Herculodge

Harry Taylor Reviews the GE Model 7-2881C “Superadio Cub”

 

 I am always amazed at the number and variety of radios GE made in the 1950’s through the 80’s.  Pocket, portable and table top radios in styles to appeal to the tastes of every man, woman and child.  Although some radios had shortwave bands or 8 track and cassette players, strong AM performance seemed to be GE’s focus.  When the opportunity to acquire a model 7-2881C presented itself, I jumped. 

 

The GE 7-2881C is sometimes referred to as the “Superadio Cub”.  You have to like a radio with a nickname.  The radio does not contain any markings indicating long range, Superadio, or anything else for that matter other than the General Electric name.  I believe the radio was manufactured during the 1980s, however, I could not find the actual dates of production.  Based on model numbering, the 7-2880 SR was introduced in 1979 while the digital Superadio 7-2882 was introduced in 1982.  Assuming the sequential use of model numbers, I am guessing the Cub was introduced around 1980.  I suppose the radio earned its nickname as it was introduced during the Superadio era, performs well and is slightly smaller than the SR.  Either that or someone thought it sounded cool.

 

The Cub was made in Malaysia.  It can operate on either 6 D-cell batteries, or using the built in AC cord which can be easily stored in a separate compartment.  The Cub covers the FM (88 - 108 MHz) and AM (520 – 1610 kHz) bands as it was manufactured before the 1993 AM band expansion.  The radio measures 11.5 x 8.5 x 4 and has a sturdy carrying handle which is needed when loaded with batteries.  The speaker is approximately 5” and provides excellent sound with the assistance of separate treble and bass slide controls.  The front panel also contains tuning and loudness knobs, as well as, FM, AM and OFF buttons.  In addition to selecting bands, the AM and FM buttons also function to turn on the radio. The dial pointer and AM / FM indicators are lit with red LED’s. The Cub has a headphone jack on the right hand side and the telescoping antenna is 28” long.  The antenna has the same plastic cover on the lower segment as the SR.

 

To see how the Cub performed, I did a quick comparison to the GE model 7-2880 Superadio I.  Evaluation consisted of running through the AM and FM bands with both the Cub and the 7-2880 Superadio.  One of the first things I noticed was that the speakers of both radios are similar in size and appearance.  Unsurprisingly, the audio quality of both radios was similar in a good way.  I think the SR sounds good for a portable and now feel the same about the Cub.  Both radios have separate treble and bass controls, so adjusting the sound to personal preference is not an issue.  Running up the FM dial determined both radios picked up the same stations and reception quality similar.  FM performance and sound quality of both radios was comparable with no notable differences.

 

On the AM band I did not try to dig out weak signals, rather, logged stations that were listenable.  The comparison was performed 9 PM EDT.  In total each radio received 35 stations which I grouped based on their distance:           

-       14 stations less than 50 miles

-         6 stations between 50 and 200 miles

-         8 stations between 200 and 400 miles

-         7 stations over 400 miles

Reception was generally similar, with perhaps a slight nod to the SR on a few of the weaker stations.

 

The results indicate both radios are capable performers.  I suspect a difference may present itself if I focused tried digging out weak distant signals.  However, for listening to market stations or casual DXing either radio would be a good choice.

 

I did not open the cases for a variety of reasons – mainly so the radios continue operating in one piece; however, it would be interesting to know the similarities and differences in their construction. 

 

The style of the Cub still holds up 30 years down the road.  It is enjoyable to listen to and pulls in stations well.  I am assuming battery life will be long.  The Cub can be had for half the price of a SR or SR II which makes it a pretty good buy.  And how often do you come across a radio with a nickname. 

 

 

 

 

More Info on the Tecsun R-2010

 

 

 

Thanks, Vimal:

Nice detailed reading''Silicon Labs Si4831 Chip and the Tecsun R-2010

http://radio-timetraveller.blogspot.com/2011/07/silicon-labs-si4831-chip-and-tecsun-r.html

Manly Watch Sighting: Invicta Venom Viper 0972 in Gunmetal and Combat Black

 

I would love to get one of these Invicta Venom Vipers in the next year. 

Honda's Downward Slide: An Analysis by Jamie Kitman

 

I heard Jamie Kitman on the Madeleine Brand Show explain Honda's complacency, mediocrity, and downward slide. 

However, I still have a crush on the new Acura (Honda made) TSX sports wagon. 

Tecsun R 2010 Radio to be Released in December

 

 

Thanks, Ante:

According to Anon-Co, this much anticipated Tecsun R 2010 Radio, which should be using  the new silicon-labs-si4831-chip, should be available in early December.

 

 

Manly Watch Pick of the Day: G-Shock Solar for $79.95 Plus Shipping

 

Very decent price for this G-Shock GW6900 with solar battery. I see, however, that Amazon is selling it today for $82.52 and free shipping, which may be the better deal. 

"7 Gadgets That Won't Be Around in 2020": Transistor Radios Are Already Extinct

 

 

Thanks, Gary:

"7 Gadgets That Won't Be Around in 2020"

"So which popular products today will join the likes of VCRs, cassette players and transistor radios in the next few years?"

I didn't realize that transistor radios were already extinct.

http://www.mainstreet.com/slideshow/smart-spending/technology/7-gadgets-won-t-make-it-2020

 

Keith's Degen DE-1126 Is a Mixed Bag

 

 

 

My DE 1126 is a mixed bag.

Pros:
1. FM reception is excellent.
2. AM (MW) reception is OK, better than average but not as good as my best AM radios.
3. ATS (auto tuning storage) works.
4. Radio record/playback functions work, although it is a somewhat cumbersome process involving several steps. Audio quality of radio recordings is somewhat degraded.
5. Wake-up alarm (to radio or an old-school telephone bell sound) and sleep (auto shut-off) work well. You can pre-set multiple alarms or multiple power on/power off at different times of the day if you choose.
6. Mp3 playback (of downloaded mp3s) works. 
7. Speaker audio on FM and mp3 playback is surprisingly good for a unit of this tiny size and slim profile.

Cons:

1. SW bands are useless, the unit barely hears anything, and what you do hear is covered up by all kinds of noise. I haven't tried it with an external SW antenna, nor have I tried it out in the country, away from city noises and local transmitters. 
2. No SSB or synch (wouldn't expect them in a unit at this price point). 
3. Whip antenna is really too short for SW.
4. No tone control or bandwidth-select options. 
5. No LW band.

You don't see many devices that combine mp3 recording capability with a LW, AM, or SW tuner, usually only FM, and I think I know why: the engineers haven't quite figured out how to do it yet. Many in another couple of years, if the demand is there.

On the other hand, if you are mainly an AM/FM listener, and need a handy pocket/travel radio, this may be for you. If you are a big shortwave listener, you won't be happy with it ;-). If you want to record programs off the air, your best bet at this point is probably to use a good radio with a "line out," connected to a dedicated digital recorder.

 

Why Joel Wants to Return His Degen DE-1127

 

 

Just received a Degen DE-1127. In general it's a nicely designed unit.

But: While the FM sound quality is acceptable - just - on the entire SW band is a loud digital burbling sound, with no reception of stations at all.

On AM this sound decreases as you tune down from 1600kHz but is still audible at 800kHz. Recordings made on AM are useless, and even FM recordings have strange frying background sounds.

The signal quality on AM is about the same as those tiny pocket radios that used to sell for $5.00

We also have a Sony ICD-UX91F which makes superb recordings - but of course no AM, which is why I bought the Degen.

Back it goes - but will the replacement be A1? It's not cheap sending stuff back - around US$20.00 - so it will be interesting to see how the seller's customer care handles a unit that was "all tested before despatch"

Any comments on whether I should swap it for an 1125 or 1126? Need to record from AM and FM, and play MP3's - prefer 4GB memory or more. Size isn't really an issue.

Jules' Response:

You should send it back, you obviously have a bad one.

I had a DE1126 that was returned due to radio-generated noise on all bands when recording, completely ruining them. Its sensitivity was only fair on all bands, despite trying a few different antennas.

Its replacement, the DE1127, has been rather different. It records well from MW and SW but still makes noise on the FM band when trying to record - this noise starts as soon as I hit record and affects the broadcast as well. I can only describe it as a constant loud rat-a-tat-a-tat sound, very annoying to listen to.

I first tried the 1127 with the whip on SW - hopeless. A wire helped a lot but you have to get it at the right length or it will overload. I then attached it to my external Sony AN-1 and it woke up! No overload, beautiful clear SW, and with that antenna it is more sensitive than my Tecsun PL-380, which surprised me.

I am happy with it for what it does but forget it if you want good FM or MW DX. It does record FM in stereo, despite the machine gun going off whilst recording.

I wish they'd sort the FM problem, add 1 kHz steps, and add SSB. Otherwise it does what I need, which is to record SW programs for later.

Such has been my experience so far.

I hope that you have better luck if you try another. The eBay seller I got both from was good to deal with when I needed to return the 1126.

I would recommend that you don't go for the cheapest postage to Hong Kong. I did that and it took a month to get there from Australia. When posted after I originally purchased it the unit took only 10 days to arrive. If you want it quick you'll have to cough up. Be aware that they may use the cheapest, slowest postage to send your replacement. This happened in my case - the item I exchanged it for arrived after another month. You may want to have a word with the seller about that.

Good luck!

 

My Dog's Vet Just Had a Filling Replaced and Lost His Sense of Taste for 3 Months

Does anyone know why? I can't see how such a procedure would result in a loss of this sense. My dog's vet said he hasn't been able to taste food for 3 months. He's lost close to 20 pounds. His research tells him his tase may not come back for another 2 years.