Sangean ATS-909 All Band Digital Shortwave World Band Receiver

Other products by Sangean

Product Details

Product Manual [703kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 1.5 x 5.2 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000228GG
• Item model number: ATS-909
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #22,369 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #75 in	Electronics > Portable Audio & Video > Radios > AM-FM
  #90 in	Electronics > Portable Audio & Video > Radios > Shortwave

• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 15, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Easy to use, quick to get started, but complex enough for the shortwave radio aficionado, the compact Sangean ATS-909 is a terrific travel radio adaptable for use anywhere in the world, receiving FM/MW, long-wave, and shortwave signals.

You can set radio frequencies using five methods, including automatically or manually through a keypad or rotary dialing. The digital clock can be fixed to local and world times and provides both an alarm and a sleep timer. You can set the radio so you can fall asleep to music and later be awakened with news, music, or the buzzing alarm. You can also set three different wake-up times, each to a different frequency.

This substantial and attractively designed unit also includes a long, retractable antenna for FM/SW and an internal antenna for good reception on medium- and long-wave bands. Tuning can be accomplished in a variety of ways; auto-tune, which scans all radio frequencies and presets your stations to the strongest signals; simple direct tuning to the desired frequency; or manual tuning with the rotary knob. The rotary tuning is quick, direct, and to us, the most effective method for finding and refining reception. An impressive internal memory holds up to 306 radio frequencies, saving you time searching.

The LCD displays the current station, frequency, local time, memory location, and the status of the alarms and all other functions. The illuminated display window can also be switched on for viewing in the dark. A small stand on the back opens to permit the radio to sit on a tabletop at the perfect angle for operation, and Sangean has included a handy list of the best times for good reception on various frequencies around the world. The carrying pouch with Velcro closures neatly fits the ATS-909 and the slim shortwave handbook, though unfortunately not the included earphones, portable shortwave reel antenna, or AC adapter. Powered by four AA batteries or the multivoltage AC adapter, the unit comes with a one-year parts-and-labor warranty. --David Greenberger

Pros:

• Multiple tuning methods
• Internal memory of 306 presets
• Includes AC adapter and external SW antenna

Cons:

• All the gear doesn't fit in the case
• Weighs nearly 2 pounds
• An intimidating number of functions for the novice

Product Description

Sangean Electronics is one of the world's oldest and largest manufacturers of multi-band, portable and pocket sized entertainment centers. Established in 1974, the name Sangean is recognized throughout the world for its innovative design, unparalleled performance and matchless quality. All Sangean products are high quality, portable and aesthetically appealing with the kind of feel and performance that has made Sangean the fastest growing radio line in the market today.PRODUCT FEATURES: AM/FM stereo/SW; Tone control; Continuous tuning through all bands; Auto memory preset system; Auto memory scan; Human wake system; Illuminated display; Auto/manual search; Dual time display /12/24 hour; Adjustable sleep timer; Snooze control; 45 memory presets; Tone control.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

120 of 129 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Poor SW sensitivity with supplied whip antenna., March 12, 2000

By	Marco De Vivo "mata-hackers" (Miami, Florida United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am kind of collector of short-wave portable radios. When I read about the 909, it seemed to me like the definitive portable (I don't like the 'other definitive, Sony 2100). So, I bought it from Amazon (good price and reliable store) and as soon as it was delivered to me I benchmarked it against the first radio I got on hand: a modest fifteen years old Phillips COMPASS. Well, to my surprise, the Phillips showed twice as sensitive as the Sangean. Even with the sangean's whip full extended, and the Phillips' one totally folded, the Phillips clearly outperformed the 909. When switched to an external antenna, the Sangean improved 100%, but the point is, what a portable means? why such a good radio performs so poor with such a long whip antenna? If you need the receiver to carry it around while travelling, then check the Sony 7600g or grundig YB400PE (both with superior performance as portable). Otherwise, with an ext. antenna, the radio is an excellent all-kind-of-features receiver. The FM capture is superb, as well as the SSB legibility. The sound is quite good, even if not as good as the grundig's.

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best under $300 radio you'll find., May 13, 2000

By	James Tedford (Bothell, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you are really interested in what shortwave radio has to offer, this is the radio to get. There are better models, but for this price, it's second to none. Good sensitivity, adequate selectivity (ability to separate signals from one another) and lots of bells and whistles. Covers all the shortwave specturm. Numerous ways to tune stations, the best of which is the keypad input. Digital readout eliminates guesswork as to what frequency you're on. FM tends to overload in urban areas with lots of FM signals. The only real downside to this radio is it can be pretty complicated to operate. Plan on spending some time going through the manual and figuring out all the features.

If you live outside of Europe or the east coast of North American, you'll likely need to use an external antenna. 30 feet of wire with alligator clips on each end should do the trick.

57 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Adequate but not exceptional, June 28, 2001

By	Dan "toujoursdan" (Gatineau, Québec) - See all my reviews

I own a Sony ICF-2010, Grundig YB400 and just purchased the ATS-909. Of the three I would give the ATS-909 the lowest score. It definitely lacks the sensitivity of the other two. (Though connecting an external antenna helps greatly but defeats the purpose of a portable radio.) And I find the audio quality to be muddled and tiring to listen to.

If you're looking for a good portable I would also recommend the Grundig YB400 or the new Sony ICF-7600GR.