DX-286 Portable Radio, with TEF6686 Automotive Chip,LW,AM, FM, Shortwave,Data System(RBDS/RDS),Antenna Attenuator,Antenna Switch, AMP Switch,1000 Presets,Tone Switch,Clock/UTC/Alarm/Sleep

As a long time radio fan (like 60 years) and ham radio operator, I'm always intrigued by new radios and new technology. I started out with tube receivers, and just look where we are today.I received the package, including the radio, the case, a soft bag, charging cable and a very detailed operators manual. I had also ordered a couple of button top 18650 batteries (button top 18650's are a requirement) and had them charged and ready to power this little radio that has received so much attention. As a ham radio operator, I have several antennas at my disposal, and I've been testing it with a 40-6 meter off center fed dipole.From a short wave listening perspective, this radio is a little marvel. I've been allowing it to auto-tune through the short wave bands, and the results have been quite amazing. Quiet, clear reception of many stations on all the bands. It outclasses all my other shortwave portables including my Sihuadon D-808 and Tecsun PL-330. I am slightly disappointed that the radio doesn't process SSB signals, but I have other radios for that. For short wave listening, the DX-286 is a little marvel.FM reception is also in a class by itself. I haven't tested it thoroughly, but all the stations in the Treasure Valley of Idaho are easily heard, and my favorite rock oldies station sounds perfect. Great stereo separation and broad, adjustable bandwidth. Listening through my Sony headphones is pure pleasure.From a MW perspective, it astounds using the built-in whip, away from the inherent electrical interference of the neighborhood. It is so sensitive that noisy RF environments are unpleasant. It hears everything including the computer power supplies, flat screen TV's and your electric fence. Switching to the internal ferrite antenna, it has no problems picking up our local stations, but be aware you'll need to rotate the radio for best reception.After only less than a day, I have so much to learn about this radio, and the detailed operators manual will help me get there. But first impressions are lasting impressions and I can tell you that for less than $100, this is one amazing little device. A word of warning, be prepared for a learning curve as this is not an intuitive radio to operate. You'll need to spend some quality time with the manual to get the most from it, and I've barely scratched the surface. But from what I've seen and heard so far? Just wow.Note: For a detailed review, please read Jay Allen's take on the radio.

This is a VERY sensitive radio on all bands. Just like every other radio, you need to get away from interference like routers, computers and everything else with a processor. There is a bit of a learning curve to milk out the last bit of features on this radio, but I was able to figure out most of it pretty easily. The radio sounds surprisingly good for the small size. The screen is great nd the buttons work well. The hard case protects the radio when not in use. The price is a bit high for a radio without SSB reception, but the excellent reception makes it well worth the price. I don't see a downside to the radio. I need to get a phone mount and make a video of this radio, it's that great.

Executive summary: Quite impressed with this small footprint radio. Reputable sources like radiojayallen say its great and it is!- Lets get this out of the way. No battery comes with it. I knew this and I have a large collection of 18650 batteries for several of my other radios. It does chug when tuning and does not have SSB. There RF noise from the display circuit on LW and MW but you can turn that off once you are on a station)- FM rx is stellar, blows everything out of the water. Part of this is due to the small size. It is very easy to move the radio in all directions quickly. In contrast, my CCRadio 3 is so large that its not easy to repositon in the same manner. Selectivity is also stellar, I can receive distant stations 200 KhZ from a local.- LW is very good. With the internal antenna it is good (comparable to my H501x and leaps and bounds better than the horrid LW performance on the Eton Elite Exec). With the whip antenna it is even better. I live in the USA so can only get my local airport beacon. There is a lot of noise from the display but you can turn that off holding down the 1 and 3 buttons simultaneously. A small negative.- MW is meh on internal antenna, excellent on whip when away from RF interference (and can turn off the display to get rid of the display noise). I still give the slight dx nod to the CCRadio 3 with its auto tune and 8" ferrite. That is still quite a feat.- SW is very good. I cannot say its better than my H501 or Eton Elite Exec. But it's up there. It does chug like the Eton. I knew there was no SSB going in. No sync of course.- Good sound for the size. Comes with nice hard case. Tons of user selectable options. Good quality build.