Qodosen DX-286 AM FM LW Shortwave Radio Review NXP TEF6686 Automotive Chip

[@todderbert]

(paid links below) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you. ▶ The Qodosen DX-286 Shortwave Radio w/o Battery at Amazon USA: amzn.to/3Xynfpl ▶ The Qodosen DX-286 with Two 3350mAh 18650 Batteries at Amazon USA: amzn.to/3zvrJ6q ▶ The Kaito T-1 Antenna Wire at Amazon USA: amzn.to/4bFP5ol

[@izatt82]

Do you have a list of radios that use 18650's? By chance. Thanks

[@todderbert]

@@izatt82 No list, but most XHDATA radios use them. Tecsun flagship radios do as well. Many emergency radios, ect.

[@izatt82]

@@todderbert awesome thanks

[@todderbert]

@@byefelicia123 You will need a battery, the XHDATA ones work: amzn.to/3X7umV2 two pack. (paid link)

[@josheverett2253]

Look up the old Sony SW1 and I think that's what they were going for! Love it!

[@todderbert]

Yes, they look similar.

[@paulbainjr]

I always need to check my bank balance when I watch your videos😂 Always want to buy a new radio.

[@marcosmza1962]

You are not alone😂😂

[@lolbruh5621]

😂😂

[@rajeshkrdubey]

How is its performance as compared to Xhdata 808

[@todderbert]

Better, but not by a ton.

[@ritmo1130]

That TEF chip is very popular among hobby radio builders, very sensitive as I have read. Look forward for your daytime MW scan !!!!

[@todderbert]

It rocks, and you can push it with external antennas. Evening, push not needed.

[@DG-zp2wz]

Great review and great radio. I have the SR-286. The reason the 87.75 station displayed SCIENCE for the format is the radio is set to the RDS European program type. It needs to be set to the RBDS North American program type. Then, 87.75 should display SOFT ROCK for the format.

[@todderbert]

Thanks, I'm a RDS newb :)

[@dadwire1483]

With so much that can fit on a chip, this radio should include long/medium wave (150 kHz-29.999 KHz inclusive), FM, Air Band, SSB..! The old Radio Shack ( PatrolMan ..1975) had the Citizens and Marine Band, so these can be fitted in a potable radio such as this! The more bands, the merrier..

[@dougmiller2937]

THE CHIP IS FROM A CAR RADIO.

[@dannyshortwave]

Your review was spot on. This is a great radio. Very sensitive receiving on FM and MW bands. Good on Shortwave. Of course USB Type C would be better and of course it is a power hungry radio. Awesome review. Have a good night Todd.

[@todderbert]

Thanks Danny!

[@mikemoran5439]

I'll definitely be picking one of these up! Great review as always.

[@todderbert]

thanks Mike.

[@richardmerriam7044]

Given the automotive chip, I wonder how well this radio would work as an AM DXing rig.

[@Bdub1952]

I've had mine for a week and a half, and on the whip it is very sensitive. Not so much on the internal ferrite antenna. It works REALLY well with my Terk Advantage loop. It is only limited by its minimum 3khz bandwidth.

[@christianwootton100]

Has anyone noticed the back of the receiver (just behind the rotary tuning dial) becoming warm to the touch? Hope this will not be a concern later. 🙏

[@todderbert]

It is normal operation. Due to the extra power consumption required by the NXP chip.

[@markr.1984]

Needs SSB. It gets SSB, I'll buy one. In the western United States, it's really hard to get any broadcast SW stations at all. No matter how good your antenna is. We can get plenty of ham radio on sideband though. With the very poor sunspot activity these days, ionospheric skip is very limited to maybe one weak hop. They can get a lot more in the eastern states because they are closer to Europe and western Asia. I can't even get WWV time signal on any frequency (most of the time) and it's just over the mountains from Utah, WWV transmitter is located in Colorado.

[@georgewatson6622]

Ya you do need USB and lsb for great listening.

[@richardmerriam7044]

Got mine two days ago. It's everything people like you and Jay Allen said it would be. There's an FM station 40 miles east that I wasn't able to receive here. Well I can now!

[@chloecastleton6113]

Sangean, eTon, Grundig, C. Crane, Tecsun, better consider using this NXP DSP chip for there next high-end radios. The Silicon Labs DSP chips are so yesterday! The NXP DSP chip is way more powerful compared to the Si-Labs chip, used in 99% of all portable radios today. It's about time we get automotive DSP chips is portable radios. Yes, we do not get air-band, SSB, and as of this writing, the NXP chip does not go above 27000mhz. I love the fact it uses the 18650 battery. These are great battery's, and if you are already into modern flashlights, then you should already have a few laying around. In closing, the DX-286/SR-286 are outstanding radios, that will only get better with time.

[@johnbeckham1483]

What can I say about this new KING of DXing Radios??? The Qodosen DX-286 is the cat's meow for SW DXers indeed! Thank you, Todderbert for a great tutorial video on the new Qodosen DX-286! I just might have to purchase this radio! P.S. The Qodosen DX-286 has separate amplifiers for the headphones & the built in speaker! Is this speaker with cavities sound a little "fuzzy" at times or is it just me? I have noticed it on other reviews? Otherwise the DX-286 is quite a radio indeed!

[@todderbert]

In general the audio is a lower tone. Music mode barely makes a difference.

[@dxace1]

Yes, the comparison to the old SONY SW-1 is right on point. The latest example of current-day manufacturers in China reaching back to old designs, like the PL-880/990 comparison to the old Grundigs...but why an old USB connector? Please....

[@todderbert]

I feel when they add a Turbo button to it, we will get the Type C Jack. ;)

[@cstrick]

INCHES?? What's with that? Metric please!

[@uniquenamegoeshere2263]

This radio is getting rave reviews from A LOT of people.

[@todderbert]

Its good, but needs SSB, and Type C to sweeten the deal :)

[@uniquenamegoeshere2263]

@@todderbert I have a dedicated battery charger for that type of battery, my Tecsun 990 runs the same type. SSB is fun, but the 990 excels at that so… Btw, the Tecsun continues to be a great radio, I know you got burned by one. I think this is the 5th or 6th radio I have bought after your reviews. Funny thing is the xData radio you reviewed died in 30 minutes 😂

[@mikevandebunt811]

I ordered one at the same time as you did (following the link you posted on Patreon), and I love it. I suspect that the high battery usage is because the chip was designed for cars that have loads of power available. By the way, when you switch the MW antenna to EXT, it is also connected to the whip antenna.

[@todderbert]

This is similar to the Raddy RF919. Then when you plug something into the external jack it disengages the whip.

[@baayers2]

If you get a chance, try taking your radio out near the lake or some other body of water. Living in Florida, I have taken mine to several beaches and every time I use the whip I am blown away at what this radio picks up.

[@richardmerriam7044]

@@baayers2 WBZ 1030 AM Boston is clearly picked up in eastern FLA due to the 'water skip' from the transmitter in Hull, MA. WBZ is routinely heard in 34+ US continental states.

[@Homer19521]

Yours is like the one I had. The SQ (sound quality) is not as good as its sensitivity. I didn't find it as listenable as my PL330 & PL600.

[@todderbert]

It is a bit on the low tone side, I have to use 6-8kHz to brighten the audio.

[@Nutz0]

i was hoping you would review this one. i want to buy a nice radio for am mostly but also fm and sw. i have several cheapos & vintage radios but i want to step up my game. i was leaning towards a cc ep pro when this came on the scene. there are some interesting antenna mods out there for the quodosen but i think i'll try plugging in my passive loop before i build anything. i'm just waiting to pay the rent and car insurance and i'll be back to click through your link. thank you todd for everything you do for the hobby!

[@BayouGusto]

I can’t seem to get past this next generation of batteries. Not that there’s anything wrong with them it’s just….😒

[@todderbert]

They are nice when you have multiples. Especially if you have flashlights, lanterns, and other items that are powered by them. My solar panels have 5V outputs, and I can use them to power battery chargers directly if I needed to. More likely I would use Solar with a Power Station, then use it to charge devices.

[@BayouGusto]

@@todderbert yeah but I can’t go up to the Dollar General and buy more of the strange things😵‍💫

[@todderbert]

@@BayouGusto hard to say, but they are showing up in those Ring cameras, outdoor lighting, and of course the vape crowd.

[@isleifoterogarcia4478]

I read a review on the Qodosen RS-286 (the previous model) at on supposedly experimental stage, as the TEF 66286 were in short supply and they could be a low quantity production schedule. I saw it on sale from $130, with only a cheap cloth case with a Velcro closure, no manual and of course, no battery. Received in a ordinary carton box, with charging cable and able to get the manual on a PDF file, and I was amazed by the sensitivity, and a myriad of bandwidths on FM and SW/MW. The many key combinations, made it very unintuitive, but with practice, it was very easy to work. It has got warm at touch on the back and with very low or cheap 18650 batteries, very power hungry. Fortunately I got a C. Crane Radio Solar as it comes with a 3500 mAh battery with button positive terminal and it fits as is a protected type, even with that battery, the SR-286 plays for 12 or less hours. But I love it. The best pocket radio there is right now, and proud to get it early (24.04.2024). I never imagined to watch your video when I am one of the early adopters. I don’t regret paying what I did, because this radio, never disappoint to me. Enjoy it though. ❤

[@todderbert]

Yes, I do tend to stray from new radios until they have been out in the wild for awhile. Got burned too many times. Just recently picked up an ATS-20+, and am having a ball with it.

[@isleifoterogarcia4478]

@@todderbert I read various reviews, and they were favourable, before I make my purchase, it was from eBay, actually. But very pleased with its performance and quality of construction. I even read the manual in advance, so that sealed my decision on buying one. The technology on this portable was never done before.

[@todderbert]

@@isleifoterogarcia4478 It is something special.

[@isleifoterogarcia4478]

@@todderbert Yes indeed. A revolution in radio technology and I am enjoy it fully. Your videos are my inspiration to collect radios and enjoy some of the best man's inventions. I enjoy it as if it is my first portable radio. Take care.

[@isleifoterogarcia4478]

Some of the most interesting to me, are the Zenith Royal 500D, the Soviets Okean 214 and Mayak 2 military portable radio, the C. Crane CC Pocket, Solar Observer, and the Skywave SSB. The Sony IFC-7600D from 1987, one British Roberts from 1995 and many others Chinese and Japanese portable receivers. And I use them regularly and very happy to have radios from that so feared and questionable country. Only for the technology and methods of design and manufacturing. For me they are very interesting as that country is no more. Radio is communication and enjoyment. Only their purpose defines its importance.

[@uniquenamegoeshere2263]

Mine arrived today. Looking forward to scanning AM tonight

[@todderbert]

Have fun, I'm dealing with rain atm.

[@uniquenamegoeshere2263]

@@todderbert I picked up New Zealand 🇳🇿 right off the bat on sw. I picked up Hams chatting in Massachusetts and Montreal! The scanning on this radio is superb. MW great, New York City, no sweat from western Maryland. I fell asleep to WSM and their vintage country music lullabies.

[@ditto1958]

Batteries Included!! Amazon has recently started selling the DX-286 with two (2) 18650 batteries included. If anyone has been on the fence about this excellent radio because of the battery issue, problem solved! 😊

[@todderbert]

You can get them here: amzn.to/3zvrJ6q (paid link) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@huntercarver1851]

Sony called.. they said somebody ripped their design

[@43wagonwheel]

I received one, could not turn it on. Sent it back, got another one. Cant turn this one on either. What gives?

[@todderbert]

The battery may not be making proper connection. Try turning it on while hooked up to the charger.

[@baayers2]

I’m not sure what Orbtronic battery you have but I have 2 of the unprotected Orbtronic Sanyo NCR18650GA button top batteries and they both work without any issues. They were purchased April 2024. I also had good luck purchasing from Illumn. I have purchased many of the Green Sanyo NCR18650GA unprotected button top batteries over the years and they are just as good.

[@todderbert]

Mine are protected, and they are older. The design of the button top may have changed, but you can see just how shallow mine is. It is barely missing the positive terminal on the radio when installed.

[@TimfromChicago-k6u]

In your opinion is this better than the newest CCrane

[@joeh52]

Obviously, we are going to be happy with the '286's ability to dig out weak signals... while its shorter battery use (18650 battery at 17 hours use vs the Skywave 2's 2×AA batteries at 70 hours) may not be good for some users.

[@todderbert]

It is a little monster on the waves. I am impressed with its DX browsing feature. With that said, I still carry my XHDATA D-219 on my daily Summer walks.

[@NTPTM]

Hej Todderbert, thanks for the review. Yes, the Qodosen DX-286 seems very nice, so I will definitely buy this radio. Take care, Todderbert, and have a nice evening (it's early morning here in Sweden).

[@marcosmza1962]

Hi my friend! I purchased the same version today. July 20th hope it arrives to Argentina 😊

[@todderbert]

It Rocks!

[@marcosmza1962]

​@@todderbertActually, don't have any doubt ❤️💪

[@thematt5325]

Sounds super tinny though.

[@ditto1958]

I got mine a few days ago and have been using it several times a day. First reactions: -As Todderbert and other reviewers correctly report, VERY sensitive radio on AM, FM and SW -TINY radio, not much larger than pocket sized -Well built, looks nice in person -Speaker sounds good for such a small radio -Sound with earbuds is really nice -A steep learning curve, but… thankfully the manual is good and in good English Quibbles: -The kickstand on back is not good- either strengthen it or delete it -Buttons are non-intuitive -Battery (3000mah) doesn’t last long between charges -A USB-C charging port would be nice

[@davidconte-zu1ki]

This sounds great, but as a blind radio enthusiast, sounds impossible to operate

[@todderbert]

It can actually be easier than most others simply because of its clear lettering, and large Auto Tuning buttons / knob. You can leave all the other options alone, and enjoy a nice tuning experience. Even Auto Tuning can be set easily on the knob by just pressing it in a few times.

[@cadesmith4278]

Hey Todderbert--this sounds like a very sensitive MW radio--how do you think it compares to other modern, sensitive DSP radios, such as the EP-Pro? Thanks.

[@todderbert]

Evening they become more evenly matched, but during the day the big sticks(200mm ferrites) pull the distant signals in much better.

[@chloecastleton6113]

Well, let me add to this. I live in the Santa Clara Valley. My SR-286 (both of them) will pick up KFI out of Los Angeles right off the dipole antenna (AMP ON). in the driveway, in mid-day summer. This was something that was only exclusive to winter months. Yes, you will hear 50kw stations over 400 miles away, in the middle of the summer, with these Qodeson NXP radios. With that said, I can barely hear KNX 1070, it is there, but KFI (640) is heard much easier. Maybe it has something to do with the frequency. As for hearing local stations barefoot, it does fine. I Have the C. Crane EP-Pro. It's a wonderful radio, but the SR-286 will just outperform it on all bands. For reference, the C Crane EP-Pro does not pick up KFI, despite it having a 200MM internal ferrite. The whip antenna circuit is just so sensitive on the Qodeson.

[@sylvaind9086]

Huh... looks exactly like a Sony ICF-SW1 I bought in 1992... except for the tuning dial.I paid $550 for it at the time!😆 It still works well.

[@kurtisgump1104]

Great radio.Heard there is a new radio coming out called The Tef-6638 should be an interesting radio also it is a little bit bigger than the Qodosen radio. The Tef-6638 should be an interesting radio when it comes out. It is said it is equal to the Qodosen radio and is equal to the Tef-6686 but the new Tef-6638 radio says it has HD radio feature too which is going to be an interesting radio when it comes out

[@emjayel206]

I've been waiting for your review of this! Great video good Sir

[@todderbert]

Thank you.

[@ditto1958]

It really doesn’t come with a battery?

[@todderbert]

Nope, but they are easy to find.

[@inhaleexhale]

Your video gave me a lot to think about! I’m looking for my first shortwave radio, which can also be used during emergencies, like hurricanes. The battery life you reported is not ideal, but I’m attracted to the decent indoor reception (with no external antenna) in a noisy urban environment. The WX band would be nice, but not a dealbreaker for me. I have been watching your videos and I’m intrigued by shortwave and AM DXing. If this radio had SSB and USB-C I might pull the trigger! I was eyeing the HanRongDa radios (they seem well-built; I know everyone likes C. Crane but I am concerned with the knobs on the radio falling off, which seems to happen fairly often on CCrane from what I’ve read). The Sihuadon R108 you mentioned looks interesting; I will check it out. Anyway, this radio is way up there on the list for me. Maybe they will have an improvement or new model before Christmas! That carrying case is so cool. Thank you for another great review!

[@michaelis1819]

This radio asks for AIR band and SSB! I hope Qodosen will make a model with these features added. Anyway, thanks for the video!

[@ditto1958]

I gotta admit I’m intrigued by this little guy. It seems to have some downsides, but then there’s the reception. All the reviewers seem to be very impressed by how good it is on MW, FM and SW. So, it’s a little smaller than the radio I already have, the buttons are non-intuitive, and the sound from the speaker is tinny… but it brings in more signals than other radios, even those costing much more. That, at least for me, is kinda the main point of a radio. So I’m tempted…

[@gmorgan1118]

This is the new performance leader in the ultralight category -- I have the SR-286 pre-production version, and it is flawless. SSB would be nice to have, but I don't find myself missing it all that much. Gives my CCRadio 2 a run for its money on MW, too.

[@SangiTariq]

Great radio

[@mohammedpalapetty7887]

Sir, what is the difference between DX and SR ?

[@todderbert]

Same, just different button combinations to achieve the similar results.

[@Jaxon1776]

Great little radio. I look forward to more reviews. Lots of features to learn and play around with.

[@Gary-t9v]

Nice radio and sounds worth the $...wish they offered it with a battery. I'm surprised its not offered as part of a bundle deal?

[@todderbert]

You can get those XHDATA 3000mAh Batteries on Amazon. They work well.

[@kurtisgump1104]

This is a great radio love Dxing on it

[@arcticradio]

It’s a good receiver BUT suffers ghost stations/ mirrored station on and around 2.5 MHz

[@Bdub1952]

I turned off the pre-amplifier and it took care of the overload problem.

[@benjaminsebastian9241]

This radio is amazing!! Thank you Todd

[@1ronward]

Great job!

[@todderbert]

Thanks!

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

If only it had SSB.

[@DesertJeff]

I like this radio!

[@HardcoreDXLithuania]

Does it store bandwidth information in FM and other bands? Or it returns to default?

[@todderbert]

It only saves the BW information when you make a station preset. It remembers for FM/AM/SW.

[@qwertyamdx]

Have you noticed any digital hiss/hash when usng headphones?

[@todderbert]

Some have reported it, I get a little digital clicking. A few people have lessened this by turning off the Screen. Not sure why those are connected.

[@nareshnarasimhan9774]

Thank you for the review.Does it work when connected to usb charger.Also is the headphone jack stereo?

[@todderbert]

Yes, but will get interference on MW from the switching power supply, and charging circuit. Headphone jack is Stereo.

[@nareshnarasimhan9774]

@@todderbert Thank you for the response.Appreciated.

[@jeffreyhickman3871]

That looks 👌 so 2024!! Would I be able 🤔 to buy this for under $149.99? Your friend, Jeff!!

[@todderbert]

It lists for $79.99 on Amazon USA.

[@jeffreyhickman3871]

@@todderbert Thanks 😊!!

[@Nomad-Rogers]

Does the external antenna jack work for FM?

[@todderbert]

Yes.

[@PrairieDX]

I haven't noticed mine going through batteries all that fast. Seems pretty decent.

[@mikaelryden1147]

How do you now wheres the channels?

[@todderbert]

You can scan/browse.

[@lolbruh5621]

Does it have good bass on the headphones?

[@todderbert]

Decent. The FM profiles help.

[@MrFergeson]

Does it receive CW/morse code?

[@todderbert]

not well, you may here clips of transmissions, but you are unable to go SSB mode to fine tune.

[@radioredoctober]

Amazing radio !

[@todderbert]

It rocks :)

[@JoanRuthazer]

What do you charge it into?

[@todderbert]

Micro USB input jack charges the 18650 Button top battery that you have to buy separately.

[@JoanRuthazer]

@@todderbert one end of the jack goes into the radio, where does the other end go?

[@todderbert]

@@JoanRuthazer Any USB-A compliant device.

[@bobblacka918]

Does anyone actually listen to FM on a radio bought primarily to listen to LW and SW? I know I don't. In fact, I couldn't care less if the radio didn't even have FM. When I buy a communications type receiver, my focus is on how well it picks up short wave. I would prefer if they left out the FM components and use that space to add SSB to the radio. That would be more useful to me.

[@todderbert]

I listen to FM, along with MW, and SW on my walks. I enjoy the Chicago Area programming we have on the FM band. SSB is great when I want to listen to contests, how big someones antenna is, ect. Once in awhile I'll hear an interesting NET. LW is not a thing in the Midwest, maybe a beacon or two.

[@radio1000hills]

I listen FM

[@thecodfater3748]

This radio would have been amazing decades ago when FM mattered and internet wasn't a thing. Not only that, many places will decommission it soon going fully digital...

[@eddiedowning2571]

Kinda expensive for 79.99 on Amazon thought it was cheaper

[@todderbert]

I think it will be at $79.99 for awhile.

[@dadwire1483]

..Thanks for this excellent review! A question to ask...why are there NO other chips (TE6686), that can compare to this? There must other audio/radio chips that can be equivalent or even surpass the TE6686..? Hopefully, as demand increases, Sangean can manufacture a radio such as the ATS-909X2, as this would be the "cat's meow" of radios. And this kind of audio chip can be imbedded in AM/FM clock radios, table models and standup stereo consoles. It's nice that there is available internet , satellite, cable radio transmission, but NOTHING beats the original analogue that we have today, In times of emergencies (natural disasters, power outages, etc.).

[@chloecastleton6113]

I have been saying this for over 20 years. I live in the south San Fransisco bay area (south bay), and not up until I purchased my first SR-286, was I able to pick up Sacramento FM stations. Now, I'm picking them up left and right. With the Silicon Lab DSP chips, I was lucky to pick up just 1. It is still not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but many of the Sacramento FM stations spill into the south valley, but only in very select areas (hot spots). Finding those areas was extremely challenging with the Si-lab chip, but the NXP DSP chip just pulls stations out of the air if you walk right into the signal. It's quite amazing. In some cases, you will get full RDS and stereo. Absolutely mind blowing. For these radios, the 19" is fine, but if you want more signal grabbing capability, consider purchasing the Tecsun Antenna extender. Works great for this radio. We as consumers want more automotive DSP chips in our radios. Silicon labs are great, but it's about time we get more premium DSP chips, if we are paying $300 for a portable. I hope they are listening, and watching as this NXP DSP sells off the shelves.

[@dadwire1483]

Thanks for your comment! Either AM radio will improve its sensitivity ( eg with this and other car chips ..TE6686), or radio will die! AM is necessary in times of emergencies, and it carries thousands of miles farther than FM. Internet,, cable , WI-FI, satellite is NOT a panacea, why should you pay for service which should be GRATIS on your home radio ? Toronto has good radio stations for many years…jazz, broadway, plays, classical , rock , but NOW 1/2 of the stations are in Punjabi, Cantonese , Mandarin Hopefully l, the TE6686 chip can be used for AM clock radios, also! You can for more bands on this radio chip ..SSB, Marine band , Public announcements, Air band

[@walleyvideo8297]

Thanks for your great videos! I have ordered a replacement DX-286 because I can't seem to program the clock & world clock. This is the most complicated radio I've ever owned, and perhaps the best one of my collection for DX'ing. (I've just ordered the Sangean PR-D19) I do have some wonderful radios, from Sony, Raddy, Sangean & Tecsun. Perhaps it would help many of us if you would do a short video on how to set the World Clock & time?

[@mediamike693]

+++🤩😝+++NICE+++I 🐸🦘😝+++WILL GET ONE+++