{"id":59139,"date":"2024-03-01T06:50:50","date_gmt":"2024-03-01T10:50:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=59139"},"modified":"2024-03-01T06:53:57","modified_gmt":"2024-03-01T10:53:57","slug":"johns-in-depth-review-of-the-choyong-lc90-export-version","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2024\/03\/johns-in-depth-review-of-the-choyong-lc90-export-version\/","title":{"rendered":"John’s In-Depth Review of the Choyong LC90 (Export Version)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many thanks to SWLing Post<\/em> contributor and WWLG author<\/a>, John Figliozzi, who shares the following review:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A Review And Analysis Of The Choyong LC90 (Export Version)<\/b><\/h1>\n

By John A. Figliozzi<\/strong><\/p>\n

General<\/b><\/h3>\n

To my knowledge, this is the first radio to combine AM Shortwave with Internet Radio.\u00a0 This makes it the first true \u201cfull service\u201d radio incorporating ALL of radio\u2019s major platforms.\u00a0 Many radio listeners question why this hasn\u2019t been done sooner, so this very good first effort is most welcome.<\/p>\n

The initial presentation of the radio to the new owner is impressive.\u00a0 The stylish box in which it arrives is worthy of a respected instrument of high quality.\u00a0 The radio has the solid substantial feel of a device with excellent build quality.\u00a0 Its sizing \u2013 that of a paperback book along the lines of some previous well-respected AM\/FM\/SW receivers like the Grundig YB-400 \u2013 gives it the perfect form factor for a radio that can be enjoyed both in the home and as a portable.<\/i><\/p>\n

There is so much to like here.\u00a0 Over and above its unique combining of Internet radio and shortwave, there\u2019s a \u201cpermanent\u201d battery that offers many hours of use before it needs recharging, ATS tuning, the ability to save frequencies and stations in several preference lists, several ways of searching for Internet radio stations, an easy way to add Internet stations not already listed by the manufacturer, and others.<\/p>\n

But the LC90 really shines with its fantastic audio on FM and Internet radio.\u00a0 There\u2019s a woofer, a tweeter and a low frequency diaphragm inside the speaker cavity that occupies the left half the case \u2013 and nothing else.\u00a0 The radio\u2019s excellent build quality and its developers\u2019 efforts to produce a world class audio section in a portable radio really pays off.<\/p>\n

But no radio is perfect, and this one obviously is a work in progress.\u00a0 So, being critical \u2013 which is what a review and analysis like this does — should not imply disapproval on any level.\u00a0 On the contrary, the LC90 is already a well-formed radio worthy of consideration by any purchaser.<\/p>\n

The Screen<\/b><\/h3>\n

The screen that is the center of the LC90 provides much information depending on the platform being used.\u00a0 But in some cases, useful information is missing and in other cases the information provided seems unnecessary or of questionable utility.<\/p>\n

In AM (MW), FM and SW, it is not readily apparent what all the symbols mean or why they are there.\u00a0 The time, signal strength and SNR (signal to noise ratio), bandwidth, meter band, heart (for including a frequency in \u201cfavorites\u201d) and the \u201cFreq. vs. Addr.\u201d indicators are all helpful and understandable.\u00a0 But what is meant by \u201cMemo\u201d isn\u2019t entirely clear.\u00a0 Is it holding just my preferences?\u00a0 Or the number of stations found by ATS?\u00a0 Or something else?<\/p>\n

So, too, with the Internet Radio screen.\u00a0 What do the three dots, the speaker icon and the return icon mean?\u00a0 The ability to tune stations in sequence as they appear across the bottom of the screen depending on mode is both unique and helpful.\u00a0 But the use of a timer to tick off how long one might listen to a particular station seems of dubious value.<\/p>\n

Some suggestions for better use of the screen in some circumstances are detailed below.<\/p>\n

Operation<\/b><\/h3>\n

Initial setup matching the radio to home internet service proceeded flawlessly.\u00a0 The time clock is in 24-hour mode and showed correct time and date in my time zone.\u00a0 Some purchasers had previously noted that the clock showed a time one hour earlier than the actual time.\u00a0 I surmise that this is because the clock remains in standard time year-round.\u00a0 There is no facility to reset the clock, compensate for seasonal time changes or set the clock manually.\u00a0 This is an oversight that should be addressed.<\/p>\n

This is a sophisticated, multi-faceted radio.\u00a0 As impressive as it already may be, it should be perceived as a work in progress in need of the improvements it will get eventually through firmware updates and design modifications.\u00a0 It would be helpful if those updates could come directly and seamlessly through the Internet, something that apparently can\u2019t be done currently.<\/p>\n

The LC90 comes with a rather short, almost cryptically worded pamphlet.\u00a0 This can serve as an ok quick start-up guide.\u00a0 But after using the radio, it\u2019s obvious that there\u2019s need for a comprehensive operation manual with copious directions for the user, along the lines that Eton provided for the E1.\u00a0 A radio of this quality and at this price point demands such consideration.<\/p>\n

In short, becoming fully familiar with and comfortable using all the features of the LC90 requires a prodigious learning curve, one that is not intuitively discerned.\u00a0 I have to say that even after using it almost constantly for a few weeks, I feel I am still missing things.<\/p>\n

Just a few examples of aspects that go unexplained include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • What does \u201cAuto Play\u201d mean in Settings?<\/li>\n
  • Getting to preferences (the \u201cheart\u201d icon) is confusing and I\u2019ve inadvertently removed them without learning how it happened.<\/li>\n
  • Why does the screen show \u201cPlease add radio channel first\u201d when I think I\u2019ve already done that?<\/li>\n
  • Why does screen alarmingly show \u201cSaved channels removed\u201d, having done so when I press the tuning dial thinking I am obtaining a list of my preferred or saved stations?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The cleverness behind the LC90 is not intuitively apparent.\u00a0 If I hit the wrong keys in combination or hard press instead of soft press a key, I get a result I don\u2019t understand and for which there is no explanation in the exceedingly short manual provided now.\u00a0 In some cases, I put myself in a corner I can\u2019t get out of, so I must reset by shutting down and restarting the radio to get back to base.<\/p>\n

    Following are my observations on the performance of the LC90 by platform:<\/p>\n

    FM<\/b><\/h2>\n

    The LC90 has a very good FM section that is quite sensitive. \u00a0 Using the ATS feature, (automatic tuning) it found 37 stations in Sarasota FL, for example.<\/p>\n

    For its size \u2013 and even considering many larger radios — the LC90 has an excellent audio response on FM.\u00a0 However, although it has activated stereo capability, it does not appear to actually provide stereo through its ear\/headphone jack. This is because the same output is used to provide audio to the speakers and the ear\/headphone jack.\u00a0 This feels like an oversight that should be rectified.\u00a0 The radio does \u201crecognize\u201d a stereo plug and audio does play into both ears.\u00a0 It\u2019s just not stereo audio.<\/p>\n

    As currently configured this LC90 does not offer RDBS (RDS in Europe) on FM.\u00a0 This should be incorporated into a radio of this quality being offered at this price point.<\/p>\n

    Even so, in this user\u2019s opinion it earns a 4.5 on scale of 5 on FM.\u00a0 But if it had stereo and RBDS, it would easily earn a 5.<\/p>\n

    A question arises: \u00a0 Were HD Radio (in North America) and DAB+ (in Europe and Australia \u2013 if these are targeted markets for the LC90) considered for incorporation into this radio by its developers?\u00a0 If not, why not; and, if so, why was a decision taken not to include them?<\/p>\n

    Shortwave<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Performance of the LC90 on shortwave is very good, especially since it clearly is not intended as a hobbyist\u2019s DX machine.\u00a0 As such in my opinion, it doesn\u2019t require the SSB capability that some have said they wish it has.<\/p>\n

    Rather, this radio is intended for the content-focused listener.\u00a0 I view the AM (MW), FM and SW platforms as back-up alternatives for and secondary to the primary focus — Internet Radio.\u00a0 Nonetheless, the LC-90\u2019s performance is above average on both FM and SW which should be assuring to anyone considering its purchase.<\/p>\n

    The LC90 is quite sensitive on SW for a small portable using just its built-in expandable and rotatable 9 stage rod antenna. \u00a0 But it does especially well when a common clothesline reel external antenna is extended and plugged into the receptacle provided for that purpose on the radio\u2019s right-hand side.\u00a0 (Similar improvement is noted for AM (MW) and FM, as well.)<\/p>\n

    Complaints about placement of this receptacle close to the tuning knob is of no concern when an external antenna of the type described above using a 3.5mm plug connector is used.\u00a0 Any more sophisticated an external antenna would likely overload this radio considering that \u201cbirdies\u201d \u2013 false signals internally generated by the radio itself — can be detected throughout the SW spectrum even when just using its built-in rod antenna.\u00a0 This flaw should be addressed in any future modification or upgrade.<\/p>\n

    The audio enhancements made on this radio through unique use of speakers and their orientation are not as apparent here as they are when listening to FM and Internet Radio.<\/p>\n

    On AM signals generally — both SW and AM (MW) \u2013 a listener can detect artifacts in the audio.\u00a0 Audible random \u201cclicks\u201d often can be heard \u2013 usually when receiving weaker stations \u2013 which sounds as if the radio\u2019s audio section is clipping. \u00a0 Adjusting the bandwidth appears to offer only minimal help with this.<\/p>\n

    Indeed, the audio produced by SW and AM (MW) sounds somewhat mechanical except on very strong stations.\u00a0 It seems to lack body or depth on SW and AM. \u00a0 Some of this undoubtedly is due to the quality of AM audio to begin with.\u00a0 But the latter does sound more natural on other receivers.\u00a0 The 7 bandwidths provided (1, 1.8, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6 kHz) do help to somewhat shape the audio, but it appears that there could be better choices for what this radio is trying to achieve.<\/p>\n

    Nonetheless on SW, the LC90 rates a comparative 3.75 on a scale of 5 for sensitivity off its built-in antenna.\u00a0 That rises to a 4.0 when the external antenna described above is connected.<\/p>\n

    An unrelated anomaly was noted from using the radio on SW:\u00a0 The LC90 (or at least this test unit) apparently cannot be tuned directly to frequencies in the 25 MHz (11m) band.\u00a0 The radio will only accept 4 integers here, so it reverts to 120m instead of 11m.\u00a0 Instead, one must press the tuning knob to change the display to 11m and then tune manually via the knob to the desired frequency.<\/p>\n

    AM (Mediumwave)<\/b><\/h3>\n

    All Internet-capable radios up to now have avoided including AM \u2013 both MW and SW \u2013 into their designs due to noise and interference issues generated by the radio\u2019s internal control signal and screen, and the difficulty involved in shielding both.<\/p>\n

    While acknowledging the considerable effort put forward by the LC90\u2019s developers to ameliorate this problem, the radio does not fully overcome these challenges to producing \u201cclean\u201d AM audio.<\/p>\n

    The developers themselves seem to recognize this problem.\u00a0 While they have incorporated an internal ferrite MW antenna in the radio\u2019s design, its utility is overwhelmed by internal interference.\u00a0 Rotating the radio to emphasize or null certain signals yields no apparent difference.\u00a0 Consequently, the developer suggests that the listener extend the internal rod antenna for \u201cbest results\u201d.<\/p>\n

    The AM (MW) section is unfortunately the weakest aspect of this radio.\u00a0 Daytime reception is very poor \u2013 rated comparatively a 1.5 on a scale of 5.\u00a0 The LC90 receives and saves through ATS only very local stations and misses several of them.<\/p>\n

    Reception does improve after dark, largely due to skywave propagation.\u00a0 But it is only comparatively fair \u2013 2.5 on a scale of 5.<\/p>\n

    Using the external clothesline antenna described above improves daytime reception to a 2.0, but those purchasing this radio should expect only marginal pedestrian \u2013 even comparatively substandard — results with AM (MW).<\/p>\n

    In sum, the audio improvements the LC90\u2019s developers have successfully worked to provide elsewhere in the LC90 are almost undetectable here unless one is listening to an exceptionally strong AM (MW) station.<\/p>\n

    Internet Radio<\/b><\/h3>\n

    To this observer, this is the core of the LC90.<\/p>\n

    There are three equally important tasks that an Internet radio must achieve to serve as a quality example for the genre:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Stability of signal reproduction,<\/li>\n
    • Superior audio quality,<\/li>\n
    • Easy user interface.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Let me begin by pointing out that it is readily apparent that the developers put lots of work into this aspect of the LC90.<\/p>\n

      The stations that do play successfully sound very good with excellent stability.\u00a0 But compared to other internet radios I own and have experienced, there are just too many stations that lack that stability (characterized by frequent audio breaks or \u201chiccups\u201d) or don\u2019t load at all.<\/p>\n

      Here are some specific observations from use over several weeks:<\/p>\n

      Simply put, the user interface needs work.\u00a0 While the LC90 offers several flexible tuning assists, there seem to be too many that overlap and others missing.\u00a0 The effort does not seem to be centrally focused enough.\u00a0 For example, listings within each category appear randomly, and many unexplainably with what looks like the same links that are indistinguishable and scattered throughout a given category.<\/p>\n

      Indeed, there are many individual listings that are repeated within the same and different lists which are found via the Tag, Menu, News. Music, Language buttons on the radio.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 Is it to provide different codecs or levels of streaming quality?\u00a0 There is no indication as to the way each might differ one from another, if at all.<\/p>\n

      As mentioned earlier, there is much going on here that cannot be intuitively discerned by the user\/listener — and it must be!\u00a0 Comparing it to other Internet radios such as the Pure Elan Connect, which uses the constantly updated Frontier Silicon station and podcast database, the LC90\u2019s Internet radio operation is confusing and the logic behind it is difficult to perceive.<\/p>\n

      Some stations appear in Chinese and Cyrillic script, and others just as dots across a line.\u00a0 This is unhelpful to listeners outside these cultures.\u00a0 Also, there appear to be features within the LC90\u2019s architecture that are \u201chidden\u201d.\u00a0 For example, through an inadvertent combination of key presses I found myself briefly in a listing that appeared designed solely for the Chinese market until I reset the radio by turning the radio off and then on again.<\/p>\n

      The developers appear to have created their own stations database rather than use one of the others already in use on other Internet radios.\u00a0 Since it is apparently an entirely new approach, it\u2019s impossible to determine if it is continuously updated, systematically modified or updated periodically according to some schedule.\u00a0 This observer did not see any activity or change that would indicate that anything was updated over the weeks he was using the LC90.<\/p>\n

      Many domestic BBC links (Radio 3,4,5,6, e.g.) just don\u2019t work.\u00a0 When ostensibly \u201cloading\u201d them after selecting them, the percentage just stays at zero.\u00a0 Given the importance of the BBC internationally, this is concerning and should be corrected with all deliberate speed.<\/p>\n

      In fact, this observer experienced an inordinate number of links that didn\u2019t seem to work at all.\u00a0 Some links also play initially, but then just \u201chang\u201d or stop working or \u201chiccup\u201d periodically (RTE, RTHK, e.g).<\/p>\n

      When comparing the LC90\u2019s admittedly many offerings with those on Internet radios using the Frontier Silicon database, many stations appear to be missing.\u00a0 However, the LC90\u2019s developers have included in the radio\u2019s architecture a very accessible means for the radio\u2019s users to add stations that are not already in the radio\u2019s database.\u00a0 Whether these are just added only to the user\u2019s radio or added globally to the LC-90 database is unknown.<\/p>\n

      In short, the way these lists — and the way the user tunes them in — work now appear to detract from rather than enhance the performance and user\u2019s overall experience with the LC90.\u00a0 This situation leads this observer to the perception that the developer\u2019s concept(s) behind station lists and tuning is unfocused and disorganized.\u00a0 This situation cannot be allowed to continue.\u00a0 As stated, this user interface needs reconsideration and refinement in the opinion of this observer to make its use more intuitive for the user.<\/p>\n

      The LC90\u2019s display for Internet radio is attractive but supplies only stream loading percentages and the station name.\u00a0 There is no means of knowing the actual quality of the audio signal other than by ear.\u00a0 The timer provided counting how long the station has been playing is not really of any practical use when listening to an Internet radio station.<\/p>\n

      A better use of the LC90\u2019s screen would be to include visuals like station logos and station-provided metadata, neither of which are present now.<\/p>\n

      An anomaly that came to light through use:\u00a0 The \u201cPodcast\u201d button only seems to provide stations like other buttons, not podcast lists.\u00a0 This observer could find no way to access or listen to podcasts.\u00a0 Again, this needs to be corrected.<\/p>\n

      In the opinion of this observer, the Internet section of the LC90 earns an overall 3.5 on a scale of 5 with the proviso that the radio\u2019s audio performance with the highest quality Internet streams earns a clear 5.<\/p>\n

      Bluetooth<\/b><\/h3>\n

      The LC-90\u2019s Bluetooth feature works well.\u00a0 Audio volume is jointly controlled by the source and the radio.\u00a0 Its set-up and operation appear seamless.<\/p>\n

      TF and SIM cards<\/b><\/h3>\n

      Not tested.\u00a0 Since most SIM cards are tied to phones here, I anticipate that Internet access for the LC90 Export Version will remain with WiFi for the vast majority or, when and where WiFi is unavailable, by linking one\u2019s phone to the radio using Bluetooth.<\/p>\n

      Neither was the timer or sleep function tested, but it can be assumed that both work as they should.<\/p>\n

      Final Notes<\/b><\/h1>\n

      Other reviewers have expressed a desire for an air band, SSB capability and a fold out strip on the rear of the radio\u2019s case so that it might be angled when used.<\/p>\n

      Frankly, I don\u2019t see the need for any of these with the LC90 or any future enhancement or modification of it.\u00a0 Anyone wishing to angle the receiver can find an inexpensive tilt stand on which to place it.\u00a0 But, in that regard, I would suggest that the developer recreate the rod antenna so that it clears the perimeter of the case and allows it a full 360-degree rotation.<\/p>\n

      Otherwise, my preference would be that any such effort and the resources necessary to pursue them be concentrated on the more important matters I highlight for improvement in this analysis.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and WWLG author, John Figliozzi, who shares the following review: A Review And Analysis Of The Choyong LC90 (Export Version) By John A. Figliozzi General To my knowledge, this is the first radio to combine AM Shortwave with Internet Radio.\u00a0 This makes it the first true \u201cfull service\u201d radio […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","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":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[373,8,3781,3194,433,836,3,3196,26,129,43,154,4652],"tags":[10428,10467,4342,5359,703,10289,4085,4086],"class_list":["post-59139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-am","category-articles","category-fm","category-guest-posts","category-mediumwave","category-new-products","category-news","category-portable-radio","category-radios","category-reviews","category-shortwave-radio","category-shortwave-radio-reviews","category-wifi-radio","tag-chaoyuan-lc90-export-version","tag-chaoyuan-lc90-export-version-review","tag-guest-posts","tag-internet-radio-review","tag-john-figliozzi","tag-lc90","tag-reviews","tag-shortwave-radio-reviews"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-fnR","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":58771,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2024\/01\/michael-compares-the-choyong-lc90-export-and-chinese-versions\/","url_meta":{"origin":59139,"position":0},"title":"Michael compares the Choyong LC90 Export and Chinese Versions","author":"Thomas","date":"January 25, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to\u00a0SWLing Post\u00a0contributor,\u00a0Michael Ye (BD4AAQ), for the following guest post: Twins, Yet Each One Unique - A Comparison of the Worldwide Version of LC90 with its Chinese Counterpart by Michael Ye (BD4AAQ) The export version of the LC90 is now available in the market [affiliate link]. Previously, we examined\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "AM"","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\/2024\/01\/LC90-Export-and-Domestic-Comparison-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/LC90-Export-and-Domestic-Comparison-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/LC90-Export-and-Domestic-Comparison-1.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/LC90-Export-and-Domestic-Comparison-1.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/LC90-Export-and-Domestic-Comparison-1.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":61373,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2024\/12\/johns-updated-review-of-the-choyong-lc90-multi-band-internet-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":59139,"position":1},"title":"John’s Updated Review of the Choyong LC90 Multi-Band & Internet Radio","author":"Thomas","date":"December 13, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"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\u2019s manufacturer has implemented to address some initial problems or\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","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\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":57504,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2023\/08\/guest-post-a-review-of-the-chaoyuan-lc90-hybrid-shortwave-4g-internet-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":59139,"position":2},"title":"Guest Post: A review of the Chaoyuan LC90 Hybrid Shortwave\/4G\/Internet Radio","author":"Thomas","date":"August 15, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Michael Ye (BD4AAQ), for the following guest post: The LC90, a Great Radio Spanning Two Worlds by Michael Ye (BD4AAQ) It is an awkward era for radio receivers. Although technology becomes more and more advanced and increasingly sophisticated radios are made, there are fewer\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "AM"","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\/2023\/08\/L90-Shortwave-WiFi-Radio-1-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/L90-Shortwave-WiFi-Radio-1-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/L90-Shortwave-WiFi-Radio-1-1.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/L90-Shortwave-WiFi-Radio-1-1.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/L90-Shortwave-WiFi-Radio-1-1.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":61576,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2025\/01\/lc90-firmware-4-7-new-features-fixes-and-chatgpt-integration\/","url_meta":{"origin":59139,"position":3},"title":"LC90 Firmware 4.7: New Features, Fixes, and ChatGPT Integration!","author":"Thomas","date":"January 8, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to Chenzhi with Choyong radio who shares the following update: Hello Thomas, I hope everything is going well with you. I'm writing to you today as I want to let you know that the LC90 has just released its 4.7 firmware version. Based on user feedback so far,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","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\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":64334,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2025\/10\/michael-reviews-the-choyong-wt2-multifunction-handheld-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":59139,"position":4},"title":"Michael Reviews the Choyong WT2 Multifunction Handheld Radio","author":"Thomas","date":"October 23, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to\u00a0SWLing Post\u00a0contributor,\u00a0Michael (BD4AAQ)\u00a0who 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\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "New Products"","block_context":{"text":"New Products","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/new-products\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WT2-Mini-Handheld-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WT2-Mini-Handheld-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WT2-Mini-Handheld-1.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WT2-Mini-Handheld-1.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WT2-Mini-Handheld-1.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":63794,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2025\/08\/choyong-lc90-a-multiband-internet-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":59139,"position":5},"title":"Choyong LC90: A Multiband Internet Radio","author":"Robert Gulley","date":"August 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"(This Review was originally published in The Spectrum Monitor in the April 2025 issue, and is used by the kind permission of Ken Reitz) The Choyong LC90 is, to my knowledge, the first of its kind: a portable Wi-Fi\/4G\/E-SIM FM\/LW\/MW\/ SW\/SSB radio. Or, to put it in simpler terms, a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"LC90","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/LC90-Stock.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/LC90-Stock.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/LC90-Stock.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/LC90-Stock.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59139","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\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59139"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59143,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59139\/revisions\/59143"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}