Tecsun PL-520 radio

TECSUN PL-520 Portable Multiband Radio Receiver

TECSUN PL-520 is a compact portable PLL DSP multiband receiver capable of receiving FM, Longwave (LW), Medium Wave (MW), and Shortwave (SW) frequency bands with dedicated Single Sideband (SSB) capability.

The internal DSP microchip digitizes analog radio signals to work in combination with Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) circuitry, greatly improving the receiver's sensitivity, selectivity, S/N ratio, and anti-interference performance.

Equipped with Tecsun's new ETM+ feature, the PL-520 enables time-specific memory storage for longwave, medium wave, and shortwave bands. Its ultra-compact size makes it ideal for travel, featuring a built-in alarm clock, sleep timer, and convenient USB-C battery charging via standard 5V USB power sources.

Key Features for Radio Enthusiasts

• Synchronous Detection & SSB: Superior fading reduction with Upper Side Band (USB) / Lower Side Band (LSB) fine-tuning steps down to 10 Hz.
• Enhanced Tuning Mode (ETM+): Allows creating time-specific memories for LW, MW, and SW frequency bands.
• Multiple AM Bandwidth Filters:
  • LW/MW: 2.3, 3.5, 5.0, and 9.0 kHz
  • SW: 2.3, 3.5, 5.0, and 6.0 kHz
  • SSB: 0.5, 1.2, 2.2, 3.0, and 4.0 kHz
• Antenna Control: External antenna socket (3.5mm) for FM and Shortwave reception.
• Enthusiast Favorites: Multi-function LCD display with dBµ signal strength meter & dB S/N ratio indication, FM stereo/mono selection, 24-hour clock, radio alarm, 5-minute snooze, sleep timer (1–120 min), backlight (always-on or auto-off), keylock function, and a built-in rear kickstand.

Technical Specifications

Tuning & Memory Capabilities

• Tuning Modes: Direct keypad frequency entry, Auto scan, and Manual dial tuning.
• Storage Modes: Manual memory entry, Semi-automatic storage during auto-scan, Auto Tuning Storage (ATS), and Enhanced Tuning Mode (ETM+).
• Memory Capacity: 850 total station storage locations.

Connections

• External antenna socket (3.5mm) for FM / SW
• Stereo Earphone jack (3.5mm / 1/8", 32~150Ω)
• USB-C battery charging socket (Not compatible with USB-C fast-chargers)

What's in the Box

• TECSUN PL-520 Multiband Radio
• TECSUN Stereo Earphones
• USB-C Charging Cable (45 cm / 1.5 ft)
• TECSUN Zippered Pouch
• BL-5C Rechargeable Li-ion Battery*
• English User Manual

Other Specifications

• Dimensions: 139 x 85 x 26 mm (W x H x D)
• Power Source: BL-5C Li-ion battery, or 5V DC input (for FM listening only)
• Charging: DC 5V / 500mA USB-C (Not compatible with USB-C fast-chargers)
• Audio Output Power: Approx. 200mW
• Speaker: 8Ω, 0.25W
• IF Frequencies (DSP): AM: 45 kHz | FM: 128 kHz
• SYNC Lock Range: ± 1 kHz
• FM Stereo Separation: 35 dB