- Very compact, full-featured digital shortwave radio
- Bright, backlit LCD screen; independent fine-tuning control knob
- Tunes AM/FM and shortwave signals
- Auto-scan function; 200 programmable station memories
- Digital alarm clock with sleep timer
Technical Details
Product Details
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Product Description
Amazon.com Review
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 Etón E100 might be the choice for you. As the kid brother to the acclaimed E10, this radio packs lots of value and lets you listen to stations near and far. Plus, it offers a convenient, pocket-sized way to bring clear AM/FM, and limited shortwave radio reception anywhere you go.
Design and Controls
Measuring 5 x 3 x 1.25 inches, and weighing a mere seven ounces, the E100 is certainly in the pocket-sized radio category. Thankfully, the same rubberized coating that graces the exterior of the E10 has been applied to the E100, giving it a stout and rugged feel. 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 auto-scanning (hold down the "up" or "down" tuning buttons for a moment, and the auto-scan takes over), up/down station selection, band selection, memory control, bandwidth, power, sleep, and more. All these controls, as well as the LCD display, are arranged to the right of the E100's built-in speaker.
Another interesting feature of the E100, and one that depends on the display for its functionality, is the system set codes function. Using specific codes, you can modify the E100's factory settings via the display and the numeric keypad. Some of the options include changing the tuning steps for AM, changing the clock format, and altering the FM frequency range for different geographic locations.
E100 radio, earphones, 2 AA batteries, and carrying case.
 Simple to operate and carry, the E100 is great for tuning in the world wherever the notion strikes you. View larger. |
 On the right, fine tuning, a keypad lock, and volume and tone controls. View larger. |
 On the left, an antenna gain switch, power input, headphone jack, and a handy strap. View larger. |
Measuring 5 x 3 x 1.25 inches, and weighing a mere seven ounces, the E100 is certainly in the pocket-sized radio category. Thankfully, the same rubberized coating that graces the exterior of the E10 has been applied to the E100, giving it a stout and rugged feel. 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 auto-scanning (hold down the "up" or "down" tuning buttons for a moment, and the auto-scan takes over), up/down station selection, band selection, memory control, bandwidth, power, sleep, and more. All these controls, as well as the LCD display, are arranged to the right of the E100's built-in speaker.
On the left side of the E100 you'll find a 3.5mm connector for headphones and a DC jack power port. Etón 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 an antenna gain switch that lets you choose between H/M/L, allowing you to tone down excessively strong AM or shortwave stations if need be.
The right side of the unit features a fine-tuning dial. This knob has a nice, smooth action, but a note of caution here: the knob can be easily plucked from its posts. If you tend to jostle your gear around, you may find yourself looking for a lost knob. In addition to the fine-tuning dial, this side of the radio also sports a key lock switch. The lock allows you tune a station, lock the radio, and listen without worrying about accidentally pressing a button or bumping a dial. This is a particularly handy function for a pocket radio. One curiosity is the "tone" switch, which lets you choose between high and low. 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 noticeable. The E100 also features a telescoping antenna on the top of the unit that extends to over 20 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 E100 can also run off of two supplied AA batteries.
LCD Display
The E100's display is crisp and clear, with a clean layout that makes it easy to control the radio's tuning, clock, and timer functions. A separate space in the upper right corner is provided for the clock display so you can view the time and tune the radio at the same time -- a nice touch for a pocket-sized radio. Selecting shortwave meter bands is a breeze with this display, as you simply push the meter band button until the meter you want is displayed on the screen. The radio's memories are easy to browse and recall on the display, as well.
 A crisp, clear display and a keypad for direct frequency entry. View larger. |
Tuning Options
Tuning the E100 is straightforward. The radio tunes MW (commonly known as AM), FM and shortwave signals, and you can choose from manual, auto-scan, direct frequency entry, or fine-tuning modes. If you're new to shortwave, auto-scan will quickly become your friend. With it, we quickly made 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 found the manual, up/down button press-tuning the most laborious, but we liked the fine-tuning accuracy made possible by the E100's tuning knob.
The E100's impressive memory system also deserves mention. With it, you can set up a huge catalog of stored frequencies -- 550 of them to be exact. Once stored, recalling all these memories is pretty easy, thanks to a straightforward on-screen interface. You can also scan through your memories to rapidly find the frequencies that are currently broadcasting.
Pros
- Very compact, given the radio's features and reception quality
- Clear layout of functions on the LCD
- Fast, accurate shortwave tuning
- Knobs should be better secured to the unit
- Somewhat useless "tone" switch
E100 radio, earphones, 2 AA batteries, and carrying case.
Product Description
Imagine a radio packed with all the bells and whistles; digital tuning, AM/FM/Shortwave reception, and small enough to fit into your coat pocket. The E100 is a dream come true.
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Well made mini radio-improvement over old Grundig line,
By Vince the Radioman (New York City) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Etón E100 AM/FM Shortwave Radio (Electronics)
Hifolks ,I'm Vince the radioman . I have a large collection of radios and love to do compares and share my thoughts. First off the new Eton(Grundig) line of radios is a vast improvement over the old Grundig line , especially in the area of the construction of the body and antenna..nice job! This is a cute little radio . A nice addition to the better mini's out there. It has a robust memory and decent coverage but not full coverage . I compared it to the Sangean ATS606 and the SONY SW35 which are in the same price range and the old YB300pe. The 606 and the SW35 were more sensative on SW and AM . The FM was about the same. The YB300pe was not even in the same class as the others. It has a nice back light and comfortable controls and basic feel . Its really small and great for travel or the office . It does however need an wide/narrow switch and or an IF filter ... none the less and very decent , well made mini addtion to the new Eton line . I recommend buying this radio. .... a previous reviewer talks about the demise of SW listening ...I also grew up during the cold war and at the time SW was "exciting" and filled with info not available elsewhere. Lets just hope satellite and cable service hits a peak soon ...I have a feeling the world has not really explored the wonders of the radio spectrum and will again build up SW usage , also I have a feeling Pirate radio will grow on SW as the alternative to robot like satellite programing. ....so if you do want to invest alot of money on a SW radio but want some access , this is a very nice choice.
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A useful miniature radio,
By weatherall (san francisco, ca, usa) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Etón E100 AM/FM Shortwave Radio (Electronics)
This compact am/fm/sw radio is nicer than I expected. The radio's size is ideal for pockets, so I frequently take it with me. Currently I'm using up some excess alkaline AA batteries in my E100, but when they are gone, I will switch to rechargeable NiMH batteries. (There's a system code you should set on the radio when switching between alkaline and rechargeable batteries - be sure to check the manual)
Positives: * FM stereo through headphones sounds great * Informative LCD display includes the frequency and the time while the radio is on (some other radios require a keypress to display the clock) * Nice amber backlight for the LCD display * Sturdy whip antenna * It seems to be very easy on batteries Negatives: * Shortwave scanning using the up/down buttons is slower than on other shortwave radios I've used (e.g. Kaito 1102, Sony ICF-SW7600GR) - the radio pauses on each frequency longer than necessary * Small buttons are occasionally difficult to press * Tuning knob is only capable of fine tuning, i.e. it uses small tuning intervals and doesn't work as well if you try turning it very fast I wouldn't recommend this radio as your only shortwave receiver, but only because other radios in this price range have more features. My example would be the excellent Kaito KA1102, which offers features such as dual conversion, a wide/narrow bandwidth setting, single sideband reception, an included AC adapter, faster shortwave scanning, and backlighting for both the screen and keypad.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent radio!,
By
This review is from: Etón E100 AM/FM Shortwave Radio (Electronics)
Please understand that this radio is NOT a DXer's radio. It lacks single side band (listening to hams and utility stations) and dual conversion circuitry (image rejection). However, it is a superb radio for listening to major broadcasters such as the BBC World Service or Radio Canada International. It is very small (about the size of a pack of cigarettes) and only requires two AA batteries. The signal/battery life indicator are handy features. It is also has very good weak signal sensitivity. If you are looking for a small, basic radio that DOES cover the full SW spectrum, then this radio is a good buy.
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