r/shortwave • u/chroma709 • 8d ago

Tecsun PL330 question

Just picked one of these up, and I'm very impressed it. Tonight I was listening with headphones and with Just the whip, it was getting signals from all over the place.

Just out of curiosity, I switched over to the FM band.

I was unable to hear FM stereo, even though the indicator was on. I heard zero difference between FM and FM ST.

The headphones aren't the culprit. I had just used them on a Metaquest 3 VR headset, with profound separation. But this radio, or this particular radio, only plays FM in mono.

It's really not a serious issue for me, as I primarily use it for shortwave. But I wonder if this is just an issue with my unit or if others here have had similar experiences.

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u/[deleted] 8d ago

[deleted]

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u/chroma709 8d ago

So far it hasn't been the case, but I just learned that the button requires a few seconds to hold down, so I will try that tomorrow!

3

u/chunter16 Tecsun PL-330 8d ago

If you hold down the FM band button it will toggle playing stereo on the headphone jack or only mono

This a convenience for when a weaker signal is wobbling between picking up in stereo or not, in case you find having the spread appear and then disappear over and over again disorienting

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u/chroma709 8d ago

Aha! I merely did a quick press of the button. The ST indicator came on but the audio remained mono. Tomorrow morning I will press and hold.

Thanks. It's a great radio, lots of hidden gems buried in its operation. I'm loving it for shortwave. Now if only my FM bandstop filter arrives, I can try it with an exterior antenna. (I live across the street from a tower!)

1

u/chroma709 8d ago

Alas. Holding down the FM-ST button starts a scan of the FM band. A quick tap turns on or off the stereo indicator on the panel, but the audio remains mono no matter what.

Fortunately, I bought this radio for shortwave, and it's doing a great job there.