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This is an older multiband/shortwave radio, probably from the 1970s or '60s. The radio is very well-designed and a significant portion of the exterior is leather or metal. It has a storage compartment for the AC power cord, with a metal holder to wrap it around. The radio is a good size; large enough to use as a table radio, but small enough to be portable. There is a handle on the top, as well as a telescoping antenna. Unusually, the telescoping antenna strongly affects AM reception (lower it if there is too much interference). The 2424 covers the AM, FM, MB (Marine), and SW (Shortwave) bands, including 0.5-12 MHz. The marine band includes the extended AM band (1620-1710 kHz). Despite its age, the radio has AFC for better FM reception; this can be switched on and off as needed. As for reception, AM is good and FM fair-to-good. MB and SW reception are fair, probably better with an external antenna. It successfully receives stations from China, Taiwan, Canada, Russia, Cuba, Japan, Romania, Bulgaria and others. Better reception than most new sub-$50 shortwave portables. The Realtone 2424 can be powered with the built-in AC cord or batteries; there is a switch in the rear compartment to change between these options. It also has earphone and external antenna jacks; the antenna jack has an unusual socket (not 1/8" or 1/4"). Mono headphones are preferable; stereo headphones will only produce audio from one side. A minor issue with this radio is that the volume cannot be turned below a medium level on strong AM and SW stations (esp. on AC power). If you want to listen quietly, try using headphones and/or batteries. The radio has three knobs; tuning, band, and volume. All three are on the front of the radio. They can be easily removed for replacement or cleaning. There is no fine tuning knob, but the tuning knob works fairly well for fine tuning. They turn very smoothly. While primarily a broadcast receiver, the 2424 can pick up some communications, particularly on the MB band. The area around 3-4 MHz is good for receiving Ham communications. SSB stations will be unintelligible, but AM mode communications can be understood. RATINGS...
Design, styling: 4/5 stars, Ease of use 5/5 stars Note: Sound quality on FM is better at higher volumes.
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