Herculodge

Gary Detects Quality Variation in His Two CCRadio-SW Radios

Thanks, Gary:

I received my under-$91 CCRadio-SW from Amazon today. Unfortunately, it's far less sensitive across the MW (AM Broadcast) band than my other CCR-SW purchased in 2009. I tested it at 530 kHz, 1700 kHz, and at points in between. Also, the tuning is off -- most stations sound better tuned 1 kHz low. This sample-to-sample variability of Chinese-made radios is very frustrating.

Paul Finds Great Headphones at a Low Price

Thanks, Paul:

These are great headphones, on sale today only for 25% off at Monoprice:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10823&cs_id=1082302&p_id=8323&seq=1&format=2&cpncd=10annday6

Reviews:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57337747-47/how-good-can-$21.59-headphones-be/

http://www.head-fi.org/t/608453/monoprice-dj-headphones-8323-review

 

Two Sapphire Invicta Treasures: Speedway 4913 and 4937

 

I feel fortunate that a few months ago the Invicta Speedway models, the gunmetal 4913 and the black 4937, with 50mm bezels and sapphire crystals, seemed to be off everyone's radar screen.

I was able to buy each one used in mint condition for $120 and $100 respectively. They seem hard to find a few months later, except brand new for about a starting price of $310.

They have a lot of weight, elegance, and class and defy fadishness. Also, I can feel the superior build quality with the sapphire crystals.

I wish Invicta would go back to sapphire again for models costing $350 and up, but until they do (if ever), I'm very happy with these Speedway models.

 

First Look: Lum-Tec LZ7 "Lumzilla"

Coated in black with a bezel just slightly under 49mm, the Lum-Tec LZ7 Lumzilla is a stealthy watch with several coats of high-tech luminosity comparable to Luminox's. 

Double thick sapphire crystal evidences this a serious watch. The company stands by it for a lifetime of battery switches with its Miyota 0520. If anyone knows the battery life (5 years I hope?), let me know. I doubt I'll send it across the States for a new battery, free or not. 

The watch wears comfortably. I haven't tested the lume yet. I am eager to try it out tonight. 

I was underwhelmed when I opened it from the box but as I wear it, it is growing on me. 

I've Got Retro on My Mind: Seiko Arctura SNAC15P1 with Sapphire Crystal

 

 

Over the weekend I visisted with my wife's grandfather who was wearing a 1967 Bulova, silver dial and silver strap. It was small, about 38mm across the bezel. He's never repaired it. It goes and goes. He does however replace the battery every 8 months. It's always been that way.

His Bulova got me thinking about the Seiko Arctura SNAC15P1, which was on my mind several months ago and came back recently. With a 45mm bezel, it's not huge but it appears to be a substantial timepiece. It looks like it would age rather well. 

Speaking of Seiko, Yeoman's website is featuring the new version of the Seiko Black Monster and some other awesome divers. 

Ross and Burbank from 97.3 Seattle Is My Favorite Podcast

I discovered Luke Burbank and his podcast Too Beautiful to Live from Madeleine Brand Show on KPCC and this in turn help me discover my favorite podcast, 97.3 Seattle's Ross and Burbank. 

Ross has one of those supreme radio voices like he was born to be a radio talk person. Burbank is funny. 

Listening to their 3-hour show over and over from 11PM to 6:30 AM, I only get bits and pieces through my insomniac brain. But one thing is affirmed: I feel much more connected to radio than I do television. 

Tecsun PL-660 vs Sangean ATS-909X: For My Needs the Sangean Would be the One

Thanks, Paul:

Tecsun PL-660 vs Sangean ATS-909X
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1fNaNiz7tU

From the video notes:

The 909X wins on LW and MW, but on SW the Tecsun is much more sensitive. I still prefer the 909X though; it works better with a really long antenna, has a nicer sound and a gorgeous display. Plus, the FM is very good on the Sangean.

 

Torn Over My Invicta Leviathan 6646: To Sell Or Not to Sell

I recently put for sale my combat version of the Invicta Leviathan and the orange one. They are big, almost too big for my 7.5 inch wrist. When I weighed 30 pounds more, these watches fit me. 

There's something about the blue version model 6646 though. Still, I should sell it. I can barely fit the long strap around my wrist. 

Final Thoughts:

Perhaps I should sell all of them and get my "fat man" watches behind me and start a new life. 

First Look: Invicta Subaqua Specialty Reserve with Gray Dial and Strap

The Invicta Subaqua Specialty 1398 with a gray strap and gray dial is a huge piece, 52mm across the bezel and over 22mm thick in the case. 

The crown is screw-down, which I prefer over the push-pull variety. The lume is only so-so. This is more of a fashion watch. I wouldn't wear this for deep-sea diving. 

Having said that, the Subaqua Specialty is in my top-three Invicta styles along with the Ocean Reef and Force Master, circa 2009-2010. 

The 1398 is very comfortable, especially considering its size. If you're looking for gray to mix things up, I highly recommend this. Another watch I may want to get is the Invicta S1 Racer 1366, all gray as well. I've never owned an S1 Racer but they look comfortable. 

New Emergency Radio from Radioshack:

 

 

Thanks, Paul:

New radio from Radioshack:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13256266#