Well, not pocket change for most people, but I couldn’t pass up a clever headline!
I want to alert SWLing Post readers to a lower cost option for the new BELKA-DX than the Mobimax source: the ecommerce web site of Alex Buevky (EU1ME) who designed the radio.
In early February I bought the original BELKA DSP from the designer’s site, for a total of $117 USD. It arrived safely in 10 days to my Washington State address, with free tracked shipping included.
Yesterday I ordered the new BELKA-DX from the same web site, and the grand total was 340 BYN, or in US Dollars, $128, tracked shipping included.
If I had ordered from Mobimax, the total would have been 176.91 Euro, or $205.76 USD. That price includes FedEx shipping, the only available option to the USA.
Purchasing from the BELKA-DX designer’s web site in Belarus saved me nearly $78, and I’m confident I’ll receive this new model in about a week and a half as before (hopefully no COVID-19 related delays).
I had no issues this time or previously with my payment being “flagged” for security concerns. I used my PayPal VISA card and the transaction completed without issues.
For more information on this tiny powerhouse receiver, see Georges Ringotte’s (F6DFZ) brief review here on the SWLing Post.
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 have tried every means of payment I have (Visa, debit card, Apple Pay, etc.) after being in touch with Belrig several times, and cannot get anything other than “payment denied.” Does anyone know how to pay for a Belka successfully? All financial institutions seem to be blocking payment (possibly because of Belrig being in Putinworld?)
The trouble is, the website doesn’t accept any normal payment methods. I am not doing a bank transfer to a firm in Lukashenko’s regime (aka Putinworld). Cards require Alfa-bank (who uses that?).
When they decide to accept a western credit card or PayPal, I’ll buy one!
These have doubled in price now.
John – I bought my Belka-DX in Sep 2021 from Alex in Belarus, for 415 BYN which, at the time, was equivalent to US$165. His current price is 475 BYN which, at the current exchange rate, is US$145. You must be thinking of the feller in Bulgaria, who is selling them for $350. Buy it directly from Alex, and the price is much better.
Dave
AA7EE
Thank you Dave
Too bad these are unavailable due to sanctions.
They are certainly available.
Well Thomas, you’ve finally pushed me over the top, and convinced me to purchase the Belka DX. My last portable SW receiver purchase was the CC Skywave SSB, which I bought after reading your excellent posts on that receiver. It will still accompany me on trips, due to the inclusion of the AM and FM broadcast bands. However, for SW listening, I think the Belka DX is going to be the new companion in that department.
Thank you for this post, and the information about the ability to purchase directly from Alex. I plan on taking a camping trip to the deserts of Eastern California in a few weeks. Hopefully the Belka DX will be here by then, so that I can do some SWLing while hanging out in the desert with Sprat the QRP Cat. Hope you’re doing well!
Dave
AA7EE
That is brilliant, Dave! Van camping, SWLing, and Sprat the QRP cat? Sounds like a load of fun!
I think you’ll enjoy the Belka–it is a brilliant little receiver.
Cheers,
Thomas
K4SWL
Dave I have a C.Crane Skywave and am thinking of getting one of these. I like to canvas the bands before I set up for QRP with my KX2 when I’m traveling. How would you say they compare for SW AM and SSB?
Brian ve3bwp
Brian – I ordered my Belka DX on Sept 11th. It was shipped out on Sept 16th from Belarus, so I am still waiting to receive it. Hopefully, it will arrive in the next week or so. However, from all the reviews I have read, I expect it to be fully the equal of the CC Skywave SSB, and more.
Dave
AA7EE
I Want To Purchase Two Of The Russian Made,BELKA-DX Shortwave Portable Radios,Can I Purchase The Radios At This Website ????
The latest price I received from Georgiy was $269.59 usd on 8/24/2021
I guess the price went up and he said I could pay thru PayPal
I tryed three time before and the bank shut me down hope it was ok
Would be nice if I could even use PayPal to get this. And now the speaker back with the same size battery is a fantastic combination.
Just ordered one. Alex promptly followed up with an email.
GREAT ! I can’t wait to get it.
I have tried to order it using a prepaid Visa card with no luck. This little radio is something I want to add to my SWL kit.
Me too. Then I read my gift (prepaid) card and it says “for use in US only”
Much as I’s like to order from the person who actually makes this, the website doesn’t work for me.
I click on “Add To Cart” and get a popup window saying “Error. Undefined”
Yes, I see what you mean. Some error must have corrupted this site’s code. Why not simply use the “Contact” form on the bottom of the main page to let them know? Once they fix it you’ll be able to order this excellent receiver at the best available price as others have done.
I ordered mine directly from Alex’s website in August and I’m very pleased with the process. He even followed up with an email to ensure that it was received. The price was $122.
where were you yesterday? they listed for $256 on ebay and i offered $234 and it was accepted. shipping was $26. live and learn i guess. /guy (73 de kg5gt | wqpz784)
Oops, so sorry! I hate to do that to another Guy :^)
lmao! we are a shrinking minority, aren’t we? 🙂
/guy (73 de kg5gt | wqpz784)
one of my best friends on a camera forum is from australia and named guy. when i discovered he was actually older than i was, i started calling him beta-guy and every chance i get i remind him that’s it’s not until v2.0 until the bugs get worked out! so now we title ourselves guy v1 and guy v2. great fun. 🙂 🙂 🙂
/guy (73 de kg5gt | wqpz784)