Category Archives: Reviews

Qodosen DX-286 First Impressions

By Jock Elliott, KB2GOM

There was quite a bit of excitement in the ultralight radio community in 2024 when folks “discovered” the Qodosen DX-286 radio.

The very first version of this radio was the Qodosen SR-286. Its Big Trick was that it was based on the NXP TEF6686 DSP chip which is designed for car radio use and delivered impressive performance on AM (medium wave broadcast band), FM, and shortwave (it also receives LW; I have not tested that.). The SR-286 was later refined and became the DX-286, which late last year I bought. The two versions of the radio look virtually identical except for the model designation on the front panel.

The bottom line: I can, indeed, confirm the performance of the DX-286 is, as my Dad used to say, “hotter than a two-dollar pistol.”

While I don’t actually know much about the thermal properties of cheap handguns, I can say with authority that the DX-286 is very pleasing to own and operate.

The DX-286 is a small radio, measuring 5.28″L x 1.18″W x 2.99″H. The fit and finish, for the most part, are excellent. The front is studded with 23 buttons, a speaker grill/opening, and a digital display. On the left side is a port for plugging in an external antenna. On the right side, you will find a tuning knob that can be pushed in to change the tuning step and auto tuning, a volume adjustment wheel, a charging port, and a port for plugging in headphones.. On the back is a hatch for accessing the rechargeable 18650 battery and a flimsy-looking flip-out foot for propping the DX-286 at an angle. On the top of the radio is a fold-out telescoping metal antenna that measure about 19 inches long when fully extended.

The DX-286 comes in a neat foam-cushioned plastic case that includes an extensive user manual, a drawstring bag for protecting the DX-286 when it is out of the case, a charging cable and an optional extra battery.

From the DX-286 manual, here are the frequency ranges that the DX-286 can receive and the tuning steps are available.

Frequency Range/Tuning Step

FM:

64-108MHz (suitable for Russia/Eastern Europe)
76-95MHz (suitable for Japan),
76-108MHz (suitable for School)
87-108MHz (suitable for Europe, Oceania, Africa, Asia)
87.5-108MHz (suitable for China, Americas)

(Tuning step is 250kHz/200kHz/100 kHz/50kHz/30kHz/10kHz)

SW: 1711-27000kHz (Tuning step is 1kHz/5kHz)

MW:

522-1620kHz (Tuning step is 1kHz/9kHz)
520-1710kHz (Tuning step is 1kHz/10kHz)

LW: 144-519kHz (Tuning step is 1kHz/3kHz)

Note: the DX-286 does not receive SSB signals, doesn’t do synchronous detection, or receive NOAA weather radio or the air band.

One of the things I have discovered messing with radios over the years is that ergonomics matter. The first definition of ergonomics from the American Heritage Dictionary is: The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.

Let me give you an example of how ergonomics applies to radios. The XHDATA D-220 is a very simple radio. It receives FM/MW/SW bands and that’s it. As such, it has a very simple set of controls: a tuning knob, an ON/OFF/VOLUME knob, and a slide for selecting bands . . . and all that is needed.

By contrast, the Qodosen DX-286 is an extremely sophisticated receiver that offers a ton of interesting options: switching amplifiers and attenuators on and off, selecting internal and external antennas, choosing bandwidths, tuning steps and much more, each depending on what band you are trying receive.

In my view, in an ideal universe, a radio as sophisticated as the DX-286 would have a knob (or switch) for every job on its front panel, but that would make the front panel huge. However, in a small radio as sophisticated as the DX-286, many of the buttons serve more than one function, and those functions may change depending on band. As a result, you will be richly rewarded by studying the manual, which can be downloaded here [PDF], to take full advantage of the many functions of the DX-286.

But here’s the really good news: you don’t need encyclopedic knowledge of the user’s manual to use and enjoy the DX-286. I have been listening with it for three weeks and have consulted the manual exactly twice: once to find out how to switch to an external antenna while receiving MW (press and hold the RDS button) and once more to find out how to switch between medium wave and shortwave (quick-press the AM button until you get the selection you want; FM has its own button). In short, you can take a very un-sophisticated approach to the DX-286 and still have a bunch of fun with it.

The performance of the DX-286 is impressive.

I habitually listen with headphones (that helps to compensates for a hearing deficit that hearing aids can’t correct). Cruising the medium wave broadcast band, I’ve been able to hear very faint medium wave stations that I could not detect with other radios in its size class.

In addition, the DX-286 is the only ultralight that I own that allows me to connect an external antenna through a hardwire connection to boost medium wave reception. It’s easy: while in MW mode, plug the external antenna into the external antenna socket and then use the RDS button to switch from internal to external antenna. One of my joys has been to “sneak up” on very faint MW stations in the early morning using the DX-286’s internal MW antenna, then switch to the Terk AM Advantage loop antenna (connected through a hardwire) to attempt to boost the signal sufficiently to hear (or deduce) a station ID.

FM reception seems similarly robust . . . although I must admit that I am by no means an expert FM DXer. One evening, while poking around the FM band, a faint station popped up. Wiggling the telescoping antenna around, I found that if lowered the antenna to a horizontal orientation, I could receive an entirely different FM station. Cool! The DX-286 has RDS to help in IDing FM stations, but I wasn’t using it at the time.

SW performance, in my view, is also remarkable.

One mid-morning I used the AUTO seek buttons to search for SW stations using the whip antenna and found 20. Plugging in an external 45-foot wire loop antenna and using the seek function again, the DX-286 found 38 stations, some of which were at the extreme edge of detectability.

There are a couple of additional items that deserve mention. First, it seems there is something going on with the audio/signal processing within the DX-286 that renders the audio more pleasant to listen to on a “rough copy” MW/SW signal than some of my other radios. I might be deceiving myself, but I don’t think so.

Second, the DX-286 is quiet to operate. Pushing various buttons and turning the knob results in little noise, and this preserves domestic tranquility when I’m doing my horizontal DXing with the Better Half trying to drift off to sleep next to me.

Now, if this were a trip to Santa’s Lap, improvements to the DX-286 I would like to see would include SSB operation, NOAA weather radio, the air band, and operation off ordinary AA batteries . . . but lack of those aren’t deal breakers.

In the end, I can happily use and recommend the DX-286 just as it is.

Finally, a neat anecdote involving the DX-286. One of my pals bought one in the fall. He checked into the Radio Monitoring Net, which I run Tuesday nights on a local 2 meter repeater.

“I’ve got an election story to tell you, and it involves radio,” he said.

“Like you, I watched the election results on TV Tuesday night, but with the sound off. Instead, I was using the Qodosen DX-286 to listen to results on radio direct from Atlanta and Philadelphia (he lives in upstate New York). I got the results for Georgia and Pennsylvania two hours ahead of the national news!”

I told my wife about this, and she asked, “What radio was he using?”

I bet you can figure out the rest of the story.

Click here to check out the Qodosen DX-286 at Amazon.com
(Please note: this is an affiliate link that supports the SWLing Post at no cost to you.)

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Why Jeff Returned the Qodosen DX-286

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Jeff McMahon, who notes that he’s published his thoughts about the Qodosen DX-286 [SWLing Post affiliate link] over on his blog, The Herculodge. While the DX-286 had solid AM reception, its audio quality and build didn’t quite meet his needs.

In the end, Jeff opted for a more robust choice for his setup. Curious about his experience with the DX-286 and why he made the switch? Read Jeff’s review here.

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Sangean PR-D12: Jeff’s first radio review in ten years

John’s Updated Review of the Choyong LC90 Multi-Band & Internet Radio

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A Further Review Update on the Choyong LC90

By John Figliozzi, NASWA Journal Shortwave Center Editor

Prepared December 12, 2024

Having previously reviewed the overall performance of the Choyong LC90 and then updated that review to include firmware upgrades the radio’s manufacturer has implemented to address some initial problems or shortcomings, I now turn to evaluating how this radio performs as a primary substitute for other comparably sized radios currently and previously on the market.

First, some caveats should be kept in mind.

This is the first – and only – radio on the current market that makes possible reception of longwave, medium wave, shortwave, FM radio station signals and Internet streaming radio stations in one self-contained unit.

Exemplifying that unique status, it also allows for connection to personal music sources via Bluetooth and permits the user to access Internet streaming via both WiFi and cellular over-the-air connections.

Furthermore, in another soon coming firmware update, its developer is promising the addition of RDS capability on FM, metadata transmission within Internet radio streams, as well as music library and podcast access through Spotify and Apple.

In sum, the LC90 is a most versatile instrument – the most versatile radio available anywhere.

This is also a “portable” radio, not a desktop model. As such it is designed to operate as a “traditional” radio optimally off its self-contained whip antenna. Though an ability to connect an external antenna is provided, the use of anything other than a relatively short wire is likely to overload the radio’s internal electronics. This is not a design flaw. Therefore, it should be evaluated against other consumer-grade portable radios, not against more sophisticated semi-professional equipment.

The Parameters of This Test

Having said that, I set out to test how the LC90 works as one’s primary portable radio. By that I mean, for example — besides for use when at home — if one is traveling and has limited storage space in one’s luggage, would taking only the LC90 offer satisfactory performance in the absence of any “back-up” receiver?

Most of us establish over time a pattern to our radio listening. We regularly tune-in to particular stations at particular times for particular content. This is how I performed this study.

As one example, I regularly listen to Radio Romania International’s mid-afternoon (mid-morning in eastern North America) transmission in Romanian for western Europe via shortwave. American and European pop rock music is a prominent part of the programming and, since I don’t speak Romanian, I find listening both accessible and enjoyable. This is a good and fair test since RRI is a station with powerful transmitters that, even when not targeting eastern North America, can and does provide reliably good reception here.

I use FM regularly and primarily for local public radio and their content including their relays of BBC World Service, as well as low power community stations.

I’ll tune somewhat distant medium wave (AM) stations after dark for content I find unique. One example is CFZM 740 “Zoomer Radio” in Toronto which offers old time radio shows at 10 each night. Toronto is about 300 miles west of my home location, so it’s an intermediate distance that usually promises decent nighttime reception.

And I have several favorite stations worldwide only accessible via Internet radio. Some are current or former international broadcasters that previously used or still use shortwave. Others are domestic stations that make content that I find enjoyable, informative or unique available through Internet streaming.

Internet Radio

The LC90, as stated in my previous review and subsequent revision, performs very well in finding and listening to Internet radio stations. Its interface is still comparatively a little “clunky”, but in truth all of them are in one way or another. What it comes down to is learning the logic behind each and, once one spends some time with the LC90, its own interface becomes more familiar and directly useful. Uniquely, it also allows for voice search of stations, something that doesn’t always work well and can be frustrating. But it’s fun and useful to try it and if not giving the desired result, one can move on to other provided search methods.

The LC90 — also uniquely — provides two ways of accessing Internet radio stations – via WiFi and via a pre-purchase of time on cellular networks. Both work well and the availability of cellular access offers a level of flexibility other Internet radios don’t have.

In sum, one need not have another Internet radio to “back up” the LC90. It’s more than fine on its own.

Shortwave

Off its whip antenna, the LC90 performs at least very close to the way most comparably sized quality portable shortwave radios perform that I’ve used or tested. Included among them are the Grundig YB400, Panasonic RF-B65, Tecsun PL-398 and Sangean ATS909.

Recent firmware updates all but eliminated the annoying “birdies” that cropped up across the bands previously in the LC90. I have noted some random “ticking” at times when listening on shortwave and can’t determine if that phenomenon is due to the radio’s internal electronics or ambient atmospheric conditions that the radio’s sensitive circuitry somehow picks up.

A further update has added a rather rudimentary ability to tune single sideband transmissions. (It’s all that the radio’s original basic architecture will allow.) But this is important because it opens the potential to hear amateur radio transmissions as well as some utility transmissions such as VOLMET weather reports.

One caution, though, if your interest is primarily DXing. The LC90 – while very serviceable as a shortwave radio — is not a DX machine. It is primarily designed for radio listeners, not those who see the radio principally as a hobby.

Nonetheless, the LC90 is both sensitive and stable enough to mostly match and sometimes exceed the performance on shortwave of other portable radios of comparable size.

FM

All that needs saying here is that the good sensitivity of the LC90 on FM combined with its superior audio performance, especially for a portable radio, makes listening on FM most pleasant, noise-free and satisfying whether at home or away.

Longwave and Medium Wave

Though its engineers have tried several ways to improve the “AM radio” performance of the LC90, this is where it meets its one Achilles heel, so to speak. It does have an internal ferrite rod antenna (unlike the now discontinued – again – Eton E1), the performance of which can be marginally improved with use of an inductive tuned loop antenna like the Terk Advantage. Absent that, extending the rod antenna also improves reception a little, as does connection of a reel-type extended wire antenna.

But despite all these attempts, the internal circuitry of the LC90, including its screen, creates a prodigious noise floor in the longwave and medium wave bands that all but the most powerful local stations cannot effectively overcome.

What this means is that while the LC90, as stated, is a good performer on shortwave, it will likely disappoint most on long and medium wave because even inexpensive AM radios will outperform it in this one respect. That means that, unfortunately, the LC90 is not a good option for me to pull in 740 Toronto when at home.

Having said that, no one yet has solved this noise problem and, given all the effort Choyong has put in to try and do so, it might well be unsolvable at least in an affordable way. Luckily, there are a wealth of very compact and inexpensive AM radios out there that can give one what one wants if he or she is determined to use MW to listen.

Conclusion

And that last point about determination is crucial. The fact is, now that Internet radio is almost universally available, that must be first choice for the listener focused on content and “easy listening”. If conditions are such that one can’t access what one wants to hear from AM, FM or SW, Internet radio access will more than likely provide it and in better listening quality. And the LC90 lets the user access Internet streaming from more places than any other radio — almost anywhere (except the very few places without access to a WiFi or cellular network).

But also conversely, on occasions when Internet radio is inaccessible, the LC90 provides other ways to receive entertainment and information “over the air”.

Furthermore, LC90 engineers are about to introduce music streaming and on-demand podcasts through another in an impressive series of firmware updates that continually have improved and enhanced the performance of this radio.

The LC90’s batteries have remarkably long life between recharges, another important factor whether portability is a convenience or a necessity.

Finally, Choyong has established a dialogue with the radio’s users through a Facebook page that provides for direct interaction with the LC90’s chief engineer and developer. In fact, that interaction is not only tolerated, it is encouraged, and has led to a number of enhancements, corrections and improvements that have been implemented in the LC90 through firmware updatws.. Where else has that happened?

So, my judgement is an enthusiastic “yes” — the LC90 can readily serve as one’s exclusive standalone portable, entirely suitable as it is for everyday use around home or on the go.

Click here to check out the Choyong LC90 on Amazon.com.

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Radioddity QT80 10m Radio

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Guest Review by Robert Gulley K4PKM

The Radioddity QT80 is a very interesting addition to the Radioddity line of CB and Amateur radios. It cleverly walks a line between being a CB (channelized) radio, and a channelized/VFO capable amateur radio.

You are likely to have heard of this radio already, as there are a number of video and written reviews out there for the QT80, with most all of them praising the radio’s features and capabilities. For those who have not heard about the radio, I list the basic information below, and then talk about my impressions of the rig.

What’s in the box?
1 x QT80 10 Meter Radio
1 x Detachable Microphone
1 x Install Bracket
1 x Power Cable
1 x PC003 Programming Cable
1 x Spare Fuse (15A, 250V)
2 x Adhesive Case Protectors
4 x Adjusting Screws
4 x Screws
4 x Pads

Functions & Features
– 7-color screen display and backlight dimming
– FM, AM, USB, LSB, CW (need DIY work), PA modes
– SSB TX audio bandwidth control
– Frequency Tuning Steps: 10Hz, 100Hz, 1KHz, 5KHz, 10KHz, 100KHz, 1MHz
– ± 500Hz, 5KHz Clarifier (R/T/R+T selectable)
– Flexible menu functions and PC programming software
– RX and TX NRC Noise Reduction
– SQ, ASQ Function (FM and AM mode)
– RF GAIN Adjustment
– RF PWR Adjustment
– VFO / BAND / Memory Channel Modes
– Repeater Shift / Offset Frequency Function
– CTCSS/DCS with RX/TX Split functions
– SCAN Function
– CTCSS/DCS scan
– NB/ANL Function
– DW DUAL-WATCH Function
– SWR, S/RF meter Function
– TOT function
– HI-CUT Function
– EMG CALL
– SWR Protection
– Power Supply Voltage Protection
– Key-Lock Function
– DTMF Function
– BEEP Prompt
– Enhanced VOX Function (VOX.SPK can support digital mode operation)
– ECHO Function
– Programmable RB Function
– AM TX NPC
– User Defined (PF) key on microphone
– Audio path select 31.+10KHz Function

80W High Power: Experience clearer and stronger signals in challenging conditions with our 80W high-power radio. Perfect for amateur radio enthusiasts and professional operators, it guarantees reliable long-distance communication in any environment. FCC ID: T4K-AT6666PRO

Versatile Communication Modes: Seamlessly switch between FM, AM, SSB (USB, LSB), CW, and PA modes to adapt to various communication needs, from casual use to professional applications, catering to various communication scenarios.

Advanced Noise Reduction: Customize your listening experience with adjustable TX & RX noise reduction. Enjoy crystal-clear audio with minimized background noise and enhanced voice clarity, ensuring smooth and intelligible transmissions every time.

ASQ Function: The Automatic Squelch Control (ASQ) function intelligently filters out unwanted noise and static, providing a cleaner and more enjoyable listening experience. Say goodbye to constant manual adjustments and enjoy hassle-free communication.

7-Color LCD Display: Personalize your interface with a vibrant 7-color LCD display that complements any environment. Choose your preferred color for optimal visibility and a modern touch, enhancing your communication setup.

CTCSS/DCS: Use CTCSS/DCS codes to prevent interference and enhance privacy during group communications, ensuring clear and secure conversations.

Precision Frequency Tuning: Tune precisely with 7 Frequency Tuning Step options (10Hz/100Hz/1KHz/5KHz/10KHz/100KHz/1MHz), enabling accurate adjustments for clear communication.

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Data modes using DIY interface using the built-in VOX system

What you will need for QT80 – There are not many parts needed to get our own data-cable prepared.

– For the connection to the Radioddity QT80 you will need a 6-pin GX16-A6P plug, often called “aviation plug”.
– For the connection to your PC, you will either need a shielded stereo audio-cable with 3.5mm TRS plugs on both ends or two shielded open end stereo audio cables with 3.5mm TRS plug.
– If your PC does not have a built-in sound-card you will also need a USB soundcard with 3.5mm TRS sockets for MIC-in and Audio-out.

Full instructions may be found here:

https://www.radioddity.com/blogs/all/qt60-pro-qt80-data-mode-operation-guide?_kx=kFwIrsBfpgRCg9VuXhVWtqVpfz_NH8taLFTR4MEj-tU.HYtn7C

__________________________________________________________________________

I have included above some recently released information about how to use the radio for TX and RX with digital modes such as FT8/FT4 and SSTV, PSK etc.

While not indicated as such on the Radioddity website, the radio is capable of going down to 15 meters with a slight modification, demonstrated by some of the YouTube videos, which also includes the 11- and 13-meter bands.

Internal main PC board and large speaker

Additionally, Radioddity offers a Model CBL-561 15-30mHz vertical antenna option which can be attached to a mobile mount by way of its PL-259 connector. My sample copy of the antenna is extremely sturdy, and has an adjustable whip section for matching the chosen band.

My Impressions

The radio is well-built, solid, and has a heavy heatsink for handling the 80-watt output power, as there is no built-in fan. There are a number of nice features in the radio, including multiple color screen options, VFO tuning and scanning features down to 1 kHz, and very usable noise reduction and clarifier options. There is also a PA function which could come in very handy for emergency response situations.

The speaker is quite capable of being heard even with loud road noise, but due to the speaker placement on the bottom of the radio, where you have to mount the radio in your particular setting might determine if you need an external speaker.

The audio quality is quite good as I listened around to stations on 10m USB and 11m CB, as well as shortwave signals.

The noise reduction feature is designed to filter out unwanted noise on receive of course, but is also designed to work on the TX side of things to help with voice clarity. While the primary goal is clarity, if possible, I would recommend testing the TX side of things with someone who is familiar with your voice so you can adjust the noise reduction levels more accurately.

There is a USB connection which allows for firmware upgrades, programming capabilities, and, with some DIY effort, TX for Digital modes.

VFO Tuning vs. Channel Hopping

The QT80 offers both a channelized scan and tuning feature, as well as a scan and VFO option. Scanning/tuning of channels is as you would expect, allowing you to scan through 40 programmed channels, or 99 memory channels.

Scanning using the VFO method allows you to scan in various steps of 10 kHz or above. It should be noted that to tune to a level of 10 or 100 Hz accuracy, this must be adjusted by pressing the tuning dial in, which then allows you to select these tuning steps. For all automatic and manual tuning of frequencies using the tuning dial, the smallest step is 1 kHz. That can be a little confusing for those who are used to free turning VFOs on desktop/portable receivers.

As the tuning dial/channel switch (the big dial on the right-hand side of the unit) is designed primarily for channel selection and incremental tuning, there is both muting and an audible click as the dial is turned.

As the radio is clearly designed for mobile-style operation, the memory channels can easily be used to store 10-meter repeater stations (along with the necessary offsets), CB channels, as well as storing simplex frequencies to quickly tune in desired frequencies for scheds with other amateur radio operators.

The freely available programming software allows for easy programming of memories and channels, as well as controlling most all of the radio’s functions.

As you can see in the image below, the microphone has up and down buttons for tuning, as well as a PF button which can be assigned for specific programmed functions. The mic does not have a keypad, a nice, but not necessary function. As an aside, I have not seen any data as to what microphones might be interchangeable with the stock mic, so I would certainly do extensive research before trying a keypad-style mic with the radio.

Receiving California QSO Party signals clearly

Pros and Cons

Pros

Advanced features such as noise reduction and receive clarifier
A reasonable number of memories which don’t get ridiculous in size like some radios (i.e. 1000 memories!)
Simplified front end with menu options (see also Cons)
Feature-Rich radio beyond many similar mobile radios (see Cons below)
Multiple color options for the screen to enhance viewing in different lighting conditions
Large heatsink
Capability to store 10m repeater stations in memory with offset info
Great audio
Ability to work digital modes using the built-in VOX capabilities with DIY solution, no separate sound interface needed
CW TX possible with DIY solution shown on website
Free programming software
Standard antenna connections giving many antenna/tuner options

Cons

Bottom-mounted speaker (common, but not good if mounted near floor or in compartment) but external speaker port available
Non-removeable front-end, useful for more localized placement/ease of operation in vehicle or tight spaces
Many special functions require menu options which make mobile operation more difficult or dangerous when driving
Fairly steep learning curve to take advantage of all the features (see Pros above)

Conclusions

I believe most folks will be very pleased with the advanced capabilities of this rig. There is a bit of a learning curve for those who may not have used this style of radio before, but the time spent learning its features so as to make use of all these features will be well rewarded.

The radio has excellent audio, a clear display, many adjustments to make the radio function as desired, and has expansive capabilities to broaden its appeal. 73, Robert K4PKM

Radioddity Link

Amazon Link

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Join Us: Become a Contributor for the SWLing Post!

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The SWLing Post has been online since 2008, and over the years, I’ve seen our readership grow into a vibrant, international community of radio enthusiasts who support each other.

From the beginning, my goal for the SWLing Post has never been to focus on me, but rather to highlight the diverse ways people enjoy radio and to share news about international broadcasting. To achieve this, I’ve invited select individuals to contribute as guest writers and provided them with accounts to post their own content.

As our community has expanded, I want to open the door even wider and invite more of you to contribute directly to the SWLing Post. This will help alleviate the bottleneck of getting timely information out, especially as I am currently in one of the busiest stages of my life.

If you’re interested in receiving a volunteer contributor account, which will allow you to create and submit posts for approval and publication by me or one of our editors, please contact me via email or leave a comment on this post.

To qualify for a contributor account, please note the following requirements:

Community Involvement: We prefer to see that you’ve been an active, long-standing member of our community by commenting on posts. If you’re new to us, we will first need to review and post your contributions before granting you an account. This is due to the high volume of spam guest post requests we receive—often dozens each week.

Comfort with WordPress: You should be comfortable creating posts in WordPress, the platform we use for the SWLing Post. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to train individuals on WordPress, but numerous tutorials are available since it’s the most popular blogging platform in the world.

We are looking for original content that reflects the genuine spirit and kindness of our community. Our goal is to ensure that contributions are not only informative and engaging but also embody the warmth and enthusiasm that characterize our shared love for radio. As long as your content is respectful, informative, and true to the spirit of radio enjoyment, it will align with our standards and be a valuable addition to the SWLing Post.

If you’re interested, please comment on this post or email me directly, and I will get back to you via email.

Thank you!

Thomas Witherspoon (K4SWL)

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Dan updates his Tecsun S-2200x Review

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who shares this update to his original Tecsun S-2200x review:

TECSUN S-2200x: Some Updates

by Dan Robinson

Since my original Tecsun S-2200x review, I have run additional tests on the S-2200x and have the following observations, and responses to some comments. I continue to test this receiver, but conclude that really if one has to have just one radio – which I think is usually not the case – one cannot really go wrong with any of the Tecsun portables, whether the 2200x, or S-8800, H-501, or PL-990. With that said, here are my additional observations on the 2200x:

OVERALL RATING: At the end of my original main review, I said that assuming Tecsun can maintain a high level of QC in production, and considering that the important RECAL feature has been retained, and that the radio has no muting, I would give the S-2200x a 4.8 out of 5. This would increase if Tecsun can address the slight alignment issue on the rotatable antenna, the issue in which SQUELCH does not completely silence audio.

However, after extensive testing, I feel that the problem of SYNC losing lock and generally sounding unstable takes the 2200x down a few notches. At present, the receiver is an attractive package with its retro styling, really nice and smooth main tuning knob, no soft muting and recalibration. However, the fact that synchronous mode has still not improved over the H-501/PL-990 means I would rate the 2200x at no more than a 4.5. Had Tecsun taken steps to improve SYNC – if it’s at all possible using the current chips — the radio would easily be several rating points higher.

AGC/SYNC: SYNC mode on the 2200x struggles, especially with weaker signals and regardless of bandwidth. As an example, testing on 15,575 khz (South Korea) using the telescopic and an an external long wire showed that in synchronous, there was a good amount of “pulling” with the signal, which was only at a fair level. The question of whether Tecsun has made any changes to SYNC mode between the H-501/Pl-990 and S-2200x remains, and we would hope to hear from them on this issue.

Here is an additional video showing both the 2200x and a H-501x in SYNC mode on a strong signal. Both receivers exhibit some less than satisfactory SYNC performance, though the 2200x sounds a bit worse:

Reader comments always spark additional thinking. As one user observed, Tecsun could have added AGC FAST/SLOW/MEDIUM options in addition to providing AGC and adjustable manual gain. It is definitely a good thing that SYNC as well as LSB/USB operate not only on SW, but also in AM and LW.

SSB: One reader asked if SSB performance on the 2200x has “the same woeful SSB audio quality issues caused by AGC and a low cut off frequency of around 300 hz making the audio sound thin, lacking bass while on SSB?” The reader also notes that these are “issues with every single Tecsun and most other DSP radios and due to the cost of these radios one should expect perfect performing and sounding SSB.” To adapt a quote from one of my favorite Clint Eastwood movie lines (“Deserves got nothing to do with it”) in this case I will say that Perfect has nothing to do with it. We’re all enjoying a mini-boom in the appearance of new receivers – to expect absolute perfection from a DSP-based receiver is sadly, unrealistic. SSB on the 2200x is probably about as good as it can get. The fact that fine tuning on the 2200x is so smooth is a very good thing.

ANTENNA: I have tested the 2200x using telescopic versus external antennas, including a long wire, W6LVP, Wellbrook and Chameleon loops. Reception is further enhanced with external antennas. The three ATTENUATION positions on the 2200x help to keep any overloading down.

RDS: A number of users/viewers have commented on the absence of RDS in the 2200x. This is indeed a good observation – seems that it would have been easy for Tecsun to include this, and one wonders if the company will consider adding this as a feature not only in the 2200x but H-501/PL-990 as well. However, I believe that Tecsun has just chosen to not increase costs and thus, no RDS.

AC POWER: As everyone probably sees, there seems to be no way to run the receiver on AC power. There is a dual USB-A cube included in the package, but as we have found, running receivers while they are charging is not a good idea. The 2200x does appear to charge fairly quickly via the USB-C port. Anyone with radios using 18650 batteries should invest in at least one good quality charger – these are available at any of the well-known professional battery/flashlight online sellers.

TUNING KNOB: Yes, the main tuning knob still exhibits wobble. It’s a puzzle as to why this can’t be resolved, especially years after the original Grundig 750 emerged and the old models continued to have this issue for years. But the action of the knob itself is really smooth and it’s a pleasure to tune this radio, at least based on the sample I have here.

In the end, our purchase decisions are driven by a number of factors – some potential 2200x buyers may not be as concerned with ongoing SYNC issues, while others might reject a new receiver outright based on this issue. The 2200x offers basically the same features as the H-501/PL-990, but adds AIR band and an excellent mediumwave rotatable antenna, and these facts alone may be enough to justify a purchase of the new radio.

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