ATS25 Max-Decoder Ⅱ SW radio. The one with Bluetooth audio.

[@markwilliam3162]

It would be complete if air band was on this radio ,,, Cheers Fred another great video

[@m4rkb0y]

Great review Fred, thank you. Just spotted various incarnations of this on Amazon from £89 to £170

[@Chris-tx9ou]

you will be glad to have opened it up to find that screw - nice to see inside these units Gread video Fred

[@NJF60]

I had the same loose particle sound in mine. I took off the top cover and it was a little tiny black screw. I held on to it. I’m really surprised to see that you have the same loose particle sound!

[@Zadster]

Thanks for the view of the internals, its appreciated. I think I would be tightening up the other screws in there! It looks like it is another version of the Harduino Russian receiver. Very similar hardware to the Baofeng and UV5-R handhelds but with the SI4732 chip - which the handheld can be converted to use - and uprated LCD. The hardware design and firmware is Russian in origin. Just something to be aware of given current world events.

[@helifynoe9930]

On other ATS25 Max-Decoder Ⅱ videos, I see 40m selected, however as shown here in this video also, the closest match in selections is a 41m option. Just got my radio today, so I have a lot to learn yet.

[@Dawgs241]

Thanks for the video. Just ordered one of these for a decent price. Going to give it a try.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed I learn lot from you about bying quality cbs radios and antennas for cb radios and power supplys for cb radios my friend

[@JeffHineline-jq7ul]

I just bought the ATS20 before I knew about the newest ATS 25. I could not pickup anything but local FM commercial stations. Rather disappointing 😢. Thinking of shipping back to China getting the newest version of AST25 based on your review. Can you provide some links to connect to a reputable seller in the USA? Jeff WB8FWB

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Jeff. The link is in the description from Banggood who ship to the USA. Much will depend on your antenna for SW. You really need to stretch out a long wire. Like i did on the Raddy 919 video.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed your KZbin videos are awesome my friend

[@onceways]

Thanks Fred, enjoyed that a lot! Will be purchasing.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Kw1161]

Thanks Fred for another awesome video review. You can purchase a BT antenna cheaply and mount it to the back board outside your case with its connector hooked to the BT board. It should help with the electronic noise from the radio itself and extend the range for your headphones. 73! Have a great day!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

That's a great idea!

[@terrytartu]

I have the ARESQ-AQ1 which has the same display. Mine is pocket size so the speaker is tiny. However, It has an earphone outlet so can be connected by wire to a speaker and the sound is quite good. As I only have a short wire and the antenna it came with I am waiting to afford a loop antenna to really give it a good testing more than the occasional stuff I do presently. Like all your previous it came without a manual, I found a source on line though.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

This radio can really perform will a decent antenna. Every update seems to get better. The speaker in this version is an improvement.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed my hobbies are painting pictures 🖼 and listening to shortwave and ssb iam thinking about getting my Grms license my friend

[@richardmillican7733]

Painting??? But, you're a "Bot"

[@antonyhenson8969]

​@@richardmillican7733why do you say he is a bot

[@richardmillican7733]

@@antonyhenson8969 comments every video, exactly the same comments, mis spelt GMRS to Grms, states he is thinking of getting his Grms licence (every video). 1. Fred isn't spelt Frid 2. GRMS is ONLY American 3. His comments are identical every video. Or... He's a Dyslexic lost American who repeats everything!! 😂😂

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed your new ATS 25 max Decoder 2 shortwave receiver with ssb latest version with Bluetooth and audio is awesome my friend

[@nicksharpe74]

I really enjoyed your review of ATS25 Max Decoder II and shared your thoughts with no FM mode for 27 MHz CB , loose screw but great modes of operation and well constructed. I see that Banggood is now advertising/offering the ATS25Pro+ Airband Radio Receiver Bluetooth 2.4-inch Touchscreen 4000 mAh Battery FM LW MW SW SSB 64-108 MHz RDSBNC Interface - Black. Any plans to review it and see if it performs just as well as the Max Decoder II? Interested in your thoughts on the Airband, can you get the FM mode to work on CB and Airband

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Yes i will prob get around to it in the new year. With air dband what you need is a very quick scanning rate as the coms are normally over in just a few seconds. I am not sure that the 25's can scan fast enough.

[@petrok1rp254]

Be careful as the VHF NFM does not work properly on Pro+Air and it has no longer some digi modes as same as no longer Hi-Z available… so think about right choice! If you want properly working LNA+Hi-Z+50Ohms opt. then look for AMP ver. If you want all digi modes available them look for maxDecoderII, if you want Air band and somehow VHF NFM them you need Pro+Air …but you can not have all together! With each new version you will lose some features from the previous version. That is chinese typical…! Good luck!

[@sutitigi]

Nice radio 56ct004 Glenn

[@alanslade2319]

Nice one FRED BLUE BLUETOOTH WASN'T ALL THAT ,and I didn't see any stereo going on inside that, like they said in the owners menu, which you actually get one.cheers mate, one little thing skip is started to roll in.and DELBOY PUT SOUTH AFRICA CAPE TOWN ON KZbin EARLIER, WOW.TAKE CARE MATE AND SEE YOU SOON ALAN FROM LUTON 💯👍

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Cheers Alan. All ive heard today is Italy Italy and Italy.

[@carlosalbertosousa4774]

Quanta besteira

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

G'day Fred. Very tasty these little guys, not bad at all👍. Toss the Bluetooth. That will improve your desense and audio issues. Better shielding over the digital areas, around the sides and back of the display. Should be coax from the encoder to pcb. All Case to pcb leads should have some type of RF, EMI, trap, like ferrite bead or ring, etc. A DC ground connector would be nice. They're gettin' there, hi 90's imo. Cheers.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks for the tip

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

@CB-RADIO-UK Apologies Fred.! Didn't realize I'd gone down the rabbit hole so far. Feel free to delete it. Sorry mate.

[@cbrmac]

Excellent review as always fred....when are you planning the loft extension to house your ever expanding stores ? ...best wishes Mac

[@welshbay]

Hi Fred just recently bought the ATS25X2 wondered if you could do a comprehensive antenna review for SW please

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Ive tested a few starting from a very cheap £13 youloop. Have a look at these. kzbin.info/www/bejne/opq1hoJ7j8mjfas kzbin.info/www/bejne/b33Hf4looZKKick kzbin.info/www/bejne/a52yhpJ3rbKpp8U kzbin.info/www/bejne/paLdiWOPbp1merc

[@welshbay]

@@CB-RADIO-UK looks decent that loop, ill see how this one is ive bought then get an end fed I think for the garden cheers Fred

[@ZhenyaTyoma]

I would like to buy one but lack of AirBand the only that stops will use my ugly connected SDRPlay

[@petrok1rp254]

LNA - Low Noise Amplifier I believe …not “antenna” right?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

You are correct

[@ronleblanc9832]

nice radio but maybe next version with fm in cb band would be the one to get

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yep

[@petrok1rp254]

…and you will loose some of features from this version!

[@LeighOddie]

wish they would put the ON button on the front .. pain in the arse when its inset in to a unit

[@suptrto]

Fred, have you made a video for the max decoderII on the wifi software/firmware update, Regards Kenny

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Kenny no mate ive not.

[@shayneeasterling7455]

Fred could you give your opinion on the malahit dsp2. It is a little more costly. Thanks really enjoy your honest opinions and reviews.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Yes ive seen that radio. If i ever get one i will give it a full test.

[@chrisram3367]

Nice video Do you think it possible to activate the airband since there is a button for that

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I am not sure. I will say that the scanning wont be fast enough fro airband.

[@petrok1rp254]

NO! Another SI5351 chip is needed on board!

[@alexchin2286]

Hello Fred. I have a ATS25 max decoder and I am unable to hear both Ham operators talking on SSB USB or LSB. Should I turn off the BFO? How do I tune so that I can hear both parties Currently, I am only able to hear one operator. I am puzzled and hope you can suggest some solutions. Thanks Fred

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Rough tune to the freqs they are using. The voices with be either high or low. Use the bfo to bring them to a normal pitch. If you cannot then either you are in the wrong mode AM FM LSB USB etc or your antenna is very much out of tune for that freq.

[@frankiejkh1]

is there a firmware update for this radio and at some point will it be able to receive 2 mtrs

[@petrok1rp254]

No, SI5153 chip need to be assembled. See version Pro+Air but this one has no longer Hi-Z and some digi modes…

[@romanmelnyk-ve2rmj979]

Sorry for asking but how do you get the waterfall display, I have read the manual on 4,2 air which I purchased but can not get a way to display the waterfall, can someone give me a hand on that.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I think the SCAN button turns it on. See this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4G9qZqEbLBgmac

[@petrok1rp254]

Waterfall is audio only. So its useless.

[@MarkGee-os1hp]

Hi Fred great video, only problem I have is i want an ATS but with so many in the market I can’t make my mind up whether to have the AMP or Max decoder 1 or 2. Your thoughts view would be appreciated cheers

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Yes its hard as they pretty much do the same thing. The AMP version has been designed to work with LNA (amp antennas) and HiZ (large wire antenna) but the Decoder 2 has bluetooth audio. However the Decoder 2 also supports LNA and Hiz. Both do CW and digi data. Not that much between them.

[@MarkGee-os1hp]

@@CB-RADIO-UK thanks Fred, my only other issue is I saw how difficult it was to update the firmware. Shame it does not update via the WiFi antenna the radio has .

[@ClickinChicken]

What's pigeon English mate? lol You said, 'I haven't checked if it's pigeon English.'. It's a salt shaker too! LOL. I'm being naughty. Memory settings Earth... not found.. Lol Seriously, I like the product, you can just scan and listen, analyze for stations, or callers. 🤪👍 always interesting Fred!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi bud. What i meant by pigeon English is a simple version of English when much gets lost in the translation.

[@crosleyfiver000destruct0]

Hello Fred, can you tell me how to turn off the mute so I can listen for weak stations. It will un mute on ham bands but not other wise, want it off all the time. Thanks for any help. Bryan In El Paso

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I will have a look over the weekend and if i find it i will get back to you.

[@patrickkerns2022]

they have 2 versions max decoder and new max decoder II what the difference .decoder II has manual and different stylus not sure if performance is same thanks

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yeah i know. See your other comment.

[@Sui778]

Is there any real difference between this and the AMP version besides the higher battery capacity and bluetooth?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No performs about the same.

[@Sui778]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Kinda what I suspected - thanks for confirming that. I'll probably just go with the AMP version.

[@pedronewtonpascal]

Does the date and time on the device reset to zero when you turn off and turn on the radio?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No mine remembers.

[@shanebearham4646]

Having a 'rattle' inside, I would NOT have, in any way, powered up until investigating. How lucky the screw did not short something out...

[@george-ev1dq]

Shame these units have no output for a bigger screen

[@hunterdixonrickthewalkingd6567]

Or was connected to the computer .. will be cool

[@kens5871]

Isn’t the point of this to have a all in one solution? If you want a pc you have sdrplay and whole other host of options.

[@Stuart.87]

And you copy all of that just with this telescopic antenna and indoor ?!!! Or you plugged in another external antenna ?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Used a homebased CB antenna on the house.

[@Stuart.87]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Ok. I will buy the ats 20 and if the results are encouraging with the built in antenna I will buy the ats 25 max and I will plug external antenna wich match each specific bands.

[@petersmits6951]

Hi Friend what is the difference between the ATS25 x2 the ATS25 Max-Decoder the ATS25 Max-Decoder Ⅱ and the ATS25 Max amp what one has the most features and has the less screen noise. i have the very first one but returned it cause the screen noise was unbearable when it was out in the field thank you

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Other than Bluetooth they are pretty much all the same radio.

[@jma8352]

can you send audio to bluetooth speaker?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes that should work.

[@magicwoody]

Hi, got this version a few days ago. When tapping LNA all my signals went down 4 S Units, guessing the circuit or chip, a bga427 isn't working. Bought on Amaz.. and now discuss with the seller for replacement cause I don't want to send back to China from out of my pocket. Can you use check your LNA and maybe make a video? 73

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I dont really use LNA antennas but i would have thought that the signal would on the radio drop to allow for increase in gain from the amp in the LNA with the idea being you receive less noise ?

[@magicwoody]

Ah Hot rallye. Weak signals should be amplified, when lna is Switches on, no signals anymore

[@petrok1rp254]

Unfortunately it is known that LNA and Hi-Z does not work properly on this ver. Last working ver. with these was AMP ver. Sorry.

[@kempo4359]

I’ve got one but when connected to the internet the time is 1 hour out? Any idea on how to change that??

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No sorry ive not used the connection

[@Z3n1tHL0rD]

Doubles as a baby rattle :P

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

😆

[@miker8379]

No waterfall right?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Sort of has one but not full screen.

[@magicwoody]

It's only audio fft, unfortunately not a band fft

[@cliffbriggs8180]

What happened to the second speaker

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Not there.

[@barryzoll9772]

Mine reboots when tuning mostly on MW. Any thoughts?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No not really. There is a update on the Firmware you could try.

[@barryzoll9772]

@@CB-RADIO-UK I think I figured it out. I had just received the unit and hadn’t charged it yet so I charged it overnight and so far it hasn’t done that again. Thank you for your response.

[@Homer19521]

Does this replace the AMP version?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No they sell alongside.

[@petrok1rp254]

No! This one does not work properly with LNA and Hi-Z as many owners reported.

[@Wandeling-Bernardus]

Nice men

[@AlfredoC-j4g]

What is the use of wifi on this thing?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Its to lock the internal timer to a wifi clock for data.

[@joonglegamer9898]

@@CB-RADIO-UK You can also tune to FM with RDS on, some stations transmit clock data, and then you'll be able to use FT8 with it if you ain't got wifi available.

[@fjdkfdfjdf33]

Any app for remote control?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Not on this model.

[@nada-eur]

A radio called DECODER II and the reviewer is not even slightly interested in what actual, exact decoders there are built in that thing? Well, I am not impressed.

[@joonglegamer9898]

It decodes RDS data, clock data, RTTY, CW, FT8, FT4, Hellschreiber for now. It seems to have future expansions for AIR, SSTV etc. so it will be fun to see what they come up with later. The CW and RTTY decoders are quite excellent.

[@nada-eur]

@@joonglegamer9898 Many thanks. I had hoped for NAVTEX, DSC and WSPR, but thanks for the update.

[@VOLKZZORN]

No FM this Go better !

[@sarcasticcrypto]

It has FM . . . 10.14 when you touched "NEXT" on the right side from top to bottom of Buttons, RDS - ➡FM - RETRO- I don't know diddly squat about a "decoder radio", looks like I should dive into what they are. maybe, I see a very negative comment . . . heap of junk . . .

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Yes it has FM RDS broadcast radio but no FM 11 meters receive.

[@timwarley3350]

This or the quosden can't decide

[@petrok1rp254]

If you do not need any digi mode decoders and you do not need Air band then Quodosen! It is amazing on rest.

[@Perthshire]

Your QTH must be full of these Chinese freebies.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

You need to watch Fred 2 for that.

[@Subgunman]

Owners manuals are great if not written in chinglish.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yep.

[@AdamDeal-KF0PRI]

with bluetooth its not ment for blow your brains out audio unless its a stereo reciever! like with bluetooth speakers and head phones there set low to keep from harming your hearing!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Makes sense.

[@dont4450]

AFTER E UNITS, I'M DONE. THEY COULD HAVE BEEN FUN, BUT THE WIFI ON ALL 3 WAS BAD.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

E ? do you mean 3 ? TBH ive never tested the wifi as data is not my thing.

[@dont4450]

@@CB-RADIO-UK yes, sorry 3 units.

[@ReefMimic]

4:38 lol classic clone

[@knifeswitch5973]

Steaming pile of doo-doo. Love how it tries to blow the speaker when changing modes. Encoder has more slop than a pig trough. Couldn’t pick up a breeze with a MLA30+ while my PL330 sang away with the stock antenna. I have a real radio (7300) and I realize the price point blah blah blah but these units are a joke. Probably not good for the hobby at all. Guy/gal wants to get their feet wet so they drop 100+ bones on one of these and generally walk away deflated. BTW my try at one of these was the ATS25+.

[@spreadgeorgia]

What would you suggest for a person wanting to get into listening? Something that will keep me from upgrading right away. Thanks. I am a cb guy. Siltronics 1011D, PDL 2, old school for skip.

[@spreadgeorgia]

What would you suggest for a person wanting to get into listening? Something that will keep me from upgrading right away. Thanks.

[@knifeswitch5973]

@@spreadgeorgia I have one of the mid-range Tecsun’s I use for bedside and sitting out in the yard by the fire at night. It’s a respectable radio. Does ok on the MLA30 and even better on a long wire with a cheap balun. It has side-band which is great. Rechargeable battery with pretty good playtime. 1/8th inch antenna jack. One thing I don’t enjoy is the muting circuit between steps. I could do without it. The scan/memory function has a bit of a learning curve but it’s direct keypad entry too. My model is the PL330. It seems Tecsun is releasing some new models currently/soon. I’d buy another for sure. Mine was well worth the $80. I tell ya though knowing you hit the 11 meter band (I do too), I’m really happy with my IC7300. I ordered it with a MARS5 mod so I can TX on the beloved 11m band and it makes one HELL of a HF/SW receiver. That waterfall is a godsend to SW listeners. I don’t have my ticket yet so I just lurk on the ham bands. 73’s

[@spreadgeorgia]

@@knifeswitch5973 This is the best information I have received. I will try to get the PL330. I am about 70 and my Son is 40, and he is finally getting interested in CB and HAM. Hopefully we can spend some good time together. Thank You So Much!

[@MikeMike-wc8on]

​@@spreadgeorgiasome Tecsun or XHDATA D808, which is a very good performer.

[@theDaftman]

sorry lost interest @ no FM

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes they REALLY need CB FM.

[@magicwoody]

Yeah fm is needed

[@richardmillican7733]

@@Greg-et2dp whats a Grms licence? It needs thinking about getting?? Its not a GMRS then? Thats American and takes 35 dollars and no thinking about!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ReefMimic]

It ain’t that great. Instructions were useless and didn’t go in depth about most the settings. You’ll need a external antenna to receive anything besides fm

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. In truth ive already been through most of the settings on prev videos on this radio. Just look back on the channel. My other 25's came without any instructions so this is a big improvement.

[@scaramonga]

This heap of junk picks up nothing, on my unit anyway? Tried 'loops', everything. My Tecsun, and cheap A-Data, pick up more from their standard antenna. So much noise this unit picks up, and on 4.2 firmware. It's awful. Maybe I drew the 'short straw'? Tried battery power on loop and unit, same, unless I'm missing something? Not user friendly either. FM works, lol, so.

[@richardmillican7733]

Im more and more convinced that " @Greg-et2dp " is a 'Bot' Sorry Frid!😂 Id reply directly but that'd be @@Greg-et2dp and I'm pretty sure "@" cant be a KZbin user name, because it'd reek havoc in live chats!! Yup... he's definitely a "Bot"

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Bot or not a Bot

[@Zadster]

No idea, might just be someone on the autism spectrum.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes i thought that but there is never any follow up and always the FRID thing.

[@richardmillican7733]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Frid in the Shid... maybe hes south African 😂