Category Archives: Reviews

Portable Antennas for Serious DXing: Don’s Field Tests from Parks to the Open Road (Part 1)

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Don Moore–noted author, traveler, and DXer–who shares the following post:

Two Portable Antennas for Remote DXing (Part One)

By Don Moore

Don’s traveling DX stories can be found in his book Tales of a Vagabond DXer [SWLing Post affiliate link]. If you’ve already read his book and enjoyed it, do Don a favor and leave a review on Amazon.

Once upon a time, I had a traditional DX shack with an L-shaped desk and shelves of receivers, radio gadgets, and DX books. Everything I wanted or needed as a DXer was right at hand. Then I retired and was finally able to pursue my lifelong itch for serious travel. But there was no way to carry that DX shack along with me. Fortunately, modern technology was there to help. SDRs are significantly more travel-friendly than my old Sony ICF-2010 (let alone the Drake R-8). Instead of books and bulletins, my DX reference materials are websites and PDF files on my laptop.

I spend several months a year traveling internationally with just a suitcase and knapsack. That doesn’t leave much room for DX equipment. Several years ago I described my approach to vagabond DXing in an article here.

https://swling.com/blog/2019/03/radio-travel-a-complete-sdr-station-for-superb-portable-dxing/

Since writing that article in 2019, I’ve continued to work on making my portable DX shack better and more compact. Recently, I replaced the Elad FDM-S2 with three Airspy HF+ Discovery SDRs. Not only are they smaller and lighter, but I can record three different band segments at once. Next up was rethinking my travel antennas. A wire loop with the Wellbrook ALA-100LN is still, in my opinion, the best travel antenna. But the components are heavy and are now irreplaceable since they are no longer made. So over the summer, I set about testing and comparing both old and new options. But you don’t have to wander the globe for my findings to be useful to you. This can be just as helpful for DXing from a nearby park. That’s how I did my testing.

I spent the past summer staying at an AirBnB in the north Chicago suburbs. I wanted a better location for testing so I checked out parks in the area and finally settled on Preserve Shelter B (42.26797, -87.92208) at the Old School Forest Preserve, east of Libertyville in northern Illinois. The shelter was entirely wood, with standard asphalt shingles (rather than steel), and had no nearby power lines. I made four daytime DXpeditions there to do some utility DXing and to run my tests. Here’s a photo of my setup.

I decided I should rerun the tests at least one other location. So while driving across the US in mid-October, I stopped for a few hours one morning at Park Shelter A (39.11144, -94.86629) in Wyandotte County Park, just west of Kansas City, Kansas. There, I just had a minimum setup.

The Antennas

So, what were the antennas I was testing? The first was the tried-and-true PA0RDT mini-whip from Roelof Bakker. The PA0RDT is described in my 2019 article and is probably the most portable quality antenna you can get. To power it I use a battery box and eight rechargeable lithium-ion AA cells.

 For the traveling DXer, setting up the PA0RDT is as easy as it comes. I just attach the coax cable and throw it over a support, such as a picnic shelter beam or a tree branch.

But I’ve always believed that the best antenna is another antenna. That is, every antenna works differently, and therefore the more options you have, the more likely you will have something that works well in any situation. So if I wanted to leave the Wellbrook at home, what might complement the PA0RDT? I contacted my friend Mark Taylor, who I knew had a large collection of the various inexpensive Chinese-made amplified loops. With his help, I settled on the MLA-30+ MegaLoop from DmgicPro.

This antenna consists of a steel wire loop that connects to terminals on the amplifier box. The amplifier has a ten-meter coax cable, which in turn is connected to a small bias-T power supply, which gets its power via a USB connection. The MLA-30+ is designed to be used in a permanent installation with some sort of vertical support, such as a PVC pipe. Some users replace the wire loop with copper tubing.

Those options aren’t practical for me, and simply hanging the antenna from the top would cause the steel loop to stretch and deform. So I came up with the idea of tying a strong cord from the top to the bottom of the loop so that the cord, and not the loop, bears the weight. To hang the antenna, I throw the cord over the support, attach the antenna, and then pull it up into place. That works well if you have rear support to hold it in place, such as the beams of a picnic shelter.

It’s a bit more difficult to mount the MLA-30+ in a tree.

Comparing the Antennas

I ran comparisons between the antennas several times at Old School Forest Preserve and then again at Wyandotte County Park. The results were practically the same every time. The images below were made at Old School unless otherwise stated.

The PA0RDT was designed to be a good performer on longwave and medium wave. Unsurprisingly, it shows a lot of signals on the upper end of the medium wave band, even during the daytime. Except for being non-directional, the PA0RDT is an excellent MW antenna.

The MLA-30+, on the other hand, isn’t good for much beyond hearing the strongest local signals on medium wave.

When I ran these tests in the late morning, WWV on 5 MHz was the only signal in the 60-meter band. It had a very listenable signal on the PA0RDT.

But on the MLA-30+, WWV was barely there.

Likewise on 49 meters, CFRX on 6070 kHz was very clear on the PA0RDT but barely listenable on the MLA-30+. But when I moved up to 31 meters, the difference between the antennas mostly disappeared, as in these images made in Kansas. The PA0RDT is top and the MLA-30+ on the bottom.

On 25 meters, the PA0RDT is picking up a lot of noise and the signals are not that strong. Nor were signals very strong on 19, 16, 0r 13 meters.

However, on 25 meters with the MLA-30+ there isn’t much noise and the signals are booming in. And 19, 16, and 13 meters likewise had strong signals.

So the PA0RDT is clearly the best antenna for MW and the lower shortwave bands, but it doesn’t do as well on the higher bands. This wasn’t a surprise to me as I’ve always felt that the PA0RDT underperformed above nine or ten Megahertz. The MLA-30+ was abysmal at the lower frequencies but worked better or just as well in the middle and higher shortwave bands. The best antenna is another antenna. Each one performs better in different situations. But I couldn’t help but wonder … was the problem with the MLA-30+ that small steel wire loop?

Look for Don’s Part 2 article next weekend on the SWLing Post!

Rediscovering Simple Radio Joy with the XHDATA D-219

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by Thomas (K4SWL)

It’s been a long while since I’ve written a receiver review. Years ago, I cranked them out several times a year and genuinely loved the process–evaluating performance, quirks, economics, and overall user experience. Writing reviews is, to this day, one of my favorite things to do.

But over the past four years, my reviewing work shifted more toward amateur radio and portable operations, especially as my QRP activities ramped up. And as many of you know, the SWLing Post now has an incredible group of contributors who regularly write thoughtful reviews, taking some of the pressure off of me.

So when my contact at XHDATA reached out a few weeks ago asking if I wanted to try two new color variants of their ultra-affordable D-219, I surprised myself: instead of passing it along to one of our contributors, I decided I wanted the chance to revisit the world of simple, inexpensive portables firsthand.

Why? Because I’d been hearing surprisingly positive things about this little radio—and because it reminds me of the DX-397, a tiny analog portable I used for years after working at RadioShack right out of college.

This review, then, is less about testing a product and more about rediscovering the joy of having a simple, super-basic radio at hand.

Disclosure: XHDATA is a generous long-time sponsor of the SWLing Post. They sent both of these D-219 radios free of charge. Honestly, I don’t know many companies that would send out a sub-$20 product as a review loaner–it probably costs them more in shipping.

As always, I’ll be gifting these units back out once I’m finished. And in this case, I’ll also be buying three more myself for Christmas gifts… one of those, I’ll keep.

Design & First Impressions

Let’s be clear: the D-219 is a simple radio. It looks like something straight out of the mid-1990s, with:

  • an analog tuning dial
  • band-switching sliders
  • a dedicated on/off switch on top
  • a small, lightweight plastic enclosure

But inside, it’s very much a modern radio. The D-219 is based on the Silicon Labs Si4825-A10 DSP chip, meaning that although tuning feels analog, you’re actually listening to a DSP-based receiver stepping through the band in predetermined increments.

XHDATA sent me two new color options: off-white and light silver-green. Both look great in person.

Using the D-219 Outdoors

I used my truck tailgate to hold the D-219 while stacking firewood.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been doing a lot of work outside—stacking firewood, yard projects, general winter prep. The D-219 became my little companion radio during all of it.

I mostly listened to:

  • Mediumwave
  • A bit of shortwave
  • and FM radio

Audio Quality

The audio surprised me. It’s a tiny speaker, so don’t expect brilliant fidelity, but it’s perfectly listenable and cuts through outdoor noise when the volume is up.

Performance

FM performance is excellent—far better than I expected. I have a handful of “benchmark” distant FM stations that many small portables struggle to hold onto. The D-219 locked onto them easily. DSP chips often shine in FM, and this was no exception.

Mediumwave was the biggest surprise. I have a regional AM station–WTZQ 1600 kHz–that I enjoy during the day, especially around the holidays. Only about half of my small portables receive it well enough to be pleasant.

The D-219 locked it in better than most of my other inexpensive portables.

That alone impressed me.

Shortwave performance is quite good for the price. Sure, it lacks an adjustable filter, and tuning steps mean you don’t get that smooth, fluid band-scanning experience like a proper analog receiver. But overall, it works pretty well.

On 31 meters, for example, tuning felt natural and not cramped–something many ultra-cheap shortwave radios struggle with. It helps that the selected shortwave bands have enough tuning bandspread that you don’t have to use micro adjustments during tuning (I’m looking at you, XHDATA D-220!).

Back in the Cold War era, when the bands were jammed shoulder-to-shoulder, a radio like this would have been harder to use. But today, with fewer simultaneous signals, it’s totally workable.

Real-World Utility

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I’ve become even more vocal about keeping at least one AM/FM/SW radio as part of your personal preparedness kit. The D-219 checks many boxes:

  • Runs on AA batteries
  • Very low power draw
  • Lightweight and pocketable
  • Small enough to disappear into a backpack or glove compartment

I’ve been using mine heavily for two weeks on a pair of Eneloop rechargeables and haven’t had to recharge yet.

Two of the D-219s I’m buying will be stocking stuffers for my daughters, just so they always have a reliable source of news and info while at university–even if the power or internet goes down.

Why This Radio Works

The band spread is generous compared to the D-220

I’m sure own more than three dozen portable radios here at SWLing Post HQ—from high-end benchmarks to tiny ultralights. Normally, I advocate for buying a good-quality receiver instead of “throwaway” electronics.

But I don’t think the D-219 is a “throwaway” radio; being based on the Silicon Labs DSP architecture, it doesn’t have an insane component density–inside, its board is almost roomy. Looking at it, I think I could make modest repairs myself as long as the chip still functions.

Sometimes simple designs translate into long life rather than an early landfill destiny. Of course, only time will tell, and I will post an update if my radio experiences any issues.

This is why I’m comfortable giving them to my daughters as everyday radios. And frankly, I’d much rather they lose or break a $13 D-219 than my old Panasonic RF-65B, PL-660, or ICF-SW7600GR–some of my most cherished (and irreplaceable) legacy portables.

The D-219 is also a perfect glove box radio. One to grab and listen to when you’re waiting on your spouse/partner to finish a yoga class, or waiting on your kids at schoool.

In Summary

If you’re looking for a true benchmark portable, obviously, this isn’t it.

But if you want:

  • a fun, capable, ultra-affordable little radio
  • something to give as a holiday stocking stuffer
  • a simple preparedness radio that uses AA batteries
  • a pocketable MW/FM/SW companion
  • a “leave-it-in-the-car” radio

…the XHDATA D-219 genuinely delivers for well under $20 each.

And as someone who hates e-waste and often avoids ultra-cheap electronics, I’m betting this radio will age better than most. Its internal design is refreshingly simple and built around the reliable Si4825-A10 DSP chip. There just isn’t much inside to fail.

For the price, performance, and sheer fun factor? The D-219 is a solid option.

Purchase options:

Paul Reviews the Radtel RT-880G

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by Paul Jamet

Looking for a versatile radio?

Which radio listener hasn’t dreamed of owning a portable multi-band receiver allowing them to explore the widest possible radio spectrum?

For nearly a year now, walkie-talkies have appeared on the market which, beyond the classic VHF–UHF functions, also allow listening and transmitting on CB (27 MHz) as well as listening to LW/MW/SW bands (LSB/USB/CW). The RADTEL RT-860 has won over those who have tested it.

Read here: Dan Reviews the Radel RT-860

The arrival of the Quansheng TK-11 — available in three versions — has caused quite a stir on social networks. Then, almost at the same time, the RADTEL RT-880 and RT-880G (G for GPS) appeared, also sold under other names such as iRadio UV98.

Among all these available models, I chose — as a radio listener, especially when I’m traveling — the RADTEL RT-880G. My choice is explained mainly by its antenna connectors (SMA-Female and SMA-Male), its large color display, its GPS module, its thousand memory channels, and the possibility of simultaneously monitoring three VHF/UHF frequencies. This device is highly customizable, but its user manual would deserve to be much more detailed and explicit.

The RT-880G comes with a “standard” 18 cm antenna for VHF-UHF bands, which is also used for FM station reception. I haven’t yet tested the device on the 27 MHz (CB) band, for which a dedicated antenna is preferable. No antenna is provided for LW/MW/SW listening.

For listening to LW/MW/SW bands, the device is often shown with small donut-type loop antennas (10 cm diameter).

However, for easier transport, I simply chose this small telescopic SMA-Male antenna, 48 cm long (weight: 20 g): to which it is possible to clip a wire antenna, such as the SONY AN-71, which can prove very useful.

I also used an antenna normally intended for CB, the ABBREE 27 MHz telescopic antenna (130 cm), admittedly heavier (weight: 78 g) and bulkier, but which gives very good results for the HF band.

The purpose of this contribution — which concerns only listening — is to arouse curiosity among mobile (or stationary) listeners, to invite those who own this walkie-talkie to come here and share their experience, and to collect your comments. It is therefore not a full review of the RT-880G, but simply an illustration of what it offers for listening to LW/MW/SW bands.

For LW/MW/SW bands, the RT-880G allows you to set the:

  • step to 1 – 5 – 10 – 50 – 100 – 500 – 1,000 – and 9 kHz],
  • bandwidth [0.5 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 2.2 – 3.0 – 4.0],
  • AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
  • BFO – (Beat Frequency Oscillator) – used for fine tuning SSB reception (the minimum step being 1 kHz).

Sample Recordings

Local park where some of the recordings were made.

Here are a few audio files that will help you form an opinion.  The recordings were made with a smartphone placed near the receiver.  The recordings were made using a smartphone placed near the receiver. The sound quality is quite good, even surprising. Continue reading →

Surprisingly Capable: Mario Checks Out the Raddy RF750 Plus

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Mario Filippi, who shares the following review:

Raddy RF750 Plus AM/FM/SW/NOAA Radio

by Mario Filippi

I purchased one of these tiny radios several months ago. It’s my daily go-to AM broadcast band  radio.  So far, it performs excellently on AM.  Using the rotatable ferrite antenna,  I’ve received stations as far away as Chicago and Detroit at night.  FM broadcast band capability is also excellent in my experience for such a small radio.  As for SW, the only luck I’ve had is with powerful broadcasters when the Raddy’s telescoping antenna is connected to an outdoor ham antenna.  It receives local NOAA WX as good as any other radio I’ve owned.

Raddy 750 Plus

The case is all metal, feels nice and hefty in the hand.  A shade under a half-pound in weight. 3 3/4 inches high (approx. 9 cm) with attached rotatable antenna.   The speaker size is exceptional for such a small radio and the audio’s very acceptable to the ear.  The speaker grill can be used to tune the radio manually by the way. The fit and finish are excellent.  Has a rechargeable battery with included USB charging cord.  Excellently-written 25-page owner’s manual in English.

?I use the Raddy app to control the radio.  You can opt not to use it though.  You’ll definitely need to read the manual then, due to the plethora of options.

Raddy’s SmartPhone App Works Great

All said, since I bought this radio mainly for daily AM broadcast reception and occasionally checking NOAA weather, I’m very pleased.  Price is very reasonable, mine was under $40 at the time.

Wonder if anyone else has one of these radios and what their opinion is?  Thanks for reading and 73’s.

You can purchase the Raddy RF750 on Amazon.com or at Radioddity.com (affiliate links).

Michael Reviews the Choyong WT2 Multifunction Handheld Radio

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Michael (BD4AAQ) who shares the following guest post:

WT2 Mini Handheld With Everything Radio

by Michael Ye (BD4AAQ)

What Exactly Is the WT2?

No exaggeration. The WT2, a recent radio developed by Choyong, includes nearly every type of radio imaginable: ham radio, traditional shortwave and medium-wave radio, internet radio and, last but not least, push-to-talk over cellular radio!

The radio is powered by the TEF6686 chip, which has an excellent track record in high-performance radios. This suggests the WT2’s performance will surpass that of the highly regarded LC90. Packing so many features into a handheld device would have been unimaginable a decade ago without state-of-the-art technology and the internet.

I’m fortunate to be among the first to get my hands on the WT2. I’d seen its picture before but was still pleasantly surprised when I unboxed the real thing and saw its actual size. The picture below shows my iPhone 12 Pro next to it for comparison. At this small size, it fits sleekly into one’s pocket. I’ve always wanted a radio to listen to while walking or jogging. Now, I have one.

Continued Success of Choyong Radio Receivers

As a young and innovative technology company, Choyong was the first to launch a radio receiver combining traditional radio with internet radio: the LC90. The LC90 has been a resounding success. An improved version, the LC95, has been launched domestically in China. Rumours suggest that the LC100 is in development to build on the success of the LC90 and LC95.

Now, powered by the TEF6686 chip, the WT2 delivers even greater sensitivity and selectivity. Its unique combination of multiple radio types in a single, compact handheld form factor makes it highly competitive. In fact, I’m unaware of any other radio that packs so many features into such a sleek design. The young team at Choyong boldly leads the way, fearlessly testing the market waters.

Internet Radio

Choyong has confirmed that the WT2, like the LC90, will be available in both export and Chinese versions.

“In terms of the stations that can be heard, the internet radio exhibits significant differences from that of the Chinese version. The Chinese version is designed to exclusively feature Chinese language stations (and a few English language stations) in China. If we liken the Chinese internet radio to a closed system such as iOS, it is stable, reliable but restrictive. In contrast, the export version could be compared to Android, offering more open, inclusive and customisable user experience.

On the export version, the MENU button provides access to the main menu, which begins with the six continents (excluding Antarctica) and allows users to navigate to the desired country and then select a specific station.”

The WT2 supports Wi-Fi for indoor use and comes with a built-in eSIM for 4G cellular connectivity. This allows you to easily carry the WT2 in hand or slip it into a pocket, making it ideal for listening to internet radio while walking or jogging.

Traditional Radio

Shortwave performance is impressive, especially considering the small antenna. Surprisingly, the 13.6cm walkie-talkie antenna extends to a full 48cm. This significantly improves shortwave reception, as well as FM reception. Unfortunately, the WT2 lacks SSB demodulation on shortwave, which is a bit disappointing.

Medium-wave reception is poor with the receiver’s whip antenna. Indeed, what can you expect from a whip antenna without a ferrite bar? However, I experimented by connecting a longer wire to the antenna’s SMA connector, and MW reception improved remarkably, much to my surprise.

Arguably, the WT2’s FM reception is outstanding. I compared this compact radio with various others, large and small, old and new, and the WT2’s FM performance is simply the best. Its sensitivity generally surpasses that of competing models, allowing me to receive stations that were inaudible on others. A prime example is Shanghai’s Classic Music Channel on 94.7 MHz, which many report as having medium to weak signal strength. Yet, the WT2 pulled it in with exceptional clarity, free of the occasional hissing I noticed on other radios.

Ham Radio and Walkie-Talkie

Amateur radio operators will appreciate the WT2, as it covers the standard Ultra High Frequency (UHF) amateur band, with a maximum transmitting power of 2 watts. It also includes the FRS/GMRS bands (not for use in China). The Very High Frequency (VHF) band is expected in future models.

Caution: When transmitting with the WT2, retract the extended antenna to avoid damaging the device.   

Although the WT2 is a compact handheld, it includes features found in other walkie-talkies, such as squelch, tone squelch and scanning, all packed into this sleek device.

PoC Talking

Push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) is not new, but it has gained popularity in recent years with the rise of 4G and 5G mobile communications.

A decade ago, taxi drivers in Shanghai used traditional walkie-talkies to communicate within their network for vehicle dispatch or casual rag-chewing. Some were radio amateurs, but I suspect others were not and were thus operating illegally without a proper license. Years later, most of them, if not all, had switched to PoC, a modern method offering legal communication with crystal-clear audio and virtually no distance limitations.

I gave it a try, and of all the people who could have answered, it was BA8BM, a fellow ham in Sichuan, China. Needless to say, the audio was excellent!

With the WT2, users can create as many groups as they like, each supporting up to 10,000 members!

Other Features

The WT2 features a TF card slot that accepts cards with a maximum capacity of 32 GB. This storage can be used for playing music or serving as an external data drive.

The Bluetooth connection supports internet radio but not traditional radio. I successfully connected my AirPods and Bose headphones. They work well for internet radio but by design not for traditional radio.

The WT2 is equipped with a 2,500 mAh rechargeable lithium battery. Unlike the LC90, the battery is not user-replaceable. For a lightweight radio like the WT2, I’d say 2,500 mAh is sufficient for most daily use.

Key Takeaways 

The WT2 is a remarkable compact radio that combines traditional and modern radio technologies. It features a 240×283 mini screen with a vibrant, high-quality colour display that’s truly impressive. The extendable antenna enhances shortwave and FM reception. The audio is crisp and clear but slightly soft. Bluetooth supports internet radio but does not work with traditional radio.

With its four-in-one radio capabilities, users can communicate or listen however they prefer. Want to make a CQ call with a fellow ham? You have amateur radio. Craving crystal-clear conversation? PoC is available. Feel like tuning into nostalgic, sometimes noisy broadcasts over the airwaves? Shortwave, medium-wave, and FM are ready. Eager to explore internet-based radio? There’s a wealth of stations from across the country or around the world.

The WT2 is much smaller (though slightly thicker) than an iPhone and can be used handheld or, via Bluetooth, slipped into a pocket for walking or jogging.

The WT2 has a voice assistant to help you navigate its internet radio and other features with ease.

A versatile little gadget for radio hams, shortwave listeners (despite lacking SSB), and broadcast listeners alike!

XHDATA D-219: A Classic Budget Shortwave Receiver in Fresh New Colors

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Jamet, who shares the following article: 

The XHDATA D-219 Receiver Gets a New Look

by Paul Jamet

Two and a half years ago, I shared my enthusiasm for an XHDATA receiver, the D-219, first launched at the end of 2022:

Read: Paul explores the incredible affordability of the XHDATA D-219

The XHDATA D-219 stands out for its low price and impressive performance. It combines nostalgic analog charm—with its needle dial—with the power of modern DSP technology, delivering excellent multiband performance for its class and cost. Whether you’re an enthusiast, a traveler, or simply discovering shortwave for the first time, the D-219 is a wonderful gateway into the vast world of radio.

More than 25 readers have commented on or contributed to discussions about this little receiver. The D-219 is very easy to use, has a vintage look, a classic needle dial, and runs on two AA batteries. Sources confirm that it is based on a Si4825-A10 architecture, with analog tuning (via potentiometer and voltage), mono audio output, and reception across the following bands:

  • FM1: 87–108 MHz (International band)
  • FM2: 64–87 MHz (East Asia)
  • AM (MW): 520–1710 kHz (10 kHz spacing) or 522–1620 kHz (9 kHz spacing, depending on version)
  • SW: 9 shortwave bands covering 4.75–22 MHz

Switching between bands is simple—just turn the side-mounted dial.

Recent events have also renewed interest in battery-powered radios and resilient technologies like AM radio, particularly during massive power outages such as:

In such emergency situations, the D-219 becomes even more appealing: it’s lightweight (150 g without batteries), very intuitive to use, and powered by standard AA cells. On top of that, its performance is excellent.

Until recently, XHDATA offered the D-219 in just two classic colors: gray and silver-gray.

But in the past few days, XHDATA has introduced two new finishes on its website: malachite green and grayish white—still under €9 (excluding shipping). Stocks appear to be limited.

Personally, I was immediately drawn to the Malachite Green version.

Its matte finish looks elegant and really highlights the receiver’s craftsmanship. Honestly, I think it’s beautiful! The green gives it a distinctive character and elevates the quality of the finish.

Elegance, performance, and price all come together to make the D-219 an excellent way to discover—or rediscover—shortwave across its nine bands.

With the D-219 ‘Malachite Green,’ radio isn’t just something you hear—it’s something that catches your eye.

Retekess V112: An Ideal Ballpark Companion

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The Retekess V112 takes in the scenery at a Lehigh Valley IronPigs game in Allentown, PA

by Aaron Kuhn

In my previous post for SWLing Post, I suggested the characteristics of an ideal ballpark radio and considerations for radio selection. While researching that post, I came across the Retekess V112 which ticked a lot of the boxes I recommended – compact, cheap, unobtrusive.

The Retekess V112 has indeed turned out to be a compact, affordable, and unobtrusive companion for enhancing the game-day experience at the ballpark. Priced at a consistent $15.49 on Amazon [SWLing Post affiliate link] for over a year now, this little red (or Gold) radio has exceeded my expectations.

Unboxing and Accessories (and what to replace):

While the physical packaging is a distant memory to me, the V112 comes with earbuds, a neck lanyard, and a Micro-USB charging cord.

  • Earbuds: While included, the provided earbuds are notably uncomfortable and were quickly relegated to the recycling bin. My ears are not your ears of course, and they might be salvageable with interchangeable eartips if you have some lying around, but it’s highly recommended to bring your own comfortable earbuds or headphones. This is especially important as the headphone wires double as the antenna, and reception can vary significantly between different pairs of headphones based on the cable. My older Apple EarPods offered good comfort and reception, while Sony MDRE9LP’s performed poorly. Experimentation of pairing the radio with low-cost IEMs would be an interesting project.
  • Neck Lanyard: Surprisingly, the neck lanyard is the hidden gem of this package. It allows the radio to hang around your neck, keeping your hands free for hot dogs and foul balls.
  • Micro-USB Charging Cord: While USB-C would be a welcome modern update, the included Micro-USB cable is understandable given the radio’s price point and older engineering. It’s hard to complain about the cable-port standard chosen when they give you the cable you need, and you probably have multiple other Micro-USB cables kicking around in storage boxes and drawers already.

Portability and Power:

  • Size and Weight: The Retekess V112 truly shines in its portability. Weighing 45 grams (0.1 lbs) and measuring 3.3 x 1.8 x 0.5 inches, it’s so small and lightweight that it’s easy to forget you’re carrying it, and easy to lose it in your pocket (like I have done multiple times!) This weight is even more impressive given the battery is built-in. I like to leave my earbuds plugged into it and wrap them around the radio body for transport, producing a tidy, tiny package of everything I need.
  • Battery: Battery life is another strong suit – I have yet to accidentally run it down, even forgetting to charge between games. I typically throw the radio on a battery bank on the way to the game, or shortly before the game, and have never run down the 500mah battery. I can’t find a stated battery life, and due to my experience really can’t estimate a runtime besides “long enough for extra innings.”

Features and Functionality:

  • Antenna: While relying on the headphone cable for an antenna does impact reception, it eliminates the bulk and vulnerability of a traditional antenna whip. This helps to make the radio instantly pocketable and prevents accidental seat-neighbor-pokes or damage. There’s nothing fancy such as selectable bandwidths to really help you out here, so you’re either going to have usable reception or you won’t.
  • Power/Mute Button: The power button cleverly doubles as a soft-mute, perfect for cutting out commercials between innings. A quick button tap when the last batter is out mid-inning mutes until you see the next batter up, and returns the previously set volume quickly.
  • Keypad Lock: The keypad lock function is invaluable for setting the desired volume and then tossing the radio in your pocket or letting it hang from the lanyard without accidental button pressings changing stations or volume.
  • Presets / Direct Frequency Entry: The lack of a number keypad for direct frequency entry is a minor inconvenience and my only real complaint, but in reality it’s lack of preparation. The radio does offer presets, making it easy to save your preferred stations before heading to the game – as long you remember to do so.

Future Wishlist:

If any radio manufacturers are out there listening (get in touch, Retekess or Tecsun!) I still think there’s a few features that would make an even better ballpark radio as discussed in my article from last year:

  • Bluetooth Headphone Support: There are a number of small radios on Amazon that advertise themselves as having “Bluetooth”, but when you dig deeper the feature just turns the radio body into an external speaker to your phone/tablet/laptop. The exception to the rule is the Prunus J-618 which claims actual bluetooth headphone support. Bonus points to manufacturers – allow two sets of paired headphones to be driven simultaneously. Finding comfortable Bluetooth earbuds is way easier these days at retail than finding a pair of wired earbuds, and you probably already own a pair to your liking.
  • Replaceable Parts: Implementing Bluetooth headphone support is going to require the move to an external antenna, and with that I’d love to see an antenna that can be easily replaced if it snaps off / is broken. I’m pro-repairability on electronics, so it would be great to see parts kits available at a small cost up-front with the radio to increase the likelihood the device lasts for years. Think antennas, plastic trim/doors, clips, lanyards, etc.
  • Selectable Bandwidth: I’d pay a little more for a radio that has a selectable bandwidth feature on both FM and AM. Legible commentary for a ballgame doesn’t require a very wide bandwidth, and this would go a long way towards turning an unstable/fringe signal into something more enjoyable. I’ve made use of bandwidth selection on Tecsun radios at the ballpark in the past and this is a sorely missed feature.
  • USB-C Charging: It’s 2025 – the world has moved to USB-C. Any device worth its salt these days should include a USB-C charging port, with actual proper USB-C PD support – none of that hacked up USB-A to USB-C junk.
  • Multiple Mounting Options: The lanyard on the Retekess V112 is great, what would be even more fun is some kind of clip that could attach to a stadium cupholder, or be attached to a seat in some fashion. Being able to strap a radio somewhere with bluetooth headphone support would be the ultimate convenience.

Conclusion:

For under $17 delivered to your door, the Retekess V112 is a great investment for live baseball enthusiasts. This radio has consistently enhanced my enjoyment of baseball games with its portable size, performance, and ease-of-use.

At $25, the Prunus J-618 looks like it might be a contender to the Retekess V112 throne and is one I’ll likely be checking out in the future. The Tecsun PL-368 is an attractive proposition for a ballpark radio, but in my mind provides more radio than you need, at a price-point ($75-$100) where I’d be afraid of breaking it or misplacing it in a ballpark environment.

For what it is, I’m not sure there’s much else that can compete at this price with the Retekess V112 for a low-cost, turn-key solution to live baseball play-by-play.