[Premium-Rx] Harris RF-590A vs. WJ 8618B(S1) on HF

[Peter Gottlieb]

I've been using my RF-590A for HF listening as my 8618B(S1) only went down to 20 
MHz.

Recently I modified the 8618B(S1) to tune down to zero, but I didn't expect 
great performance, as it seems designed as a VHF-UHF receiver (20 to 1100 MHz 
range).

Well, wow, was I surprised.  Performance of the 8618B(S1) is outstanding on HF.  
The entire sound is better, it is easier to hear weak stations, clearer and more 
readable. I have heard sensitivity drops a lot at the very low end due to the 
PIN diode antenna switch, so I will have to investigate that, but listening to a 
392 kHz NDB the 8618B(S1) is slightly more sensitive than the RF-590A so how 
much can I complain?  I think I have too much noise here for going much lower 
anyhow.

The 8618B(S1) does lack some of the niceties of the RF-590A such as changeable 
AGC speed, but my unit does have SSB and variable BFO.  I could use narrower 
filters (my narrowest is 6 Khz).

I've also learned a lot about the internals (including firmware) of the 
8618B(S1) and have gotten to really like that receiver.

It's very cool to have a receiver which goes from about 9 kHz all the way to 
1100 MHz.

Just my 2 cents and comparison between two nice units.