Grundig G6 Aviator Buzz Aldrin Edition AM/FM, Aircraft band and Shortwave Radio, Black Review

Did Buzz Aldrin really approve this radio? Kidding.

I like the pricepoint / feature / performance mix. You just should know that there are a few aspects of the electronics that are wiggy. When you are tuning, you'll find that it repeats frequencies, or jumps around a bit, usually 5, 10 or 20 measurement units on the small side of the shortwave number--for example, it may dial 9750 9745 9750 9755 etc. Once it repeated 6400-6200 and back up. Also, I am having extreme difficulty with the alarm settings. Often my unit doesn't turn on, or just goes to 87.9 fm or whatever is the start of FM. This is disappointing but I'm not going to bother trying another sample, because it's probably just not well made.

The 2009 Passport reference book concurs with my diagnosis of shortwave tuning wigginess in this model (they hypothesize that it is a Degen-made), so, it's no great surprise that other electronic features are wiggy as well. But basically, we're talking about shortwave for an affordable price. The sound is fine: I was listening to Wagner today on FM and had no complaints about this index-card-sized portable radio. With the skimpiest of antennas, and even with the attached antenna, I've also been listening to Radio Tirana, Ukraine radio, Bucharest, Venezuela, Japan, Taiwan, and of course all the usual suspects: REE, RFI, BBC, DW, and what-have-you, Russia, Cuba, China, etc.

In point of fact, shortwave may well be more stimulating and varied than cable, and costs a whole lot less. Also, it's a great hobby for children, who furthermore like astronauts!

Buy it here now!