WI-FI RADIO – PICO WI-FI
Review by Tim Ritchie
After reading the Wireless Waffler Keith's article, “Wi-fi radio – Magicbox Imp Adapt” (Communication October 2008), I also decided to pass on my experiences of setting up and using a Wi-fi Internet radio.
Keith’s comments on the potential technical problems you may face are correct. It is important to make sure your wireless router is fully operational before buying and installing an Internet radio.
I had considerable problems in setting up a ‘third party’ wireless router. In the end it proved to be incompatible with my broadband connection. (This was after many hours of frustration!). After contacting my broadband supplier for help they recommended a compatible unit. The new router was easy to install and within an hour I had my PCs connected to the Internet via the new wireless router.
Even when choosing ‘new technology’ radios I’m guided by a few basic principles. The set must be portable, run off internal batteries (as well as mains supply) and have at least one traditional mode (e.g. FM band).
My first selection was a Roberts WM202 (1). It had all my pre-requisites (plus DAB as well as FM). However, I suspect this radio is at the ‘cutting edge’ of radio technology as, with my model anyway, there were several severe software bugs which rendered the radio useless for my purposes. (Problems included random overwriting of stored memories, inability to access menu functions on occasion, control lock-up etc). This set was returned to the dealer.
My second choice was the Pico Wi-Fi (2), this radio had the features I wanted, plus it is splash proof so can also be used in the bathroom.
It connected up to the Internet seamlessly after following the clear instructions supplied. You will need to enter your WPA/WEA code the first time to connect. The set will remember the code when you next switch on. At present there 13769 stations available via the Pico radio. You are able to access these radio stations through Location or Genre categories when ‘tuning’. There are facilities to store 5 stations (plus 5 on FM) with the radio presets. Additionally, by logging into the Reciva radio website (3), you can search on-line and add to your personal My Stuff / My Stations on-line. Your radio will then add My Stuff as a category, which you can then access via the ‘tuning’ control. The radio comes with a small remote control which allows direct access (including presets).
There is also a programme ‘on demand’ facility (where available) which allows you to pause/rewind the programme you are listening to. One feature I’ve not tried yet is the Media function. This allows you to play mp3s and some other music files stored on your PC through the Pico.
The audio is clear (although the varying bandwidth of different Internet radio stations does effect the audio quality), and the volume the set produces can be surprising loud for a set of this size, H 6½” (16½cms) x 3¾” (9½cms).
The radio is easy to operate but requires a few minutes after switching on to connect. (As one had to wait for the valves to warm up on old radios!). Although you can find Internet radio stations on your PC, the Pico radio gives you the freedom of normal radio without the hassle of being ‘shackled’ to the PC.
It is great fun being able to listen into stations you first heard on holiday, I now regularly tune into WINS, New York, CJCB, Nova Scotia & WWL, New Orleans.
(2)http://www.revo.co.uk/digital-radio/revo-pico-wifi.php
