Eton E1 - back from the dead as the Eton Elite Satellit!

[ChrisLobdel]

Rarely is a good radio reborn, but the Eton E1 will reappear in the late fall under the new name Eton Elite Satellit.  Best thing about this radio was the selectable sideband synchronous detection.  Superior to any other radio ever!
It could make an unlistenable signal on say an NRD-535/545, quite listenable.  The undesirable things were the rubberized case which became sticky with age, the lack of a controlled frequency oscillator, so the frequency was always off a bit. and various quality control issues.  The new version will replace XM satellite option with HD radio, built in.  There is no mention of DMR reception though.  Universal Radio is taking pre orders at 349.95 on their web site.  www.universal-radio.com Here's hoping the new version still has the great synch plus the needed improvements!

[dxace1]

Yes, even those of us who have 1 or more original E1s are interested to see what emerges.  I have two original E1s, one that has been de-gooed,
the other still to have the treatment.

[i_hear_you]

You mention the AM sync. How does it compare to the sync on the 2010?

[dxace1]

The 2010 was known for its excellent sync, but you have to use slow tune mode to use it, and it was/is a bit of a pain.
E1 sync was good from the start, definitely equal to the 2010.

[ChrisLobdel]

I owned both the Sony 2010 and 3 E1's. I compared the synch on both units, and as DXace1 says, it was harder to use on the 2010, the E1's is a snap and stays locked on a signal. E1's is definitely superior to the 2010 IMHO.
Here's hoping the new radio employs the same or improved circuitry in it.

[i_hear_you]

I've been SWLing on a low-serial 2010 that has the expected unit faults. I said to myself, "it's a shame they wont release a classic like this so I can enjoy it in perfect condition."

Sounds like I'm getting my wish.

[ChrisLobdel]

It would seem that your wish, and a lot of other people's wishes is coming true....  Let us hope so.

[Pigmeat]

Yes, even those of us who have 1 or more original E1s are interested to see what emerges.  I have two original E1s, one that has been de-gooed,
the other still to have the treatment.

Ah yes! The dreaded Grundig/Eton goo from the middle of the last decade. Have scientists ever determined what it was?

[i_hear_you]

After much researching and comment reading, the top three complaints about the original are dead screens, the rubber goo and battery burn rate. It's probably safe to assume the first two are sorted. With another 15 years of technological advances, hopefully the battery life will improve. It's a crime they arent putting a loopstick inside.

The three filter widths are enticing. I'm currently listening to WSM 650 and switching between stock filters on the 2010: wide is letting in some uncomfortable high end hiss, and the narrow turns it into a Charlie Brown adult.

[Josh]

This will be interesting, I presume as cost saving measure the filters will be dsp. I like the looks of the original rig, wonder how bad they're going to mess it up? Also what're they gonna charge for one.

[i_hear_you]

The preorder at Universal is $350.