Re: [IRCA] [nrc-am] XHDATA D-808-- The Summer Travel "Smoke Test"

[Gary DeBock]

Hello Rich,

<<< I have been seeing a lot about this radio & am considering buying one - 
many posts mention a loop stick - my assumption is that this doesn't come with 
the radio & people build them. Can someone tell me if this is so & would using 
an old school Super Select-a-tenna give me similar results? >>>

Although the stock XHDATA D-808 model already provides good AM sensitivity with 
its 3 7/8" (97mm) loopstick, its performance can be dramatically boosted by 
replacing the stock loopstick with an externally-mounted 7.5" transplant. A 
photo of such an enhanced D-808 model is posted at 
https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/vk26lkhhu77q8buzuaido03fmy5s7xst

This 7.5" transplant loopstick is the same one used for "supercharging" the 
Tecsun PL-380 model, as described in the construction article posted at 
http://www.mediafire.com/file/du3sr5cd9thqvau/7.5inch-LS-PL380.doc/file The 
enhanced D-808 model would have AM sensitivity similar to that of a stock D-808 
+ Select-a-Tenna combo, but would not require peaking the external antenna 
every time a frequency is changed. This is a huge advantage for quick and easy 
"travel DXing."

73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)


> On July 28, 2018 at 4:36 PM fpeconsultant via NRC-AM 
>  wrote:
> 
> Hello - I have been seeing a lot about this radio & am considering buying 
> one - many posts mention a loop stick - my assumption is that this doesn't 
> come with the radio & people build them.  Can someone tell me if this is so & 
> would using an old school Super Select-a-tenna give me similar results?
> Thx
> Rich
> 
> On Jul 28, 2018, at 14:09, < shaf...@earthlink.net 
> mailto:shaf...@earthlink.net > wrote:
> 
> 
> > > 
> > This is the best portable I’ve seen yet.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Rick Shaftan
> > 
> > Rodanthe NC OBX FM25go
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > From: nrc...@googlegroups.com mailto:nrc...@googlegroups.com 
> > mailto:nrc...@googlegroups.com > On Behalf Of Gary 
> > DeBock
> > Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 1:18 AM
> > To: America, Mailing  > mailto:irca@hard-core-dx.com >; NRC  > mailto:nrc...@googlegroups.com >
> > Subject: [nrc-am] XHDATA D-808-- The Summer Travel "Smoke Test"
> > 
> >  
> > 
> >  Detailed information concerning the new, Chinese-made XHDATA 
> > D-808 AM-LW-FM-SW-AIR portable has been posted previously, including its 
> > hot-performing AM-DXing loopstick, SSB capability and rechargeable 
> > lithium-ion battery. This model was "inspired" (to be generous) by the 
> > C.Crane Skywave SSB model, which was manufactured in the nearby Redsun 
> > factories in China-- with the first model sold a few months before the 
> > D-808 was "reverse-engineered."
> > 
> >  As reported previously, the D-808 makes a few significant 
> > improvements over the Skywave SSB model-- a longer, more sensitive AM 
> > loopstick, a much stronger audio amplifier, and a much lower price ($112 on 
> > eBay, versus $169.99 for the Skywave SSB). After a few months with the 
> > company declining to ship to North American customers (apparently to avoid 
> > a copyright lawsuit because of the SSB circuitry, identical to that of the 
> > Skywave SSB), a single Chinese eBay seller is now doing a booming business, 
> > shipping the model to North American customers through Israel.
> > 
> > After performing two MW and one Longwave 7.5" loopstick transplants 
> > on the D-808 model, I can confirm that the model is well engineered (or 
> > maybe well reverse engineered?), with the loopstick connections on the RF 
> > circuit board unusually accessible, and ideal for soldering larger diameter 
> > Litz wire. There are actually two terminal connections for this purpose-- 
> > most likely to make it easy for the XHDATA engineers to test out various 
> > loopsticks.
> > 
> > And a loopstick transplant on the D-808 may be easier to 
> > contemplate if you consider the fact that you will not be violating the 
> > XHDATA warranty by replacing the loopstick. Why not? Because there is no 
> > evidence of any XHDATA warranty on the model, either online, or in the 
> > documents shipped along with the portable :-)
> > 
> >  As such, I thought I would submit a D-808 model to a very 
> > rough break-in test during extensive summer travel these past two weeks. A 
> > 7.5" MW loopstick D-808 model was taken along during road trips to eastern 
> > Washington (complete with 100 degree F/ 43 degree C temperatures), rough 
> > mountain roads (on Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and Hurricane Ridge) and a 
> > visit to Vancouver, BC.
> > 
> >  Once the supplied 3.7v Lithium Ion battery is fully charged 
> > (via a supplied USB-type connector cord), the battery provides exceptional 
> > run time. I was able to use it for many hours of DXing over two weeks, with 
> > no apparent loss of power. The audio amp delivers a lot of response, even 
> > 

[IRCA] TP 28 Jul Victoria version.

[Nick Hall-Patch]

A mix of DU and Asia, with nothing too outstanding.  Quite a lot of domestic 
splash today.


pretty darn good audio (all of it understandable by a native speaker, at least 
briefly):

nope 




Reasonable audio  at  times during the period (much of it understandable by a 
native speaker, though often battling w/splash or noise):

nope




not so reasonable audio, occasional words or phrases in splash or noise could 
be understood by a native speaker: 

774 3LO presumed. Man DU English, sports announcer, seemed to be trading places 
with weaker JOUB, 1157UT.  Think that there was ABC pips across the hour, but 
too much splash.







Burbles in the splatter and noise (if lucky, language might be guessed at by 
cadence of talk, or parallel established by changes in talk or music)  

747 JOIB man talking, very poor, but //774 1112UT

765 pop music 1150UT, perhaps R. Kahungunu, but no // on 603 at the time

774 JOUB man talking // near imaginary 747 1112UT

846 woman talking, DU English intonation 1224UT; 2RN?



Strongish het, no or "near imaginary" audio (either undermodulated or ravaged 
by splatter)

828 972  1566 seemed to be Asian; 
567 594 603 738 756  828  891 909 1017  1548 seemed to be DU 



best wishes,

Nick








Nick Hall-Patch
Victoria, BC
Canada  

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[IRCA] DX file review - Falmouth, MA

[Mark Connelly via IRCA]

--- Begin Message ---

I received a USB stick with some of Roy Barstow's DX files from Falmouth, MA.


Review of the 4 Elad format wav files is not complete yet.  Below is an initial 
"taste" from an hour or so of virtual tuning.


Roy Barstow at Menauhant Beach - Falmouth, MA
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Menauhant+Beach/@41.6034845,-70.6980742,11z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e4d6eddda32249:0x602bc57f9a6058f2!8m2!3d41.5493017!4d-70.5557244



Roy's notes in quotes below.

File 2018_06_27_00_57_21_FDMSW1_Rec_RF_000
UTC 27 JUN ~0100
"a few Argies and Brazil"
700 Brazil good peak, Portuguese religious talk
830 HIJB D.R. under WCRN
1030 Noticias del Plata (Argentina) ID 0100:55 under WBZ
1040 Presumed Sao Paulo with woman in Portuguese; in mess 0101 UTC
1120 R. Once Puerto Rico good ID 0100:45 
1540 Bahamas loud 0101 
810 Bahamas (// 1540, but much weaker) under presumed HJCY

2018_06_28_00_58_58_FDMSW1_Rec_RF_000
UTC 28 JUN ~0100
"looking for Uruguay on 650 after TOH.  Woman singing.  Possible Montevideo 
ment.  Uruguay, Brazil, or something else?"
610 Brazil inbooming "A Voz de Brazil" and Itatiaia ID's
620 Portuguese talk, presumably Fortaleza, mixed with  WSNR, over Rebelde
650 RCN la radio ID 0102:48 so Colombia.  Seemed like same guy talking 
throughout segment.
700 Brazil very good, dominant.

2018_07_20_00_57_07_FDMSW1_Rec_RF_000
UTC 20 JUL ~0100
"average DX"

US and Canadian stations on channels such as 730, 740, and 760 that would have 
Latin Americans during more interesting conditions.  Review of file put on hold.

2018_07_21_00_57_23_FDMSW1_Rec_RF_000
UTC 20 JUL ~0100
"ant. at 120 deg."

700 Argentina suspected
More of this file to go over later.

Routine Cubans, 750 Venezuela, 580 WKAQ, and other typical blasters are on most 
files but not worth a lot of discussion.

Roy, I have the files in my PC now so I'll send the stick back Monday.

Menauhant Beach site is pretty good, very low electrical noise, but those NYC 
stations are killer loud unfortunately.  Chatham or Orleans, MA would give you 
substantially less QRM from the Big Apple and metro.

Mark Connelly, WA1ION
South Yarmouth, MA



--- End Message ---
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[IRCA] Cape Cod, MA, USA - a few logs

[Mark Connelly via IRCA]

--- Begin Message ---
Report from Mark Connelly, WA1ION
Times / dates = UTC / 2018
e-mail = "markwa1...@aol.com"

[Connelly*Y-MA] = South Yarmouth, Cape Cod, MA, USA
(GC= 41.6931 N / 70.1912 W) (= 41° 41.59' N / 70° 11.47' W) (grid FN41vq)

NOTE:
{A} in entry indicates that audio can be accessed from link on the following 
page:
http://www.qsl.net/wa1ion/doc1/audio_2018.htm

Receiver: Microtelecom Perseus
See http://microtelecom.it/perseus/

Antenna: Cardioid pattern SuperLoop: 9m vertical by 20m horizontal (peak 84 
deg., null 264 deg.)
See http://www.bamlog.com/superloop.htm for similar antenna type.

==

*** PAN-AMERICAN DX ***

630 | PUERTO RICO | WUNO, R. Uno, San Juan, JUL 21 0100 - NotiUno mentions in 
shouting; under WPRO. [Connelly*Y-MA]

700 | BRAZIL | ZYK686, Nossa R., Sao Paulo, JUL 21 0059 - Portuguese religious 
talk by woman; fair. [Connelly*Y-MA]

760 | BRAZIL | ZYH588, R. Uirapuru, Fortaleza, JUL 21 0100 - Radio Uirapuru ID, 
man in Portuguese, tranquil music interlude; fair. [Connelly*Y-MA]

810 | COLOMBIA | HJCY, Caracol Radio, Bogotá, JUL 25 0100 - Caracol Radio IDs; 
mixed with WGY, others. [Connelly*Y-MA]

840 | HAITI | Radio-Télé 4VEH, Cap Haitien-Petite Anse, JUL 20 0101 - Dashing 
through the Snow 5-note interval signal, man "Vous ecoutez Radio 4VEH"; good. 
{A} [Connelly*Y-MA]

1010 | BRAZIL | ZYH625, Radio CBN, Fortaleza, JUL 21 0100 - Portuguese sports 
shouting, Fortaleza mention; mixed with WINS. {A} [Connelly*Y-MA]

1070 | COLOMBIA | HJCG, R. Santa Fe, Bogota, JUL 21 0100 - Radio Santa Fe IDs; 
alone on channel. [Connelly*Y-MA]

1290.3 | BRAZIL | ZYH888, R. Timbira do Maranhão, São Luís, JUL 21 0100 - 
Reverberated Portuguese sports shouting by man; audible on USB. [Connelly*Y-MA]


--- End Message ---
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[IRCA] Cable interference gone!

[shaftan]

Moved the internet cable from upstairs to the middle of the house and the QRM 
is GONE!

 

Ready for a big season this Fall, if I can get time to listen.

 

Rick S., Rodanthe NC OBX FM25go

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Re: [IRCA] [nrc-am] XHDATA D-808-- The Summer Travel "Smoke Test"

[Gary DeBock]

<<< Based on your recommendations, I purchased one last week, and am awaiting 
delivery.
I own the original CCrane Skywave, and found it to be a great performer on both 
AM and FM, even stock-out of the box. >>>

Thanks Les,

Both the original CC Skywave and Skywave SSB are indeed great performers, and 
multiple models of each have been tested and modified here.

The new XHDATA D-808 copies all the positive points of the Skywave SSB and 
improves upon its shortcomings, though. The fact that both C.Crane models are 
manufactured in China (a notorious place for "reverse engineering") made this 
scenario likely to happen sooner or later.

In any case, DXers looking to purchase the latest hot-performing AM-DXing 
portable can take advantage of this fact-- related to the current trade 
tensions between the two countries.

73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)

> On July 28, 2018 at 12:07 PM Les Rayburn  wrote:
>
>
> Based on your recommendations, I purchased one last week, and am awaiting 
> delivery.
>
> I own the original CCrane Skywave, and found it to be a great performer on 
> both AM and FM, even stock-out of the box.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
> 121 Mayfair Park
> Maylene, AL 35114
> EM63nf
>
> Member WTFDA, IRCA, NRC. Former CPC Chairman for NRC & IRCA.
>
> Elad FDM-S2 SDR, AirSpy SDR2, SDRPlay RSP-2 Pro, Sony XDR-F1HD [XDR Guy 
> Modified], Dennon TU-1500RD, Sangean HDT-1X, Ray Dees RDS Decoders, Korner 
> 9.2 Antenna, FM-6 Antenna, Kitz Technologies KT-501 Pre-amps, Quantum Phaser, 
> Wellbrook ALA1530 Loop, Wellbrook Flag, Clifton Labs Active Whip.
>
> “Nothing but blues and Elvis, and somebody else’s favorite song…”
>
>
> > On Jul 28, 2018, at 9:09 AM,  
> >  wrote:
> >
> > This is the best portable I’ve seen yet.
> >
> >
> >
> > Rick Shaftan
> >
> > Rodanthe NC OBX FM25go
> >
> >
> >
> > From: nrc...@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of Gary 
> > DeBock
> > Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 1:18 AM
> > To: America, Mailing ; NRC 
> > Subject: [nrc-am] XHDATA D-808-- The Summer Travel "Smoke Test"
> >
> >
> >
> > Detailed information concerning the new, Chinese-made XHDATA D-808 
> > AM-LW-FM-SW-AIR portable has been posted previously, including its 
> > hot-performing AM-DXing loopstick, SSB capability and rechargeable 
> > lithium-ion battery. This model was "inspired" (to be generous) by the 
> > C.Crane Skywave SSB model, which was manufactured in the nearby Redsun 
> > factories in China-- with the first model sold a few months before the 
> > D-808 was "reverse-engineered."
> >
> > As reported previously, the D-808 makes a few significant improvements over 
> > the Skywave SSB model-- a longer, more sensitive AM loopstick, a much 
> > stronger audio amplifier, and a much lower price ($112 on eBay, versus 
> > $169.99 for the Skywave SSB). After a few months with the company declining 
> > to ship to North American customers (apparently to avoid a copyright 
> > lawsuit because of the SSB circuitry, identical to that of the Skywave 
> > SSB), a single Chinese eBay seller is now doing a booming business, 
> > shipping the model to North American customers through Israel.
> >
> > After performing two MW and one Longwave 7.5" loopstick transplants on the 
> > D-808 model, I can confirm that the model is well engineered (or maybe well 
> > reverse engineered?), with the loopstick connections on the RF circuit 
> > board unusually accessible, and ideal for soldering larger diameter Litz 
> > wire. There are actually two terminal connections for this purpose-- most 
> > likely to make it easy for the XHDATA engineers to test out various 
> > loopsticks.
> >
> > And a loopstick transplant on the D-808 may be easier to contemplate if you 
> > consider the fact that you will not be violating the XHDATA warranty by 
> > replacing the loopstick. Why not? Because there is no evidence of any 
> > XHDATA warranty on the model, either online, or in the documents shipped 
> > along with the portable :-)
> >
> > As such, I thought I would submit a D-808 model to a very rough break-in 
> > test during extensive summer travel these past two weeks. A 7.5" MW 
> > loopstick D-808 model was taken along during road trips to eastern 
> > Washington (complete with 100 degree F/ 43 degree C temperatures), rough 
> > mountain roads (on Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and Hurricane Ridge) and a 
> > visit to Vancouver, BC.
> >
> > Once the supplied 3.7v Lithium Ion battery is fully charged (via a supplied 
> > USB-type connector cord), the battery provides exceptional run time. I was 
> > able to use it for many hours of DXing over two weeks, with no apparent 
> > loss of power. The audio amp delivers a lot of response, even when signals 
> > are weak. It takes a little time getting used to the volume control being 
> > on the left side when the tuning control is on the right, but you catch on 
> > pretty quick. The enhanced 7.5" MW loopstick model is like the "King of 
> > Compact Portables," with sensitivity enough to dig out 

Re: [IRCA] [nrc-am] XHDATA D-808-- The Summer Travel "Smoke Test"

[shaftan]

This is the best portable I’ve seen yet.

 

Rick Shaftan

Rodanthe NC OBX FM25go

 

From: nrc...@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of Gary DeBock
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 1:18 AM
To: America, Mailing ; NRC 
Subject: [nrc-am] XHDATA D-808-- The Summer Travel "Smoke Test"

 

 Detailed information concerning the new, Chinese-made XHDATA D-808 
AM-LW-FM-SW-AIR portable has been posted previously, including its 
hot-performing AM-DXing loopstick, SSB capability and rechargeable lithium-ion 
battery. This model was "inspired" (to be generous) by the C.Crane Skywave SSB 
model, which was manufactured in the nearby Redsun factories in China-- with 
the first model sold a few months before the D-808 was "reverse-engineered."

 As reported previously, the D-808 makes a few significant improvements 
over the Skywave SSB model-- a longer, more sensitive AM loopstick, a much 
stronger audio amplifier, and a much lower price ($112 on eBay, versus $169.99 
for the Skywave SSB). After a few months with the company declining to ship to 
North American customers (apparently to avoid a copyright lawsuit because of 
the SSB circuitry, identical to that of the Skywave SSB), a single Chinese eBay 
seller is now doing a booming business, shipping the model to North American 
customers through Israel.

After performing two MW and one Longwave 7.5" loopstick transplants on the 
D-808 model, I can confirm that the model is well engineered (or maybe well 
reverse engineered?), with the loopstick connections on the RF circuit board 
unusually accessible, and ideal for soldering larger diameter Litz wire. There 
are actually two terminal connections for this purpose-- most likely to make it 
easy for the XHDATA engineers to test out various loopsticks.

And a loopstick transplant on the D-808 may be easier to contemplate if you 
consider the fact that you will not be violating the XHDATA warranty by 
replacing the loopstick. Why not? Because there is no evidence of any XHDATA 
warranty on the model, either online, or in the documents shipped along with 
the portable :-)

 As such, I thought I would submit a D-808 model to a very rough break-in 
test during extensive summer travel these past two weeks. A 7.5" MW loopstick 
D-808 model was taken along during road trips to eastern Washington (complete 
with 100 degree F/ 43 degree C temperatures), rough mountain roads (on Mount 
Rainier, Mount Baker and Hurricane Ridge) and a visit to Vancouver, BC.

 Once the supplied 3.7v Lithium Ion battery is fully charged (via a 
supplied USB-type connector cord), the battery provides exceptional run time. I 
was able to use it for many hours of DXing over two weeks, with no apparent 
loss of power. The audio amp delivers a lot of response, even when signals are 
weak. It takes a little time getting used to the volume control being on the 
left side when the tuning control is on the right, but you catch on pretty 
quick. The enhanced 7.5" MW loopstick model is like the "King of Compact 
Portables," with sensitivity enough to dig out practically everything that any 
other portable on the planet could come up with-- with SSB capability and 
multiple DSP filtering selections to boot. For someone making an overseas trip 
or extended travel from home, it would be a dream portable. This is the first 
radio to use the full capabilities of the American-engineered Si4735 DSP chip-- 
with exceptional results.

 What finally got my undivided attention, though, was when the model was 
accidentally left in the trunk during our visit to Ellensburg, WA-- a location 
famous for 100 degree days in July. Multiple items in the trunk (shampoo, food, 
electric shavers, etc.) were zapped by the 104 degree temperature inside the 
trunk, and were either ruined, or refused to operate. As I turned on the 
burning-hot D-808 model I certainly expected the worst, especially when the 
temperature indicator showed "43 degrees C." Much to my astonishment the model 
performed flawlessly, though, delivering an S9 signal from the Snoqualmie Pass 
TIS station on 1610 kHz. Not once had the D-808 missed a beat over a tough two 
weeks, which included quite a few rough bumps, extremely hot days and long 
DXing hours. Despite the rather dubious design pedigree and lack of any 
manufacturer's warranty the D-808 had gained my respect as a hot-performing 
AM-DXing portable, ready to perform and persevere when conditions are rough. 
Although it's not an Ultralight radio, it certainly is an exceptional portable 
for the price. 

 

73 and Good DX,

Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)

 



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Re: [IRCA] 1100AM at night.

[Marc DeLorenzo via IRCA]

--- Begin Message ---

WHLI either testing or "forgot to pull the plug" would be a strong possibility, 
B-T-M.
 

Marc DeLorenzo 
South Dennis, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
 http://forums.wtfda.org/showthread.php?228-DeLorenzo-s-Classic-DX
 

 
 
-Original Message-
From: B-T-M 
To: odxa ; irca ; HCDX 

Sent: Sat, Jul 28, 2018 1:55 am
Subject: [IRCA] 1100AM at night.

In the wee hours of Saturday Morning in New England, I was hoping to pick up 
WTAM 1100AM.

Instead, I picked up some oldies music coming in strong.  The few station 
breaks I heard had no ID.

Music was oldies based, Chuck Berry, Fortunes (You've got your troubles), 
etc.

Looking at 
http://www.nf8m.com/pattern_maps/US-CA_nighttime/N-map_1100KHz.html I see no 
other stations on 1100AM that should be reaching me.

All I could think of was some AM station on 1100AM was doing some "after 
midnight testing"? running their full power and daytime antenna?  (WHLI?)

Thoughts? 

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Re: [IRCA] [nrc-am] XHDATA D-808-- The Summer Travel "Smoke Test"

[Les Rayburn]

Based on your recommendations, I purchased one last week, and am awaiting 
delivery. 

I own the original CCrane Skywave, and found it to be a great performer on both 
AM and FM, even stock-out of the box. 


73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
EM63nf

Member WTFDA, IRCA, NRC. Former CPC Chairman for NRC & IRCA. 

Elad FDM-S2 SDR, AirSpy SDR2, SDRPlay RSP-2 Pro, Sony XDR-F1HD [XDR Guy 
Modified], Dennon TU-1500RD, Sangean HDT-1X, Ray Dees RDS Decoders, Korner 9.2 
Antenna, FM-6 Antenna, Kitz Technologies KT-501 Pre-amps, Quantum Phaser, 
Wellbrook ALA1530 Loop, Wellbrook Flag, Clifton Labs Active Whip. 

“Nothing but blues and Elvis, and somebody else’s favorite song…” 


> On Jul 28, 2018, at 9:09 AM,   
> wrote:
> 
> This is the best portable I’ve seen yet.
> 
> 
> 
> Rick Shaftan
> 
> Rodanthe NC OBX FM25go
> 
> 
> 
> From: nrc...@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of Gary 
> DeBock
> Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 1:18 AM
> To: America, Mailing ; NRC 
> Subject: [nrc-am] XHDATA D-808-- The Summer Travel "Smoke Test"
> 
> 
> 
> Detailed information concerning the new, Chinese-made XHDATA D-808 
> AM-LW-FM-SW-AIR portable has been posted previously, including its 
> hot-performing AM-DXing loopstick, SSB capability and rechargeable 
> lithium-ion battery. This model was "inspired" (to be generous) by the 
> C.Crane Skywave SSB model, which was manufactured in the nearby Redsun 
> factories in China-- with the first model sold a few months before the D-808 
> was "reverse-engineered."
> 
> As reported previously, the D-808 makes a few significant improvements 
> over the Skywave SSB model-- a longer, more sensitive AM loopstick, a much 
> stronger audio amplifier, and a much lower price ($112 on eBay, versus 
> $169.99 for the Skywave SSB). After a few months with the company declining 
> to ship to North American customers (apparently to avoid a copyright lawsuit 
> because of the SSB circuitry, identical to that of the Skywave SSB), a single 
> Chinese eBay seller is now doing a booming business, shipping the model to 
> North American customers through Israel.
> 
> After performing two MW and one Longwave 7.5" loopstick transplants on the 
> D-808 model, I can confirm that the model is well engineered (or maybe well 
> reverse engineered?), with the loopstick connections on the RF circuit board 
> unusually accessible, and ideal for soldering larger diameter Litz wire. 
> There are actually two terminal connections for this purpose-- most likely to 
> make it easy for the XHDATA engineers to test out various loopsticks.
> 
> And a loopstick transplant on the D-808 may be easier to contemplate if you 
> consider the fact that you will not be violating the XHDATA warranty by 
> replacing the loopstick. Why not? Because there is no evidence of any XHDATA 
> warranty on the model, either online, or in the documents shipped along with 
> the portable :-)
> 
> As such, I thought I would submit a D-808 model to a very rough break-in 
> test during extensive summer travel these past two weeks. A 7.5" MW loopstick 
> D-808 model was taken along during road trips to eastern Washington (complete 
> with 100 degree F/ 43 degree C temperatures), rough mountain roads (on Mount 
> Rainier, Mount Baker and Hurricane Ridge) and a visit to Vancouver, BC.
> 
> Once the supplied 3.7v Lithium Ion battery is fully charged (via a 
> supplied USB-type connector cord), the battery provides exceptional run time. 
> I was able to use it for many hours of DXing over two weeks, with no apparent 
> loss of power. The audio amp delivers a lot of response, even when signals 
> are weak. It takes a little time getting used to the volume control being on 
> the left side when the tuning control is on the right, but you catch on 
> pretty quick. The enhanced 7.5" MW loopstick model is like the "King of 
> Compact Portables," with sensitivity enough to dig out practically everything 
> that any other portable on the planet could come up with-- with SSB 
> capability and multiple DSP filtering selections to boot. For someone making 
> an overseas trip or extended travel from home, it would be a dream portable. 
> This is the first radio to use the full capabilities of the 
> American-engineered Si4735 DSP chip-- with exceptional results.
> 
> What finally got my undivided attention, though, was when the model was 
> accidentally left in the trunk during our visit to Ellensburg, WA-- a 
> location famous for 100 degree days in July. Multiple items in the trunk 
> (shampoo, food, electric shavers, etc.) were zapped by the 104 degree 
> temperature inside the trunk, and were either ruined, or refused to operate. 
> As I turned on the burning-hot D-808 model I certainly expected the worst, 
> especially when the temperature indicator showed "43 degrees C." Much to my 
> astonishment the model performed flawlessly, though, delivering an S9 signal 
> from the Snoqualmie Pass TIS station on 1610 kHz. Not once had