Introduction to Universal Radio

Introduction

INTRODUCTION TO UNIVERSAL MORE INFORMATION CONTENTS We at Universal think an informed customer is a Introduction to Universal Radio ...... 1 satisfied customer. We want to provide you with Introduction to Shortwave ...... 3 all the information you need to make your next Portable Shortwave Receivers ...... 4 communications purchase. This catalog is a first Communications Receivers ...... 11 step towards this goal. We have specification Wideband Receivers ...... 12 sheets on most large items and will send them to you upon request. A great deal more technical Scanners ...... 16 information and full color photos of our products Wi-Fi & HD Radio Receivers ...... 19 are available at our website: Weather Receivers ...... 20 AM-FM & Specialty Receivers ...... 22 www.universal-radio.com Headphones ...... 25 You can also reach this same website by typing: RF Splitters, Couplers & Filters ...... 26 Speakers ...... 27 www.RFfun.com Audio Filters ...... 28 USED EQUIPMENT Preamps, Preselectors & Tuners ...... 29 Universal offers a fine selection of used equipment Shortwave Antennas ...... 30 Universal was founded in 1942 by F.R. "Gibby" for the communications enthusiast. Every piece of Scanner Antennas ...... 35 Gibb W8IJ. Universal Service, as it was then used equipment that we take in is thoroughly Flashlights ...... 37 called, was located on North Third Street in down- tested before being released for resale. All our town Columbus, Ohio. Universal carried all the Antenna Switches ...... 38 used equipment carries a sixty day parts and labor major lines of the time including Millen, Drake, Equipment Protection Devices ...... 39 limited warranty (unless specifically stated other- Collins, Hammarlund, Hallicrafters, Johnson and Clocks ...... 40 wise). Whether you are a new hobbyist on a National. Most of the brands have changed, and Shortwave Miscellaneous ...... 41 budget, or an advanced DXer looking for a “stand- so has our location. But the same dedication to by” set; check our inventory of used gear! We Parts ...... 42 customer service and satisfaction that our com- publish a complete list of used equipment every Cable, Wire & Rope ...... 46 pany was founded upon over sixty years ago, still month! To get your copy send a self-addressed Introduction To Amateur Radio ...... 47 remains. As one of the oldest retail radio stores stamped envelope. Our used equipment list is Amateur Base Transceivers ...... 48 in the country, we are grateful for the support also posted on our website twice weekly: provided to us by the radio community over these Amateur Mobile Transceivers ...... 54 many decades. We will continue to offer the finest www.universal-radio.com Amateur Handi-Talkies ...... 59 in new and used communications equipment at Amateur TNC & Interfaces ...... 66 Universal Radio has recently added a Used competitive prices. This catalog has been de- Amateur Antenna Tuners ...... 67 Equipment Sold Archive on our website. This signed to introduce you to the newest and best in Amateur Accessories ...... 71 communications equipment. As you get to know resource provides technical information, and valuations for many older radios and accessories. Meters & Test Equipment ...... 74 us, we think you will want to become one of our Amateur Antennas ...... 78 valued customers. TRADE-INS Power Supplies ...... 86 Yes, we do take trade-ins! If you would like to FACTORY DIRECT DISTRIBUTOR Morse Code Items ...... 89 trade your present gear in for a new unit or even Universal Radio is a direct authorized distributor Microphones & Boomsets ...... 90 another piece of used gear, let us know. Please for all the major communications lines. We can Amateur Amplifiers ...... 92 contact us indicating what you wish to trade-in. therefore give you objective advice on all brands Amateur Antenna Rotors ...... 92 Indicate the condition of the equipment and of equipment. whether you have the box, manual, etc. Citizens Band Radios ...... 93 Solar Instruments ...... 94 ESTABLISHED OVER 75 YEARS WE BUY RADIOS Weather Instruments ...... 94 Universal has been serving the amateur and lis- Do you have radio equipment that you are no Universal & Miscellaneous Items ...... 95 tening community since 1942. You can be as- longer using? Turn it into cash. Contact Universal Recorders & Logging Supplies ...... 96 sured that we will be here in the future for support for a preliminary quote (subject to inspection). and advice. DVDs & Computer CD's ...... 97 Amateur Study Materials ...... 98 LAY-AWAY SHOWROOM DISPLAY Universal offers a convenient layaway plan. To Books: Listening ...... 99 Universal is one of only a few stores in the country place any new item in layaway for up to sixty days, Books: Amateur Radio ...... 103 with a working showroom. Our location is open six a 33% deposit is required. 33% more is required Books: Radio History & Collecting ...... 113 days a week and features a wide selection of at 30 days. The balance is required at 60 days (or Order Form ...... 116 communications equipment for the ham, short- sooner). The item will be shipped after full pay- wave listener and scanner enthusiats. The most ment. There are no service or interest charges. popular models are on display and operational! If Mail: Universal Radio Inc. you travel through Central Ohio, please stop in BENCH TEST ✉ and listen to our excellent selection of communi- Universal offers a selection of receivers second to 651 Lakeview Plaza Blvd. Ste B cations products. We are only 20 minutes from none. Upon request, we will inspect and test any Worthington, OH 43085-4774 downtown Columbus or the airport. radio prior to shipment at no extra charge. This ☎ Phone: 800 431-3939 Orders & Prices typically adds one day before shipping. LOW PRICES 614 866-4267 Technical Info. You will find our prices very competitive and we do E-mail: [email protected] not add a surcharge to your order if you are using a credit card. Since we do buy direct from the Front Cover: William A. Mattews QSL collection Web: www.universal-radio.com manufacturers, we can offer you favorable prices. ©2019 Universal Radio Inc. [2019A]

Universal Radio, Inc. Info.: 614 866-4267 651-B Lakeview Plaza Blvd. Quality Equipment Since 1942 Orders: 800 431-3939 Worthington, Ohio 43085 Page 1 www.universal-radio.com Introduction UNIVERSAL RADIO COMPANY POLICIES FLAT RATE SHIPPING ■ PAYMENT: We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, money orders, cashiers checks and personal Our simplified flat rate shipping for U.S.A. custom- checks. Phone order customers please be ready to provide card number, expiration, issuing bank, ers (except AK, HI, PR) is: billing and shipping address plus home & work phone. We request this information for your protection. Up to $50.00 ...... $6.95 Personal checks and money orders require time to clear from unestablished customers and/or for $50.01 to $100.00 ...... $8.95 large purchases. $100.01 to $500.00 ...... $9.95 $500.01 to $1000.00 ...... $14.95 ■ MINIMUM ORDER: We have no minimum. Your order is important to us whether it is for $5 or $500. Flat-rate charges are based on the total order of ■ SHIPPING: We ship most in-stock items within 48 hours (UPS Next Day and Second Day Air orders the initial shipment. The order total is pre-coupon are shipped within 24 hours). Our normal method of shipment is UPS surface or Priortiy Mail. We and pre-tax. The flat-rate charges include ad- do not ship C.O.D. We ship Monday through Friday. You may request shipment by other means such equate insurance. Call for orders over $1000. as UPS Next Day Air, UPS Second Day Air or Air Freight for export orders. Equipment is packed very carefully and sent insured. Please provide a full shipping address. UPS cannot ship to a Post Office USED LIST box. Flat-rate shipping amounts are for the continental U.S.A. only. Large antennas, tower and coax To receive our monthly list of used equipment runs over 201 feet are extra. We can provide shipping quotes for international customers. please send us one or more self-addressed stamped envelopes. Our used gear is checked in ■ PRICES: Prices and specifications are subject to change! Prices shown are accurate at printing our service shop and carries a 60 day limited time. We are not responsible for typographical errors. We suggest you call to confirm prices on larger warranty. Our used list may also be viewed at: items. Please call toll free: 800 431-3939. For technical questions please call: 614 866-4267. www.universal-radio.com ■ BACK ORDERS: Universal carries an extensive inventory to minimize "back ordered" items. Because of manufacturer shortages, backorders do occasionally occur. You may cancel any PURCHASE backordered item at any time for any reason and receive a prompt and full refund. On credit card If you have equipment you are not using, why not turn it into cash? Universal will purchase good orders we will not bill your card until we actually ship. clean used equipment. Please write, email or call ■ RETURNS: Returned items must be received by us in original, as shipped, condition including the and let us know what you have to sell. original box, manuals, accessories, copy of sales receipt and warranty card. Note: Do not send in the warranty card until after 10 days, and you are certain that the product will suit your needs. Returns "DEMO" SALE must be within 14 days of purchase. Returned items are subject to a 15% restocking fee. Please Universal will not sell returned or demonstrator contact us for a return authorization number. Shipping is not refundable. Outdoor antennas, rotors, units as new! From time to time we have such items and can usually offer them at up to 20% off headphones, software and custom cables are not refundable. our regular price. Please call to check availability. ■ FOREIGN ORDERS: Universal Radio is currently exporting only to Canada and/or established customers. The exception is books which ship worldwide. Please email for details. TRADE-INS For trade-in quotes, please call or write us listing the ■ DAMAGED SHIPMENTS: If you receive a damaged parcel from UPS, note this with the driver and items you wish to trade including any accessories. refuse the shipment. It will be returned to Universal and we will replace it for you at no additional cost. Indicate condition and whether you still have the original box and manual. Universal will accept ■ COUPONS: Many amateur manufacturers run "instant" coupon promotions. You do not need the trade-ins towards: new, used, higher or lower value physical coupon in most cases. Contact Universal to see what coupons are currently available. equipment. We accept trade-ins from within the U.S. only. Allow 7 days for the trade-in evaluation. TO PLACE AN ORDER: ☎ Phone: 800 431-3939 Orders & Prices SHIPPING TO UNIVERSAL ✉ Mail to: 614 866-4267 Technical Info. Please contact Universal for an authorization We accept phone orders Monday through number prior to shipping your service, return, Universal Radio Friday from 9:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Eastern purchase or trade-in item. When you ship your 651 Lakeview Plaza Blvd. Ste. B Saturday from 9:30 A.M. to 3 P.M. Eastern equipment it is important that it is packaged prop- erly. Use the original box and packing material if Worthington, OH 43085-4774 possible. If you do not have the original box, wrap E-mail: [email protected] the equipment well with bubble wrap then place this in a box with adequate packing material. All SHOWROOM HOURS: Sun Mon Tue Wed Thr Fri Sat equipment should then be placed in a second box Closed 10-5:30 10-5:30 10-5:30 10-5:30 10-5:30 10-3:00 with packing material to help ensure its safe arrival to us. Be sure to insure your package for its value. Universal Radio will not be responsible for equipment that is damaged in shipment. GIFT CERTIFICATES Gift certificates are available in any dollar amount. When ordering a gift certificate indicate your name and address plus the recipient's name & address.

Universal Radio, Inc. Info.: 614 866-4267 651-B Lakeview Plaza Blvd. Quality Equipment Since 1942 Orders: 800 431-3939 Worthington, Ohio 43085 Page 2 www.universal-radio.com Introduction

Citizen Band (CB) in stock at Universal, and can afford a consider- INTRODUCTION TO SHORTWAVE CB stations can be heard on most general cover- able savings. Contact us for a copy of our used list. age receivers. CB transmissions can be found Listening to shortwave, or world band, radio is an between 26 and 28 MHz. WHAT DO I USE FOR AN ANTENNA? exciting and educational form of entertainment. Good shortwave reception is possible with a very With a moderate investment, anyone can listen to Utility Stations modest antenna. Portables include a whip an- a variety of broadcasts from around the world. If you subtract from the shortwave spectrum all the tenna which will work quite well. Many portables international broadcasters, ham and CB stations, and all communications receivers provide an ex- WHAT IS SHORTWAVE RADIO? you will be left with a large number of stations ternal antenna jack (or terminal). Many listeners The standard AM broadcast radio band extends loosely labeled "utility stations." These are com- simply attach a 20 to 40 foot length of regular from 540 to 1700 kHz. Shortwave radio starts mercial, government, military and research sta- insulated wire to this jack and then stretch it where the standard AM band ends and extends to tions whose transmissions are not designed for across the room. This will yield surprisingly good 30000 kHz or 30 MHz (1000 kHz = 1 MHz). Unlike general audiences. Some types of utility stations: results. However, if you can string the wire medium wave signals, shortwave signals will re- outdoors to a tree or pole, still better reception will flect (refract) off the invisible layer above the earth International Aeronautical result. Universal can provide the wire, insulators, called the ionosphere. While worldwide short- International commercial aircraft communicate Coax-Seal and lead-in cable for your antenna. wave reception can occur during the day, best with distant air centers using shortwave radio. It Other specialized antennas are also available. reception is usually during the evening. would not be surprising to hear an AirFrance jet talking to Santiago Control, or a JapanAir flight Caution: Avoid overhead utility lines WHAT CAN I HEAR? working Anchorage Control. We are fortunate that when stringing outdoor antennas. Con- The shortwave spectrum is vast. There are poten- the international aeronautical language is English! tact with overhead lines can cause elec- tially thousands of stations that can be heard. The trocution. Outdoor antennas should be major types of stations are: Maritime Stations grounded to help prevent lightning dam- Shortwave radio remains a secondary link be- age. If you are new to antenna construc- International Broadcast Stations tween ships at sea and land. There are hundreds tion please request a free copy of our Many major countries in the world, as well as of coastal stations and a great many ships which "Antenna Safety Advisory". many small countries, have English transmis- can be monitored on a shortwave radio capable of sions that can be heard in North America. These SSB and Morse reception. Listening to ship-to- HOW DO I KNOW WHERE TO TUNE? English broadcasts can be anywhere from 1/2 shore channels and distress frequencies can be One of the most exciting aspects of shortwave hour to several hours in length. Some countries particularly interesting. listening is simply tuning the dial and discovering beam their transmissions directly to North Amer- stations from all ends of the earth. However, there ica to enhance reception for Canadian and Ameri- Military Stations are times when you will want to tune a particular can listeners. Some of the easier English broad- While "sensitive" military traffic is sent via satel- country, perhaps because of an important event casts to hear come from: lites or encrypted, numerous military transmis- occurring there. An excellent book for the short- BBC London Radio Slovakia sions can be heard and identified. The following wave listener is the World Radio TV Handbook. Radio Argentina Voice of America navies can easily be heard with a communications This annual publication will guide you to the proper Radio Japan China Radio Intl. receiver: American, French, South African, Brit- frequency. If you want to hear the exciting "utility" Vatican Radio Voice of Vietnam ish, Argentine and New Zealand. stations, the book Guide to Utility Stations is a Radio Romania Radio France Intl. "must." The North American Shortwave Associa- Radio Nigeria Korean Brdcst. Sys. Time Stations tion produces an excellent monthly bulletin for Radio Thailand Radio Havana Many countries have stations which send out very shortwave broadcast listeners and DXers called Voice of Korea Voice of Turkey precise time transmissions. Most include voice the NASWA Journal. Visit their website to learn Radio Ukraine Radio Prague identifications and many can be heard in the USA. about subscribing to this excellent publication: Radio Cairo Radio New Zealand www.naswa.net Channel Africa Radio Taiwan Intl. Miscellaneous Radio Tirana All India Radio There remain a number of stations that do not fall WHAT IS U.T.C. or G.M.T. TIME? These and other stations design their programs for neatly into the previous categories. Illegal "boot- In order to avoid the confusion of many time zones, international audiences. There are also a number leg" stations can be heard from time to time. Africa hams and international broadcasters always refer of regional and local shortwave stations that broad- and Asia host several "clandestine" stations run to time at the zero meridian (which runs through cast to their native populations. These lower by various rebel factions. They can be heard in the Greenwich, England). This time zone is five hours powered stations typically transmit in the local U.S. when they are not being jammed. There are ahead of Eastern Standard Time (4 hours ahead of language. A variety of interesting programming a number of stations which transmit series of Eastern Daylight Time). This 24 hour format is and music can be heard from these stations, espe- numbers without identification. While they are referred to as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). cially from South America, Africa and the Pacific. easy to hear, no one has conclusively determined For example 4:00 P.M. EST = 21:00 UTC. Non-English broadcasts are also a great way to their intent. Even some Russian and American keep your foreign language skills sharp. satellites in low orbit can be monitored. WHAT IS THIS I HEAR ABOUT "QSLs"? Most international broadcast stations like to hear Radio Amateur Stations (Hams) from their listeners. If you send a "reception There are over 2,000,000 licensed amateur radio WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO I NEED? report" to a foreign broadcast station they will send operators all over the world. Listening to hams can The answer depends on what you want to hear. If you a confirmation of your reception in the form of be interesting and a good way to learn more about the international broadcast stations are your main a postcard called a "QSL". They also will usually ham radio. Hams are assigned to a different set of interest, you may be satisfied with a modestly send you a program guide and information about frequencies than the international broadcasters. If priced portable model covering these international their country. A reception report should include you want to listen to amateur stations, you will need broadcast bands. Portables are generally priced $ $ the date and time you heard the station (in UTC), a "general coverage" receiver. In order to transmit from 50 to 500. If you would like to listen to the the frequency heard, reception quality and 15 to greater distances and efficiently use their allocated various utility or amateur stations you will want to 30 minutes of program content to validate recep- frequencies, hams transmit in a special voice mode consider a radio with general coverage (full short- tion. Also tell them how you liked the program! called single sideband (SSB) and also Morse code. wave coverage from 1.7 to 30 MHz) and single Again, it is important to select a radio capable of sideband capability. These larger, more advanced WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? receiving these modes. Our staff will direct you to radios are called communications receivers and $ Visit www.DXing.com radios best suited for this. are priced from 500 up. Used models are usually

Universal Radio, Inc. Info.: 614 866-4267 651-B Lakeview Plaza Blvd. Quality Equipment Since 1942 Orders: 800 431-3939 Worthington, Ohio 43085 Page 3 www.universal-radio.com