Grundig Satellit 650 (1960s–1970s)

The Grundig Satellit 650 is the flagship of the Satellit series, a large portable shortwave receiver. The series began with the Satellit 205 in 1958, which built the reputation for strong reception, and the 650 carried that forward.

The 650 is basically a Satellit 600 with a new look and only minor technical changes. The biggest one is a connector for a longwave direction-finding antenna, which got the receiver approved for maritime communications use. It covers 148 kHz to 30 MHz (longwave, medium wave, and all shortwave bands) plus FM broadcast from 88-108 MHz. A preselector, ANL (automatic noise limiter), a clock, and a single memory bank with 60 channels finish out the feature list.

This is a big radio. It weighs 8.5 kg and measures 50.5 × 24.5 × 20.5 cm, in a landscape-format black plastic cabinet. A 15-watt amplifier drives one generously sized speaker with pressure-chamber technology, which can sound comparable to speakers twice as large. Power comes from a 9V DC internal battery (6R20/D), an external 12V DC source (10-16V allowed, such as a vehicle battery), or mains power via accumulators recharged by the internal battery charger.

Shortwave reception is impressive. The Satellit series has the sensitivity and selectivity to pull in distant stations clearly. The audio is warm and full-bodied, with a rich midrange that suits both spoken-word broadcasts and music. IEEE Spectrum (via spectrum.ieee.org) noted that the 650's raison d'être was shortwave reception, and that its single speaker was generously sized for a portable.

Grundig ended its series of large-format shortwave receivers with a Final Edition of the Satellit 650, limited to 1000 sets. Each had special lettering and a serial number on the front panel, plus special accessories. The market for expensive shortwave radios collapsed in the early 2000s.

One caveat for collectors: the motorized tuning system uses a belt that may need replacement, and one service video documents a "nightmare board removal" when repairing the power and audio sections. Still, owners report long life. One eham.net reviewer (BARRYED) reported everything still working after more than 12 years of operation. Used prices are modest for the engineering on offer, and a recent German classified listing showed one at €275.

Known specifications:

- Coverage: 148 kHz - 30 MHz (LW/MW/SW) plus FM 88-108 MHz

- Memory: 60 channels, 1 bank

- Features: preselector, ANL, clock

- Power: 9V DC internal battery, 12V DC external, or mains via internal charger

- Amplifier: 15 watts

- Dimensions: 50.5 × 24.5 × 20.5 cm

- Weight: 8.5 kg