich in equipment: charger, battery pack, headphones, remote antenna, soft case for transportation and russified instruction manual.

As for the build quality, there were some nice surprises here. When manufacturing the body of the device, high-strength plastic was used, which even with effort is difficult enough to damage. In their responses, many owners compare the product Degen with similar receivers created in the USSR (for example, "Orion"). Confuses users only telescopic antenna - its attachment with mismanagement is easy to break.

Ease of management

The numeric keypad on the case clearly simplifies both the frequency input for searching for the desired radio station and the settings of the Degen 1103 receiver. The instructions in the kit describe in more detail all the functionality for which you need to enter numbers. However, many users still have questions. At the software level, the device does not allow you to enter frequencies that are outside the limits indicated in the technical specifications. The gadget simply signals an error.

As for the remaining control buttons, then there is complete order. All of them are multi-functional and allow the user to quickly set up the radio for full operation. Quite interestingly implemented and LCD-screen. It has a digital display, but displays an analog scale. Quite an interesting imitation, besides completely working.

Little things

Receiver Degen DE 1103, whose price is within 5000 rubles, has a very interesting control of the frequency synthesizer. A circular knob (valcoder) allows the wearer to tune in to almost any frequency with maximum accuracy. It is this functional that attracts attention to the device of potential buyers.

But the volume control can upset future owners. The dynamics are controlled by the integrated wheel. At the first acquaintance there is a feeling that the manufacturer simply confused the volume and synthesizer controls. Fortunately, many electronics engineers will not have problems solving the problem with volume control.

Playback Quality

Yes, the headphones, which come with the Degen 1103 receiver, leave much to be desired, here clearly not to argue. Users who want to listen to radio frequencies without disturbing others should definitely think about buying a decent speaker system.

As for the built-in loudspeaker, then things are much better. The Chinese have established a sufficiently high-quality speaker (diameter - 77 mm), which perfectly reproduces high and medium audio frequencies. With bass, the device has serious problems, so do not even waste time on fine tuning.

First Steps to Optimization

It's better to start with the fact that the Chinese still made a mistake in bundling their product. Delay 4WD rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 1300 mAh supplied in the box are of low quality and can not hold the charge for a long time, which significantly affects the battery life of the Degen 1103 receiver. The price of the device on the domestic market is quite large, and the manufacturer simply did not have the right to do so Buyers.

Extend the battery life of the receiver will help branded batteries with a capacity of 2200-2500 mAh from some famous manufacturer (for example, Panasonic, Duracell or Philips). There is no particular difference in such products, so here the buyer should focus only on the cost of consumables.

Frequent problems with signal amplification

The knowledge of the basics of physics is good, but only the Degen 1103 receiver is not designed to connect a more powerful antenna. The maximum that a user can limit is to connect a remote signal amplifier, which is supplied in the kit.

There are several problems here. First, the input stage has no capacitors and can simply burn out of overvoltage. The user needs to install two 100 pF capacitive storage. The second problem is hidden in the YJ-7 field-effect transistor , which is installed on the Degen 1103 receiver board. Having refused the powerful amplifier and returning to using the native telescopic antenna, the user will find out that AM channels are not received. The problem is solved by replacing the Chinese field-effect transistor with a product of the domestic manufacturer with the KP303B marking.

Problems of civilization

Strangely enough, the problem with receiving AM- and SSB-waves is the inhabitants of megacities. The fact is that almost all buildings, including residential buildings, have metal structures at their base, which create a lot of interference in the operation of long waves.

There are not so many options for solving this problem. Someone offers to go out of town or climb the roof of a multi-storey house to listen to amateur stations. And someone is easier to make shielding of the signal board of the Degen 1103 receiver. Completion, of course, requires certain knowledge in electrical engineering. It is recommended to install two screens: on the frequency synthesizer and on the quartz filter. As a material, copper foil or a piece of tin can be used.

Small tricks

To expand the lower limit of the frequency range, the user does not need a soldering iron and chips. You can bypass the restriction programmatically. True, this solution requires increased attention and perseverance. First, the owner with the help of the instruction needs to learn how to work with the recording of radio stations in the memory cells of the Degen 1103 receiver. After that it is necessary to use the following algorithm of actions:

• Set using the buttons the upper limit of the range: 21 951 kHz;
• Run automatic scanning (Band + and Band-);
• After seeing the approach of scanning to the lower limit (100 kHz), it is necessary to slightly turn the knob of the encoder;
• It is recommended to write this frequency into a pair of memory cells in order not to repeat the scan in the future;
• Turning the knob of the scanner, you need to manually search for the desired frequencies in the lower range.

The same procedure can be done when scanning the upper frequency range (over 30 MHz), only here you need to be more attentive, both with automatic search and with manual settings. The fact is that the receiver, trying to please the user, is trying to switch to the FM radio reception mode.

Feedback

About the radio Degen 1103 reviews of the owners are quite interesting. Beginners, who are far from knowing in electrical engineering, leave only positive comments, and professional radio mechanics complain about significant shortcomings of the manufacturer. However, every negative opinion is accompanied by an algorithm of actions to eliminate the problem.

In disgrace to all buyers got a volume control - it needs to be reworked, at the same time and finalize the scheme responsible for automatically increasing the volume. The second serious problem, which many users pay attention to, is the work of the built-in charger for removable finger batteries. Too low current feeds the power supply to the batteries. Either you need to buy an external charger, or cut an extra resistor from the power board. True, in the latter case, the power supply will be heated up significantly during the charging process.

As for merits, they simply can not be listed in one article. The Degen 1103 works in almost all bands and has a very high quality reception, so anywhere in the world the owner will always have a choice of at least one hundred radio stations with high sound quality.

Finally

The receiver is decent, it's just hard not to agree with this. Outside of civilization: on the sea, in the woods, on the dacha or fishing - everywhere there will be a quality reception not only of your favorite radio stations, but also of amateur channels. With the device Degen 1103 will not be bored anywhere. However, for obtaining maximum comfort, you should pay attention to a small modification of the receiver, otherwise some unpleasant little things can disrupt the pleasant pastime.