I only have this radio for a short time and although I am not yet familiar with all the features that it has I can express my thoughts on a number of the options that I am using. This radio is fast becoming my constant companion and it can't be beat for such great quality at an affordable price. This compact AM/FM/ SHORTWAVE/WB radio is perfect for me. I'm up in years and my eyes are not as sharp as they once were. The large, easy to read BACKLIT DISPLAY is a great help. I have arthritis in both hands and it's difficult for me to make a fist so weight really matters. The fold down handle makes it easy for me to cradle the unit in either hand and this unit weighs less than 3lbs even with 4 "D" batteries. I really like the weather band, WB is the same as NOAA which is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. I live in the northeast section of the USA and the weather here changes quickly and constantly. I always check the weather throughout the day and especially when I'm planning to leave the house. This station gives accurate up to the minute weather information for any region you're interested in. The HEADPHONE JACK comes in handy as I like to listen to shortwave stations late at night. I have listened to stations in Italy, France, Germany, Mexico, So. America and Canada, although I don't always understand what they're saying. That's when I use the SLEEP TIMER as I sometime fall asleep that late. I can set the timer for up to 90 minutes. I also use the headphones so as not to disturb others and again when I'm on the computer. I don't normally need the ANTENNA except when I'm on shortwave. I'm amazed at how many stations that I can pick up. The SEARCH feature is a great help and once I tune in on a station I use the MEMORY button to save it. (A shortwave frequency list and SHORT-WAVE.INFO is available on the internet.) A USB cord is included to charge the internal lithium battery and you can switch power from the internal battery to the "D" batteries. The display alerts to how much power is available from either source. There is also a slot for a SD card so that you can access your favorite recordings through the radio's speaker. I had to give up watching football because I don't want to pay for the high cost of subscription TV stations. When I received this radio I realized that I am able to listen to the play by play of the games in real time. I have listed some of the reasons why I really like and enjoy this radio. I suggest that when you get this radio you take the time to go through the enclosed User Manual as it is all inclusive and explains each and every feature in easy to follow detail. I highly recommend this unit and will probably have to purchase another one if my nephew doesn't stop borrowing this one. Read more
Excellent FM reception; see below re AM reception. Really good stereo sound with headphones on strong FM stations. No 5-volt power module; you must supply your own--but those are common with cell phones so you may have one already (check the label for "5V" output). You can also charge it from the USB-A port on your p.c. The radio is made in China so the instruction manual is by one of the locals who is still learning English. Here's a short version of what it *should* say: 1. Plug the black power cable into your cell phone charger or your computer's USB port. You can use it right away, but allow a few hours to charge the internal battery. 2. Keep four D-cells handy to use when you don't have a.c. power--they'll last much longer than the internal battery. 3. Tap BAND repeatedly until you get the one you want, AM, FM, SW, or WX (Weather). Example: FM. 4. Tap the DOWNWARD ADJUST and UPWARD ADJUST buttons (upper right of front panel) to select the frequency of your favorite station. Or, to enter it directly, tap FREQ, enter the frequency, and tap FREQ again. Example for a station on 101.3: FREQ-1-0-1-3-FREQ. 5. To save it as your first memory, note the secondary labels over the 3, 4, and 5 buttons: MEMORY, P-, P+. Press and hold MEMORY for 3 seconds--the display will show "P" plus a number. Tap the P- button until it shows "P01" then quickly tap MEMORY again. You now have your first programmable memory, "P01." 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to select and program other stations. Save them as P02, P03, etc. 7. To select a saved memory, turn the radio on, select the desired band if necessary, then tap MEMORY followed by the two digits of the memory you want, i.e. "0-1" for the first one. 8. To quickly scan up or down from any frequency to the next receivable station, press and hold one of the ADJUST buttons. 9. The local NOAA weather frequency depends on your location. It will be between 162.40 and 162.55 mHz. Tap the BAND button to select "WX" then tap one of the ADJUST buttons until you find the strongest signal. Leave it there and the radio will return to that frequency the next time you select "WX." 10. Experiment with the antenna for improved signal strength on any station. You may find excellent reception on many stations by leaving it fully collapsed and clipped down. Keep your hand away from the antenna when testing signal strength and generally listening--your body alters the antenna's properties, and that's usually not good. 11. Re AM reception--by its nature, AM reception will be poor in mid-day and much better at night. Do your testing after sundown or in early morning. Also, be aware that the AM antenna is internal, separate from the whip antenna. Leave the whip collapsed, and rotate the radio for best reception. Read more
My first criticism is the ability to add 4 D batteries. If it were up to me, there would be a choice to add 18650 button top batteries. I bought those and a charger to charge them to use with another radio. My next criticism is the slow charging of the internal batteries. It would be nice to be able to use my cell phone charger and charge the batteries quickly. I had to buy a slow 1 amp charger just to charge my radios. I would also like to have folder navigation of the songs on the card, like the Retekess v115 has. I would also like separate volume and power switches. Of course these changes would increase the price. The question is by how much. If it could still be $50 or less, these changes would imo be well worth it. So far my favorite cheap radios are this one, the Retekess v115, the Boespatr 003 , and the Semier sm 817. While the 003 has navigation by flle number only, I like its sound quality. I like the sm817 for its ability to use a 18650 button top battery. Read more
This radio is just what I was looking for! It has good sound and good reception, easy to operate controls and plenty of features. I especially like the USB and Sd input. I have recorded some music on a micro Sd chip and it plays it beautifully. The AM, FM, and weather bands have very good reception. I haven't tried the SW yet, so I can't say anything about that band. The headphone outlet works great. I ran it into my Bose speaker and it sounds great and has very strong volume. All in all this is an excellent radio at any price. The fact that it was very reasonably priced was a bonus. Read more
