QODOSEN DX-286 Ultra High Sensitivity FM/AM/ LW/SW Radio (TEF 6686 chip)

QODOSEN DX-286. Very latest version replacing the popular SR-286. Has the most sensitive FM performance I ve ever tested. Qodeosen are looking to bring the radio to UK Amazon soon.
Buy here US Amazon. www.amazon.com...
FM band support 64-108MHz, support RDS/RBDS Radio Data System, 5 sets of frequency range selectable, 6 step rate settings . 17 kinds of bandwidth selection, with excellent selectivity.
S/N Ratio ≥ 60dB, clear signal, low noise, built-in adjustable antenna attenuator, improve the overload resistance; LW/MW/SW band with built-in low-noise amplifier switch to improve the reception sensitivity.
All bands support external antennas, using an external antenna can make the DX-286's sensitivity even better.

[@radioenthusiastD368]

This is the best reviews that I ever seen on yt about Qodosen dx286 radio that's why I could make up my mind and ordered it, thanks bro love from Punjab India🇮🇳

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Thanks glad it was helpful.

[@Vapor_Space]

You can purchase 18650 batteries at your local Vape shop as they are used in vape mods.

[@user-lp1ek6sf8f]

В вейп магазинах продают высокотоковые аккумуляторы, что не есть лучшим выбором для радио.

[@TheMisphit]

Just ordered one, you certainly sold one to me after your review regarding the using of it for FM. I am currently using a TEF6686 v1 and an XHData D-808, I also have an old Tecsun PL-310 but I'd been considering one of these and you helped make the final decision for me. The only one I could find for sale was via your link, couldn't find them from anyone else on Amazon, none on eBay or even AliExpress. Thanks Fred

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Thanks. Yes they are not selling world wide yet. Pity as the radio is really popular.

[@alabamared2568]

Fred Alabama USA here I got mine yesterday I can't say enough about this radio. It out performed my 909x2 and my 990x I did a local FM band scan yesterday I got 86 FM stations in am it's silly it works so amazingly well. And for it's size the sound isn't half bad.. I've got 16 radios all different kinds this DX-286 beats them all for what it is ......

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Good to hear. Prob the best FM radio ive ever tested.

[@plls5]

Why you don't have a few hundred thousand subscribers is a mystery.

[@marcosmza1962]

The day I purchased, I falled in love, and pushed to me for FM Dxing😂. Thanks Sir 🙏 Try it with a tuneable passive loop antenna connected by 3.5mm plug and activate Ext Antenna.... LOVE IT! RECOMMENDED IT❤

[@alanslade2319]

HI FRED looks like a good radio, seems to do everything well, and that's a new one on me you can't post lithium batteries , because I've get mine from Amazon and I call that being posted, anyway thanks again mate, ps were is this SKIP.lol. ALAN 💯🍻👍

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes most things come through ok with batteries these days.

[@StratmanII]

I ordered a DX-286 from the official Qodosen store on AE last week. It should reach Malaysia by the end of this week. 📻♥️ Although I got to know the Qodosen SR-286 last year, I didn't order one immediately as I felt the price was too high for a non SSB receiver. At the time the SR-286 was priced between the Tecsun PL-680 and PL-880, so I decided to wait and see if prices will come tumbling down in 2024. I'd say my patience paid off handsomely! 😄📻👍🏼

[@johnbeckham1483]

The Qodosen DX-286 is a extraordinary DXer due to its chip TEF6686 built in its circuitry!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes thats what your paying for and the amount of adjustment and tuning in the menus.

[@TalmidAndy]

Receiver sensitivity is only one of many factors that make a good receiver. Selectivity, rejection, filtering, stability, bandwidth, dynamic range, and many other of the considerations that make a receiver a good or even excellent receiver sadly overlooked in the majority of reviews.

[@simonjandrell5897]

thats what i was impressed with the Raddy it came with its own case and loop antenna

[@Kw1161]

Fred I’ve had the QoDosen SR-286 since April 2024 and don’t see much difference except in the setting features which are different on a few features such as Amp / Ext antenna selection much more of a pain to change. No battery was included, fortunately I had bought a set of 18650’s and charger for my order of a Clockwork PI computer (been waiting for over 7 months and counting) . The charger included with my battery order is much quicker than the internal charger. 73! Have a great day!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Oh clockwork PI now thats interesting.

[@Colin6712]

Brilliant little radio, thanks for your review

[@migsvensurfing6310]

Very nice broadcast receiver. Thank you.

[@johnman1286]

I got this radio and found it to be super sensitive with great performance and great sounding stereo with headphones. All this good performance comes at the cost of it's high power draw of around 0.180 amps on FM and 0.160 amps for AM plus the backlight adds an extra 6ma when it's on. You can even feel a warm spot on the back of the radio after a while. This would still give about 15 hours of operation from a good quality 18650 cell though. Some additional audio gain for the headphone jack would be nice so I can use it as an assistive listening receiver on 72.1Mhz at churches and other venues since this is much cheaper then say the Listen Technologies LR3200 72Mhz receiver I saw on B&H photo.

[@mikeyandwho]

Another great vid Fred so many new radios coming out cheap to tinker with it's great watching u testing em out 👍

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks.

[@MemorialRifleRange]

Thank-You so Much! By chance I happen to have a spare 18650 so will order ASAP, I have missed Radio since my 909 died on me.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Qodeosen DX-286 AM lw FM sw 4band portable receiver is awesome my friend

[@a1smith]

There are shipping restrictions on the lithium batteries because they can ignite. There's more than one plane had fires in the hold, and look at all the ebike fires because they the batteries. They are doing the right thing. Oh, i see that someone has already commented about ultrfire batteries, one of the makes up there with the worst of the worst. Quick rule for safety, don't buy any batteries with fire in the name, lots of them are rubbish and fire starters. There are plenty of well known battery makers sell them and they are more expensive but a few pounds extra for a safe battery is much better than a fire and the subsequent damage.

[@a1smith]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIXddnupf7uNnqMsi=yL6-stANBCKajBJo

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes agree. Or better if a battery is supplied and shipped from the UK.

[@ditto1958]

Ok, but why do other radios from China come with a battery? Tecsun, XHData…

[@mcdeadsquirrel]

Super review. Thanks!!

[@sutitigi]

Good compact radio, great presentation from you Mr Fred. 56CT004

[@robertmeyer4744]

Great review . We have them in the US now. I have the TECSUN PL 990X and that great. That one is better on receive. Missing SSB but think a newer model will have that . For that 18650 battery you can get like 2 buttery's and a charger and a LED light Cheap now. Why buy just the battery . Flashlight or torch light is always needed . Radio shack in US before they closed had 18650 in stock. mine still work. only a few quit. Going out of business sale, I bought them all at 70% off. Flash lights, phones, radio ,CB and a whole bunch of stuff. They gave me free stuff as well. I filled the car ! . That a fun radio to DX with ! We can hear stories about crop circles in the UK on SW radio. LOL Cheers from NY !

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi and thanks for the info.

[@spencereagle1118]

Appearance wise it is a dead ringer for the Sony ICF-SW1S from the 80s.

[@pdoyle2]

I have the Sr286 which i think is one of the earlier versions, mine came with soft pouch carbon fibre look hard case and to my surprise a battery which i wasn't expecting

[@martinabowm1786]

Sounds interesting - but not available in Uk or Ireland yet? Amazon only from US... that and customs would put that radio way over €100 here. Considering no battery included it is a rather expensive little radio. Then again, you can use it directly from a small solar panel or external battery, without a battery present inside the radio. It made me immediately think of the Tecsun 380, which was a great little radio. If the quality of this qodosen is similar then it will be a fine little travel compagnion! I like that the basic every day functions are easily accessible and all the complicated stuff for radio-nerds is hidden away - good for 2 different consumer groups. Yep, looking forward to what really will hit the shops here after first tests and critics...😊

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes were hoping they will soon ship to the UK. Very intersting Teff chip though.

[@martinabowm1786]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Yes, I agree. I would love to try the FM sensitivity in the FM-mess we have over here in Ireland! It sounds great, looking forward to it!

[@soundhobo]

I’m really enjoying my Dx-286 and if they ever bring one out with the same chip and SW SSB if it’s even possible, I don’t know, I’d buy another one…and yep, the stickers don’t stick 😂

[@prabhakarv4193]

Very nice

[@maxrockatanksyOG]

Farpoint Farms just did a video of the same radio, Qodosen must be sending them out to everyone

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thats normally how it goes.

[@johnrobinson2643]

12.015 Voice of Korea Was coming in good

[@ronaldgroves6350]

Very sensitive. Great for dxing long wave ndbs

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

Nice one Fred, (you're getting good at this now😉) Can we see thru the grill, see if the Speaker is Round, or Rectangular.? All quality Comm's speakers should be rectangle. As for User/Instruction Manual. Leave it by the bog, you can take a load on, while dropping one off.😆

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Cannot say that any of my radios feature a square speaker including my Yaesu.

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

Yeah, they are usually the "optional extra" external speaker. Electrophone 63cm CB Radios have one mounted in the front facia, as do the Sawtron. Square is ok but Eliptical and Rectangular are the standouts. I'll leave this with you for 24hrs. See if anyone can come up with Why.

[@billthomas5115]

Rectangular speakers are inferior to round in all circumstances.

[@ditto1958]

I just received mine today. So far… not love at first sight, as there definitely is a learning curve with this radio. I’m using the basic functions, though, and it is most certainly a very sensitive receiver. Very small, but seems to be well made. So… we shall see. I have a lot to learn. 😊 EDIT: I agree, kickstand is pathetic. They need to strengthen it or delete it entirely. I’ve used this a bit now, and it’s and excellent radio. Very, very sensitive.

[@user-eh5cr4or6k]

@6:53 the fact is we as consumers are going to have to be more cognizant of the fact of the restrictions that are being placed on anyone shipping lithium batteries, and the added cost and restrictions on those that are shipping particularly in bulk.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yeah your right. I think if they stock in the UK it should solve the shipping issue.

[@billthomas5115]

I prefer to purchase my own batteries. To criticize a radio because it does not come with a battery is absurd.

[@ItsRael108]

No ssb tho very worth a play with for sure 👍

[@68LP13]

Hi Fred, I noticed the batteries you displayed to buy, the first battery is 3.7v / 3500 mah @ £15.99 and the torch pack being cheaper @ £12.99 but in the description of the charger DC 5V 1-3A, Output voltage: DC 4.2V 1000mA, so maybe better for the batteries you showed first would be better if the radio has the power to charge the 3500mah batteries giving you longer use between charging.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Good point.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed your KZbin videos are awesome my friend

[@davehibberd7955]

First comment never done it before😂 always a good video Fred

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks

[@RichardThomas341]

Great review! Unfortunately, not currently available on Amazon, at the moment.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks. Yes thats the only issue that the radio is hard to get hold of.

[@steveblanchard7293]

Looks similar to a SONY from the late 80's with the addition of RDS

[@user-hs1fk9rn4q]

Good one Fred, better than the sdr..... if they can figure out how to add ssb...... 73 ed

[@KB1UIF]

Hi, the connector appears to be a micro USB, not mini. I don't like micro USB connectors as they seem to break off the PCB too easily. However, if you use a lead with a magnetic end you can leave the plug in the radio and just connect the magnetic lead to charge when required without putting excess stress on the charge socket.

[@marcosmza1962]

You can get FM stations really far. Without any propagation miracle at 60 miles or even more with a very short antenna ❤

[@ditto1958]

I also have an XHData D-109WB, which is pretty darn good on FM, but the Qodosen pulls in some FM signals better than the XHData does.

[@Kinemechanica]

Even the UK can't escape Brother Stair...

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I know. Ive heard him so many times testing radio around the 17 MHz range i actually take a min to listen to him now. I love the way he asks a question and then answers it himself in a slightly different voice.

[@DifferentGearTV]

Thanks for the video Fred, I would like to see your thoughts on how you think the XHDATA D-808 compares with this radio. I have just got the 808 and not sure I can justify another purchase for this one... Yet!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Yes currently testing the 808 but not covered SW/SSB yet.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed iam thinking about getting the XHDATA D-608WB AM FM sw wx Bt mp3 weather Alert emergency portable receiver my friend

[@Greg-et2dp]

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

[@Xitrun]

Nice review! My 286 is coming soon. Please, where did you buy this antenna? Or where can I get it?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi The buy link for the GA-800 is in this video rewiew. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b33Hf4looZKKick

[@marcosmza1962]

They must to resolve that flimsy backstand 😢

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yeah i does need to be better.

[@Steven-re7xt]

USA lithium can ship at low power..

[@shayne109]

nice little set that pity about the lack of ssb. minor nitpicks its a micro usb on that set not a mini the mini plug is more squared off either way on a set of this age and size it really should have been usb c guess that was a little bit of penny pinching from the manif. and finally you complemented the packages for having the case and bag for the price then in the next breath you moan about the lack of battery make your mind up!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I think the foam lined case is a nice touch. The battery issue cannot be ignored though as most people wont have an 18650 to hand so you need to know this before you buy. There is also the cost of the battery compared to the cost of the radio which is high.

[@FunkyDisco79]

You should write "Qodosen", not "Qodeosen". You should switch to RDS instead of the American variant RBDS. You should use the bandwidth switch to get clearer sound on AM. You should be dancing, yeah!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Many thanks for picking up the typo as i missed that. Cheers and beers.

[@migalito1955]

Hmmm, I like that you can switch from internal loopstick antenna to the other option, but you don't want to use the short telescoping antenna in AM broadcast mode or shortwave mode without clipping on to the whip a random wire antenna. Idealy when you switch the internal loop antenna off while in AM broadcast or shortwave mode one uses the jack to input from a random wire antenna. Why, because antennas designed to work well have a length that is a factor of the wave length such as the 1/4 vertical antenna. The 160 meter shortwave band which is higher in frequency than the AM broadcast band would require a 40 meter vertical antenna which is a bit larger than the whip. So, with this in mind use the whip for FM & if AM broadcast use jack or clip on a long wire to the whip. Does look quite nice & price is great..

[@NewWorldHoarder]

Hello Fred. As a bit of a noob, I’m unsure why this radio costs about eighty quid and whether it’s any better for an average user than an El Cheapo radio from Argos, or even Aliexpress etc?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Its a specialized radio with the Teff chipset. The amount of adjustment in the menu effecting the performance is mind bending. Its a FM DX'ers dream.

[@NewWorldHoarder]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Thanks, all a bit over my simple head I’m afraid Fred lol. I doubt I’d get the best out of it as I’m not the best with this type of tech. Maybe one day I’ll take the plunge and see if I can enjoy it as much as you obviously do. Have a good week friend.

[@HardcoreDXLithuania]

It's Sony ICF-SW1 design clone. Not Tecsun. Also micro USB, not mini.

[@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

[@mikemoran5439]

Apparently it is pronounced Cho-do-sen.

[@arcticradio]

Oooops it’s not! Try the Sony ICF-2001D BUT replace transistor Q303 and lift resistor L302 and then try it, also try it on a short reel antenna and you will be surprised. You will find it now out performs the Qodosen……👍

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed I wish you and your wife and kids 73s my friend

[@waynemoate9401]

Does anyone have a link to the manufacturers website?

[@finderskeepers5343]

$79 US Amazon + battery

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

I agree on the battery situation. It seems like a decent receiver. Adam In The Attic 697 Tennessee, U.S.A. KO4HPC 73

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hopefully if they stock on Amazon UK they will be able to supply a battery,

[@andylopez5878]

No side band? For the same price you can get the Tecsun PL330 with Side Band, so why bother with this?

[@PaulTaylor1]

I guess for the FM DXing... Or just an alternative DSP chipset. I'm happy with my PL330 but I'm jealous of the special carry case lol.

[@twatmunro]

You can pick up the Tecsun PL330 for about half of what this costs.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

The Tecsun was never half the cost and when last in stock on Amazon UK it was £65 so about the same. It does offer SSB though.

[@friedrich_k]

Well... the Qodosen is a good, very sensitive radio. But - I am mainly interested in shortwave listening. And the dx 286 may be a sensitive receiver, it receives a lot on SW with its telescope antenna, but is is overloades with even short additional wires. A 6m longwire plugged in the antenna connector improves signal strength (the manual makes believe additional anennal work only on MW or LW) , but on SW there are clear signs of overload, lots of noise where it shouldnt be. My Belka, however, works very well with a 20m- longwire and is the better receiver especially for DX-ing shortwave radio. I need them both!

[@stuartgibson9755]

Available on Amazon UK now

[@johnmilton7578]

It is delivered from Amazon US though.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yeah will be a long wait. I think they will stock in the UK if there is enough interest. You would prob get a battery as well from the UK.

[@Sankara2000]

Whenever you do such vids you MUST have a benchmark radio...(A proven SW radio like Eton E3 or Exe Satellit or Eton 800 etc) Otherwise saying this is great makes no no sense. Here paticularly, thesedays the Chinese manufactueres are pushing affilitae marketing etc to the highest possible level... I have more doubts.. Any way many senior SWLing members have vounced that thsi is is exceptional ...

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes i get what your saying but its actually quite hard to do as you would need a radio of the same value each time as that is very relevant. For example I am currently testing a Xhdata D808 which is holding up well for a £65 SSB radio. People will say a Tecsun PL-990 is better but that costs 4 times the cost. An ETON SATELLIT is something like £400 so would ne be fair. I think the best i can do is show the radio and features and for people to research the product themselves.

[@yoppindia]

does it have radio mondiale?

[@midiplaybox3453]

This is the copy of the Sony SW1 double sized

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

It does a bit. They are now £100+ on ebay.

[@Colin6712]

They need to ship with a strip of foil to pack the battery 😂

[@chucky2316]

It is a nice radio fred, arent they switching the analogue off soon 😢

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

They have been saying it for MW for a while now.

[@martinabowm1786]

@@chucky2316 Well, that then would be the perfect radio for you! UK soon switching off, but Ireland is not going for digital-FM - staying with good old analog FM! So you need a sensitive radio to be able to get analog-FM from Ireland!😉

[@burning4902]

Do you think there is a concern around releasing radios to the public that are 'too sensitive' to the point where said radio might undermine secure radio transmissions?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Never really gave it much thought.

[@paulmitchell4421]

no ssb makes this pretty useless on hf

[@laurencecope7083]

Ultrafire batteries are junk.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yeah they are.

[@woody5109]

Isn’t that just a AA battery?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No 18650 cell.

[@G7VFY]

Lithium batteries cannot be posted. Especially in the UK.

[@NewWorldHoarder]

Yes they can, they just have to be packaged with a hazard warning sticker on the exterior. I’ve had loads of lithium batteries posted to me. 😅

[@PAULHAWKINS-hr6ct]

Yes your right put a label on and the post office will send them

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

Well you are all Dumb.!!!👏 Fred is the Receiver, NOT the Sender↩😲 You boys are a little bit special..

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

The battery issue wont be a problem if they stock on Amazon UK. Many radio have Lith batteries and are posted just fine. I think its an oversea issue and prob due to flying restrictions in cargo.

[@OctavMandru]

​@@CB-RADIO-UKexactly. If they ship a box of it they need to issue a Hazmat list. And the costs skyrocket

[@joegoetz8884]

No SSB, no thanks

[@FehmiMuratKAYA]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIa0ZndmlK-tobcfeature=shared&t=1788 (9460 kHz) (VOT (Voice of Turkey) You captured a Turkish song so beautifully! I was really thrilled to hear that! I used to listen to shortwave in my childhood (70s-80s) and I just love it! Back in the 90s, shortwave Turkish broadcasts were switched over to FM radios. Nowadays, it's also pretty tough to find shortwave radios. After 40 years, I finally got my amateur radio licence! Just two weeks ago, I bought a dual band handheld radio. Now I'm on the lookout for a shortwave (Rx-Tx) radio. But first, you inspired me to look for a portable radio!