JRC NRD-535Db

The JRC NRD-535Db is a receiver that offers many features that are of great aid in enhancing the DXing experience. Its incredible sensitivity and selectivity make it an ideal receiver choice for lower frequency DXing. Unlike other communications grade receivers, the NRD-535Db retains much of its sensitivity below 1800 kHz, allowing the DXer to receive signals right at the noise floor. This is especially helpful on longwave, where powers are often 25 watts or less. The NRD-535Db has several features that improve selectivity. The receiver has 4 bandwiths built in. I use the wide for AM reception, and the intermediate for beacon chasing on longwave. Within these filters the receiver has variable bandwidth which allows the DXer to narrow the filter to the degree necessary to eliminate interference. This feature makes a big difference on strong adjacent signals. I can frequently eliminate side channel splash from 50kw locals on adjacent frequencies, with the loop aimed right at the local station. Earlier versions of the NRD-535D would not allow the operation of this variable bandwidth control in the AM mode. The newer NRD-535Db activates this control on all reception modes. The NRD-535Db also improves selectivity through its exhalted carrier capability, which is superior to the R-5000. When using the exhalted carrier option, the audio quality is almost as clear as the AM mode, in some cases it is clearer since exhalted carrier sometimes eliminates whistles and tones. There are two ways to activate the receiver's exhalted carrier. The first is to use the ECSS module built into the radio. This method requires use of the passband tuning control to eliminate hetrodynes. Using the ECSS seems to create clearer signals, but you will be unable to use the notch filter. Also, the ECSS is automatically switched off if you tune the radio. Exhalted carrier reception can also be achieved by directly going to USB or LSB. This method does not produce as good of results as with ECSS, but the notch filter will work, and you can change frequencies and stay in the exhalted carrier mode. I generally choose the later method, but sometimes will use ECSS when the frequency characteristics require. The exhalted carrier mode is so good that I rarely use the AM mode when DXing medium wave. Another aid to improved selectivity is the passband tuning control. This control allows the DXer to further eliminate interference from a strong station on a nearby frequency. It can also help reduce hetrodynes from computers and TV sets. My only complaint about this receiver is with the notch filter. Unlike the R-5000, which uses an audio notch, the NRD-535Db uses an I.F. notch. While this type of notch works great for CW signals, it is not particularily effective on hetrodynes caused by TV sets & computers. The passband tuning and the notch combined sometimes work, but the audio notch on the R-5000 works better on urban interference. Except for that one complaint, the NRD-535Db is a receiver that I would highly recommend. Its performance is superior to any receiver I have previously used. Its 200 channel memory allows you to store key longwave frequencies and the entire AM broadcast band (including split frequencies for international DXing). One use I have made of the memory is to store all of the frequencies of my local stations. I can then quickly scan these frequencies to see if any station is off the air. One nice feature about the NRD-535Db is that you can change settings within the memory while DXing (such as bandwidth or reception mode). With the R-5000, I had to change to VFO before I could make any adjustments. Currently, the NRD-535Db sells for about $1800. While this is a lot of money, the capabilities of this radio make it a very good value.

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Other sources for information about this receiver:
Universal Shortwave
Radio Nederland


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