Belka DX DSP shortwave receiver: unboxing and first switch-on

Hi there, following many excellent reviews, I took the plunge and bought the Belka DX DSP receiver. What an absolute bargain when you compare the price to other SW portables. Here is the unboxing and first power up.
More videos to come.
Thanks for watching.
Keep safe & 73

[@draff1662]

Hi Clint. I just purchased the latest version of this radio. I was worried that it would be difficult to use, however, I was quite surprised that I figured it out on my own without looking at the instructions in a few minutes. I’m impressed with it on the whip alone - I’m not in a great area for reception but the Belka DX easily met or exceeded any of my other radios. I have to run along wire and I can’t wait to hear how it does- I read it shines on long wires. Anyhow I’m impressed. I bought it based on viewing your videos and receptions and so far really enjoying this. You do a lot of good documenting your receivers. Next I’m thinking of getting a FRG-7 because I want an old school tabletop. Thanks, Clint for your invaluable channel!

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Great stuff my friend! Don't hesitate if you find an FRG-7 - it's just immense! Keep safe and 73!

[@hdofu]

I have the predecessor model and I have to say its one of the most intuitive to use Radios I've ever used, it was like I knew how to do pratcially everything right away just because the way it was programmed made sense, The creator, whose a really nice communicative guy, has to be a genius to have pretty much designed this to be the ultimate portable HF receiver.

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Agree with you - he's a clever chap for sure! 73

[@Harvestersz]

I love this radio. I'm always amazed at how well it receives with the included whip. So many things done right that I hope the designer goes on to release other radios.

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Totally agree! It's an amazing little radio. 73

[@WA4OSH]

I ordered my Squirrel (белка, Belka-DX) a couple of months ago. However, there was a delay in fulfilling the order due to a shortage of chips. I patiently waited and received mine yesterday. I bought the speakerless version and am driving skull candy earbuds and get plenty of receive audio. If I want big audio, I play it into an amplified speaker. The radio and the antenna weigh 146g -- perfect for backpacking. Still, the receiver is much more sensitive than my C.Crane Skywave that's twice the size and weight. Tuning the radio with the four buttons and the knob is more than intuitive and the LCD screen is very legible. It has six modes: CW (usb), LSB, USB, AM1 (envelope), AM2 (pseudo-synchronous) and NFM and covers 1.5-31MHz. Sensitivity is adjustable. On the right side, there's an IQ output that can feed a waterfall program. I sure wish it covered the lower half of the medium wave broadcast band (525-1500kHz). 4 1/2* de WA4OSH

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Thanks for your thoughts on the Belka! 73

[@Radio_Activity]

I picked up a Greek pirate on MW with mine last night. Uploaded earlier. Looking forward to seeing what you do with yours. As you know I think this is a brilliant radio. I'm not sure if the manual mentions it but you can make huge sweeps of the spectrum by pressing in and holding the knob while turning. I also set up the bands in the memory slots but I find the above method so efficient I rarely use them.

[@digitalmediafan]

What frequency was that? I've heard one right up on 1760 a few weeks back

[@Radio_Activity]

@@digitalmediafan It was on 1700 kHz.

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

I heard one on 1660 kHz the other night. I wasn't aware of the scanning option - thanks! 73

[@Digi4u]

Thanks for this video Clint. I also became quite excited about this little radio after seeing lots of video's and reading all those positive reviews. So I ordered mine about 2 weeks ago and still waiting. Looking forward to your following video's ! Have fun with it....73 ! Patrick, ON4CDJ

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Hi there Patrick, congrats on your new radio! I hope it arrives soon! More videos to come after the weekend update. Keep safe and 73!

[@Kw1161]

I see it tunes like my CommRadio CR1A. BTW. I realize your hands were so big. Radio looks like a winner to me. Another great video! 73.

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Lol thanks! Yes my huge hands not a tiny radio! ;-) 73!

[@Kw1161]

@@OxfordShortwaveLog I picked one up based on your video, it's a winner 😀

[@tonystephen6312]

I would be using it with homebrew cw txs - but would have to work out the rx muting and frontend protection with separate tx's

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Thanks for your comments Tony. 73

[@alan4441]

Just ordered my one today 👍

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Great news Alan! You won't be disappointed! 73

[@Radio_Activity]

They seem to be selling like hot cakes. Hope you enjoy it Alan. After a little while it becomes a very intuitive radio to operate.

[@alan4441]

@@OxfordShortwaveLog Cheers Clint. I literally knew nothing about this receiver until I saw your unboxing video. Thanks for introducing me to it 😃👍

[@alan4441]

@@Radio_Activity Cheers 🥂 Really looking forward to getting my hands on it 😃👍

[@shortwavelisteningforbegin418]

An interesting looking piece of kit.🐻🤗👍

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Thanks and yes! 73

[@Chriswilliams-lx9mx]

I’ve just ordered one of these off the back of your vids any recommendations for an antenna for portable use?all the best 👍

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Great, Chris! I've not gone portable with mine - but I would suggest 20 or 30 feet of wire...

[@Chriswilliams-lx9mx]

@@OxfordShortwaveLog cheers for the reply I was thinking on similar lines regarding a bit of wire all the best 👍

[@Bulletguy07]

I've been considering buying one of these little radios. As we now have to pay Custom fees thanks to Brexit, how much did they charge?

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

I can't remember but it wasn't much. Go for it!

[@ianharling9569]

Such a shame it doesn't do below 1500 KHz.Im into the vlf frequencies.Thanks for the review Clint. 73 Ian G7HFS/PA3IKH

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

I agree Ian, but it's still quite an amazing little radio. 73!

[@ianharling9569]

@@OxfordShortwaveLog i think I'm going to have to get one!☺.......73

[@moshiurrahmanmeraj6640]

Enjoy it . What is the price of its👍👍👍.

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Thanks! 158 Euros is the list price. 73

[@digitalmediafan]

Hmm touch expensive and no MW ?

[@Radio_Activity]

Personally I think it's a bargain in terms of performance. Probably the best SW radio I've ever owned. It's probably not for everyone though.

[@raydowley1038]

bought mine direct from the factory, the one without the speaker £97 all in. MW see the post above yours

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

I got a bit of a discount but I think it's well worth the price - as a function of performance at least. 73!

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Thanks Ray. 73

[@hpvspeedmachine4183]

Is it possible use the same antenna on a xhdata?

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Yes with a 3.5mm to BNC adaptor

[@hpvspeedmachine4183]

@@OxfordShortwaveLog Thank you, I have seen in Amazon a "FM Radio Antenna, Ancable Indoor FM Telescopic Antenna 75 Ohm F Type Male Plug Connector". Would this be OK for the xhdata?

[@ditto1958]

They don’t seem to be available now.

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

That's a shame - a great little radio.

[@amdakal]

How do you wish I want to buy one? I am from Morocco, how can I get it?

[@jimgordon1563]

Hi Clint, many thanks for this. I find this radio quite interesting but is it better than the R108 or the SW100. I'm looking forward to further videos from you with it. Incidentally, I'm pleased to see that your rubber band (mk 1) battery door holder on the SW100 is still holding up! I haven't had to copy you yet but its only a matter of time...73s and GDX: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joW7d5qJZtR6jaM

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Hi there Jim, glad to hear the battery door on the SW-100 is holding up! The Belka is superb and being able to plug a Wellbrook into it is a massive advantage. Keep watching the videos Sir and make you own mind up - I think you'll be impressed as someone who appreciates portable radios. 73!

[@jimgordon1563]

@@OxfordShortwaveLog Your are right Clint. My main prob is my interference ridden home. What I want to do is wait until the Belka has a proper telescopic antenna and internal speaker so I can take it for walkies outside. 73s and GDX.

[@pdoyle2]

How much is the one with the speaker, did you pay any import taxes and do you have a link to were it can be purchased

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

I'm not going to say how much I paid but it's worth the price. Just Google it and click 'shopping' 73

[@owen8137]

Do you think this receiver is any better than the malachit dsp?

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

I'm not sure if it's better than the original - I only have a clone and it's much better than that. 73

[@aeron-mw7ofs]

Great stuff 👍

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Thank you! 73

[@6643bear]

Hi, nice video, looks to be well designed and built, sensitivity sound good to . 73s de g8rde mark

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Definitely, Mark. Thanks and 73

[@6643bear]

@@OxfordShortwaveLog hi thanks for reply I would live to get the rxer in my tf test set to see it’s performance. Thanks mark

[@killmimes]

How much did it cost?

[@bestestimesreborn]

Audio output.? Headphone Jack?

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Yes!

[@bestestimesreborn]

@@OxfordShortwaveLog thanks

[@originalpickaxe]

Where do you get one of these??

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Googe it and click 'shopping'...first link. 73

[@Ronin-Tongor]

Привет. Ждем , сравнения с Панасоником пока ты его не продал)))

[@OxfordShortwaveLog]

Hi there, I am planning to sell my Panasonic RF-B65. If I get time I will do some comparisons with the ICF-2001D etc. 73!

[@laxminarayanar.laxminaraya8276]

Sir rete