DX-286 Portable Radio, with TEF6686 Automotive Chip,LW,AM, FM, Shortwave,Data System(RBDS/RDS),Antenna Attenuator,Antenna Switch, AMP Switch,1000 Presets,Tone Switch,Clock/UTC/Alarm/Sleep

As a long time radio fan (like 60 years) and ham radio operator, I'm always intrigued by new radios and new technology. I started out with tube receivers, and just look where we are today.I received the package, including the radio, the case, a soft bag, charging cable and a very detailed operators manual. I had also ordered a couple of button top 18650 batteries (button top 18650's are a requirement) and had them charged and ready to power this little radio that has received so much attention. As a ham radio operator, I have several antennas at my disposal, and I've been testing it with a 40-6 meter off center fed dipole.From a short wave listening perspective, this radio is a little marvel. I've been allowing it to auto-tune through the short wave bands, and the results have been quite amazing. Quiet, clear reception of many stations on all the bands. It outclasses all my other shortwave portables including my Sihuadon D-808 and Tecsun PL-330. I am slightly disappointed that the radio doesn't process SSB signals, but I have other radios for that. For short wave listening, the DX-286 is a little marvel.FM reception is also in a class by itself. I haven't tested it thoroughly, but all the stations in the Treasure Valley of Idaho are easily heard, and my favorite rock oldies station sounds perfect. Great stereo separation and broad, adjustable bandwidth. Listening through my Sony headphones is pure pleasure.From a MW perspective, it astounds using the built-in whip, away from the inherent electrical interference of the neighborhood. It is so sensitive that noisy RF environments are unpleasant. It hears everything including the computer power supplies, flat screen TV's and your electric fence. Switching to the internal ferrite antenna, it has no problems picking up our local stations, but be aware you'll need to rotate the radio for best reception.After only less than a day, I have so much to learn about this radio, and the detailed operators manual will help me get there. But first impressions are lasting impressions and I can tell you that for less than $100, this is one amazing little device. A word of warning, be prepared for a learning curve as this is not an intuitive radio to operate. You'll need to spend some quality time with the manual to get the most from it, and I've barely scratched the surface. But from what I've seen and heard so far? Just wow.Note: For a detailed review, please read Jay Allen's take on the radio.

This is a VERY sensitive radio on all bands. Just like every other radio, you need to get away from interference like routers, computers and everything else with a processor. There is a bit of a learning curve to milk out the last bit of features on this radio, but I was able to figure out most of it pretty easily. The radio sounds surprisingly good for the small size. The screen is great nd the buttons work well. The hard case protects the radio when not in use. The price is a bit high for a radio without SSB reception, but the excellent reception makes it well worth the price. I don't see a downside to the radio. I need to get a phone mount and make a video of this radio, it's that great.

The focus of my review of the QODOSEN DX-286 will be its overall performance. That’s because it has numerous user-adjustable settings requiring one to read and understand its user manual beforehand to get the most out of and fully appreciate this amazing radio! The QODOSEN DX-286 sets a new standard in high-performance portable receivers at an astonishingly low price! Despite its very small size, its sound is mellow and pleasant through its tiny speaker. Of course, its audio quality is positively excellent when enjoyed through good headphones via its headphones jack. The QODOSEN DX-286 is very selective and sublimely sensitive on all bands! It is very likely to be the best FM receiver you’ve ever experienced using just its 19” whip regardless of what high-performance radios you may own now! Its FM stereo decoder is triggered and engaged easily by the most distant and weakest of signals! AM (MW) performance is just as excellent, but with a caveat. The DX-286 is tiny, and so is its internal ferrite loop-stick responsible for directional reception of AM (MW) reception. Therefore, the internal ferrite loop-stick is suitable pretty much for local and semi-local reception. However, the QODOSEN DX-286 has added features that will make your AM (MW) reception experience extraordinary! AM (MW) reception can be achieved omnidirectionallly via its 19” whip with phenomenal sensitivity! Additionally, the QODOSEN DX-286 accommodates external AM (MW) antennas via its external antenna jack rendering amazing results! This level of performance requires a reliable and sustainable energy source. I recommend a SAMSUNG 35E button-top battery.

UPDATE 9-1-2024My mistakes:There is a button to keep the backlight of display always on.And the world clock keeps proper local time now, so I gave it 4 stars.This portable radio sounds good despite the small size of the speaker. It has good sensitivity and receives lots of AM/FM and SW stations. Also, it allows you to store many stations in memory.The reason I gave it only 3 stars is:1. It won't let you set the clock to 12 hour format. It displays the world clock in 24 hour format.Also, the clock keeps changing back to EST after setting it to EDT. It should retain the correct local time.2. It doesn't have a switch to keep the backlight of the display ON all the time when preferred3. It should have come with an 18650 Li-ion button-top battery at that price. Though, it does state thisin the description. (I bought an Orbtronic brand battery with 3500mAh capacity. So I expect the radiowill operate for many hours with this battery.Finally, I think I'll keep it because it does work well, and is definitely portable.