Inhaltsverzeichnis
Philips D 2924
Manufactured by Philips, Eindhoven.
In 1981, Philips launched a microprocessor-controlled single conversion superhet with a PLL synthesizer as a successor to the AL-990, a conventional double conversion receiver with a frequency counter.
The reception performance of the set was modest, the D 2924 could not keep up with the Sony ICF-2001 or the Uniden CR-2021, which appeared in a similar time period, and the coverage of the shortwave range only from 5950 - 15450 kHz was another major drawback.
Technical data
- Frequency range: VHF (87.5 - 108 MHz), LW, MW, SW (5.950 - 15.450 MHz)
- Frequency display: Digital display, 5 kHz
- Frequency memories: 6 memories
- Features: direct frequency input keypad
Power supply
- Mains operation: 110, 220 V
Dimensions
- 245 x 195 x 60 mm, weight 1.1 kg
Accessories
Operation
The Philips D-2924 measures 24.5 x 19.5 x 6 cm, has a weight of 1.1 kg and is equipped with a carrying handle. For operation, the receiver needs a mains voltage of 110 - 220 V or six 1.5 V batteries, which are exhausted quite quickly, as usually seen with PLL synthesizer receivers of the first generation. Two more UM-3 batteries have to be inserted to operate the microprocessor and retain the contents of the memory channels, when these batteries are not installed, the radio stays completely „dead“.
The large loudspeaker is located on the left side of the front panel.
The small on/off switch is rather inconveniently placed in the bar between the speaker and the other controls, at least it is hardly ever pressed unintentionally.
Below the LCD frequency display, which can be illuminated with a small button right next to it, there are small buttons for selecting the LW/MW/SW/FM frequency range, and just below them similar buttons as UP/DOWN tuning buttons, for direct access to the shortwave bands and for starting the scanning function. The numeric keys underneath are used for direct frequency entry and also for storing or calling up one of the six frequency memories. For direct access to a known frequency, select the corresponding frequency range, press the large KEYBOARD button end enter the desired frequency with the numberes keys, after the last keystroke, the frequency is accessed directly.
The other operating elements are also arranged in a vertical bar in a rather unergonomic way: a switch for the attenuator (LOC), the slider controls for volume and tone and, at the bottom, another switch for locking the keys.
Technically, the single conversion superhet with its limited shortwave range of 5950 - 15450 kHz has little to offer the ambitious shortwave listener; poor sensitivity and selectivity and high synthesiser noise let only strong stations become audible. Switchable IF bandwidths or even a BFO for CW or SSB reception are missing in this set.
The features of microprocessor control, with which the receiver was equipped in the days when pure analogue receivers were predominant and even a digital frequency display was a luxury feature, could excite the listeners at the time of the radio's release. Today they have been standard for years, and the number of memories has increased greatly in modern receivers.
In summary, the Philips D-2924 is a simple single conversion all wave receiver from the first generation of radios equipped with a PLL synthesizer. It may find its way into a radio collection as a set which documents this developmental step - but not because of extraordinary performance, although it can be stated: you can also listen to radio with the D-2924.
Despite repeated efforts, Philips did never manage to gain a foothold in the world receiver market, neither with this set nor with its successors D 2935 / D 2999. The receivers were no longer very innovative when they appeared, but lagged behind what was already available on the market - only in terms of price, Philips was competitive for a while.
Technical principle
Single conversion superhet, PLL synthesizer, six memories.
Components
The set is solid state.
