By Jock Elliott, KB2GOM
Official Disclaimer: “Yes, XHDATA is a supporter of the SWLing Post but this is my own crazy idea, and we aren’t getting any commissions from the sales. XHDATA doesn’t even know we’re doing it!”
It’s all Robert Gulley’s fault. He had the temerity to post an article about the XHDATA D-220 entitled “A Throwback to a Simpler Time” — I read it, was intrigued, and ordered one.
It arrived today, and, by golly, it actually works. I snapped a couple of AA cells into the battery compartment and discovered immediately that it appears to have a pretty hot FM receiver section. Then I tried medium wave and pulled up several of the local AMers. Then, the acid test: shortwave. Robert Gulley was right: “you will want to turn the dial slowly, very slowly.” But, sonuvagun, if you use a safecracker’s touch, you will actually discover and receive distant shortwave stations on that dinky telescoping whip antenna . . . with an exceedingly inexpensive radio.
So here’s my Nutty Idea: How about an XHDATA D-220 DX contest?
Rules:
- You must use a D-220 with native antenna
- No use of other radios or SDRs as “spotter” radios.
- You must ID off the air.
As Thomas, our Maximum Leader, put it: “It’s so insanely cheap, it’s a great way to have everyone on a level playing field. Well, unless someone gets the yellow version which we all know has special powers.” (Yes, I bought the yellow version.)
Further, I proposed we kick this thing off at 6 pm your local time on Friday, August 16, 2024 and it ends at 6 pm your local time on Sunday, August 18, 2024. You log the time, the estimated frequency, the station ID and what you heard. There are no prizes, just bragging rights. The object: to have fun!
So, whaddya think?
Or should I go back to the home and start taking my meds?
