Grundig YB400PE AM/FM Shortwave Radio

Grundig YB400PE AM/FM Shortwave Radio
Manufacturer: Eton
Product Type: CE

Editorial Review:
Product Description
Power, performance, and design have reached the new heights! The Grundig Yacht Boy 400 Professional Edition, with its sleek titanium look, is packed with features like no other compact radio in the world. It pulls in AM/FM-stereo and short wave. SSB circuitry allows for reception of short-wave single sideband two-way communications such as HAM, aeronautical and marine.
Amazon.com Review
If you're in the market for a small, high-quality shortwave radio, the Grundig YB-400PE just might be what you're looking for. While the radio doesn't offer the spit and polish of newer models like the E10, or even the smaller E5, the YB-400PE has a solid track record for accurate tuning, durability and good features.

Design and Controls
Weighing in at one pound, five ounces ounces, and measuring 8 x 5 x 1.5 inches (W x H x D), the YB-400PE falls squarely in the portable radio category. While it's certainly not pocket-size, you can pack it in your suitcase with ease. The silver plastic case isn't awe inspiring, but it feels durable and ready to handle a few rough and tumble trips.

Most of the action can be found on the front of the unit, where you'll find a direct frequency entry keypad, as well as buttons for controlling the timer, auto-scanning, up/down station selection, band selection, memory control, and SSB mode.

On the left side of the YB-400PE you'll find a 3.5mm connector for an external shortwave antenna. Grundig generously includes a handy wind-up antenna that can be plugged in here to enhance signal reception -- although there is a telescoping antenna on the top of the unit. In addition to a power port and stereo headphone jack for FM listening, the side of the radio also sports an antenna gain switch that lets you choose between DX and local modes, allowing you to tone down excessively strong AM or shortwave stations if need be. When in FM mode, another switch selects FM stereo or mono modes. When in shortwave mode, the switch offers wide and narrow bandwidth selectivity. The narrow position offers maximum signal selectivity, while the wide position affords higher audio fidelity.

Dials are provided on the right side of the YB-400PE for fine tuning and volume. The fine tuning knob is great for really homing in on those SSB broadcasts. You'll also find an SSB mode switch, as well as a tone switch, which lets you choose between bass and treble, but provides no adjustment for either one. We assume the switch is intended to enhance the lower or upper music ranges when selected, but the difference between the two settings wasn't that noticeable. In addition to AC power, the the YB-400PE can run off of six AA cells, which are not supplied. For the sake of comparison, the E10 and E5 models only require 4 AA batteries -- and they can charge rechargeable AA cells.

LCD Display
The G4000's backlit display is crisp and clear, with a clean layout that makes it easy to control the radio's tuning, clock, and timer functions. We do wish the backlight were a tad brighter, but this is a minor quibble. A separate space in the upper left portion of the screen is provided for the clock display so you can view the time and tune the radio at the same time -- a nice touch.

Selecting shortwave meter bands on the YB-400PE requires manually typing the meter band number with the numeric keypad and then hitting the meter select button. A more straightforward solution here, and one that is employed on the newer E10 and E5 units, would be to simply scroll through the meters with each successive key press of the meter select button. Fortunately, though, the radio's memory functions are easy to browse and recall on the display.

Tuning Options
Tuning the with YB-400PE is straightforward and simple, but it's important to note that -- once again, unlike the E5 and E10 -- this radio does not offer direct digital tuning. Instead, you get synthesized digital tuning. This means that the frequency readout is digital, but the radio actually uses an analog tuning mechanism. Some people do prefer the "feel" of analog tuning to direct digital.

The radio tunes AM, FM, shortwave, and SSB signals, and you can choose from auto-scan, manual up/down, or direct keypad entry modes. If you're new to shortwave, auto-scan will quickly become your friend. With it, we quickly made a lot of discoveries, and heard stations from all over the world -- although our limited language skills made it difficult to always know exactly to whom or what we were listening! We also tried some SSB tuning, which is designed to capture ham radio and two-way radio communications. SSB is notoriously difficult to tune, but with a little time and effort --(including standing outside for a good while -- we were able to pick up some faint signals).

The YB-400PE's memory system also deserves mention. With it, you can store up to 40 frequencies for later retrieval. Once stored, recalling all these memories is pretty easy, thanks to a fairly straightforward on-screen interface that lets you scroll through them. You can also directly enter the number of your stored memory -- if you keep a record of it.

Pros

Solid construction, good sound quality
Small enough to take anywhere
Addition of SSB is a nice touch

Cons

Somewhat useless "tone" switch
If you're looking for the latest technology, look to the E5 or E10

What's in the Box
YB-400PE radio, AC adapter, stereo ear plugs, wind-up antenna, vinyl carry case, user's manual, operating instructions, and warranty card.
Amazon.com Product Description
If you love to hear broadcasts from around the world, here's a tool that makes it fun and easy. The Grundig YB400PE AM/FM shortwave radio has the power to scan and lock on to even the weakest shortwave signals with rock-solid precision. The radio is capable of receiving AM, FM, continuous shortwave, and even SSB (single sideband) for two-way shortwave communications. All this and more is contained in a case that's under eight inches wide and weighs a pound and a half. It's a great way to tune in to local and international news, music, and sports wherever you roam.

Design and Controls
The YB400PE's integrated speaker offers full-range sound while the digital frequency readout displays accurate frequency stepping for all three bands. The bright LCD screen also displays clock and alarm info. Precise tuning is handled by up/down buttons, auto-scan, and a numeric keypad that enables direct frequency entry. You also get push-button volume control, tone control, a stereo/mono switch, and a DX/local switch for choosing between long and short range AM signals. Lastly, a built-in telescopic antenna handles FM and shortwave reception, and there's a built-in ferrite bar antenna for AM.

Tuning and Bands
In addition to a full range of FM and AM frequencies, the YB400PE offers shortwave tuning from 1711 to 29999 KHz. The radio is built with high-quality tuner circuitry and a digital PLL tuner that maximizes accuracy. In addition to offering 40 random programmable memory presets, you can quickly scan them to find your favorites in a jiffy.

Connections and Power
In addition to a stereo headphone jack, the YB400PE has a socket for an external shortwave antenna -- great for boosting reception when you need it. The unit can be powered with the included AC adapter, or via six "AA" batteries.

Extras
The YB400PE's dual clocks allow you to track the time in two time zones, and the radio's alarm allows you to wake to a tone or a radio broadcast. A sleep timer will shut the radio off after a set interval.

What's in the Box
YB400PE radio, AC adapter, portable wire antenna, stereo earphones, carrying pouch, carrying strap, and owner's manual.