Tecsun PL365

The County Comm GP5 SSB, also known as Tecsun PL365 is a rather unusual handheld multi-purpose DSP HF receiver, covering 150Khz – 30Mhz with 1Khz a steps, and 10Hz steps via the BFO, plus FM broadcast. The GP5 is available from sources in the USA. The Tecsun is available from China and Hong Kong, and such sources are usually easier to import into the UK, without the usual customs issues. There is also a non SSB version around, so ensure that you choose the correct one. Price is around £70. Switchable USB/LSB is provided plus AM. 

The receiver requires 3 x AA cells or USB cable input. Unusually the s-meter reads as dbuv (db above a microvolt across 600 ohms?) and SINAD. The SINAD meter appears to have a full scale deflection on AM of 25db. On broadcast FM I have seen it reach 44db. The SINAD meter requires spot on tuning accuracy, otherwise it reads zero. The SINAD meter does not work in SSB mode. Both the signal meter and SINAD meter is available on all frequencies, but requires a steady carrier whence there is no signal meter in SSB mode. This is hardly a deal breaker. The photo below shows the signal meter and SINAD meter in action (38 dbuv and 16 db signal to noise ratio whilst tuned to a local broadcast signal for convenience).

This receiver is an extremely small and lightweight device, and perfect for keeping an ear on the HF bands before firing up the main rig, or to be used alongside a companion QRP transmitter for extremely compact /P operations, 

An external antenna socket is provided (believed to be 600 ohms) and takes all signals except broadcast FM. The receiver also comes with a short clip on wire antenna for HF use which helps with sensitivity, not that it really needs it. That 18 inch telescopic is usually enough. There is an inbuilt ferrite rod which works well on medium wave, but poor on LW. An external ferrite rod is provided, which improves the sensitivity, or you can provide your own loop or wire. With a half decent ferrite rod, I could hear a band full to bursting with NDB’s around 350Khz, and a long wave band full of broadcast signals.

I even discovered that Denmark has a LW TX that only gets switched on four times a day for a quick news and shipping forecast on 243Khz 1. It’s a good receiver for the 475Khz amateur band too. I even used the receiver’s unique signal meter to tuned my QRPp 475Khz transmitter aerial coupling unit. One tip, if you decide to provide your own external ferrite rod or loop antenna the lower frequencies, then I suggest you feed it via a few feet of screened cable and keep the external antenna away from the actual receiver. This is because the receiver is not well screened, and some processor noises may be heard if the antenna is too close. There are no issues on 160-10m, no noises are received at all.

With this receiver it is essential to set up the memories first, and then tune from them via the VFO mode otherwise tuning would take forever via the sidewheel provided. Now let’s get one thing straight, these receivers work ! On 160m and an 18 inch whip, I can listen to any signal I want with ease. Don’t assume that these are like the old style VHF/UHF scanners with deaf HF coverage, because they are not. I could listen to all participents on the usual Sunday afternoon 160m Amplitude modulation AMPSNET in Kent and Essex, just like I had a £1000 rig and a 150ft long wire, and all on that on 18 inch telescopic. QSO’s on 3560Khz during the day were heard, a rare 20Mhz appearance of WWV one afternoon and on 28Mhz I listened to weak beacons easily enough too. I can honestly say that at no time did I ever feel I was missing out on signals with such a tiny set up. In fact, I’m thinking of getting another one! If there was one feature that this receiver excels at, it is sensitivity.

So is there anything bad about the receiver ? Well the rig is made plastic, not a die cast shell. So it might not survive any drops if you are careless. But it does make a VERY light receiver. There is also a bit of an issue with general frequency stability cause by mechanical mounting. If yuo squeeze the receiver and the PCB gets a slight amount of mechanical stress then frequency stability varies. It's not too bad, and mostly effects SSB on 28Mhz., and of course requires you to be manhandling the rig a bit. But it is present and may be a bit disconcerting to anyone used to higher spec equipment.  I found that tightening the PCB mounting screws provides a reasonable reduction. Maybe one day I'll try to investigate more solid methods, but for now the performance is quite acceptable for general use.   Also the belt clip is pretty flimsy, and I doubt it will withstand much use. It does unclip and can be removed.

Broadcast performance is excellent. The use of the ETM (Electronic Tuning Mode) scans all broadcast bands and allocates received signals into the separate ETM memories that don not effect the user memories. I actually found this very good, and it has re-awakened my interest in HF broadcast listening. Pressing and holding the down arrow button sorts these memories in to frequency order. FM broadcast works well, with excellent sensitivity too. Other useful features include a clock, and a thermometer in Fahrenheight or Centigrade.

In recent times, I have started to collect these modern receiver marvels since they are very cheap, and offer what I call the “third way” of operating QRP. That is having a small receiver ready built, but using a homebrew companion transmitter to keep the home brew spirit alive. I can recommend searching Youtube for the M0DAD reviews of this receiver. They concentrate well on the HF SSB performance. The others videos that I found were way too long and boring, and told me nothing. These are great little receivers, and I often find an excuse just to go for a walk and a listening session. And if I feel propagation is good, then I make the effort to bring out the FT817 not long after. 

One small trick When you've programmed your memories they may not be in frequency order. With the receiver switched off, press and hold down the down arrow key, button also marked SW and it will re-sort out the order for you.

NEW VERSION.

https://swling.com/blog/2021/07/tecsun-pl-368-an-everyman-review/ I have not tried it yet myself since I am not too keen on using those Nokia style battery packs. I prefer to use AA or AAA's. But some users might not mind.

Recommended outlets are -

(A) http://www.anon-co.com/ (very fast)

(B) Ebay retailers

(C) Hand book and other stuff.

(1) 05:45, 08:45, 11:45 and 17:45 Danish local time 

Note - Danish radio on 243Khz went QRT on 31st Dec 2023 at approx 1735 UTC.