{"id":30009,"date":"2018-01-07T02:55:28","date_gmt":"2018-01-07T06:55:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=30009"},"modified":"2018-01-07T16:20:17","modified_gmt":"2018-01-07T20:20:17","slug":"short-videos-the-xhdata-d-808-portable-ssb-receiver-on-mw-and-sw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/01\/short-videos-the-xhdata-d-808-portable-ssb-receiver-on-mw-and-sw\/","title":{"rendered":"Short Videos: the XHDATA D-808 Portable SSB Receiver on MW and SW"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I recently received a new XHDATA D-808 SSB portable receiver, after <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aliexpress.com\/item\/Tecsun-PL-398MP-2-2-Full-Band-Digital-Tuning-Stereo-Radio-Receiver-w-Stand-and-MP3\/1504908567.html?\">AliExpress<\/a><\/strong> had a $69 USD introductory sale. I&#8217;m intrigued by this new model, as it uses the SiLabs Si4735 DSP chip, the same &#8220;brains&#8221; that powers the Eton Satellit (and Executive version), and C. Crane Skywave SSB. I believe the same Si4735 is found in Tecsun&#8217;s PL-880 and the CountyComm GP-5\/SSB. A key feature found in all of these radios is USB\/LSB modes and 10-Hz tuning step in SSB.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808group.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30014 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808group-1024x744.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808group-1024x744.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808group-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808group-768x558.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808group-624x453.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808group.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808box.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-30013\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808box-1024x771.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"471\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808box-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808box-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808box-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808box-624x470.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/d-808box.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\nIt would be a mistake to assume that all portable DSP receivers with the same SiLabs chip will perform equally; quite the opposite! They all have reception differences that owners will notice. I certainly noticed differences in sensitivity, AGC action, audio quality, and (to some extent) variations in adjacent channel (splatter) rejection between receivers using the same bandwidth. I made these observations when I owned the PL-880 and GP-5\/SSB radios. Differences in the circuitry surrounding the SiLabs chip, as well the sizes of MW ferrite loopstick antennas and SW\/FM whip antennas contribute to each receiver&#8217;s personality.<\/p>\n<p>Below are four videos showing the D-808&#8217;s reception of three weaker daytime medium wave stations from indoors at my suburban Seattle-Tacoma (WA) home, plus one video of a shortwave reception in the 41 meter band. The XHDATA D-808 is compared to C. Crane&#8217;s newest Skywave radio, the SSB model, and the Eton Executive Satellit. Although brief, these tests show how the new XHDATA portable is a welcome competitor to the field of modern, compact SSB-capable radios:<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"625\" height=\"352\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ef0n5i2UNbo?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"625\" height=\"352\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UL6akqUbYMw?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"625\" height=\"352\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/p41L-ena5rg?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"625\" height=\"352\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Wrt6WQ54BTo?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What about single sideband?<\/strong> These four videos show reception in AM mode only, but rest assured the D-808 is very capable on the SSB modes of LSB and USB! A separate fine tuning rotary wheel on the right side of the radio&#8217;s case offers adjustment in 10 Hertz increments. The effect feels very similar to tuning CountyComm&#8217;s GP-5\/SSB &#8220;walkie-talkie&#8221; style receiver. The plus or minus (+\/-) offset is displayed in multiples of 10 Hz steps as &#8220;-1&#8221;, &#8220;-2&#8221;, &#8220;-3&#8221;, and so on.<\/p>\n<p>I hope to post some future videos showing SSB usage of the D-808.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Soft mute.<\/strong> The dreaded soft mute is present in AM and SSB mode to some degree, but I do not feel it is excessive. Like most radio hobbyists I&#8217;m not a fan of soft muting and prefer uninterrupted tuning with no sign of &#8220;chuffing&#8221; or lowering of noise or audio.\u00a0 The amount of soft mute on this radio seems the same as the Eton Executive Satellit in my opinion.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What else to like?<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>My take&#8211;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Audio.<\/strong> I find the D-808&#8217;s audio quality to be <em>slightly<\/em> more mellow or warmer&#8230;I like that, especially on FM! Audio on the MW and SW bands still has a crispness that aids in DXing on those bands, however.<\/p>\n<p><strong>18650 Li-Ion battery.<\/strong> Not all may agree, but I like this style of battery. The D-808&#8217;s internal circuit shuts off when the battery is fully charged, or after 10 hours of charging. The radio comes with a 18650 battery and a USB cable; the owner supplies a common 5V USB charger.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RDS on FM.<\/strong> This is a feature lacking on the Skywave SSB, but it is present and performs as expected with the D-808. The XHDATA radio lacks the Skywave SSB&#8217;s NOAA weather presets, however.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AM filter bandwidths.<\/strong> Interestingly, this receiver supplies two additional narrow <em>AM mode<\/em> bandwidths lacking in the Executive Satellit: 1.8 kHz and 1.0 kHz. It&#8217;s good to have options, although such narrow filters in AM mode sound a little muffled (offset tuning helps). The Skywave SSB does offer 1.0 kHz in AM mode, but has a 2.0 bandwidth in place of 1.8 kHz.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Backlighting.<\/strong> If desired, the D-808&#8217;s easy-on-the-eyes white backlight for the display can remain illuminated continually. Bravo, XHDATA! Now, if we could persuade more manufacturers to add backlighting to the keys themselves (a la the Degen DE1103\/Kaito KA1103\/Eton E5), we&#8217;d have more choices use in low light conditions like camping or bedside use.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Handy size.<\/strong> Probably a third larger than the diminutive Skywave SSB, the D-808 is still a very handy size that will fit most coat pockets, and is a smaller receiver than the Eton Executive Satellit. As you can tell from my videos, reception doesn&#8217;t suffer due to the smaller size.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Design.<\/strong> OK, this one&#8217;s <em>very<\/em> personal! As a graphic designer I have a real soft spot for any receiver that looks as good as it sounds, no matter what the technology or vintage. The D-808&#8217;s look really appeals to me and adds to my enjoyment while operating it. There are no unnecessary protrusions, ridges, or visual do-dads on this XHDATA model. In fact, I seem some design clues from the stylish Tecsun PL-880 in the D-808. The radio also has a quality feel to the plastic case and buttons, giving it a more &#8220;upper class&#8221; impression during use.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Antenna jack.<\/strong> The D-808 has the standard 3.5mm antenna port on the left side of the receiver. This is an addition I appreciate, and wish that C. Crane had included one on their Skywave SSB model. I tried this external antenna jack with an amplified <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amradioantennas.com\/Leaflets\/PK's%20HD%20Series%20HamLoop%20C-LOOP-HDSW3.5-14.5MHz.pdf\">PK Loops&#8217; shortwave antenna<\/a><\/strong> and the combination performs excellently.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Minor annoyances<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>So far, the list is short! As a sacrifice to style, the manufacturer has kept all front panel buttons almost flush with the case. The effect looks great, but they are almost too low and close to the front panel. Those with larger fingers may find operation awkward or frustrating. Also, entering a shortwave frequency with less than five digits (i.e., below 10,000 kHz) requires a trailing push of the Frequency (FREQ) button.<\/p>\n<p>I encourage other new owners of XHDATA&#8217;s D-808 to leave their comments below. Where does this portable rate among other radios you may own?<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Guy Atkins is a Sr. Graphic Designer for T-Mobile and lives near Seattle, Washington. \u00a0He\u2019s a regular contributor to the SWLing Post.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I recently received a new XHDATA D-808 SSB portable receiver, after AliExpress had a $69 USD introductory sale. I&#8217;m intrigued by this new model, as it uses the SiLabs Si4735 DSP chip, the same &#8220;brains&#8221; that powers the Eton Satellit (and Executive version), and C. Crane Skywave SSB. I believe the same Si4735 is found [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[373,433,836,3,3196,129,43,154],"tags":[318,6620,24,6736,3469,2307,6737,6621,6619,6742],"class_list":["post-30009","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-am","category-mediumwave","category-new-products","category-news","category-portable-radio","category-reviews","category-shortwave-radio","category-shortwave-radio-reviews","tag-c-crane","tag-d-808","tag-eton","tag-executive-satellit","tag-satellit","tag-skywave","tag-skywave-ssb","tag-xhdata","tag-xhdata-d-808","tag-xhdata-d-808-review"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-7O1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":30316,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/01\/xhdata-d-808-a-shortwave-comparison-against-four-other-portables\/","url_meta":{"origin":30009,"position":0},"title":"XHDATA D-808: A Shortwave Comparison Against Four Other Portables","author":"Guy Atkins","date":"January 16, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"When the clouds part and the sun shines during the winter in the Seattle, Washington area, it's time for a celebration! I decided to take advantage of the mild weather and compare the XDATA D-808 (a real upstart in the marketplace, and a value leader in portables) against a few\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/9cvHBojoGbk\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":32493,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/05\/gary-pulls-apart-and-examines-the-xhdata-d-808\/","url_meta":{"origin":30009,"position":1},"title":"Gary pulls apart and examines the XHDATA D-808","author":"Thomas","date":"May 31, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor,\u00a0Gary DeBock, who shares the following report of the XHDATA D-808: XHDATA D-808 AM-LW-FM-SW-AIR Portable- Tech Report by Gary DeBock The XHDATA D-808 portable is an AM-LW-FM-SW-SSB-AIR band model which has already been the subject of many excellent reviews. Until recently the model was not\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;AM&quot;","block_context":{"text":"AM","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/am\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/XHDATA-D-808-Chip.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/XHDATA-D-808-Chip.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/XHDATA-D-808-Chip.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/XHDATA-D-808-Chip.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":35002,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/xhdata-d-808-and-c-crane-cc-skywave-ssb-size-comparison\/","url_meta":{"origin":30009,"position":2},"title":"XHDATA D-808 and C.Crane CC Skywave SSB size comparison","author":"Thomas","date":"November 29, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, 13dka, who left the following comment on my post about coastal SWLing: Nice weather and pics! Hmmm\u2026 it wasn\u2019t so obvious to me before but it looks like the Skywave SSB is even smaller than the D-808. Now I\u2019m jealous!\u00a0? I find it pretty\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/CC-Skywave-SSB-v-XHDATA-D-808-3.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/CC-Skywave-SSB-v-XHDATA-D-808-3.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/CC-Skywave-SSB-v-XHDATA-D-808-3.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/CC-Skywave-SSB-v-XHDATA-D-808-3.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":35191,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/12\/golans-take-on-the-digitech-ar-1780-xhdata-d-808-and-cc-skywave-ssb\/","url_meta":{"origin":30009,"position":3},"title":"Golan&#8217;s take on the Digitech AR-1780, XHDATA D-808 and CC Skywave SSB","author":"Thomas","date":"December 18, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Golan Klinger, who leaves the following comment regarding the Digitech AR-1780: I bought my AR1780 from Jaycar when they were first announced because I was too impatient to wait for the Skywave SSB. It looked good on paper and I was really pleased when\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/XHDATA-D-808-Digitech-AR-1780-side-by-side-1024x613.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/XHDATA-D-808-Digitech-AR-1780-side-by-side-1024x613.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/XHDATA-D-808-Digitech-AR-1780-side-by-side-1024x613.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":30044,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/01\/ssb-reception-examples-with-the-xhdata-d-808-portable-receiver\/","url_meta":{"origin":30009,"position":4},"title":"SSB Reception Examples with the XHDATA D-808 Portable Receiver","author":"Guy Atkins","date":"January 7, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"In my earlier article on this receiver, I shared reception videos of three weak medium wave stations and a single shortwave outlet, all demonstrated in AM mode. These two videos are of reception in SSB. The first example is true SSB reception--in lower side band on the 40m amateur band,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/bXsSBktVZRM\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":30678,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/02\/xhdata-d-808-audio-pop\/","url_meta":{"origin":30009,"position":5},"title":"XHDATA D-808 &#8220;audio pop&#8221;","author":"Thomas","date":"February 2, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike, who writes: I've recently picked up an XHDATA D-808 and I've noticed a rather bothersome problem with it. When I have headphones plugged in and I switch bands, such as from SW to FM, a rather loud \"pop\" is emitted through my headphones\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/XHDATA-D-808-Front-1024x748.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/XHDATA-D-808-Front-1024x748.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/XHDATA-D-808-Front-1024x748.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30009","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/55"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30009"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30009\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30009"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30009"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30009"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}