Grundig Satellit 210 (1969–1971)
The Grundig Satellit 210 - also designated the Satellit Transistor 6001 - was launched in 1969 as the successor to the Satellit 208. It's a big multiband portable covering FM, MW, LW, and 17 shortwave bands through a double-conversion receiver. The cabinet measures 44×26×13 cm and the set weighs 6.1 kg. It came in either black leather-look/metal or wood. Two variants were offered: the standard Satellit 210 and a "Satellit 210 Amateur" aimed at radio amateurs, which added a separate band-spread for the 160-meter band.
The 210 was an improved evolution of the 208, not a ground-up redesign. It looks very much like its predecessor, but with real upgrades. The shortwave bands got better selectivity from added ceramic filters and linear adjustment circuits for SW2-SW9, plus an antenna trimmer. The LW band was extended up to 420 kHz. Grundig also made a number of ergonomic changes. The earphone connector moved to the front, and descriptions for button and wheel functions were printed underneath the carrying handle. A new tuning wheel on the right side had a small recessed button for easy one-finger operation. A new scale showed charging and battery levels, and the fine-tuning "shortwave lens" for SW1/LW/MW was improved. Power came from batteries, the TN12A mains unit, or a Dryfit PC Accumulator 476 with the TN14 charging unit.
The receiver complied with regulations for use as a "Ship Broadcast Receiver with limited permission" (Zulassung/Zeefunk). It carried official permission numbers and certificates, and Grundig used this in marketing. The chassis even had screw holes for mounting aboard ships, plus separate holes for securing the optional SSB unit. The set was supplied with an SSB unit and TN12A mains unit.
The record on this model is otherwise thin. No original price, full frequency range beyond the LW extension, sensitivity figures, or power output have survived in the available sources. Collectors note that the antenna is shared with the later Satellit 800 and can be purchased from Eton, USA. The radio uses two 6V 30mA light bulbs, possibly the OSRAM 2306. One known issue: the antenna trimmer variable capacitor can have a disconnected wire, and the SW bands may need reparation after decades of storage. Current market estimates from ham-radio price aggregators suggest roughly USD 188-349 for a used unit.
shortwaveradio.ch (2005) notes the 210's maritime communications licence and its improved selectivity and linearity in the shortwave bands compared to its predecessor.
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