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HD Jump Experience?

J

JohnnyElectron

After two Directed Electronics HD units, I 'took the jump' and bought an "HD JUMP" tuner on Sunday. Here's my initial impressions:
1- AM sensitivity is very poor - couldn't get a constant lock on my two local HD-AM stations, nor any of the 5 regional 50KWs 50 miles away. Much less sensitive than the Directed Electronics HD units.
2- FM sensitivity is average at best, and I can't get consistant HD signals from the locals - if you move around to 'adjust' antenna to get HD lock on one, you lose another HD.
3- Goofy "AGC" action - audio level reduced if the signal starts to get noisy?
3-Unit gets smokin hot.
4-Tiny 3/32 plugs for antenna connections don't feel very solid.
5-Display is huge and decent, but not blue like adverstisements (standard orange).
6- FM modulator is good audio quality, but very weak - neutered like the new SatRad FM modulators.
7- RDS requires a very strong FM signal to work at all.
8- Audio distortion on line out, but not noticeable on the FM modulated audio.
9- Has AUX input selection and two FM preset selections.
10- Button size is very good, and I like the rotating knob.
11- Wish it included home kit, as that costs a lot, IMO, in addition to the included car kit.
12- I like how easy it is to spin the dial to HD2, and display HD1 and HD2 after you get the lock.

I just not that impressed with this unit - the nice display is the only selling point for me - sorry to say that you won't get many HD converts with this unit. Anybody want to buy a slightly-used HD JUMP from me?
 
Goofy AGC? Really? Does it clamp (clump) down on bandwidth with high modulation %s?

The Accurian sure does. The better the analog signal, the worse the Accurain makes it sound.

Why can't these people make a decent AM tuner when every car had one 40 years ago?
Are they admitting physical L and C components are better or does nobody give a flying flip anymore that we've regressed?

Is this Jump unit for cars?

Does it screw up straight analog sensitivity?
 
I had one in my truck, the analog sounded fine to me, AM was ok. I just couldnt take it droping out on me when I am just 30 miles or so from the towers. The FM signal works ok. I have a Accurain radio also, I thought it sounded good on a analog signal. One thing I really like about HD Radios is how the handle the sidebands. They can be a great DX'n tool. I think my biggest problem is that HD Radio uses the side adjustment channels.
 
jras20 said:
I had one in my truck, the analog sounded fine to me, AM was ok. I just couldnt take it droping out on me when I am just 30 miles or so from the towers. The FM signal works ok. I have a Accurain radio also, I thought it sounded good on a analog signal. One thing I really like about HD Radios is how the handle the sidebands. They can be a great DX'n tool. I think my biggest problem is that HD Radio uses the side adjustment channels.
Click to expand...

What kind of DXer are you and what is your best DX radio?
 
The best tuner I have is Technics FM stereo ST-S76. It does exellent for in Lavaca county.
 
KB1OKL said:
jras20 said:
The best tuner I have is Technics FM stereo ST-S76. It does exellent for in Lavaca county.
Click to expand...

you're an FM DXer? Do you DX AM at all?
Click to expand...

Ever so often I will DX AM, but I dont care much for talk radio, I like FM the most.
 
You can add the lack of a 'signal strength indicator' to the list of disappointments, as it would help you in adjusting location for better reception, especially with the home kit.
Big tuning knob IS a good point though.
 
I like big tuning knobs also, too bad you weren't into AM DXing, I'd recommend a Hammarlund Super Pro-600, The tuning knob is 4" and weighted, is all gears, is quite a system. The hams here are probably familiar with them.
 
KB1OKL said:
I like big tuning knobs also, too bad you weren't into AM DXing, I'd recommend a Hammarlund Super Pro-600, The tuning knob is 4" and weighted, is all gears, is quite a system. The hams here are probably familiar with them.
Click to expand...

Woops make that 3" knobs.
 
I've had a Jump for about a month now. I've taken it on a couple business trips up and down the east coast and have been generally pleased with it. Of course, I had low expectations going in.

The ads I saw had the display as red - and that's one of the reasons I chose it. My instrument panel lights are all red, so it blends in.

RDS works fine if the station has a decent RDS generator. Some of these guys are really going on the cheap, there.

I haven't bothered with AM HD too much, although the sound of WCAO (Gospel in Baltimore) is amazing. Reaches out to the eastern shore in HD.

And - you're right about the heat. You could fry an egg on it. I am thinking that this may be endemic to this generation of HD chips - and one reason we won't see truly portable HD radios for a while. But others may know better!
 
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