Grundig G1000A AM/FM Shortwave Radio

Grundig G1000A AM/FM Shortwave Radio
Manufacturer: Eton
Product Type: CE

Editorial Review:
Product Description
Listen to the sounds of the world. Wherever you are, you'll never be out of touch when the GRUNDIG G1000A is your traveling companion. Compact yet powerful, the G1000A pulls in 8 bands of shortwave signals as well as AM and FM broadcasts. Features include backlit digital LCD display, radio alarm, sleep function and stereo headphone jack. It comes with a soft, protective carrying case. Built-in monaural speaker Stereo earphone jack for listening to FM Stereo 2 AA battery operation (batteries are not included) Optional AC adapter available 360-degree telescopic antenna Size - 4 1/2 W x 3 H x 1 1/8 D Weighs about 7 ounces
Amazon.com Review
If you're looking for a solid pocket radio, and you think you might enjoy tuning in broadcasts from around the globe, then the Grundig G1000A World Receiver might be the choice for you. This radio doesn't have all the features of its big brother, the G2000A, but it does offer a convenient, pocket-sized way to bring clear AM/FM, and limited shortwave radio reception anywhere you go.

A convenient, pocket-sized way to bring clear AM/FM, and limited shortwave radio reception anywhere you go. View larger.

Easy-to-use controls... View larger.

...And very compact. View larger.

Design and Controls
Measuring 4.5 x 3 x 1 inches, and weighing a mere seven ounces, the G1000A is certainly in the pocket-sized radio category. The front of the unit features push-button controls for the time, alarm, and sleep settings, and a slide-switch for selecting AM, FM, or shortwave bands. All of these controls, as well as the LCD display, are arranged to the right of the G1000A's built-in speaker.

On the left side of the G1000A you'll find a 3.5mm connector for headphones and a DC jack power port. Grundig has included a set of earbud-style earphones for private listening right out of the box, or the small, built-in speaker on the front of the device allows you to share broadcasts with other listeners. In addition to the power port and headphone jack, this side of the radio also sports the volume control dial. The right side of the unit features the tuning dial and the power switch. Both the tuning and volume dials have a nice smooth action, but a note of caution: The dials can be easily moved from their position. This is less of an issue with volume control, but for fine-tuning reception, you might find yourself re-tuning stations if you bump the tuning dial. The G1000A also features a telescoping antenna on the top of the unit that extends to over 19 inches for FM and shortwave reception, and there is a built-in ferrite bar antenna for AM reception. In addition to AC power (not included), the G1000A can also run off of two supplied AA batteries.

LCD Display
The G1000A's display is crisp and clear, with a large-type layout that makes it easy to control and view the radio's tuning, clock, and timer functions. The display has icons that indicate when the alarm and sleep functions are turned on -- a small loudspeaker and a bed, respectively. And as you flip through bands, the display indicates AM, FM, or shortwave selection. You can also press the light button on the front of the device for viewing the display in the dark. However, the light feature shuts off automatically after a few moments and the button must be pressed again for further illumination.

There is one minor downside to the display: you cannot see the time of day when the radio is turned on. The time is only displayed when the unit is powered down. Nonetheless, important data, such as band and tuned station, is easy to read, and the size of the radio certainly outweighs the limited information presented on the LCD display.

Tuning Options
Tuning the G1000A is very straightforward. The radio tunes MW (commonly known as AM), FM, and shortwave signals. If you're new to shortwave, you'll have to take your time to find just the right frequency, as the G1000A does not offer an auto-scan function. Yet, even with our limited knowledge of shortwave broadcasts, we made several discoveries, and heard stations from around the world. Unfortunately, given our limited language skills, we did find it difficult to always know exactly to whom or what we were listening! Even though the tuning dial is a simple, traditional design, meticulous tuning was easy and reliable.

After a little research and a good amount of time spent playing with the tuning options, we did discover that our best opportunity for tuning shortwave broadcasts was in the evening. AM and FM broadcasts sounded strong and clear, day or night, and we enjoyed listening to the radio on the bus and at the park.

Pros

Compact and pocket-sized
Simple easy controls
Fast, accurate shortwave tuning

Cons

Too easy to bump the tuning dial and disrupt the frequency
Light function shuts off automatically after a few moments

What's in the Box
G1000A radio, earphones, 2 AA batteries, and carrying case.
Amazon.com Product Description
If you love to hear broadcasts from around the world, here's a compact, easy-to-carry tool that receives AM, FM, and eight shortwave bands. With a case that's four and a half inches wide and weighs just seven ounces, the G1000A is a great way to tune in to local and international news, music, and sports wherever you roam.

Design and Controls
The G1000A's integrated speaker offers pleasing sound while a built-in antenna on the top of the device handles FM and shortwave reception. The front of the unit features a large LCD display that shows frequency, time, sleep time, and symbols for the sleep timer and alarm activation. Tuning and volume are handled by radial dials on the side of the unit, while band selection, and clock controls are placed on the front.

Tuning and Bands
In addition to a full range of FM and AM frequencies, the G1000A's analog tuner offers shortwave tuning for eight bands (49, 41, 31, 25, 22, 19, 16, and 13 meters). In addition to the telescoping FM antenna, the unit contains an internal ferrite bar antenna for AM reception.

Connections and Power
The G1000A sports a stereo headphone jack for FM stereo reception. The unit can be powered with an AC adapter (not included), or via two "AA" batteries.

Extras
In addition to a digital alarm clock, the G1000A has a sleep timer that will shut the radio off after a set interval. And last but not least, a protective snap-on case keeps the G1000A looking snappy when you take it along on a jaunt.

What's in the Box
G1000A radio, soft carrying case, and owner's manual.