CHOYONG LC90 Smart Shortwave Radio. Is it time for the FUTURE ?

[@SolitaryWolf]

Thank you so much! Your video could not have come at a better time for me. I just got mine a few days ago and have been poking around with the buttons. The owners manual is not comprehensive enough for me. But between your video and a few others on KZbin I’ve been able to get quite a bit of satisfaction out of this radio. The new 4.7.1 update allows you to speak the stations. By holding down the menu button until you see a microphone speak and then let go. If you want to change podcast or look for them, hold down the tag button and watch for the microphone and speak the podcast subject you want to go to.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thats great. Thanks for the updated information. They do sound very good with the high end speaker system.

[@yorkshirebikerbitsnbobs]

WoW! I didn't know you had an actual head and body and everything!! I thought you were just two hands and a mouth mate lol. It's good to meet you Fred!

[@nickdsnik]

I was thinking whos's that bloke at the end with Fred's voice. Yes nice to see you Fred.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hey man

[@ditto1958]

Gotta admit I’ve been intrigued by this one ever since I saw it

[@DickieBird888]

Wow..great to finally see you Fred... Looking good man.. 🙂

[@boxingday11]

Well hello Fred, lovely to see the legend at last.👍🏻🤝🕊️📡

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks. I was on the last TID radio video as well.

[@tom-ehill2713]

Brand new! I will look for one here soon😃🥂 still appreciate me good ol sony tho.

[@johnnymac26]

That's a lovely looking radio

[@simontemplar0468]

Hi Fred, Greetings from Mount Hood, Oregon. Good sounding radio. Love your videos. 73

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi there. Thanks.

[@bombaybhai6435]

Love this radio 👍👍👍

[@bobkantor503]

This has become my daily use radio - thanks for the long review and all of your informative videos

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I found that i used it more than i thought i would. It sounds fantastic on FM with music.

[@bobkantor503]

@@CB-RADIO-UK - When I am in my home office I also plug the radio (via headphone jack) to my PC speakers (amplified speakers - Vanatoo Transparent 1) and the sound is incredible, especially on the HD internet radio stations!! Just a fantastic overall radio - I have dozens of shortwave radios, but this is the one that gets my daily attention.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I really punches hard with its hifi audio. There are still a few bugs to sort out like the locking up but thats what the firmware updates are for.

[@michael5089]

What a great channel you have here Fred. Just watched the brew your beer one. Subbed!!👊🏻✊🏻👍🏻

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Welcome aboard!

[@plls5]

Almost $400 Canadian. That's a bit much. Other than that, Fred you are easily one of the best reviewers on KZbin. Thumbs up my friend.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thank you. Yes its not cheap for sure.

[@migsvensurfing6310]

Thank you. This was a very good review. If I buy one I know I would put a handle on it, a flip out stand on the back, a new antenna connector w. attenuator and a telescopic antenna with the extension to pull out. (I mod my radios a lot 😄)

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks for sharing!

[@dionhoward1554]

Looks pretty nice

[@dangerfoxgaming110]

Thank you for taking the time to record and post this video! I think you were spot-on with your assessments. My only issue with the radio is that while it's great Choyong tweaks the firmware to address customer complaints and suggestions, I feel like I've paid a premium price to test and help them refine their beta radio. That may sound a bit harsh, but the lockup you experienced, and the unceremonious reboots on the daily many have reported reflect that this is a superior quality sound system, connected to a fair radio, middle of the road Wi-Fi circuit and quirky controller board. The company is very new to radio production, so it's hard to be super critical, still, it doesn't promote customer satisfaction with continual references to "changes planned for the LC100". How about making the LC90 a golden release before turning your attention to the next model? Because of this, I will hold on to my LC90 but do not plan to purchase any other Choyong radios for the foreseeable future.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Totally get what your saying. Thanks for the input on the channel.

[@fretlessfender]

What I do like is the simcard, the fact that you did the conclusion on camera... I do like to see your face... What I don't like about this radio is that it mutes while tuning, and I miss a waterfall in the display... just the frequency number is a bit sparce... My Malahit DSP2 does a better job in that, agreed it is more expensive but still Very good video again Fred, just love it!

[@alanslade2319]

Lot of money great radio but I think I can get a cheaper one that does the same, and radio Caroline has got a licence to broadcast again, have a look Fred. Thanks for the big video and here's your thumbs up.👍

[@SheffieldVince-2E0NZS]

Appreciating the correct pronunciation of the word "attenuation".

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

LOL look I am still trying with that one but its taking some time.

[@cfldriven]

Due to speaker cabinet there is no room for anything on left side of radio. To use TF card insert while radio is off.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks i will try that.

[@canada298]

Thank you

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

You're welcome

[@duanetur7433]

Hi Fred A Great Radio sounds good I love internet radio its a good DX radio. Sorry you delleted my last comment Hope you and your family is well, Best Wishes Hotwheels

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi bud. Did not delete your last com. I replied to it. Hope your well. Take care.

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

Not cheap but it is a good little radio. I'm impressed with the quality of the sound it makes,as well as the features. Nice! Thanks for the look at it. Thing is that price. I've a Sihuadon that I would like to swap for a better one, just not 250 worth

[@stigflambard9799]

Great to see you, i thought you might be AI generated...lol Excellent channel.

[@Teshub]

Another update just happened today --- 4.7.1!!! YAY!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thats the good thing with smaller companies

[@goldgeologist5320]

It is a great upgrade!

[@Teshub]

@@goldgeologist5320 Just got the e-Sim last night and got it working this morning on my commute. Listened to Radio New Zealand all the way. That is LC90-IVING!!!

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

I too like knobs and buttons. Have an SDRplay that costs similar to this and it's a good receiver but the lack of knobs probably keeps me from using it more than I do.

[@stevenveal5836]

Fred, thanks for posting, but there goes your witness protection gig..

[@goldgeologist5320]

Mine did not come with a travel bag! Bought off Amazon in USA in Dec 2024. I tossed the box as who needs boxes laying around. Great radio, but needs a kickstand stand in the back so it can sit at an angle. The ext ant port location is horrible! Yes manual is lacking. I want to know if you store music on the tf card, does it have to be on the root directory or can you organize in folders? The real key is to make the account on the manufacturer web site, search for your internet channels there or in google and then store them in your favorites. It then loads them into the radio immediately. It is a weak MW or AM in USA radio.

[@joistein]

By attaching four rubber feet to the backside, the radio becomes stable. I have implemented this modification on all of my SW radios.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Good mod

[@Ktmoney123]

I didn’t see anything about the Podcast feature. Did you jump into that at all?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

It only brought up channels which may have podcast broadcast. Not direct podcasts.

[@redoxjames2506]

Need the 4.7 update for that.

[@goldgeologist5320]

You want to do the firmware upgrade immediately! It is a great upgrade!

[@cbrmac]

😅😅Good review as always Fred, as opposed to installing a SIM card I assume you can simply tether it to your mobile and use your data for the Internet, ... keep up the good work 👍

[@dangerfoxgaming110]

You can and I have. 👍

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I am not sure TBH. Bit like data roaming.

[@dominicbasham5257]

Good review that Fred. Honestly I don't think I'd buy one as it is a fare whack. Look forward to the next video.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yeah get that. Cheers and beers

[@darrenrogers5174]

Fred: If you any direct contact with the CEO or design engineers at Choyong, please tell them if they will have a completely new version of this radio in the future to place the external antenna input jack, external speaker and any ac-power supply/battery charging jack on the opposite side of the of Main tuning, Volume and Fine tuning knobs.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes i agree with that. I have no direct contact myself but they will read your comments. Cheers

[@gondyy]

The side with no ports is a sealed speaker box hence the sound,,, leave it be.

[@migsvensurfing6310]

That would be expensive for them since all of the right side of the radio is the electronics on one board and sealed from the speaker compartment. They could however redesign it easily to be on the top.

[@darrenrogers5174]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Ok. Great. Thank you for telling me that.

[@HH-os7zh]

Fred, 4.7 update is brand new. Voice search is much improved, RDS for FM, etc. It should be available now, Jan 18th

[@cfldriven]

Do you get audio pop as you switch between bands? Most annoying with headphones.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No did not notice that.

[@tonytfuntek3262]

An issue I have had with other internet radios is that it does not allow you to enter a "Hidden Network Name" the only way around this issue is to "Unhide" the network so the radio can list it to add and Hide it afterwards. Question is does this issue also exist with this radio ? Thank you for your videos, always very informative.

[@cfldriven]

The radio includes 2-18650 Li-ion 2500mAh batteries and they are replaceable. You will need a T-7 driver to remove the fasteners to the battery cover.

[@digitalmediafan]

MW reception is very very poor, FM is ok'ish but nothing like a TEF6686 for selectivity and sensitivity and also max volume is not loud enough though with the internet radio side it is generally much louder.. Latest fw is now at 4.7.1

[@SolitaryWolf]

Someone has suggested turn off the Wi-Fi on the radio and try MW again. I have not had a chance to try this yet.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Worth a try but i doubt your wifi would interfere with your MW as totally different freq. More likely to be things like LED lighting near the radio.

[@Deebz270]

Your best guitar is the one you play the most....

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Was the same with telescopes.

[@bittertruth6175]

Thanks for the comprehensive review. I have two questions? 1) Can Rechargeable batteries be easily replaced? What kind of battery and how many? 2) Is Bluetooth two ways? Can I listen the radio on my BT earphone?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. 2x 18650 cells. I think its only one way as of now but firmware coming out all the time.

[@cimbakahn]

What I would like to know is can you run the radio without the batteries, using an AC wall outlet? Also if you remove and replace the batteries will you lose the memory on the radio like all your stored stations and stuff?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

You could run it on a 5 volt feed on the USB socket. I am not sure about a power back up if you remove the batteries.

[@cimbakahn]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Well, they should have some sort of backup if the batteries are removed, because if you replace the batteries with a fresh pair and in the process loose all your stored stations that is going to piss alot of people off.

[@paul1962uk]

Hi Fred, I am thinking of coming back on cb after a break of 40 odd years. Can you recommend a cheapish CB to use to guage the amount of activity in my area (Wigan) ,before I go an spend silly money on an ssb radio. I would be predominantly homebased so believe 'noise' will be a issue, presumably there is a way round this.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Paul. Firstly I made a complete guide series of videos to help people coming back to CB. First one is here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2XHk4x3nsyjrNk As for a basic cheap radio check this one out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3SVh2BsjM-Xhas

[@miker8379]

Wow there's Fred in all his glory. Too bad about the antenna/aerial jack location and the muting.

[@cimbakahn]

On Choyong's own website it reads the LC90 Radio is $269.00 USD with the handbag. Without it is $249.00 USD, so it seems like their charging 20.00 USD for the handbag.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes i did mention that at the beginning of the video.

[@Murat807]

I am sorry if I missed it in the review. How long the fully charged batteries do last?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I did not test them to exhaustion but they are 4000 mah and it never dropped a bar.

[@RaymondJones-d8z]

Hi fred it's raymond this is a great little radio l like it a lot and over all it works well and with the internet radio stations it is great the price is high but l would expect that with all those shortwwave and internet stations you can pick up but does it have the air band 118 136 mhz any ways great video cheers raymond

[@migsvensurfing6310]

No it doesn't.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. No airband on this one which is surprising as it uses the same chip and the D-808

[@circattle]

Can anyone confirm if they have the 4G functionality working? The available bands suggest very little compatibility with UK networks. Possibly works in urban areas on O2 only.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Sorry not tested myself.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

Where can I find it's 4G band specs?

[@circattle]

@@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt On the link to the choyong shop Fred has posted under the video.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

@@circattle Ahhh.. I looked earlier but missed it in the photo. Yup, no Band 28 so no good here in Au.

[@iosmusicman]

Does it have an app to be able to manage stations and favourites?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Not that i am aware.

[@iosmusicman]

@@CB-RADIO-UKtxs for the reply. It looks like you can use a website to manage the internet stations but I’ll find out when it arrives!

[@dallase1]

The Knobs are Not POTs, they are digital and POTs or potentiometers are veritable resisters and won't keep rotating and have stopping points so you can only rotate them so far until they get to their maximum or minimum points.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

You get the idea though.

[@jondr.8933]

It's almost a great radio. But the areas it fails in are significant. No 360 degree whip, antenna input position and lack of gain. The price is not bad. It's On parr with other internet radios, they don't have the other functions.

[@XENONEOMORPH1979]

250 i would want it to pick up aliens.

[@anonet78]

Lol

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

:-)

[@johnm2051]

😂😂😂

[@chucky2316]

I want it to pick up france at least 😂

[@dave1secondago]

nice radio but very pricey

[@DifferentGearTV]

If CHOYONG are reading this, please contact me to send me a radio to test so I can show my thousands and thousands of friends and take it to the local radio club, Thanks in advance CHOYONG.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Email them.

[@smileysmebarkov1825]

Thanks Fred for this wonderful video. It’s a good receiver but it is very expensive!! They have to change the design completely and add many lacking features such as a stand and others

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

You are welcome!

[@RayPhillips6061]

A few years ago wasn't it possible to pick up police messages on short wave radio

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I rem them on the higher FM band.

[@anonet78]

That was a very long time ago ;)

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yea i was a kid back then.

[@anonet78]

@@CB-RADIO-UK The good old days.

[@bobkantor503]

If you do a search on the Internet radio stations, there are actually some police scanner rebroadcasts (I know, not the same as picking up local) - I am sure you could add others by setting up a new internet stream if you have the IP address (I have not tried adding stations myself)

[@iosmusicman]

Hi Fred. I have to say I was so looking forward to this radio and am so utterly disappointed. I wanted the combination of radio and internet radio. My unit with the latest upgrade is unusable on the wifi network. Apart from it locking, buffering and coming up with a network error (whilst all my other devices work very well at the same time, it is lacking in several other respects (no pause/play - at least it doesn't work on mine), missing music 'channels' such as Night Tracks on BBC Radio 3 and I could go on. That's before I even bother with all the non-internet stuff. (I have gigabit fibre btw and an average rate on wifi of 135mbps). I think it is going straight back from where it came.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks for your info. I have to say that once mine loaded a station it was rock solid all day. I was getting concerned with the locking up issue though esp when i had to remove the batteries. however i was honest and showed it on the video.

[@iosmusicman]

No criticism of you Fred. I just wanted to make it clear to anyone with more focus on the internet side of things that it could be problematic. I'm sorry if you thought I was having a dig at you. I really love what you do. Best wishes. Lee

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. No not at all. I did not think you were having a pop. I think its good we get all the facts on the radio as its not a cheap buy. Cheers.

[@ronaldzuccala-pv8tu]

Hello Fred.well I have to say I think you missed out on saying for the me dxer this radio is a complete bust. The noise floor is really bad. Can't see how you could of overlooked that issue Otherwise I always enjoy your reviews. If you are ever in the Pittsburg area please feel free to stop by the Museum for a visit. Best regards. RON. Z. WA3090SWL.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Ron. Your right as its not really a DXing radio. The fine tune muting sees to that. Its pretty ave on SW for casual listening. I said that at the end. Mind you i dont think they are really going for that with this radio. 73 buddy.

[@tomsmet82]

Nice radio, but no DAB+ ? 🤔

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Nope.

[@WhiteRvssian2023]

Although good, it's so expensive it wouldn't deter me from buying a sdr ...

[@richardtiiird8464]

hey ther fred.. well said fred

[@martinryan5069]

How much in sterling please fred

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I am not totally sure but around £200. They work in Dollars so it depends on the exchange rate of the day.

[@martinryan5069]

Thank you Fred I argee what you said about the mobile phone you can't beat a radio and your own antennas

[@danielsnyder2288]

Got mine for $189 but I didn't get a cover

[@emmeunoveronaM1]

per essere la radio definitiva dovrebbe poter ascoltare anche il DAB+ e DRM allora potrei pensare di accqistarla.

[@Fox_Koesae]

So you're showing yourself in videos now?! How come I missed that you handsome bugger. 😊 The external antenna jack spot and no FM CB is a deal breaker for me. Hope you're well mate.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi bud. Yeah people kept asking so what the hell. Yes ive only got 3 SW radios that cover UK FM channels.

[@sillysausage-s5s6o]

are any russian stations blocked due to the war?.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Did not try them. You can check on line.

[@alabamared2568]

Freddy ever since this came out I've said it and say it again. I get it's a small company but I don't feel for all the problems this has since launch it's not ready to be released. I've followed this since day one some can't connect to Internet some the radio resets itself MW is lacking..for the price Fred to me it's just not worth it ........

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Fair point.

[@alafenetre81]

LC90 not ready for prime time, needs work.

[@cfldriven]

Not all that different from the US version kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKSvi6Zras6dgbs except for radio and knob colors.

[@anonet78]

Aint that a internet radio if the net goes down it aint a smart radio.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes it is as it covers MW FM SW and SSB.

[@anonet78]

@ Me and you have radios that can do that any way :)

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yep copy that

[@chucky2316]

250 quid i will pass this chinese thing

[@white5_romeo]

250 bucks!

[@dunxy]

Yeah..A lot. I do like it aye, but not that much.

[@london19657]

Exactly..$150 and I'd bite

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yep it really aint cheap. However it does cover a lot of bases.

[@bobkantor503]

They go on sale from time to time - picked mine up before Xmas from Amazon for $199. Agree that $250 is a bit steep, but you do get a lot of radio for the money.

[@cfldriven]

$199US on Radioddity and Amazon

[@media3JBL]

Sorry but there is nothing on Shortwave worth listening to.

[@andrewhorton199]

Horrible agc

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Needs to be faster but most other DSP's are exactly the same.