Brett,
I don't think the sensitivity of the Receptor can be fixed by upgrading the
firmware. They'll have to redesign the hardware, which means we're out of
luck until they come out with a new model. I suspect that they didn't want
to make the radio too sensitive because then they would have had to give it
a good capture ratio, and a good quieting curve, all of which costs money.
So, they built a radio that would pick up the strongest stations, which is
probably the best approach for receiving HD radio on a tabletop. On the
other hand, a tuner can be sensitive since it can be connected to an
external antenna. Besides, Sangean seems to build pretty hot receivers (the
CCrane radio and the ATS909 being two good examples). Despite my previous
observations about the HD1's front end, I think it's a very good tuner for
$200. It's sensitive, selective, and seems to have a good capture ratio.
In addition to all that, it's very easy for a blind person to operate. In
addition to the 40 presets which are easy to set, it has direct frequency
entry, a huge plus as far as I'm concerned.
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brett Winches" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 18:03
Subject: Re: anyone have an Ibiquity digital radio?
> These were made slightly prior to the Boston Acoustics model and its
> competitor which came out shortly afterwards. I had seen this on a
> closed circuit NPR discussion group. We had one of the early HD pre
> experiments in Sun Valley which let our local affiliate put their JAZZ
> station on their analogue silence several years ago before all of the
> standards had been finalized. Harris along with Iniquity partnered in
> developing this radio to self promote IBOC. There is some quality
> issues I am told but I have not had first hand experience yet. =20
>
> The early Receptors did not do well but I think BA did some mod after
> release but I am not sure the sensitivity issue was ever delt with
> properly. =20
>
> I am looking forward to hearing more about the Sangean model. While my
> personal HIFI system is not TOTL it is a notch above the low end. I
> only wish my cd changer had not died. It let me change each disk
> individually unlike the cartridge or carocell versions which seem to
> have taken the market lead now. =20
>
>
>
>
>
> -----
> BRETT WINCHESTER
> [log in to unmask]
> 208-639-8386
> ###
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Steve Dresser
> Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 12:53 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: anyone have an Ibiquity digital radio?
>
> Brett,
>
> I didn't know that Ibiquity made its own radio. I thought you were
> using that name generically. I'd like to know what you think of the
> radio once you get it.
>
> Steve
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Brett Winches" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 10:00
> Subject: Re: anyone have an Ibiquity digital radio?
>
>
>> Thanks Steve. You did a through job of a quick and dirty review.
> I
>> will need to look at the Sangene but was particularly interested in
> the
>> limited production of the IBIQUITY model as I will eventually get one
> (a
>> promotional item) from my local NPR station. I simply need to get
>> together with their chief engineer and do the deal. We both however
> are
>> doing the jobs of 3 or 4 individuals so difficult at best. =3D20
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----
>> BRETT WINCHESTER
>> [log in to unmask]
>> 208-639-8386
>> ###
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: For blind ham radio operators
>> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Steve Dresser
>> Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 6:25 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: anyone have an Ibiquity digital radio?
>>
>> Brett,
>>
>> I have two: the Boston Receptor and the Sangean HD1, which is an AM/FM
>> tuner. The Receptor sounds good, and it's easy to use especially if
> you
>> set up presets. I don't think it's particularly sensitive, especially
>> with the antennas provided, but it works well with strong signals. I
>> like the fact that the two speakers can be separated about 10 feet if
>> you use the long cord that comes with the radio.
>>
>> If you're looking for something to connect to an existing stereo, you
>> can't beat the Sangean HD1. I haven't seen any published specs, but
> it
>> seems to have good selectivity, and a good capture ratio. Sensitivity
>> is good, although I think the front end can be overloaded by strong
>> signals. Then again, it's a $200 tuner, and I'm used to my Mackintosh
>> MR77, which is impervious to overload. It also cost $600 when I
> bought
>> it back in 1971, so perhaps it isn't a fair comparison. I have yet to
>> compare the two tuners directly, but one of these days my curiosity
> will
>> get the better of me.=3D20
>> Meanwhile, the HD1 is a good bare-bones no nonsense tuner, easy to
>> operate, and works well connected to my 9 element yagi.
>>
>> Steve
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Brett Winches" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 13:28
>> Subject: anyone have an Ibiquity digital radio?
>>
>>
>>> =3D3D20
>>> =3D3D20
>>>
>>> -----
>>> Thank you!
>>> Brett Winchester
>>> [log in to unmask]
>>> Reading, Braille, volunteer Services
>>> IDAHO COMMISSION / BLIND
>>> & VISUALLY IMPAIRED
>>> P O BOX 83720
>>> BOISE IDAHO 83720-0012
>>> 208-334-3220-104
>>> 208-639-8386 DID
>>> 208-334-2963 fax
>>> ###=3D3D20
>>>
>>> =3D3D20
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
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