Good equipment is a basic requirement for successful DXing. Since I have started with this hobby, the technological progress also led to a reduced need of different devices, today one device can cover the technical components of 2 or even 3 devices in the past. New software also makes it easier to get even more data out of the devices and enable even remote access to the transmitting station. 2024 has marked a change in many ways. Some older devices went into pension or are not used any more, while other, newer devices have taken over. The TEF offers now the opportunity to receive RDS and many more data with the same high quality in receiving different stations.
Devices
TEF6686
For many years, I used the Sony XDR F1 considered one of the best devices for a long time. In 2024 it was time to refresh and get something new. The TEF6686 is offering good quality when it comes to receiving distant stations and allows also to see all relevant information related to the radio station. With this combination, it is the perfect companion for every trip. This version comes in a metal shell and has a 5000mAh battery. I bought this version from AliExpress in November 2024 and updated it with the latest software.
ViIlach FM Server as part of fmdx.org
Since December 2024, a TEF is used as a mobile web server that allows to connect to the main spot of this website, located in the northern part of Villach. The server is part of the fmdx.org project, access to the server can be found here: https://villach.fmtuner.org/
Sony XDR F1-HD
DSP-filter technology
For many years, the Sony was the non plus ultra for FM dxing. The digital tuner is still producing excellent results and even after more than 12 years, the device is working properly – even if the illumination of the screen is now broken.
I bought the Sony in USA, where is/was the original market for HD Radio (that why it has a digital tuner). In the original version it has an American power socket (and needs therefore a power converter), even though both currently running devices got modified over time. One is rarely in use for FM DXing in Carinthia, the second device got modified for outdoor use, but is sometimes used in Vienna.
The modification allows to use the device without the power converter: The power supply unit is now located outside the device, this also lowers the risk of overheating which can cause damages to the device – and most likely it also extend the lifetime of the devices.
The device does not have any speakers, so it is used via external speakers. The big advantage of the used Sony radio is the very good selectivity that allows to catch stations even close to a local and usually powerful station.
Degen DE 1103
– with filters 80/80 khz 
The Degen DE 1103 is nowadays only used in rare occasions due to its age. The Degen used to be a very good radio around 2010, when I bought this device. It is a very light and portable device, that has with modified filters good selectivity and can receive more stations compared to other similar devices. The big disadvantage of the device is the overmodulation close to big transmitters that sometimes make it hard to receive a lot of signals.
After more than 10 years of usage, the device shows now some typical problems due to the age: The tuning button is not working anymore properly, the cover loosens and some buttons are not working any more. Nowadays, the Degen DE 1103 is used as a backup.
Sony XDR F3 HD
– DSP- filters
This device has the same digital tuner as the Sony XDR F1, but it comes with integrated speakers and a more “fancy” cover. The F3 has a larger display and a crank wheel, unlike the F1 that comes only with buttons. The selection processes are similar to the F1.
Since the set-up of the online server, this device is used for local DXing on rare occasions.
Sony ST SE 700
This device is used with any modifications and has some functions that other models used around 2010 did not have. It shows for example the PI-Code and a display showing the signal strength and was used for the Sporadic-E season. With newer devices such as TEF, it is however outdated and used rarely.
Sangean DPR-34 Plus
Despite being more than 10 years old, this small device is still used for mobile DXing, especially for DAB+. It receives quite well and is often used for travelling and on hiking trips.
Microspot RA 319 (DAB+)
This device was used from 2011 till 2024, especially for the good receiving quality on DAB+. It was modified to allow also the connection of an external antenna. In 2024 the tuning button broke down, which makes it impossible to change the station. The destiny of this device is to be kicked out and replaced in 2025.
Diverse car FM radio devices
Besides this, there are used various in-built FM radio devices, the most used one is those of Hyundai i20 (year of construction 2016).
Antennas
A good antenna is the basic for good DXing, both for FM and DAB+. Currently, on the main FM dxing point in Villach there is used a vertical 8 element antenna.
8 Element UKW Yagi (Vertikal)
This 8-element FM Yagi was bought from tbf Funktechnik. The antenna has a gain of 9dBD. It offers a good directivity and is usually pointed towards South to take advantage of the more or less open landscape towards Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. The directivity also allows to focus on one direction and reduce the interference of stations that can be received on the same frequency.
The antenna is installed permanently vertically on the roof in order to catch signals from Italy that mostly transmit vertically. This allows to catch signals from more than 300 up to 400 km and this all year round. In case of good atmospheric conditions, many stations from Emilia/Romagna, Marche and even Abruzzo (Central Italy) can be received.
The antenna is fixed on a special mast that made it also necessary to modify the roof (see coverage on the picture). The antenna “runs” still with a rotor from the company Conrad that allows a comfortable turning of the antenna remotely from indoors.
Given the age of the rotor and the construction itself (more than 10 years), the antenna sometimes changes position in conditions of high wind and the rotor is not as powerful as it used to be some years ago. This is why the antenna is mostly used with direction south to catch most of signals from Italy and Slovenia.
8 Element FM Yagi (horizontal)
This antenna is currently not in use due to space limitations. It can be used on various spots and is currently configurated to be used in a vertical position.
