A small and beautiful receiver. Easy to handle, fits in your pocket (without a telescopic antenna, so you don't look weird). He is very sensitive to the reception. I tried it in the field with a telescopic antenna and I can say that it is excellent for a shortwave listener and for monitoring amateur radio bands. And in the house, together with the G5RV antenna, it does a wonderful job.
This radio is Amazing! I have been enjoying mine for a month now. It has a true CW filter almost impossible to find on a tiny reciver like this. I use it to listen to CW when I walk the dog.
Another nice video. I think it's cool that you are letting your kids participate in the videos. It's funny that I heard that guy on 40m trying to finish that contact.
Great little receiver. It can also serve as a device that you can record your radio contacts by plugin your camera mic input or a separate recorder directly into the receiver while you operate from another radio. Pretty useful for HamTubers. There seem to have an upgraded chasis for the external speaker and a USB-C for charging. Another option they can add is a lock button so you can have your reciever locked to a frequency without the fear that you can bump the freq dial button by accident.
Here is something you didnt comment on. WWV has two stations. You were picking up BOTH! WWVH is located in Hawaii and WWV is located in Boulder Clorado.
One of the members brought one of these to the club breakfast this morning. Didn't get a chance to use it, but the thing that impressed me was that it felt SOLID! If I can find a transmitter to go along with it, I'll buy on for Field Day use. WA2WMR
Ok, that intro caused the Walter Mitty in me to have goose bumps. My cloak and dagger needs dry cleaning and sharpening. Was just thinking today I need another SW reciever. And here is a micro sized one...
Good quick review. Nice little radio. I am holding out for someone to put all the features together similar to the Malachite but without the RF screen noise, built-in IQ recording of wider spectrum, and digital (receive) modes like DRM, HD, DAB, etc. I don't want to have to carry a laptop around anymore just to do spectrum recording.
It's the only portable 1.5-31 mhz. communications receiver that 'i'm aware of' that can receive the 10 mtr amateur fm band. Very enjoyable audio when there is a band opening. This receiver is made by a ham specifically for the ham radio operator in mind. No vlf or mw.
Do you recommand it for a listener starter pack? I want to begin with something good. I'm not Licence am radio. I just want to get in the hobby. From Québec Canada thanks!
This is very cool, thanks! Just wondering if you've tried it with higher gain antennas and, if so, whether you noticed a considerable difference in reception? Cheers!
Ps my steel box is 8"x10"by 1.3/4 " and when opened. It displays the rig and power supply w/ key. And couplings for the antenna and ground. That /Mir frund ist/ a spy radio as Qrp is hard to DF. .
For around that price you could get a full SDR with a touch screen and a larger frequency range, which is about the same sized unit, and more features.
Belka DX radio looks ideal for use in our Motorhome. I cannot listen to SW in our home as too much interference from neighbours. But parked up in our motorhome in the wild ideal. Great product but just cannot afford the price as shipping cost high. Hoping prices come down Cheers from old pensionets George and Jane motorhome Adventures. 👫👍🇬🇧
Hello! Can you tell me about CW-U mode in Belka receiver - is the frequency the same as in DX cluster? In my case always Belka frequency lower -500Hz than DX cluster
Hi Josh really enjoy shortwave listening and that would be perfect if you go on somewhere and nothings on TV I definitely like the size of it I may have to check it out at a later date thanks for doing the review on the radio. WD5ENH Steve
Hello , just got mine 12/27 and after using it for 5 minutes I could not turn it back on after shuting it off . There has been some talk of bad batteries , any ideas I bought the radio from the designer . thanks John kb2huk
Seems to work fine with your house antenna, but how does it work with the included antenna? Can you do another video in the field? Hopefully it has the same performance.
The stock antenna works well to a point. When you want to pull in the lower frequencies, you're still going to want to do with a much longer antenna to be effective.
So that radio receiver is continuously tunable across each band , correct ? I can tune continuously through 10meters , and 11 meters if I wanted to listen to CB ? And can I also get the marine bands on that little receiver ?
Just one more question . I guess that I need something , a receiver with a fully filtered front end for optimal DX listening . Something that can pull in weak stations , especially if connected to say , a dipole that is cut for 11 meters , or 10 meters . Does that recover have ' good ears ' in your opinion ?
Great video could you please recomend a very good sw ssb receiver or radio i was looking at the xhdata 808 or a tescun pl680 but i dont know anything about radios or receivers thanks buddy
i have to say that for someone with so many radios in the background, to say something like the difference between the belka and the malachite is 'features' tells me you likely haven't tried a malachite which is nearly universally panned for dreadful reception and extreme susceptibility to random noise. btw, i was demo'ing my ic-705 for a ham friend the other day and had the belka out (he also has one based on my praise of it) and for every signal we monitored on the 705 we started turning the belka (with the whip--the 705 was on an end-fed outside) to that signal and for every frequency we sampled the belka received it just as good as the 705 although the audio (using the new mobimax external speaker) wasn't near as good. the belka (little squirrel) is a marvel of engineering. /guy (73 de kg5gt | wqpz784)
No more SWRs for me without waterfalls. If I'd have known about this, wouldn't have bought the last one. Tecsun, Sangean etc need to take note in my opinion. This one at least has i/q output for a panadapter on your computer or phone.
Great video! I haven't had time to watch the WHOLE thing. Does the audio momentarily cut as you tune about (I think it's called 'chuffing') or is there no such effect? Thanks 🙂
What do you consider to be your best hand held sw listener? Not sure if hand held is the correct term… something to carry around in the car or camping? I’m using your site to learn my Ham info.. thanks
Hello, i have already accomplished the purchase prossess by the website you have adviced, but they did, t mentioned the delivery date !! Is some thing went wrong😕
The secret code is always "Be sure to drink your Ovaltine!"
Timeless ...
Lol
"The Chair Is Against The Wall, The Chair Is Against The Wall. John Has A Long Mustache, John Has A Long Mustache."
@@seaningram3285 what I herd was There's no window in the toilet door
@@seaningram3285 Wolverines‼️
A small and beautiful receiver. Easy to handle, fits in your pocket (without a telescopic antenna, so you don't look weird). He is very sensitive to the reception. I tried it in the field with a telescopic antenna and I can say that it is excellent for a shortwave listener and for monitoring amateur radio bands. And in the house, together with the G5RV antenna, it does a wonderful job.
This radio is Amazing! I have been enjoying mine for a month now. It has a true CW filter almost impossible to find on a tiny reciver like this. I use it to listen to CW when I walk the dog.
That’s cool. Now I need a tux and a Walther PPK.
Rent a tux; buy a Keltec.
As I recall, he preferred the Beretta.
Fantastic intro, Josh! Great review, too. 73!
I've had mine a few weeks now and for its size it is very powerful, great little rig.
Cool review, and I like the narrative style!
Thank you!
Looking forward to getting one!! Great little rig with good reviews coming from everyone.
It seems very well loved.
Another nice video. I think it's cool that you are letting your kids participate in the videos.
It's funny that I heard that guy on 40m trying to finish that contact.
Great little receiver. It can also serve as a device that you can record your radio contacts by plugin your camera mic input or a separate recorder directly into the receiver while you operate from another radio. Pretty useful for HamTubers. There seem to have an upgraded chasis for the external speaker and a USB-C for charging. Another option they can add is a lock button so you can have your reciever locked to a frequency without the fear that you can bump the freq dial button by accident.
I think the Belka-DX is Amazing! Going to get one. Thanks for sharing. 73, Ron
Yes its Amazing. I Have One an I Love IT
Excellent video. I received my Belka today. It took three weeks and it’s well worth the wait.
Get a pigtail adapter, having an adapter + another on top puts stress on the connector -and can pretty soon after damage the solder connection.
Here is something you didnt comment on. WWV has two stations. You were picking up BOTH! WWVH is located in Hawaii and WWV is located in Boulder Clorado.
He also used an external antenna which we know nothing about. I need to know if it hears anything at all on the built-in whip.
One of the members brought one of these to the club breakfast this morning. Didn't get a chance to use it, but the thing that impressed me was that it felt SOLID! If I can find a transmitter to go along with it, I'll buy on for Field Day use.
WA2WMR
Very interested to see your thoughts on this one Josh!
I love the photo!
Be sure your drink your Ovaltine...
The speaker model reduces the battery from 2200 mah to 1250. Something to take note of.
and yet, it _still_ lasts a week!
@@gteague Amazing isn't it.
So awesome you are making new engineers and ham operators
Hello, I ask for your opinions. What do you think about the latest version of the receiver ''Belka-DX-max set with LSP3W speaker kit '' from Mobimax ?
How does this radio compare to the Malachite SDR's in terms of receive quality?
Ok, that intro caused the Walter Mitty in me to have goose bumps. My cloak and dagger needs dry cleaning and sharpening. Was just thinking today I need another SW reciever. And here is a micro sized one...
I just found (and subscribed) your channel today. Very cool little toy. That just got out to the top of my "to buy" list.
Heard Radio Rebelde and Radio Marti. Thanks for the great review.
This piqued my interest into tiny receivers, but ended up ordering a Tecsun PL-330 instead. Just seemed a lot more usable, albeit not as tiny.
Good call! Finally a smaller Tecsun with SSB!
Good quick review. Nice little radio. I am holding out for someone to put all the features together similar to the Malachite but without the RF screen noise, built-in IQ recording of wider spectrum, and digital (receive) modes like DRM, HD, DAB, etc. I don't want to have to carry a laptop around anymore just to do spectrum recording.
Good call!
Great little radio. Excellent review. Thanks.
It does AM?
Yes. but read the fine print.
It only gets the last twenty AM BC channels in the U.S., only the last ten channels elsewhere.
Sounds like something I might buy I'm going to go check around
The Bellka Spy Radio,I Just Love It,I Going To Purchase Two Them,I Really Love This Spy Radio !!!!
It is a nice receiver, and probably worth the price, but I like to have medium wave and perhaps FM in a portable receiver.
As long as it’s got an aux port you can use it to output from this receiver as it doesn’t have a built in speaker
It's the only portable 1.5-31 mhz. communications receiver that 'i'm aware of' that can receive the 10 mtr amateur fm band. Very enjoyable audio when there is a band opening. This receiver is made by a ham specifically for the ham radio operator in mind. No vlf or mw.
Love the intro
Great video review, BTW Belka means Squirrel in Russian -:)
Fitting name.
What's a squirrel ?
@@begbieyabass A belka.
You’re napkin or towel looks like the striker on Strike Anywhere Matchboxes.
I would be interested in the important tests like image rejection and so on. Thank you for the review.
Love the T-Shirt!
The latest version (including speaker) just cost me $180. It's an amazing little radio. I've suggested that DX Engineering should sell it.
Do you recommand it for a listener starter pack? I want to begin with something good. I'm not Licence am radio. I just want to get in the hobby.
From Québec Canada thanks!
SW stands for Stair radio, cause brother stair is the only thing I pick up on anymore listening to shortwave radio broadcasts.
Lol!
Thank you, great review
This is very cool, thanks! Just wondering if you've tried it with higher gain antennas and, if so, whether you noticed a considerable difference in reception? Cheers!
It is starting to go the way of East Berlin here. This might be handy.
#TeamReplay for the win!
Great looking little receiver there
i am in if next iteration has mw bcb, otherwise the tecsun pl-368 is the current winner for me
Thats really nifty. Very nice. So tiny!😮👍
Ps my steel box is 8"x10"by 1.3/4 " and when opened. It displays the rig and power supply w/ key. And couplings for the antenna and ground. That /Mir frund ist/ a spy radio as Qrp is hard to DF. .
I love my Sangean radios. I think Id lile to get one of these.... you know for my super secret operations
Ordered one. Thanks.
Ok. That's cool. I'm a sucker for nifty stuff like that!
Wow! fantastic intro, Thanks for the video. Stop in sometime. OLd Radio Night 21
Thank you for a very good easily u der stood review on this Radio.
Thanks!
Great opening, great review as always
Thanks Evan!
For around that price you could get a full SDR with a touch screen and a larger frequency range, which is about the same sized unit, and more features.
But then you have to bring another device to run it. Kind of misses the point.
Interesting little radio and nice video! Damn, now I want one of these, and I haven't been on hf in years.
Cool little radio
I don't recommend external speakers for SW radios. They are pretty hit or miss, at least on the Tecsun PL-660, noise wise.
Belka DX radio looks ideal for use in our Motorhome. I cannot listen to SW in our home as too much interference from neighbours. But parked up in our motorhome in the wild ideal. Great product but just cannot afford the price as shipping cost high. Hoping prices come down Cheers from old pensionets George and Jane motorhome Adventures. 👫👍🇬🇧
Hello! Can you tell me about CW-U mode in Belka receiver - is the frequency the same as in DX cluster? In my case always Belka frequency lower -500Hz than DX cluster
Hi Josh really enjoy shortwave listening and that would be perfect if you go on somewhere and nothings on TV I definitely like the size of it I may have to check it out at a later date thanks for doing the review on the radio.
WD5ENH
Steve
Awesome, thank you!
Great review. Nice and fun intro!!!
Hello , just got mine 12/27 and after using it for 5 minutes I could not turn it back on after shuting it off . There has been some talk of bad batteries , any ideas I bought the radio from the designer . thanks John kb2huk
I remember when you would call pop corn on the telephone for the exact time.
What about airband?
I've an XHDATA D-808, will I pull in anything extra with this? Using it with an MLA-30 antenna
very nice unit
It being really small, I like it! Pretty cool radio. Thanks for sharing it Josh! 73
great video and info on the Belka! Josh how do you think it would perform with a 40 ft wire antenna clipped to its telescope antenna? thanks.
Seems to work fine with your house antenna, but how does it work with the included antenna? Can you do another video in the field? Hopefully it has the same performance.
The stock antenna works well to a point. When you want to pull in the lower frequencies, you're still going to want to do with a much longer antenna to be effective.
So that radio receiver is continuously tunable across each band , correct ? I can tune continuously through 10meters , and 11 meters if I wanted to listen to CB ? And can I also get the marine bands on that little receiver ?
Yes, but it's maximum frequency is 31MHz.
Just one more question . I guess that I need something , a receiver with a fully filtered front end for optimal DX listening . Something that can pull in weak stations , especially if connected to say , a dipole that is cut for 11 meters , or 10 meters . Does that recover have ' good ears ' in your opinion ?
Interested only when i see and hear the optional speaker and the price of the speaker.
Pricey option...
Great video could you please recomend a very good sw ssb receiver or radio i was looking at the xhdata 808 or a tescun pl680 but i dont know anything about radios or receivers thanks buddy
Try it on 27 385 looks about the size of my autec signal analyzer
i have to say that for someone with so many radios in the background, to say something like the difference between the belka and the malachite is 'features' tells me you likely haven't tried a malachite which is nearly universally panned for dreadful reception and extreme susceptibility to random noise.
btw, i was demo'ing my ic-705 for a ham friend the other day and had the belka out (he also has one based on my praise of it) and for every signal we monitored on the 705 we started turning the belka (with the whip--the 705 was on an end-fed outside) to that signal and for every frequency we sampled the belka received it just as good as the 705 although the audio (using the new mobimax external speaker) wasn't near as good.
the belka (little squirrel) is a marvel of engineering.
/guy (73 de kg5gt | wqpz784)
No more SWRs for me without waterfalls. If I'd have known about this, wouldn't have bought the last one. Tecsun, Sangean etc need to take note in my opinion. This one at least has i/q output for a panadapter on your computer or phone.
4:55 The spec sheet says it has an IQ output for waterfall viewing on an external screen or computer
Is there anything to be heard on long wave?
Where is the "decoding acronyms" video from Saturday? I wasn't able to watch it live...
It goes live in about 15 minutes. I explain in the beginning what happened.
Pity you only ran it via an external aerial.......would have been useful to hear what the signal was like with the telescopic aerial.
Great video! I haven't had time to watch the WHOLE thing. Does the audio momentarily cut as you tune about (I think it's called 'chuffing') or is there no such effect? Thanks 🙂
No chuffing, totally smooth VFO tunning.
@@kamilsp7 Thanks!
What do you consider to be your best hand held sw listener? Not sure if hand held is the correct term… something to carry around in the car or camping? I’m using your site to learn my Ham info.. thanks
Do you want very broad banded or hf primarily?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I'm about as much as a newbie As It Gets. I'd like to learn both. If it requires buying two different kinds, I'll buy both
Nice, Maybe you forgot to tell about filters. Are there any built-in DSP noise canceling options?
Nope.
what is that black box you put next to radio?
Can you get the 11 meter band on it ????
Yes
@@HamRadioCrashCourse thank you for your help great video 👍
When you store the memory it stores the mode you have set.
How does this compare to something like CC sky wave or Tecsun 680?
The Belka doesn’t cover as many bands. It’s good on shortwave though.
Hello, i have already accomplished the purchase prossess by the website you have adviced, but they did, t mentioned the delivery date !! Is some thing went wrong😕
Email them?
already have the GP-5 SSB from County Comm, which do you think is better ?
Idk there is one that is arguably better. They each have features the other does not.
I put the unit in envelope detector mode and it led me straight to the post office.
Wasn't the message "Don't forget to drink your Ovaltine 🙂. Remember when Ralphie gets his decoder in Christmas Story.
Hello very cool radio and your nearby gear What is that R0DE ? I can assume a mini BT microphone?
The boys getting big
I like it, but wanted to use something like it for MW DX. I guess it is out for that.
Me quedé con ganas de escuchar la banda de MW en el modo synchro
What is that clip in the start? A movie? Please let me know :)
Its from "The Spy" a WONDERFUL series on Netflix. Its a retelling of a Isralli spy and includes alot of radio communication. Check it out!
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Yeah i will check it out, looks very interesting. Thanks for answering :)
How long did it take to arrive after you ordered it?
Do you recommend it Mark swl Ireland
Josh what do you use as a clarifier
For this radio I’d just tighten up the filter and adjust the sensitivity and volume.
What’s the name of that knife in the thumbnail?
Boker d2 stub
Josh, would you replace your CC Skywave SSB for this for your travels?
Depends on how light I am traveling. Out of a backpack. Likely yes. With I had more space I’d take the Skywave.
I like it ☘️
Can you me Write down the Differace from AM1 and AM2 ? My English is not so good.
AM1 - "classic" AM, AM2 - synchro AM.
one question how can i receive audio from covert \ spy earpiece using an sdr device and what's the frequency do they use ? thank a lot boys
No idea. It would depend on the frequency the device was transmitting on.
Any covert communications you can hear you will never be able to decipher or understand. It's silly to look upon this radio as a james bond toy.