Kaito Electronics Inc. KA1102BLK Digital AM/FM/SW World Receiver with SSB
by Kaito Electronics Inc.
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Kaito Electronics Inc. KA1102BLK Digital AM/FM/SW World Receiver with SSB
Customer Review: Extremely fine portable AM (MW)/FM/SW radio
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my second Kaito portable radio and it is indeed an excellent product as all the other reviewers have pointed out before me. It seems extremely well made and should last a long time if treated with care. The radio is both very small and readily transportable yet the reception is still excellent on all available bands.
I especially like being able to change the AM(MW)/SW narrow/wide (bandwidth) filter setting, the DX/local RF gain switch as well as the news/music (narrow/wide) filter switch in order to improve reception of any desired signal. Using the SSB BFO fine tuner on page 9 is also very easy and straight forward as well. The ability to step tune with very small increments on pages 7-9 is also excellent in my opinion once a signal of interest has been located.
I also really like the highly useful system of storing presets with the ATS system on page 0 and then being able to use the copy command to transfer them to other pages after they have been thoroughly edited into a useful list.
I didn't think that I would like the digital volume controls before I got the KA1102 based on other digital volume controls that I have tried previously, but I have totally changed my mind on this very nice feature. The steps between each setting are sufficiently small that very precise control of the volume levels can be attained, especially when using earphones which is my most common mode of operating this radio. In addition however, since the volume controls are totally digital, the common problem of accidentally turning an analog volume control knob and thus changing the volume level significantly from the last use of the radio is no longer a problem at all. Too many times my ears have suffered from not properly checking an inadvertent change of the analog volume control knob setting on other radios that I have used!
In addition, several people have complained about the poor English Kaito/Degen manual, but if you can't figure something out, just download the Grundig/Eton G5/E5 manual (based on the recent reworking by Grundig of the poor ergonomics of the Kaito KA1103 radio) where all other relevant details are readily explained. Grundig/Eton has recently significantly changed the fine manual that was available online until February 2008, but the new manual is still better than the Kaito manual for providing many explanations for poorly explained features.
The unavailability of the LW bands on this unit is something that should be rectified by Kaitousa (pun intended) at some future date (although I have read that the Kaito KA1103 was introduced to make that specific adjustment/correction among others).
Also a screen version of the signal strength meter (now done using 4 red LEDS, except in FM stereo mode where only three LEDS are used for an indication of the signal strength- see also below) should also be added as well as an indication of the DX/local switch setting as also pointed out by another reviewer.
One additional idea: Kaito should make future editions of this radio so that the internal AM/MW ferrite antenna could be disconnected from the system and replaced through the external antenna jack by either an indoor or an outdoor antenna for even better AM listening (UPDATE- 5/06/2008: This am antenna decoupling has now been done for the Grundig G5 made for Grundig by Degen, the Chinese parent company for all Kaitousa products. The G5 is the updated and more expensive version of the KA1103 with all its odd ergonomic problems corrected including the famous volume control problem). Kaito still offers an antenna that inductively couples to the internal ferrite AM antenna along the top edge of the radio, but that is a clumsy way to get even better AM reception in my opinion since there is no easy way to attach the coupler directly to the radio.
Finally, the choice of listening in the stereo FM mode seems to be presented redundantly (twice) on the KA1102 by the presence of both the 4th small red LED below the LCD screen and by an indication on the LCD screen itself (through the symbol, ST)?
I look forward very much to having the fun of using this radio for the very high quality sounds of music, news and just general shortwave listening from all over the globe for a very long time.
Customer Review: A pleasant surprise....
Summary: 5 Stars
Being a novice at shortwave listener, I really shopped around to find the biggest *bang* for my dollar. Having experienced shortwave first with an old Zenith Transoceanic (which still sits in my livingroom), and then with a mid-80's Unitech, this purchase went above and beyond my expectations...
Despite the cheapness the photo might imply, this is a solid piece of technology...it certainly looks sharper when it's in your hands... Though it's much smaller than I thought it would be, it definately lives up to the hype. Within minutes of installing the batteries, I was receiving Radio Beijing with astounding clarity.
I primarily purchased this radio to listen to at home, but because of it's portability, I take it to work every night...although I work in a pretty high radio interference call center, my AM reception is dimished, but I still get all the major local broadcasters...the FM is absolutely solid (when many of my co-workers can only receive one or two FM signals on their cheap AM/FM/CD players, I can recieve all the channels, and because this unit goes all the way down to 70.0 FM, I get a handful of TV channels also...)
At home, AM/FM reception is stellar...in the evening hours I switch to the shortwave and I can pull in MANY major broadcasters...I've been able to pull in stations as far away as Italy, and India...
Although sound through the speaker is weak, it is acceptible...through the headphones it ROCKS (though not as loud as I would like), and at home, I use the "line-out" jacks to connect to my amplifier..the tuner on this unit is precise...with it's ability to pull in weak channels make it more valuable than my Kenwood receiver...I have yet to find anything on SSB to listen too, but given the reception I've received thus far, I doubt I'll be disappointed...
I would certainly recommend this receiver to anyone who is curious about Shortwave radio, and would like something that's portable. **Also, the rechargeable batteries are a SUPERBIG plus...this radio will actually recharge the batteries! A really big incentive if portability is your thing....
The only detractor I can find is that the manual that came with the radio is a bit hard to understand, and not very clear...but I've had the radio for a week now, and many of the functions are intuative, and became clearer to me with regular use...At this point I don't refer to the manual at all...
Customer Review: Great shortwave radio
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, I remember listening to shortwave radio while growing up in Eastern Europe in the early 80's and felt a little nostalgic about it, so I asked Santa to bring me one for Christmas...Well, apparently I've been a good boy as I did find Kaito Ka1102 under the Christmas tree. Initially, in my letter to Santa i mentioned that there were several good shortwave portables including Sony 7600GR, Grundig YB 400, and Kaito 1102/1103. I must admit that Santa made an excellent choice as this radio is great. At first I was amazed at the small size (a bit smaller than the post card), and was concerned about the sounds quality, but I was pleasantly surprised at how good the local Fm stations sounded with bass enabled. Other things that I like about this radio:
-backlight, lights the LCD screen including all the buttons and controls. Very handy feature if you like to listen at night (Sony 7600GR has a backlight but only for the LCD screen0.
-good quality radio, at least feels very sturdy and well built. Buttons have a nice click to it, they feel comfortable, and are just the right size.
-great sound, even better with headphones.
-built in charger will re-charge your batteries while the radio is off, but plugged in to AC adapter.
-signal strength indicator
-frequency can be manually entered or scanned using two +/- scan buttons
-comes with 3 rechargable batteries, AC adapter, travel case, external antenna, earphones.
-pretty good shortwave reception (I live in the San Joaquin valley)I am able to pull in Family radio (FL), Radio Taiwan, Voice of Russia, and some other stations from China and Japan. Too bad Radio Free Europe is not broadcasting anymore ;-)
I noticed that one of the previous reviews stated that you had to read the manual...This seemed kinda silly as in order to fully understand how the radio works and to fully appreciate its functionality you should read the manual, at least once. Also, the "page" system that this radio uses works very well. You can scan AM/FM/SW on pages 1-6 and you can save any preset. Scanning works in 10mhz on pages 1-6, and it works in 1 mhz increments on pages 7,8, and 9. SSB can only be used while on page 9....That's pretty much it.
Im very happy with it and if you are looking for a nice portable shortwave radio I would personally recommend this one. A definite winner at less than $70.00!
Customer Review: A Good Value
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased the KA1102 a few weeks ago and have been pleased with its performance. I had read elsewhere that the quality was hit or miss and sure enough the first unit I received had issues with the speaker volume and the FM button required a very hard press to engage. Returning the radio was no problem with Amazon's automated system. I now have the replacement and it does not appear to have the flaws of the first one I received. Despite the quality issues in the first unit, the reception is impressive. I can listen to Radio Taiwan, China Radio International, and many other foreign broadcasts. Being relatively new to shortwave listening, my only comparison for this radio is with the Grundig FR200. The Grundig has a terribly annoying problem with drift and must be constantly tweaked to stay on the frequency. With the KA1102, I have not had any problems with drift and the digital frequency selection makes it easy to go where you want to go. Another interesting feature of the radio is the SSB functionality. While it doesn't allow you to choose upper or lower side band, it is still a handy feature for scanning for signals, because you can put the radio in SSB mode and start tuning until you hear a carrier tone. The telescoping antenna provides good reception, but you have to pick the most favorable location in your house and is no doubt affected by the type of structure and surrounding environment.
Learning to use this radio will take a few minutes and it helps a lot if you read the manual. It is not particularly intuitive but once you figure it out, you won't have any problems at all. Charging the internal batteries is a bit unusual, as you have to manually select the number of hours to charge the batteries. They will not charge if you don't follow the proper steps. You also have to be careful to make sure it isn't set to charge if you put non-rechargeables in the unit. If you are new to shortwave listening as I am, you may find it helpful to buy the WRTH GuideWorld Radio TV Handbook 2011: The Directory of Global Broadcasting. Bottom line, I am pleased with this radio and I think it is a good value for the money.
Customer Review: Competes Against the Big Boys for Half the Money
Summary: 5 Stars
Built in a factory in China famous for its radio electronics, the Kaito 1102 has become a beloved radio among techies and radiophiles alike for many reasons. Open it out of the box and you'll notice it's tiny, smaller than a thin-sliced sandwich. Its silver, modern exterior looks as updated as any new Sony or Sangean or Grundig. Then place it against its competition, the Sangean 505 (about 20 dollars more), the Sony ICF SW35 (about the same price) and you'll notice that the Kaito beats the other two for different reasons. First, the Kaito and the Sony 35 have similar, strong reception, on both AM and FM, but the Kaito wins because it has a vastly far superior speaker, crystal clear and capable of good sound for this type of radio. The Kaito and the Sangean 505 have similar good speakers but the Kaito has better reception, especially on AM. My only complaint about the Kaito is the owner's manual which has five different ways of showing you how to use the presets and the "pages," and only one of those instructions (I found out two hours and much trial and error later) is accurate. You must press the M/Lock key to activate your preset option and for some reason the manual only makes this vaguely clear in one of its instructions. But if you don't mind fiddling with the controls and scouring the manual with a patient eye, you'll find yourself in possession of a gem and discover why so many techies consider the Kaito 1102 a real buried treasure that stands up to the far more expensive Sony 7600 and Sangean 909.
Post Script: In the ensuing months I've bought the lesser priced Kaito 1101, almost identical to the Kaito 1102, and have found that the 1101 gets even better FM sensitivity. Many have expressed the same experience with the Kaito 1101. Thus I must conclude that for a PLL synthesized portable radio with presets, the Kaito 1101, which cost me thirty dollars less than the Kaito 1102, is the king of digital portable radios.
Update: In spite of its awkward ergonomics, which include two-step preset choice and strange push-button volume control, the Kaito 1103 amazingly gets even better reception than the 1101. The 1102 is last of the three but has the best ergonomics.