I’m generally not a fan of slip-cover cases (or pouches) that are included with many portable radios. I like to have a little extra padding around radios, but I don’t like bulky cases either. My preference is to carry accessories separately and keep the case as small as possible while still offering some protection.
With that in mind, others may be interested in my choice of non-original cases for the Sangean ATS-909X and XHDATA D-808 receivers.
The Evecase brand of sleeve for the Apple iPad Mini 4 makes a close fitting case for the ATS-909X. After a day or two in this sleeve, the radio stretches the fabric a little and the result is a fit “like a glove”.
The Evecase sleeve leaves NO room for anything else, except perhaps a pair of earbuds loosely coiled on top of the radio before zipping the case shut. Protection of the ATS-909X is very good though, better than the stock Sangean slip case.
For the XHDATA D-808, I discovered that a model of the popular “Pelican” line of hard cases is an absolutely perfect fit. Model 1040 (Micro Case series) is the one to get, especially if you want the extreme protection this padded, hard-sided case provides. It’ll be right at home among your camping gear for instance, and if it happens to take a tumble from your backpack or car’s trunk, no problem!
It’s important to note that the solid color 1040 cases like mine have a sheet of thin protective foam in the lid, in addition to the molded padding in the bottom half. The clear lid versions of the 1040 case do not have this extra padding.
Let the description and photos of these two case solutions inspire you to consider other ideas for protecting your radio gear! A lot of possibilities exist, considering the wide array of protection available for tablets, laptops, GPS, hard drives, and so on. Many of these can be repurposed for portable receivers.
Guy Atkins is a Sr. Graphic Designer for T-Mobile and lives near Seattle, Washington. He’s a regular contributor to the SWLing Post.
I found a great soft case for the XData D808, or in my case the equivalent in black Sihuadon D808
today at Staples. It’s called “The Pouch” by Case it. #PLP-02. $6.99. Not online, but in a retail store.
This is the model:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LTC7XIA/ref=twister_B07SCH4SR8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Not as bulky as a hard case. I bought 2. Staples often has close out cases that work for radios.
Thanks for the tip, I ordered a case for my 909X, it’s a great fit and I like it much better than the factory case.
Good selection, cases are less expensive than the radios that go in them! That is the usual problem, trying to find a cheap but good case.
Good tip Guy.
I like these cases b/c I can store the radio & accessories (like AC, cables, USB charger, etc.) – AND I can safely stack them in the corner next to my wall unit bookcase (I stack over 1 dozen cases/receivers):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/High-Desert-Single-Firearm-Plastic-Pistol-Case-10200/300227552
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Flambeau-Outdoors-1011-10-Pistol-Case/23578637?athcpid=23578637&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVUB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS020&athguid=6d5463b7-484-16857f8cafad7f&athena=true
And I agree, iPad Mini cases & any ” 7-8″ Tablet ” case, external hard drive sleeve, etc., work well if you prefer soft cases – like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009QFN246/ref=dp_prsubs_3
Something in-between are the GoPro Hero EVA Cases … there are plenty of brands like Newer, AmazonBasics, etc. … here you have the soft shell like the sleeves but also customizable foam to provided extra protection … here’s an example:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KKHAAQW/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_4?smid=A1K9376WXWZNFL&psc=1
While looking for a good case for the Digitech AR1780 I came across the Case Logic SLRC-208 Slim Action Camera Case – Amazon link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U5RODTC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This case is larger than necessary for the radio but it has adjustable foam dividers, several mesh pockets, a zippered compartment inside, and a waterproof bottom so it can be set on a wet table or on the the ground with no worries about the insides. Although a more form fitting case can be nice, I like having room for extra batteries, earbuds and an antenna.
Thanks, Guy! As you know, I’m quite a big fan of proper cases. The irony, though, is I recently gave away my Pelican 1040–and to add insult to injury, it used to hang on its carabiner no more than 2 feet from the shelf where the XHDATA D-808 stands. I never but the two together! 🙂 That’s okay, though, because mine was he clear lid version and I think I’d prefer the one with an extra layer of protection on the lid.
Thanks for the post!
Thomas
Guy, the 909X and I frequently travel a few miles out of town hunting down gray line DX with a mag mount whip. Thanks for recommending this padded case. I ordered the Evecase in solid black and will be giving it a try.
I received the Evecase in solid black for the Sangean ATS-909X yesterday. Thank you for the recommendation! The case fits the 909X perfectly with next to no room to spare. Not enough room to store the Sangean ANT-60 reel-up antenna in the outside pouch with the 909X inside. However, a similar length (or more) of 22 AWG stranded with a 3.5mm plug like this https://www.showmecables.com/972 will fit in there quite nicely if coiled flat.