Step back in time with the Vtg 1971 USSR Astrad F8-TR17-B205 Portable Multi-Band Radio, a testament to classic design and enduring quality. This 1st Generation radio offers a rich tapestry of features, including a mechanical front-facing dial panel, 8 distinct bands (FM, Long & Medium Wave, Short Wave 1 to 5), and a sleek brown, black & silver faux wood body with plastic. The Astrad model boasts a robust battery life of 100-150 hours, a variety of connectivity options, and an array of audio outputs such as a din socket and headphone jack. With its push-button dial light, side-mounted turret band selector, and three front knobs controlling bass, treble, and volume, this 35cm long radio provides an authentic retro Soviet style. The radio also includes a carry handle and a 98cm telescopic swivel antenna for easy portability and optimal signal reception.

-Overall: excellent appearance & tested working condition, built in speaker excellent, push button light works, all knobs original and working, all original parts, no cracks, minor outer wear, comes with no cables, D-Cell batteries not included. Sold as is..

—THE 8 BAND DESCRIPTIONS—

••1. Long Wave (LW)Frequency Range: Roughly 150 kHz to 400 kHz.Description: Long wave is great for picking up radio stations that are very far away. It travels long distances by hugging the curvature of the Earth. It is heavily used in Europe for large-area coverage of news and weather.

••2. Medium Wave (MW)Frequency Range: Roughly 525 kHz to 1605 kHz.Description: This is your standard AM radio band. It is used locally for news, talk shows, and local music. MW signals travel mostly along the ground during the day and bounce off the upper atmosphere at night, allowing you to hear stations from other states or countries after dark.

••3. Shortwave 1 (SW1)Frequency Range: Roughly 3.2 MHz to 5.0 MHz (approx. 60-meter band).Description: Shortwave bands use a property called "skywave propagation." This means the radio waves bounce between the Earth's surface and the ionosphere, allowing you to hear international broadcasts from thousands of miles away. SW1 is popular for tropical broadcasting and regional nighttime listening.

••4. Shortwave 2 (SW2)Frequency Range: Roughly 5.0 MHz to 6.2 MHz (approx. 49-meter band).Description: This band is famously known as a key international broadcasting band. Historically and today, it is used by major global broadcasters (like the BBC or local government stations) to beam news and cultural programs across continents.

••5. Shortwave 3 (SW3)Frequency Range: Roughly 9.5 MHz to 9.8 MHz (approx. 31-meter band).Description: SW3 is a highly active "daytime" shortwave band. Because of its higher frequency, it performs exceptionally well during daylight hours for long-distance communication and international news.

••6. Shortwave 4 (SW4)Frequency Range: Roughly 11.7 MHz to 12.1 MHz (approx. 25-meter band).Description: Another excellent daytime international band. It provides clear long-distance signals, particularly during periods of high solar activity, making it a favorite for catching distant overseas stations.

••7. Shortwave 5 (SW5)Frequency Range: Roughly 15.1 MHz to 15.5 MHz (approx. 19-meter band).Description: This is a high-frequency shortwave band that works best during the peak of the day. It is mostly used for long-haul international broadcasting.

••8. VHF / FM (Very High Frequency)Frequency Range: Roughly 88 MHz to 108 MHz.Description: This is your standard FM radio. It offers high-fidelity, crystal-clear audio quality for local music and entertainment stations. Note that early Soviet export radios, like the F8-TR17-B205, often had FM tuners that were slightly modified for the European or British markets.