RF-2800

The Panasonic RF-2800, also marketed under the abbreviation DR-28, was one of the first world receivers to combine mechanical tuning with a reading frequency meter with nixie display. It is therefore an antecedent radio in the project to what are now the standard configurations based on PLL frequency synthesis and first up-conversion. This Panasonic model adopts a generous knob for tuning that controls a variable capacitor, the mechanism is of the double type allowing coarse and a fine coaxial adjustment. The first reading of the frequency is given by a rotary scale, the accuracy of this scale is such as to appreciate on which part of the band you are but does not allow to go further, the display on its right compensates providing a direct indication with resolution of 1 KHz suitable for the type of use of the receiver. This reading is obtained by measuring the frequency of the local oscillator, which makes the displayed figure not necessarily adherent to reality with a deviation that can reach 5 KHz. In order to compensate this misalignment, a special command called SW-CAL allows you to change the display indication to match it with that of a tuned station whose frequency is known exactly.

In the front panel on the left there is the space for the loudspeaker, capable of a good reproduction of the low tones as well as a considerable power, with on its right three deviators for the on/off, the tuning-dial lighting, the selection bandwidth for AM. It follows the analog S-meter and the rotary band switch with short waves between 3.2~30 MHz divided into two segments. Finally there is the switch that allows you to turn-off the display so as to minimize power consumption and reset the spurious RF signals generated by its digital circuits, a possible source of interference when listening to weak stations. In the middle part of the front panel there is the volume control and two separate bass and treble controls, with the audio connectors underneath. After the tuning control there are the potentiometers for the regulation of the RF gain, which actually acts as an attenuator, and the BFO to be used in SSB and CW, a special deviator allows to activate this last mode. Note that the BFO is a variable frequency oscillator that must be adjusted to center the missing SSB carrier or to set the audio note of a CW signal, main tuning and BFO are independent.

RF-2800 performance and practical notes :

This Panasonic model has become well established in the years immediately following its introduction. The performances are good, from the perspective of the period, with an adequate sensitivity even to DX broadcasting but not served at best by the bandwidth values of the filters. The dynamic is however the true weak point of the Panasonic RF-2800 which tends to generate intermodulations in the presence of strong signals, the lack of a preselector therefore makes it difficult to couple an effective antenna system to the apparatus. Moreover, since in the short wave segment a first conversion is adopted with the intermediate frequency value (IF) of only 2 MHz, it is not rare to come across image responses with audible signals where in reality there is no emission. The completely analogical nature of the local oscillator makes the tuning not stable with respect to temperature variations and the supply voltage, derives in the order of one KHz or greater within one hour of operation are to be considered normal.

RF-2800 price

We have collected for your convenience the Panasonic RF-2800 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 199.99	2021-oct	Second Hand In good condition
USD 254.00 (189GBP)	2018-nov	Second Hand In good condition and is working fine
USD 670.00 (499GBP)	2018-nov	Second Hand In superb condition. Tested and cleaned. All lights are working, no damage at all
USD 733.00	2018-nov	Second Hand Japan model, refurbished item