Inhaltsverzeichnis
Sangean ATS-803
Manufactured by Sangean, Taiwan.
The Sangean ATS-803 with its PLL frequency synthesizer was introduced 1989 in a revised version with two switchable IF bandwidths and improved dynamic range. This version can be recognised from the WIDE / NARROW switching option as a secondary function of the stereo switch in the lower right corner of the front panel.
Technical data
- Frequency range: FM, LW, MW, SW (150 kHz - 30 MHz)
- Frequency display: Digital display, 1 kHz
- Frequency memories: 9 memories
- Signal strength indicator: LED chain
- Features: Frequency direct entry keypad; clock, timer
Power supply
- Mains operation: Mains adapter for 9 V DC.
Dimensions
- 310 x 160 x 60 mm, weight 1 kg
Accessories
Operation
Sangean's ATS-803 was developed in the wake of Sony's ICF-2001, which set a new standard for travel radios with a PLL controlled double conversion superhet circuit. The concept of the set originating from Taiwan is similar to that of the Sony, but some technical details have been improved when compared with the Sony receiver.
The Sangean ATS-803 has a plastic cabinet with dimensions of 310 x 160 x 60 mm and a weight of about 1 kg, similar to the Sony ICF-2001, and a 1.38 m long built in telescopic antenna. The set is powered from six mono cells UM-1 or a 9 V external power supply. Two UM-3 AA cells are required to operate the quartz clock and to store the frequency memories.
The set is switched on with the power button at the top right of the front panel, underneath are the slider controls for volume, stereo balance (although stereo can only be heard when headphones are used), treble and bass. Below are the rotary controls for the BFO (heterodyne oscillator for A1 / single sideband reception) and the RF gain, which must be at the right full stop for normal operation.
Further below are the switches to lock the keyboard (LOCK), to acitvate the BFO and VHF stereo. This switch is an important characteristic: if it has the second function to switch between two IF bandwidths (WIDE / NARROW), you have the improved A version of the receiver with the narrow IF filter in front of you - pay attention to this detail when buying at a flea market.
The five frequency ranges can be directly called up: the FM key selects the FM broadcast band, the AM key selects the continuous AM frequency range from 150 - 29'999 kHz. The LW key selects the longwave band (150 - 281 kHz), the MW key the mediumwave band (520 - 1620 kHz) and the SW key the shortwave band. Repeated pressing of the SW key calls up the next shortwave broadcasting band and the last active frequency in this band, thus providing an additional frequency memory in each radio band, in addition to the nine frequency memory channels. To store the active frequency, press STORE and the memory channel number; to recall a stored frequency, press CAll MEMO and the corresponding numeric key.
START/STOP activates automatic scanning, which stops as soon as a station with sufficiently signal strength is tuned. Pressing the START/STOP key again stops the search or continues the station scan.
With the BFO ON/OFF switch, the BFO can be activated for receiving CW or SSB transmissions, for example from radio amateurs; ECSS reception (i.e. receiving an AM shortwave station using SSB mode and tuning to „zero beat“) is difficult due to low frequency stability and wide tuning steps.
A ferrite antenna is built in for long and mediumwave reception. In addition to the built-in telescopic antenna, there is also the option of switching to an external antenna for VHF and shortwave reception.
With the built-in digital clock, a SLEEP timer can be programmed for 90 to 10 minutes until switch off, and the radio can also be used alarm clock.
When the set came out, the Sangean ATS-803 was a much cheaper alternative to the original Sony ICF-2001. In this „clone“, Sangean incorporated some improvements long-awaited by shortwave listeners. The set was sold, partly with modified IF filters, by various discounters and also as Siemens RK 641 or in the A version with two IF bandwidths as RK 651. In Switzerland it was sold at Interdiscount as Intersound WE-12.
Technical principle
Double conversion, microprocessor control with PLL synthesis circuit.
Components
The set is equipped with semiconductors.
Technical documentation
- Sangean ATS-803 / Intersound WE-12, English