Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan, who shares the following internal photos of the XHDATA D-808 (which we believe may be a rebadged Digitech AR-1780):
Many thanks, Ivan. Perhaps someone can compares these with that of the Digitech AR-1780.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Morton, who comments with assessment of the Digitech AR-1780:
I’ve been using [the Digitech AR-1780] in Australia (southern Tasmania) for about 5 weeks. In the last 10 or so days, I’ve got a 26m long wire hanging fairly reliably on a N-S bearing. My history is that I trained as a marine radio operator in the early 1980s, but worked in commercial IT; so no real radio theory and I only just started listening to SW again since being a volunteer in the South Pacific in the mid 1990s.
Now, to this radio. I quite like it although it has quirks I wish it didn’t have. In the 1990s, I used a Panasonic RF-B45 and it was rock solid until it died a few years ago. Every now and then, I try to fix it, but no luck…
Reception here is quite limited and that’s how I discovered the first quirk: when it scans at SW frequencies it skips. For example it seems to jump from about 9400kHz to 11000kHz. I also have an old Jaycar AR1747 and it also skips when scanning. They also skip from about 26100 and restart at 2300kHz. Whether it’s a design feature, or a fault, I don’t know. Other than that, I think it’s a great radio so far. The AR1780 lets you type in the frequencies it skips, it just won’t scan them.
Until I start to find some reliable interesting stations (I’ve picked up some Radio NZ Int and BBC World Service), I’m doing a fair bit of listening to WWVH in Hawaii. Sure listening to the time isn’t as fun, but it serves a purpose when comparing radios side by side. WWVH broadcasts on 2500, 5000, 10000, 15000, 20000 and 25000 kHZ I think. I can usually get 15000 subject to propagation at any time.
Until I gave it away, I also had a Jaycar AR1733 and it also skipped; they all probably share a common chip and skip the same frequencies although I haven’t checked closely. This radio looks identical to the Skywave many of you mention. The old AR1747 also had a Crane equivalent, and this was helpful as Crane’s manual was much better!
On the first tests with my long wire antenna, the AR1733 had a fairly clear signal, beat the old AR1747 and the AR1780 was the best. The AR1747 is hard on its D batteries, so may have been handicapped. As it got dark, I found the signal didn’t change much on 15000 kHz with any radio, but only the AR1780 would find 5000 kHz while scanning (since it skips over 10000 kHZ). The AR1747 does not have a keypad, so all tuning is by a dial or the scan function.
Oh yes, a hint I’ve learned for Golan. I gained the habit of punching then the desired frequency, then . The precludes the need to type in leading zeroes and trailing zeros. For example, I get WWVH by 5000 , while 15000 is 15000. This may go all the way back to the RF-B45, so I’ve had time to acquaint myself.
Next is batteries, the AR1733/Skywave needs 2xAA batteries, the AR1780 takes 4xAA as did the RF-B45. I haven’t yet run down any batteries in the AR1780 yet, but all my radios with 4 batteries have always worked better than those with only two. So the extra size is worth it, and the AR-1780 is a fair bit smaller than the old RF-B45. The AR1747 was an exception, it took 4xAA and 4xD and AA’s were almost a waste of time in it. But hey, it’s a telephone book size radio with a big speaker; so I keep it plugged in as much as I can.
Anyway, it’s almost 4PM here, we’re on DST so it’s GMT+11 hours. The bands start opening up soon so I want to get back to the radio. I’ve still got a lot of work to find the who, what and where of SW broadcasters. At least logging them is easy these days, when you tune into something, just point the mobile and it and make a movie!
Thanks for your feedback, David! I also think the AR-1780 is a gem of a little radio.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who notes that C. Crane has developed an enhanced version of the original CCRadio-EP AM/FM portable.
C. Crane includes the following description on their website:
The new CC Radio-EP PRO is an enhanced version of the original EP. It has the same simple controls and the same high performance with superior selectivity and sensitivity. The portable CCRadio-EP PRO could be considered a super radio; built for ease of use and outstanding long-range AM with our C. Crane patented Twin Coil Ferrite® AM Antenna. FM performance is excellent.
Great for listening to Talk Radio, NPR®, Music, and Sports. The EP PRO has a wide bass and treble adjustment range for defined music and accurate and lively voice reproduction.
A large, 5-inch speaker is combined with a hi-fidelity amplifier and a “Wide/Narrow” enhancement dial to give extra clarity to AM programs. The dial accuracy of the new EP PRO is superior to our original model. Weight: 3.1 lbs. (without batteries). Size: 11.4″ W x 7.3″ H x 2.75″ D. Runs on four optional “D” batteries (not included). AC adapter is included.
C.Crane lists a shipping date of March 30, 2018 or after.
Since I receive so many questions about affordable radios for mediumwave DXing, I’ll certainly review the CCRadio-EP Pro when it’s available. I look forward to evaluating out a radio with such simple controls!
Click here to check the CCRadio-EP Pro on C. Crane’s website.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Steve Lekuecher, who writes:
A technology forum friend recently noticed Universal Radio listed a new Sangean HD portable (HDR-14) on their website which is very similar in form to the Sangean DPR-65 and I was curious if you are considering reviewing it.
Thanks for the tip, Steve! Yes, I’ll certainly review the HDR-14!
I was unaware the HDR-14 was in the works, so I reached out to Sangean who supplied a little more detail.
The Sangean HDR-16 sports stereo speakers, but it limited to five presets per band.
It sounds, of course, like the HDR-14 will retail at a lower price than the larger HDR-16 (which is currently down to $99.99 shipped on Amazon).
I’ve been evaluating the HDR-16 this fall and have been favorably impressed overall.
I expect to post my review of the HDR-16 within the next two weeks.
Sangean plans to start shipping the HDR-14 mid to late January 2018. I’ll order it as soon as it’s on the market. I’m intrigued by the HDR-14 because of its size–very compact. I’m very curious, though, if it can match its larger brother (the HDR-16) in terms of sensitivity and overall performance. We’ll soon see.
Thanks again, Steve, for the tip!
I’ve posted an image of the sales flyer below. Click on the image to enlarge:
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Gregg Freeby, who writes:
As a regular reader of the SWLing Post I wanted to share with you a book I came across recently that your readers might be interested in reading. Shortwave radio provides the backdrop of this Pulitzer Prize winning story that takes place during WWII. You can search Wikipedia or other websites for a summary. While the story isn’t specifically about radios, Nazi radio propaganda as well as clandestine numbers stations run by the French resistance and Nazi attempts to locate and destroy them very much figure into the plot. I found it a very compelling read and thought perhaps you and your readers might too.
Many thanks, Greg. I actually purchased this book a few months ago on the recommendation of a friend who owns a local book store. It’s in my “read me” stack now, and though I haven’t gotten to it, I very much look forward to reading it soon.
Check out All The Light We Cannot See on Amazon (affiliate link).
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Eric McFadden (WD8RIF), for sharing the following guest post:
In October, 2017, Universal Radio moved from their large Reynoldsburg, Ohio retail store and warehouse to a smaller retail store and warehouse at 651-B Lakeview Plaza, Worthington, Ohio. This is actually Universal Radio’s fourth location in its 75 year history. In 1942, Universal Service opened on North Third Street in downtown Columbus. In 1977, Universal Radio moved to Aida Drive in Reynoldsburg. In 1992, Universal Radio moved to Americana Drive in Reynoldsburg. Finally, in 2017, Universal Radio moved to the current location in Worthington.
On Friday, November 17, I had the opportunity to visit the new location of Universal Radio for the first time and I prepared a photographic tour of the new location.
The new location is smaller than the previous location and instead of consisting of one large showroom space, the new location consists of several smaller rooms. (Indeed, the new layout reminds me the layout of one of my all-time favorite bookstores, the Book Loft in Columbus’s German Village neighborhood, which now has 32 (!) rooms of books. No, Universal Radio’s new store does not have 32 rooms!) As can be seen in the following photographs, these rooms are densely stocked. Universal Radio still offers all the items that were available in the previous store location. Of course, just as at the previous, larger, location, some items aren’t on immediate display but are available upon request.
The new Universal Radio storefront at 651-B Lakeview Plaza Blvd, Worthington, Ohio. There’s more than ample parking.
The sign and entrance to the new Universal Radio store.
Immediately upon entering the store, one will find hundreds of book titles. Here, Barb is stocking the shelves with the newest, just-released, “The Worldwide Listening Guide”.
And, of course, Universal still offers several issues each of the two major American amateur radio magazines.
In the main showroom: antennas, shortwave receivers, HTs, scanners, and VHF/UHF mobile transceivers.
In the same showroom, the HF transceivers, available to operate.
The Heil microphone and headset display.
The Used equipment display: HF transceivers, shortwave receivers, VHF/UHF transceivers, handhelds, and accessories.
Antennas!
And more antennas!
Just as with nearly any other modern retailer, Universal Radio’s bread-and-butter is internet and telephone orders. This is just a small portion of the new warehouse and shipping area, with Barb and Cathy busily filling orders.
A small portion of the warehouse and shipping area.
Universal Radio still has a nicely-equipped service area.
Just as at the previous Reynoldsburg location (and at the even earlier Aida Drive location), the new Universal Radio store is home to several cats which, sadly, I neglected to photograph.
The new store is staffed by the same friendly and helpful people we’ve come to know from the Americana Drive location. During this visit, I saw and spoke with Josh, Eric, Barb, and Cathy.
The CommRadio CTX-10
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, R. Lewis (KF5GV), who writes:
Just noticed on Universal Radio web page the Comm Radio CTX-10 has been approved by the FCC. They are accepting pre-orders on Dec 1. No indication of pricing but hope they announce it soon.
Thanks for the tip!
I’m looking forward to checking out the CommRadio CTX-10. For one thing, it’s in one of my favorite radio categories: portable general coverage QRP transceivers!
Since the CTX-10 receiver is likely an iteration of the excellent CommRadio CR1 series, I expect it’ll perform well on the broadcast bands as well as the ham bands. I look forward to reviewing the CTX-10.
The new CTX-10 prototype from CommRadio at Universal Radio’s 2017 Hamvention booth.
Follow the tag CommRadio CTX-10 for updates.