NRD-545

Specifications    Prices

Triple-conversion HF desktop receiver with last IF in digital technology. Frequency range 0.1-30 MHz, all-mode, digital noise reduction (DNR), pass-band shift (PBS). Ideated in Japan.

Reference market : amateur-radio

NRD-545 specifications

General
Frequency coverage
0.1000 ~ 29.9999 MHz
30.0000 ~ 2000.0000 MHz [1]
Mode
CW / RTTY / LSB / USB / AM / AM-S / FM / WFM [1]
Tuning step
1 / 10 / 100 Hz / 1 / 5 / 6.25 / 9 / 10 / 12.5 / 20 / 25 / 30 / 50 / 100 KHz
Receiver
Sensitivity
CW / SSB5.0 uV (0.1~0.5 MHz, 10dB S/N)
2.0 uV (0.5~1.6 MHz, 10dB S/N)
0.32 uV (1.6~30 MHz, 10dB S/N)
RTTY5.0 uV (0.1~0.5 MHz, 10dB S/N)
2.0 uV (0.5~1.6 MHz, 10dB S/N)
0.32 uV (1.6~30 MHz, 10dB S/N)
AM15.8 uV (0.1~0.5 MHz, 10dB S/N)
6.3 uV (0.5~1.6 MHz, 10dB S/N)
2.0 uV (1.6~30 MHz, 10dB S/N)
3.2 uV (30~1000, 10dB S/N) [1]
3.2 uV (1260~1300, 10dB S/N) [1]
FM0.5 uV (1.6~30 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
0.8 uV (30~1000 MHz, 12dB SINAD) [1]
0.8 uV (1260~1300 MHz, 12dB SINAD) [1]
WFM2.0 uV (30~1000 MHz, 12dB SINAD) [1]
Selectivity
CW0.01~9.99 KHz (-6dB)
> 1.0 KHz (-6dB) [2]
< 4.0 KHz (-60dB) [2]
SSB0.01~9.99 KHz (-6dB)
> 2.4 KHz (-6dB) [2]
< 5.0 KHz (-60dB) [2]
AM0.01~9.99 KHz (-6dB)
> 4.5 KHz (-6dB) [2]
< 8.0 KHz (-60dB) [2]
FM> 10 KHz (-6dB)
IF filter ultimate attenuation [4]
65 dB
RF attenuator
20 dB
DR (Dynamic Range)
106 dB (0.3 KHz BW)
96 dB (100 KHz spaced signals) [4]
68 dB (5 KHz spaced signals) [4]
Blocking [4]
127 dB (100 KHz spaced signal)
IP3 (3rd order intercept point)
+20 dBm (14 MHz)
Image rejection
> 70dB
IF rejection
> 70dB
AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
0.04~5.1s adjustable
Frequency stability
± 10ppm max from 5' to 60' after warm-up
± 2ppm max after 60' warm-up
± 0.5ppm max [3]
IF (Intermediate Frequency)
70.455 MHz
455.0 KHz
20.22 KHz
Features
Memory
1000 regular memories
Display
10 Hz frequency resolution
40-segments signal meter bar
Antenna
SO239 50Ω
Terminal jack 600Ω (0.1~1.6 MHz)
N 50Ω [1]
Power supply
12 ~ 16 VDC external, 13.8V nominal
100~240 VAC
Power consumption
30 W
Audio power
1 W on 4Ω
Audio output
Jack 6.35 mm headphone
Jack 3.5 mm line
Jack external speaker
Connections
RS232C PC
Jack timer
Jack mute
Jack VDC output
Mechanical and environmental data
Dimensions
330 (W) x 130 (H) x 285 (D) mm
Weight
7.5kg

  1. With CHE-199 optional unit.
  2. Values taken as reference, the bandwidth is continuously adjustable.
  3. TCXO, CGD-197 optional unit.
  4. This parameter, not in official data, was obtained with direct tests.
NRD-545 description :

The JRC NRD-545 receiver is a hybrid technology device, adopting a triple frequency conversion analog configuration with the last IF which is digitized by an 18-bit sigma-delta ADC to be processed by a DSP in a purely numerical environment. It covers the band of 0.1~30 MHz in all operating modes, including the synchronous AM (ie the ECSS) and the RTTY for which there is a special demodulator. The frequency coverage can however be extended to the VHF / UHF using a special optional module that can be installed as a plug-in card directly on the internal motherboard, if already installed the model takes the code of JRC NRD-545G operating seamlessly between 0.1~2000 MHz. Another version, the JRC NRD-545U, for market reasons is characterized by operating on a series of non-contiguous segments that are 0.1~823.9 / 849.1~1849.9 / 1910.1~1929.9 and 1990.1~2000 MHz.

NRD-545 features :

Tunable band-pass preselection RF filters made by a double resonant circuit controlled by varicap diodes. Front-end stage with preamplifier realized by a parallel of four FETs for a high linearity. IF filters freely adjustable between 0.01~9.99 KHz in steps of 10 Hz, PBS (pass-band-shift) to move the IF window of ±2.3 KHz in steps of 50 Hz, IF filter notch with minimum attenuation of 40 dB adjustable within ±2.5 KHz in steps of 10 Hz, notch-tracking function to keep the filter centered also by moving the tuning within ±10 KHz, automatic notch with intervention measurable in 256 steps, digital noise reduction function in 256 steps, double noise-blanker (NB) with intervention level adjustment, AGC time constant selectable between 40 ms (milliseconds) and 5.1 seconds in 20 ms steps, RF-gain for the regulation of gain in the RF and IF frequency chain, squelch, RF attenuator, audio tone control, clock with timer, output connection to activate a recorder, mute connection for pairing to a transceiver.

The tuning can be set using the central rotary knob, which takes advantage of an adjustable clutch, or with direct input from the keyboard or even remote PC management. The display shows each function including the S-meter which uses a series of segments on a graduated scale. There are 1000 memory locations in which is associated the AGC, the RF attenuator, the selectivity value, the eventual timer function. Search functions between limits of frequencies and between channels in memory with freely definable speed.

NRD-545 performance and practical notes :

The JRC model NRD-545 was, at the time of its introduction in the 90s, one of the first receivers with DSP available for the amateur. It marked a positive turn by digitally implementing, among other things, the continuous filter bandwidth adjustment in the last IF and the adaptive noise reduction function. On the merits of the features the NRD545 shows the true lights and shadows, expresses some good overall performance with an excellent level of flexibility but suffers from a not yet mature DSP technology. This last point is highlighted with a form factor in the selectivity not exceptional and with a mediocre audio response.

These aspects have led to a complex judgment, not unanimous, by the fans. In making comparisons with other receivers, including models of the same JRC, there were two schools of thought related mainly to the quality of listening in the CW / SSB scenarios (editor's note: utility stations, amateur radio stations) and AM / AM-S (editor's note: broadcasting stations). In any case, the NRD-545 takes advantage of a quality construction in terms of electrical and mechanical, with the typical modular construction of the JRC, and for this reason it is still appreciated today.

NRD-545 price

We have collected for your convenience the JRC NRD545 sale price (US Dollar) and its trend over time. Useful to guarantee a cheaper purchase of this radio and to put it for sale in the second-hand market. Of course offers, accessories, warranty terms and conditions can lead to different figures.

Price Date Condition
USD 1420.00
(1209EUR)
2021-oct Second Hand

With CHE-199 VHF/UHF converter

USD 1499.00 2021-sep Second Hand

In nearly new condition

USD 1743.00
(1299GBP)
2018-nov Second Hand

Fitted with the 12V 9000mAh battery modification for approximately 6-8 hours of continuous battery operation to avoid any power line related electrical noise

USD 1895.00 2018-nov Second Hand

Perfect, as new

NRD-545 review

Sensitivity
Selectivity
Dynamic range
Spurious response
Audio
Signal functions
Control functions
User friendly
Stars: 1=insufficient | 2=just sufficient | 3=mediocre | 4=good | 5=excellent


RhodieOctober-23 2023

I purchased my NRD-545 from Universal Radio in 2006. Beautiful receiver, and it performs for me just fine in all modes. My prior receivers were a Collins R390-A and 651S-1, and a Hallicrafters SX-122. I've enjoyed them all over the years...
I was sorry to see JRC leave this sector of the communications receiver market.

[End post]


AntonioApril-8 2023

Hi,
I recently bought a used full optional NRD545 and I have to tell the truth, I didn't really like it as far as LSB / USB reception is concerned. I find it very noisy and annoying to listen to (without any filter), the NRD-535DG does much better. I also noticed an oddity and that is, by inserting the DSP, excluding it and inserting it again, the tone and the listening level change, is this normal?

I don't think so, maybe my receiver is faulty?

[End post]


SilvioMarch-19 2022

Definitely a great rig from the 1980s.

[End post]


HarryJanuary-5 2022

Just bought a used NRD545-DSP with the CHE199 and the TCXO CGD-197 installed, incl. USB cable and lots of Software for just 700 Euro.

[End post]


Ol dx listnerOctober-11 2021

Been listening to shortwave on and off since the mid '50 starting out with a National SW-54 receiver which I still have it plus other many models of short way radios. For the amateur or professional that want to listen to shortwave, amateur, and VHF/UHF frequencie€™s the JRC NRD-545 is a great all around receiver. If you can find one a reasonable price, specially if it has the CHE-199 VHF/UHF adapter installed buy it.

[End post]


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