1 of 1- darcyh
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A new radio on the way
A new radio on the way.
It is the QODOSEN DX-286 portable AM / FM / Shortwave.
This radio uses a TEF6686 integrated circuit chip that is supposed to make the radio very sensitive. I have had my eye on this for a long time and was hoping it would go on sale during Amazon Prime day but it did not. I have many radios and don't really use them much but I thought I would splurge. It is about $162.00 on Amazon. I will leave a link below if you want a better look.
I have a Panasonic RF-2200 which is a very sensitive radio with 70's all analog circuitry that is my benchmark for AM and FM sensitivity. I will compare the DX-286 to it. The Panasonic also has a very pleasing sound with a good speaker. I doubt the 286 will sound near as nice.
I seem to recall another board member purchasing one of these radios too.
Last edited by darcyh (October 26, 2026 11:02 am)
- maybo
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Re: A new radio on the way
I think you’ll like it. But sadly, for me, there’s not an FM radio in the world that can provide a clear signal of our Stouffville volunteer radio station inside our hockey arena.
-- Chris Mayberry
- Chrisphen
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Re: A new radio on the way
pinto wrote:
What's left on Shortwave? Honestly curious...
Not much at present, and if I remember, that model can't do sideband. You'll have to make due with Christian stations and Radio Marti (until the American Government discontinues it) on the shortware bands.
- RadioActive
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Re: A new radio on the way
What's left on Shortwave? Honestly curious...
Not much at present, and if I remember, that model can't do sideband. You'll have to make due with Christian stations and Radio Marti (until the American Government discontinues it) on the shortware bands.
Or WWV if you want to set your watch or clock to the exact second. Helpful this weekend, when Standard Time returns.
- Evuguy
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Re: A new radio on the way
Unless you really need the 6686 chipset, maybe give this model some consideration. It goes on sale periodically at Amazon.ca for around $110:
The only caveat I've found with it so far is a real lack of sensitivity on LW. The unit ships with LW disabled but it is easily enabled. That said, there is really nothing to listen to anymore on that band anyway. Otherwise, it gives a lot of features and performance for the money.
- turkeytop
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Re: A new radio on the way
Why do you guys keep doing this to me? I already have too many radios, but you keep showing me more that I now want.
After all is said and done, more is usually said than done.
- darcyh
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Re: A new radio on the way
Unless you really need the 6686 chipset, maybe give this model some consideration. It goes on sale periodically at Amazon.ca for around $110:
The only caveat I've found with it so far is a real lack of sensitivity on LW. The unit ships with LW disabled but it is easily enabled. That said, there is really nothing to listen to anymore on that band anyway. Otherwise, it gives a lot of features and performance for the money.
I really considered this radio. The XHDATA D808 looks like a great radio and it was recently on sale (Amazon Prime) for about $100, a $60 discount. It is really well reviewed and also does side band (SSB). I was within an inch of buying it and posted the radio and sale on this board. But I really wanted to try the 6686 chipset and see if the sensitivity is as good as what is claimed Actually in my opinion the D808 is a better looking radio, but I really wanted the new chip.
Like turkeytop, I have too many radios, many of them very good models and have given a few away; how many 9 year olds have a well made Sony radio? All my grandkids do! But I thought I would splurge, probably my last radio purchase unless something else really interesting (like an AM stereo model) comes along.
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Thread Starter- mace
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Re: A new radio on the way
I bought one of these last year. It performs extremely well on AM and FM. With headphones, the FM Stereo is outstanding. However, it is battery operation only AND they must be a specific rechargeable which are sold separately. I also purchased a very reliable recharger. The radio only uses one battery so I always have the second ready to use. It comes with a handy small cloth carrying case. As for the SW, I haven't really done any experimenting because those bands are of little interest to me. Overall, I would say it is a very good radio and for its small compact size punches well above its weight.