ATS25 Max Decoder 2. This tiny Radio is PACKED with features.

[@jacktaylor3001]

I have the ATS25X1 and could not be happier. Apparently you can upgrade the software and get the MAX's digital features too. Put this on an MLA-30+ and I get everything. Having the right antenna nearly triples the stations you can receive with this radio. I would honestly recommend this as a beginner radio for anyone interested in getting in to short wave listening.

[@FarpointFarms]

It is certainly packed with features! I still haven't figured it all out.

[@jonathanfauver7395]

Would these be a better choice over the tecsun pll 880?

[@jacktaylor3001]

@@jonathanfauver7395 Possibly. I picked these because everything is there. Personally I prefer a desktop with buttons and knobs etc. but to understanding function? AST25 series is great.

[@jacktaylor3001]

@@jonathanfauver7395 I would choose this because for the price, it introduces you to so many features at once. It's got it all. SDRs are rather fragile to a degree, certainly more than your average Tecsun which from what I hear are solid radios.

[@MatWolk]

Yes you can upgrade the software and get new features, but in some cases, you'll also have to upgrade the hardware (wifi and bluetooth module, decoder module...)

[@NJF60]

Just received mine a couple weeks ago from BangGood. It’s my first ATS 25 type of receiver and it is loaded with features. Experiment with decent antennas or long wire antenna to get the full package of reception. MW does need an antenna since of course there is no internal ferrite bar. Interesting little radio, I’m still exploring all it has to offer. But remember, antenna is KEY with this receiver.

[@FarpointFarms]

I agree that the antenna can make or break this.

[@boopernator]

@@FarpointFarms As a total novice to radios like this, I did purchase the non Bluetooth version. Everyone comments on using a different antenna, but can you recommend one for me? Possibly provide a link to one? Thank you.

[@Wrang15]

Most simple is a long wire if you have the room. Use and alligator clip on the stock one. I have a two hundred foot long wire. Work's good late at night.... Day time it's brining in too much noise... I am very rural too. So rural cell phones are unless.

[@dronepilotflyby9481]

That’s a very good price for what you get. I built a hobby version of a receiver using a Raspberry Pi computer, receiver board, mini screen and battery pack. It was close to the price of that and nowhere near as slick an interface as it has.

[@FarpointFarms]

Good point! For a hobby radio, it's pretty cheap!

[@mark_osborne]

Just love your videos, the intro, the name of your channel lol, don't ever change the channel name it cracks me up. I have one of you coffee cups with the little garden tractor, I laugh to myself every morning when I pick it up - priceless, and your product reviews are the best !!!

[@audiophileman7047]

You're a true fan. 👍👍👍

[@jacktaylor3001]

I have the "Bring Back CB Radio" mug. Still brings me joy to own it!

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks so much!! I'll keep chugging along until KZbin spits me out. Heck I might even see 100,000 subs this year!

[@knifeswitch5973]

Thought I would get some use out of one of these. First one to arrive was DOA. Second one to show up had serious encoder problems, Third one to darken my doorstep couldn’t even pick up a breeze with a MLA30. If you want an SDR, get a real SDR. These make good toys if you can get one that works.

[@FarpointFarms]

I won't disagree. These are hobby type radios. Toys compared to actual radios.

[@knifeswitch5973]

@@FarpointFarms Which in hindsight can be good for getting the younger generation exposure to wireless tech at a price point they can afford.. I’ve had hits and misses with a lot of these products. I have an old malachite SDR that still serves as a portable spectrum scope and it’s been handy. Audio on that device is an abomination. Not a lot of choices for stand-alone smaller SDRs without dropping 6 or 7 hundred so I thought I’d give these a shot. I have a Tecsun PL330 which is a great SW radio but limited in its DSP flexibility. Just can’t quite bring myself to drag my ic-7300 out into the woods with me 😉 cheers

[@Archtops]

I have one arriving tomorrow.

[@FarpointFarms]

Enjoy it!

[@Archtops]

@@FarpointFarms Thank you sir!

[@thestonerguy5276]

I would have liked to have seen how well it decodes FT8 and CW, otherwise, seeing the various functions was nice. Thanks for the video.

[@FarpointFarms]

I was forced by the maker to rush the video. I needed at least another 3 weeks to really get to know the radio but was pushed by the manufacture to put out a video that wasn't up to my standards. Sorry!

[@audiophileman7047]

@@FarpointFarms Maybe a Part 2 for the people who are getting excited about this radio?

[@chickenbender01]

its a great improvement i have the ats 20+ this add at least extra +++ to the ats now 73s.

[@FarpointFarms]

Oh yes, it's miles better than the 20+ for sure!

[@dooronron69]

Just bought this after watching your video, 😊

[@FarpointFarms]

Good choice! You will have to let me know what you think

[@audiophileman7047]

With the exception of the tuning knob, it seems to be more like a phone or a tablet than a radio. Maybe I'm just more old school. I'm actually thinking about buying a Drake R8 (R8A or R8B) series radio but probably the R8B. Then I'll just grab the signals from the sky like stars from the sky. 💪👊

[@FarpointFarms]

I can see your point on being like a phone. Lots of sections at the touch of a button

[@gerbenposthumus8878]

I have ordered this radio but i have heard that it isn't possible to listen to the airband and that is a bit disappointing for me.

[@FarpointFarms]

Sorry to hear that

[@KTS-UK]

Hey there! Great review, I am in the UK and as a result of your review I bought one. It just arrived today. I managed to connect the wifi but could not find a way of updating it. I tried to follow the firmware update guide on their site but it is outdated. Mine came with firmware build 4.17 air beta and I know there is a new one out. Is there a guide to updating anywhere? Thanks so much!

[@FarpointFarms]

I am not sure if there is any other instructions on how to update. Sorry.

[@Notpublished]

Hey, just saw your channel, what part of NC are you in? My area doesn’t appear to have a Ham repeater, looking for other options. Thks

[@FarpointFarms]

Western NC, in the Mountain

[@Notpublished]

@@FarpointFarms oh wow, what repeater are you using?

[@Rareed63]

Most of those Lids on 40 meters came from the Chicken Band

[@FarpointFarms]

We can say that, but honestly those are home grown Hams that have lost their way.

[@michaelscott2592]

May have missed it but does it have 2 meter nfm. Thanks

[@FarpointFarms]

No, This one does not.

[@pumper34x]

Have you searched/scanned for it (radio wifi) with your cell wifi? My radio shows up on my cell and asks for a password. Ever come across that?

[@FarpointFarms]

Not that I can recall- Next time I use it, I will take a look

[@pumper34x]

@FarpointFarms did some digging. In the info list, "esp32 firmware", at the bottom it says, "AP: H-RADIO pass: harduion /on" obviously if you have it turned on. I haven't tried connect to a tablet or anything yet. Could be interesting.

[@1drdiesel]

Ats25 max decoder ll and the ats25 amp. What's the difference between the two

[@FarpointFarms]

No idea. It may just be the software package.

[@billkyle693]

I have the first version of the ATS25 and it has terrible screen noise interference which caused me to put it on the shelf. I think you covered that in your initial review. Does this new one have the same issue or has that been resolved?

[@FarpointFarms]

It's better. Not perfect, but better.

[@MatWolk]

pay attention to the volume setting and screen lighting. Too much light can lead to more noise. Too much volume can result in an amplification of the noise (whenever my volume setting is above 40 on ATS25 max decoder, I get a lot more noise that I can visualize on the waterfall display).

[@kcstafford2784]

Why would they put the power switch and head phone jack on the back???

[@FarpointFarms]

Good question!

[@Danimalanimal258]

Where can we find that to buy? That might be a good prepper video

[@audiophileman7047]

He has an Amazon link in the description under the video.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks for answering that question.

[@letsroll404]

Better than upgrading to bigger screen would be the capability to mirror to external monitor or PC...

[@FarpointFarms]

that would be a great thing

[@CrazyMike2]

Now that’s a radio I could spend my money on if I had any extra money

[@FarpointFarms]

It's an interesting device for sure. My poor vision did have a hard time reading things unless I was right up on it.

[@CrazyMike2]

@@FarpointFarms I have the same problem with my tinysa and my nanovna. Too much info for such a small screen but I could never justify spending the money for the ones with bigger displays when it just a hobby and I’m happy there are options out there I afford

[@gregchabot7160]

Is the wifi for picking up stations via Internet?

[@FarpointFarms]

No, only for updates.

[@gregchabot7160]

@@FarpointFarms Thank you

[@sc00zy]

And decoding.

[@ocsrc]

Does it decode Phase 2 digital P25 700 trunked systems and DMR ?

[@FarpointFarms]

No idea. I'll be honest here and say that even after weeks of playing with it, Most of it remains a mystery.

[@Wrang15]

No it's not a scanner. It can't even pick up mhz ranges. I wish it did weather radio where I am 160mhz range.

[@rectify2003]

Whats the song name at the beginning please? I recently subscribed

[@FarpointFarms]

That's "The Official Farpoint Farms Theme Song".

[@rectify2003]

@@FarpointFarms Where can I get the Full version and find out who sung it, please?

[@cariboooutlaw4852]

​@@rectify2003the full version of the song is on a previous video below from a couple of years ago. You'll have to scroll down quite a bit to find that video.

[@rectify2003]

@@cariboooutlaw4852 Thanks

[@alexkanavos6470]

You said that it has a decoder for digital modes. Does that include Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM)? Also, does it have noise reduction like other makes and models of self-contained software defined radios do?

[@FarpointFarms]

No and No. Sorry!

[@gambiarra1607]

Tenho o modelo AMP e não consigo atualizar o firmware

[@FarpointFarms]

Sorry to hear that. I never bother to update mine as it seems to work fine as is.

[@Colibrimaus]

i think the Version ATS-25 AMP is newer than yours Max Decoder II

[@FarpointFarms]

Good to know!

[@sc00zy]

Max Decoder II is the latest one for the moment, soon in spring the VHF/UHF version will release.

[@bowmans2062]

I thought this was supposed to tune down to 10khz?

[@FarpointFarms]

Hmm. Not sure. I found the interface to be a bit of a pain.

[@ronburden3622]

I’m looking for a safe place to purchase this radio. Don’t want a clone.

[@FarpointFarms]

I didn't know they make clones. This one was from Amazon.

[@ocsrc]

Does it have a discriminator output ?

[@FarpointFarms]

Not sure. I found it to be a nice unit, but couldn't get a lot of it to work right. I feel like that is on me, but I wish I had figured out some of it's secrets. The company that sent it to me got butt hurt that it was taking to long for me to put the video out so I gave up.

[@nada-eur]

Scan in this radio is not scan, but frequency SEARCH. It still doesn't seem to do memory scan which is pity. When you review a radio whose part of it's name is DECODER II, why is the decoder part of the radio totally neglected? I know what decoders was built into the previous model, so how about this one? What exact decoders are actually implemented in this new unit? Seems none of the ATS25 reviewers have the slightest interest in what is hidden behind it's model name.

[@FarpointFarms]

I found the "decode" part of this radio to be pure trash. That is why I skipped it. I couldn't get it to do anything of value. Not even morse code.

[@tomwold8269]

That antenna looks pretty long

[@FarpointFarms]

2.5 feet I think.

[@DZX5000]

as much as i was hoping it would be awesome, it seems to be a pile of junk. 😂🤣 good video though, thx.

[@FarpointFarms]

Sorry

[@eddiefromglasgow]

its much cheaper on ebay

[@FarpointFarms]

It can be, I tend to shop around when I am looking to buy stuff.

[@JeffStadt]

I just do not understand that the review our has no understanding of the device 😅

[@FarpointFarms]

I was forced by the maker of this device to rush the video. I needed another 2 or 3 weeks to really get a feel for it, but was pressured to release a video before I was ready. This is the result of manufactures attempting to dictate the terms of a review.

[@KTS-UK]

Hey there! Great review, I am in the UK and as a result of your review I bought one. It just arrived today. I managed to connect the wifi but could not find a way of updating it. I tried to follow the firmware update guide on their site but it is outdated. Mine came with firmware build 4.17 air beta and I know there is a new one out. Is there a guide to updating anywhere? Thanks so much!

[@FarpointFarms]

I am not sure if there is any other instructions on how to update. Sorry.

[@sc00zy]

Yes, there is an easy to upgrade video on YT to do it.