The rearrangement of the antenna connectors sounds like a sensible afterthought; I;m not so sure about removing the fine tune control, as this is essential for accurate tuning to SSB transmissions. This makes it sound as if the FRG-7 was now regarded as a broadcast receiver rather than a 'Ham' model.
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I have previously warned about being too strongly influenced by Mark's cynical advice to owners that there's no point owning one unless you just want it for decoration on a shelf! The biggest decline in transmitter populations has been in Europe, but that makes room for the smaller broadcasters who have taken over from state media. As a small example, Australia is now back on SW, due to HCJB / Reach Beyond acquiring the redundant state transmitter sites.
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Good listening - Julian
Julian_Hardstone