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

[Gary DeBock]

Good luck in finishing up the D-808 loopstick transplant and your future FSL, 
Brandon! May the TP's and DU's find their way into the deep south...

Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA)

> On October 18, 2018 at 9:05 AM Brandon Jordan  mailto:dxww.i...@gmail.com > wrote:
> 
> 
> I ordered the XHDATA D-808 via eBay via Harelan Ecommerce on Sep 1, it 
> finally shipped Oct 1 via Israel and arrived in my mail box today Oct 18. Was 
> a bit concerned there for a while but glad it arrived. I have everything for 
> Gary’s D-808 loopstick transplant and hope to have it finished this weekend.
> 
> As a too level Master Procrastinator, I also have all the parts for an as 
> yet un-built FSL that I will work on also :)
> 
> > > On Jul 29, 2018, at 8:09 PM, Gary DeBock  mailto:d1028g...@comcast.net > wrote:
> > 
> > Hi Again Rich,
> > 
> > <<< I have heard that the lithium battery can't be shipped to the 
> > USA & is tough to obtain as well.
> > Does anyone know if this is the case? >>>
> > 
> > The eBay seller "harelan.ecommerce" (offering the D-808 at the link 
> > below) does include the 3.7v lithium-ion battery in the packages that he 
> > ships to the USA (via Israel), despite any USPS regulations to the 
> > contrary. I have received five D-808 packages from him, and all of them 
> > included the 3.7v XHDATA lithium-ion battery.
> > 
> > Please note that he ships the battery inside the radio with a paper 
> > tab between the positive terminal and the radio's connector, however, so 
> > you will need to remove this paper tab before you can charge the battery. 
> > He also includes a USB connector cord to charge the radio from a computer, 
> > similar to how you charge a cell phone. If you have an AC adapter plug with 
> > a slot for a USB cable, you can also charge the battery via an AC outlet. 
> > It takes about five hours for the battery to get a full charge this way. As 
> > reported previously, the Lithium Ion battery has exceptional run time, 
> > providing a lot of DXing hours on a single charge.
> > 
> > 73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
> > 
> > 
> > https://www.ebay.com/itm/XHDATA-D-808-Portable-Digital-Radio-FM-stereo-SW-MW-LW-SSB-RDS-Air-Band-LCD/263589135532?hash=item3d5f2304ac%3Ag%3AgzgAAOSwCBFaxd8G&_sacat=0&_nkw=XHDATA+D-808&_from=R40=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313
> >  
> > https://www.ebay.com/itm/XHDATA-D-808-Portable-Digital-Radio-FM-stereo-SW-MW-LW-SSB-RDS-Air-Band-LCD/263589135532?hash=item3d5f2304ac%3Ag%3AgzgAAOSwCBFaxd8G&_sacat=0&_nkw=XHDATA+D-808&_from=R40=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313
> > 
> > > > > On July 29, 2018 at 2:11 PM fpeconsult...@aol.com 
> > mailto:fpeconsult...@aol.com wrote:
> > > 
> > > Hello again & thx for the info on the loop stick vs the 
> > > Select A Tenna.
> > > I have heard that the lithium battery can't be shipped to the 
> > > USA & is tough to obtain as well.
> > > Does anyone know if this is the case?
> > > Thx again
> > > Rich
> > > 
> > > On Jul 29, 2018, at 0:31, Gary DeBock < d1028g...@comcast.net 
> > > mailto:d1028g...@comcast.net mailto:d1028g...@comcast.net 
> > > mailto:d1028g...@comcast.net > wrote:
> > > 
> > > 
> > > >> 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 < nrc...@googlegroups.com mailto:nrc...@googlegroups.com 
> > > > mailto:nrc...@googlegroups.com mailto:nrc...@googlegroups.com > wrote:
> > > > 
> > > >

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

[Chuck Hutton]

I will mention again that USPS does allow certain lithium batteries to be 
shipped.

USPS Publication 52 specifically deals with Lithium batteries.

It allows batteries to be shipped if they are installed in equipment.

It also allows batteries to be shipped depending on the power capability.

The battery in question (the standard 18650( would seem to qualify. To answer 
the question about availability. It is a widely used standard battery available 
from a zillion places.


Chuck






> On Jul 29, 2018, at 8:09 PM, Gary DeBock  wrote:
>
> Hi Again Rich,
>
> <<< I have heard that the lithium battery can't be shipped to the USA & is 
> tough to obtain as well.
> Does anyone know if this is the case? >>>
>
> The eBay seller "harelan.ecommerce" (offering the D-808 at the link below) 
> does include the 3.7v lithium-ion battery in the packages that he ships to 
> the USA (via Israel), despite any USPS regulations to the contrary. I have 
> received five D-808 packages from him, and all of them included the 3.7v 
> XHDATA lithium-ion battery.
>
> Please note that he ships the battery inside the radio with a paper tab 
> between the positive terminal and the radio's connector, however, so you will 
> need to remove this paper tab before you can charge the battery. He also 
> includes a USB connector cord to charge the radio from a computer, similar to 
> how you charge a cell phone. If you have an AC adapter plug with a slot for a 
> USB cable, you can also charge the battery via an AC outlet. It takes about 
> five hours for the battery to get a full charge this way. As reported 
> previously, the Lithium Ion battery has exceptional run time, providing a lot 
> of DXing hours on a single charge.
>
> 73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
>

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

[Brandon Jordan]

I ordered the XHDATA D-808 via eBay via Harelan Ecommerce on Sep 1, it finally 
shipped Oct 1 via Israel and arrived in my mail box today Oct 18. Was a bit 
concerned there for a while but glad it arrived. I have everything for Gary’s 
D-808 loopstick transplant and hope to have it finished this weekend.

As a too level Master Procrastinator, I also have all the parts for an as yet 
un-built FSL that I will work on also :)

> On Jul 29, 2018, at 8:09 PM, Gary DeBock  wrote:
> 
> Hi Again Rich,
> 
> <<< I have heard that the lithium battery can't be shipped to the USA & is 
> tough to obtain as well.
> Does anyone know if this is the case? >>>
> 
> The eBay seller "harelan.ecommerce" (offering the D-808 at the link below) 
> does include the 3.7v lithium-ion battery in the packages that he ships to 
> the USA (via Israel), despite any USPS regulations to the contrary. I have 
> received five D-808 packages from him, and all of them included the 3.7v 
> XHDATA lithium-ion battery.
> 
> Please note that he ships the battery inside the radio with a paper tab 
> between the positive terminal and the radio's connector, however, so you will 
> need to remove this paper tab before you can charge the battery. He also 
> includes a USB connector cord to charge the radio from a computer, similar to 
> how you charge a cell phone. If you have an AC adapter plug with a slot for a 
> USB cable, you can also charge the battery via an AC outlet. It takes about 
> five hours for the battery to get a full charge this way. As reported 
> previously, the Lithium Ion battery has exceptional run time, providing a lot 
> of DXing hours on a single charge.
> 
> 73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)
> 
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/XHDATA-D-808-Portable-Digital-Radio-FM-stereo-SW-MW-LW-SSB-RDS-Air-Band-LCD/263589135532?hash=item3d5f2304ac%3Ag%3AgzgAAOSwCBFaxd8G&_sacat=0&_nkw=XHDATA+D-808&_from=R40=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313
> 
> 
>> On July 29, 2018 at 2:11 PM fpeconsult...@aol.com wrote:
>> 
>>Hello again & thx for the info on the loop stick vs the Select A Tenna..
>>I have heard that the lithium battery can't be shipped to the USA & is 
>> tough to obtain as well.
>>Does anyone know if this is the case?
>>Thx again
>>Rich 
>> 
>>On Jul 29, 2018, at 0:31, Gary DeBock < d1028g...@comcast.net 
>> mailto:d1028g...@comcast.net > wrote:
>> 
>> 
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 < 
>> nrc...@googlegroups.com mailto:nrc...@googlegroups.com > 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"
> 
> 
> 

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

[Gary DeBock]

Hi Again Rich,

<<< I have heard that the lithium battery can't be shipped to the USA & is 
tough to obtain as well.
Does anyone know if this is the case? >>>

The eBay seller "harelan.ecommerce" (offering the D-808 at the link below) does 
include the 3.7v lithium-ion battery in the packages that he ships to the USA 
(via Israel), despite any USPS regulations to the contrary. I have received 
five D-808 packages from him, and all of them included the 3.7v XHDATA 
lithium-ion battery.

Please note that he ships the battery inside the radio with a paper tab between 
the positive terminal and the radio's connector, however, so you will need to 
remove this paper tab before you can charge the battery. He also includes a USB 
connector cord to charge the radio from a computer, similar to how you charge a 
cell phone. If you have an AC adapter plug with a slot for a USB cable, you can 
also charge the battery via an AC outlet. It takes about five hours for the 
battery to get a full charge this way. As reported previously, the Lithium Ion 
battery has exceptional run time, providing a lot of DXing hours on a single 
charge.

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

https://www.ebay.com/itm/XHDATA-D-808-Portable-Digital-Radio-FM-stereo-SW-MW-LW-SSB-RDS-Air-Band-LCD/263589135532?hash=item3d5f2304ac%3Ag%3AgzgAAOSwCBFaxd8G&_sacat=0&_nkw=XHDATA+D-808&_from=R40=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313


> On July 29, 2018 at 2:11 PM fpeconsult...@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Hello again & thx for the info on the loop stick vs the Select A Tenna.
> I have heard that the lithium battery can't be shipped to the USA & is 
> tough to obtain as well.
> Does anyone know if this is the case?
> Thx again
> Rich 
> 
> On Jul 29, 2018, at 0:31, Gary DeBock < d1028g...@comcast.net 
> mailto:d1028g...@comcast.net > wrote:
> 
> 
> > > 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 < 
> > nrc...@googlegroups.com mailto:nrc...@googlegroups.com > 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 
> > > 

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 
> > 

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"

[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 

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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