The battery drain is easily resolved. I observed the same behavior. The issue is the app control is always on, Bluetooth Low Energy is always waiting for the companion app to connect. You can either disable it altogether, or better yet, disable the always on time display. When the time is not displaying, and the LCD display is off, so is the BLE. Problem solved. The time will display once the radio is turned on with one click of the power button, the second click turns on the radio. All HanRongDa radios with app control do not broadcast Bluetooth when the display is off.
I think the drain could be to do with the App, as it must be connected to Bluetooth even when the radio is off. Otherwise it wouldn't turn on using the app - Which it does, so if you have the App option on, Bluetooth is on all the time on the radio.
Thanks for the update. Looks like the consumer takes a punt when getting one of these, and in it various incarnations. It could have this fault or not, or indeed some other. And the prices vary wildly on the makes, even though they appear to be the same machine. It's an interesting concept with interesting features, as you suggest. Hopefully they can perfect this over time and produce something that will do their vision justice.
Hi Clint, many thanks for this post. I'm sorry that the Raddy has proven to be a disappointment. There are different versions of this radio. I wonder if these have this battery drain problem too? I had a similar problem with the Eton Sattelit Executive . Batteries would drain after three days or so. I'm going to wait to see what happens with it. Its prices are going down. If they can iron out the problems , it might be worth buying. 73s and GDX/
I bought a HanRongDa HRD-C919. because of the advantage of using 2X18650 cells. I have had the radio 10 days and its still showing full. I agree with you re the overloading issue using an outside antenna. I use an MFJ tuner which sorts that out. The thing that really detracts is the station chuffing. Its really interesting radio otherwise. Not the quality of a Tecsun though.
Yes although the D-808 issue was probably caused by me using it during an electrical storm in Para. Although I'm not 100% sure - it might just have failed. 73
Hello, I have a sangean ATS 909X and a Moonraker Skyscan Desktop antenna which has a BNC male connector. Can I use a 3.5mm Mono to BNC Adapter, BNC Female Jack to 3.5mm TS Male Plug for the external antenna? Wasn't sure and don't want to damage the radio. If this isn't the proper adaptor, could you suggest one, please. Really love the radio and want to use the antenna. Thanks for your help. Didn't know how to email you. Live around OX27dq and learning. Thanks again.
Clint I don’t know how to play taps on the keyboard so adios to the Raddy RF -919 …my pre- order model fortunately does not the problem at present. I have had it sitting on two bars for over a week and have played it for about 10 minutes each of those days. Not exactly a scientific test , but the best I can think of…😮! 73! Have a great day!
Sounds as if yours is ok, so I'm pleased for you. I think your test is sound by the way. Mine would lose all battery charge in about 2 days, something I couldn't live with. 73!
Too bad. It did look interesting and had a great coolness factor to it. Ah well, thanks for trying it. Better getting these from Amazon with a return policy. Thanks, Clint.
when you dont have a 1p £1 is alot of money, when something is being sold for £240 , it should work. Good on you clint, no way i would keep that low quality and part with very hard earnt money! save it for another hamfest where you do really well with the bargins ! :D
I nearly bought 1 i most certainly wont be buying one now unless it massively improves i actually like the design but im not going to Waste good money on that ..cheers Ged in Ireland 🇮🇪
See the real issue here is that the people making these radios have no experience building real radios, probably don't know what dynamic range is or front end filtering which these radios usually completely lack. They wouldn't be able to make an analogue radio with all the inductors and coils etc because they wouldn't know what to do with them. The problem now is anyone and everyone are able to make a "radio" because it comes on a DSP chip, at least Tecsun can make a proper radio with excellent dynamic range but sadly the issue with DSP for me is that it destroys SSB audio quality and for that reason alone I will never buy another DSP radio, for the money there shouldn't be any of these issues. The Tecsun PL-660/680 are in my opinion the best shortwave radios you can still buy new today and they handle my 130 odd foot EFHW 49:1 without any issue and are a joy to listen to on SSB and it makes ECSS a pure joy to listen to, ECSS isn't possible on any DSP radio due to the really poor audio quality. Unfortunately the likes of this RF919 and the ATS 25+, ATS 120 etc, are all the same, all bling, no performance just diy projects from electronics enthusiasts and there's nothing wrong with this at all but they charge too much for these because they do not perform as intended or should for the money. Even if one can't erect a 130 foot antenna the Bonito MA 305/ 305 FT is probably the best antenna for it's size and it's an extremely quiet antenna too compared to a long wire. The Bonito + the Tecsun PL-660/680 and you'll have one of the best receiving stations you can buy at a sensible price, forget DSP radios and Bling "radios" like the RF919 and the likes. The days of new proper analogue radios are well and truly gone so it's really got to be SDR now hasn't it ? which makes me wonder why radio manufacturers don't use SDR instead of that crap Silicon Labs DSP chip ?
I had the S-8800 and while it's good on AM, SSB audio quality is a complete and utter disaster, the Tecsun PL-660/680 are far better radios in my opinion and one of the major reasons for this is they are pure analogue which means SSB sounds wonderful and makes ECSS possible, ECSS is an essential tool for the serious SW enthusiast and DX'er. For those who don't know. ECSS is when wants to listen to a weaker station close by a stronger station which is interfering with the weaker station, you press USB or LSB whichever has the best effect are reducing the interference and tune the BFO until the audio sounds as natural as possible, this is possible on DSP radios but the audio is incredibly bad especially on the S-8800, PL-880 and PL-990. ECSS works great at reducing the effects of fading signals. You might say that a DSP radio has filters, yes that's true, so why not use a narrower filter ? well because using a narrower filter reduces audio quality and the noise source or interfering station might still be in the filters passband but using SSB completely eliminates the audio either side of the carrier and sounds a lot better than a narrow filter because you get more bandwidth than using a narrow filter. The other issue with the Tecsun S-8800 , PL-880 , PL-990 is the fact that their 3 Khz sounds more like a 2 Khz filter, and the 4 Khz does nothing, it doesn't work. Tecsun only fixed the filters with the H-501x ( with a quirk ) and the PL-330 and while the AGC issue is still there it's not as bad as the other mentioned radios meaning the distortion isn't as bad but still notable but the other issue that has never been resolved in any DSP radio using this poor design Silicon Labs SIxx chip is the low frequency cut off of around 300 Hz which doesn't help audio quality.
Thanks for your comments. Anything less than 5KHz audio bandwidth on the PL-880 and the audio is muddy so I tend to live with the extra noise for crisper audio on everything but the weakest signals. 73.
I am sorry that the RF-919 wonked out on You. I wonder what kind of defect caused the batteries to deplete so quickly?? Any of Your friends arrive at viable conclusions??
Just sent my RF919 back, NOT impressed..Sorry. AM with the Plugin T. amazing. Everything else unimpressive. I have a ZHIWHIS 787 Blows the Raddy 919 out of the water. Tried multiple antennas ......internal external UHF/VHF antenna picked up very few stations SW. Radio Marti was very poor reception on 11.930. and 11.860 that I can pickup on all my vintage Transoceanics, Realistic/Radio Shack, Grundigs etc. Had Great hopes for this Technological Marvel . Well on its way back to Amazon. Very disappointed.
The antenna options in theory are great, but they all couple with each other and it takes a lot of experimentation to copy weak stations in a crowded band. Mine kept depleting the batteries within a couple of days of no use etc. A shame.
Sending it back. I don't blame you.
Thanks David. A shame, but had to be done.
The battery drain is easily resolved. I observed the same behavior.
The issue is the app control is always on, Bluetooth Low Energy is always waiting for the companion app to connect. You can either disable it altogether, or better yet, disable the always on time display. When the time is not displaying, and the LCD display is off, so is the BLE. Problem solved.
The time will display once the radio is turned on with one click of the power button, the second click turns on the radio. All HanRongDa radios with app control do not broadcast Bluetooth when the display is off.
Get another and enjoy it if you liked the radio!
I might just do that you know...
@@OxfordShortwaveLog Have you yet? Been wonderin' if I should get this one or not...
I think the drain could be to do with the App, as it must be connected to Bluetooth even when the radio is off. Otherwise it wouldn't turn on using the app - Which it does, so if you have the App option on, Bluetooth is on all the time on the radio.
You could be right about that. My refund is complete so I'll have a look around to see what else might be available!
@@OxfordShortwaveLog Do hope that YOU can find a radio that is MORE SUITABLE & WORTH the currency!
Whew. I almost ordered this. Thanks for this video. I will pass on this one.
Probably best you don't get one of these Sir! 73
@@OxfordShortwaveLog thanks
Thanks for the update.
Looks like the consumer takes a punt when getting one of these, and in it various incarnations. It could have this fault or not, or indeed some other.
And the prices vary wildly on the makes, even though they appear to be the same machine.
It's an interesting concept with interesting features, as you suggest. Hopefully they can perfect this over time and produce something that will do their vision justice.
Definitely a risky purchase. You could argue a fully working example is not worth the money, but it is an interesting rig for sure.
Hi Clint, many thanks for this post. I'm sorry that the Raddy has proven to be a disappointment. There are different versions of this radio. I wonder if these have this battery drain problem too? I had a similar problem with the Eton Sattelit Executive . Batteries would drain after three days or so. I'm going to wait to see what happens with it. Its prices are going down. If they can iron out the problems , it might be worth buying. 73s and GDX/
Thanks, Jim. You never know, if the quality improves, I might be tempted to buy another one! 73
I bought a HanRongDa HRD-C919. because of the advantage of using 2X18650 cells. I have had the radio 10 days and its still showing full. I agree with you re the overloading issue using an outside antenna. I use an MFJ tuner which sorts that out. The thing that really detracts is the station chuffing. Its really interesting radio otherwise. Not the quality of a Tecsun though.
I think you've summed up this rig perfectly.
Own it for about 6 weeks now having no issues. I really like the radio.🤷🏼♂️
Thanks for the update - I'm thinking of buying another one! 73
Dang, a big shame!
Yes!
Well that's a shame, Clint. Perhaps they'll work it out in version 2. A little surprised that QA didn't catch this obvious fault.
Yes I know. Another sub has the same issue as mine.
The design puts me off. It looks like Junior's First Army Radio -- a toy aimed at the mall ninja's among us.
Well, industrial engineering can be very subjective.
You could always try the Retekis model instead
I don't think I will now...
It's a shame but there you are. 73 lad
Yes, but that's the way it goes sometimes. 73
Thats answered my question about the replacement batteries sir.they do look a nice radio though...
Indeed, Sir. A shame but there you go.
I remember your bad experience with a XHDATA D-808 🤷 I'm sorry, sensei 73!
Yes although the D-808 issue was probably caused by me using it during an electrical storm in Para. Although I'm not 100% sure - it might just have failed. 73
Hello, I have a sangean ATS 909X and a Moonraker Skyscan Desktop antenna which has a BNC male connector. Can I use a 3.5mm Mono to BNC Adapter, BNC Female Jack to 3.5mm TS Male Plug for the external antenna? Wasn't sure and don't want to damage the radio. If this isn't the proper adaptor, could you suggest one, please. Really love the radio and want to use the antenna. Thanks for your help. Didn't know how to email you. Live around OX27dq and learning. Thanks again.
You can use a 3.5mm to BNC no problem. You won't damage the radio with a passive antenna so don't worry. 73
@@OxfordShortwaveLog Thank you mate.
Clint I don’t know how to play taps on the keyboard so adios to the Raddy RF -919 …my pre- order model fortunately does not the problem at present. I have had it sitting on two bars for over a week and have played it for about 10 minutes each of those days. Not exactly a scientific test , but the best I can think of…😮!
73! Have a great day!
Sounds as if yours is ok, so I'm pleased for you. I think your test is sound by the way. Mine would lose all battery charge in about 2 days, something I couldn't live with. 73!
Too bad. It did look interesting and had a great coolness factor to it. Ah well, thanks for trying it. Better getting these from Amazon with a return policy. Thanks, Clint.
Thanks. Yes, Amazon just don't mess you around when you want to return something.
when you dont have a 1p £1 is alot of money, when something is being sold for £240 , it should work. Good on you clint, no way i would keep that low quality and part with very hard earnt money! save it for another hamfest where you do really well with the bargins ! :D
Exactly! Couldn't have put it better myself. 73
I nearly bought 1 i most certainly wont be buying one now unless it massively improves i actually like the design but im not going to Waste good money on that ..cheers Ged in Ireland 🇮🇪
I think thats a good decision Ged! 73
See the real issue here is that the people making these radios have no experience building real radios, probably don't know what dynamic range is or front end filtering which these radios usually completely lack.
They wouldn't be able to make an analogue radio with all the inductors and coils etc because they wouldn't know what to do with them.
The problem now is anyone and everyone are able to make a "radio" because it comes on a DSP chip, at least Tecsun can make a proper radio with excellent dynamic range but sadly the issue with DSP for me is that it destroys SSB audio quality and for that reason alone I will never buy another DSP radio, for the money there shouldn't be any of these issues.
The Tecsun PL-660/680 are in my opinion the best shortwave radios you can still buy new today and they handle my 130 odd foot EFHW 49:1 without any issue and are a joy to listen to on SSB and it makes ECSS a pure joy to listen to, ECSS isn't possible on any DSP radio due to the really poor audio quality.
Unfortunately the likes of this RF919 and the ATS 25+, ATS 120 etc, are all the same, all bling, no performance just diy projects from electronics enthusiasts and there's nothing wrong with this at all but they charge too much for these because they do not perform as intended or should for the money.
Even if one can't erect a 130 foot antenna the Bonito MA 305/ 305 FT is probably the best antenna for it's size and it's an extremely quiet antenna too compared to a long wire. The Bonito + the Tecsun PL-660/680 and you'll have one of the best receiving stations you can buy at a sensible price, forget DSP radios and Bling "radios" like the RF919 and the likes.
The days of new proper analogue radios are well and truly gone so it's really got to be SDR now hasn't it ? which makes me wonder why radio manufacturers don't use SDR instead of that crap Silicon Labs DSP chip ?
Thanks for your comments. Money better spent on an old Sony perhaps.
It's vastly overpriced. The wide assortment of SDR's on the market are much better. Enjoy your site! Thx THW
Totally agree.
I’m no “radio expert” but too much technology sometimes is a bad thing! I’ll stick with more venerable brands such as Tecsun especially my S-8800
I had the S-8800 and while it's good on AM, SSB audio quality is a complete and utter disaster, the Tecsun PL-660/680 are far better radios in my opinion and one of the major reasons for this is they are pure analogue which means SSB sounds wonderful and makes ECSS possible, ECSS is an essential tool for the serious SW enthusiast and DX'er.
For those who don't know. ECSS is when wants to listen to a weaker station close by a stronger station which is interfering with the weaker station, you press USB or LSB whichever has the best effect are reducing the interference and tune the BFO until the audio sounds as natural as possible, this is possible on DSP radios but the audio is incredibly bad especially on the S-8800, PL-880 and PL-990.
ECSS works great at reducing the effects of fading signals.
You might say that a DSP radio has filters, yes that's true, so why not use a narrower filter ? well because using a narrower filter reduces audio quality and the noise source or interfering station might still be in the filters passband but using SSB completely eliminates the audio either side of the carrier and sounds a lot better than a narrow filter because you get more bandwidth than using a narrow filter.
The other issue with the Tecsun S-8800 , PL-880 , PL-990 is the fact that their 3 Khz sounds more like a 2 Khz filter, and the 4 Khz does nothing, it doesn't work. Tecsun only fixed the filters with the H-501x ( with a quirk ) and the PL-330 and while the AGC issue is still there it's not as bad as the other mentioned radios meaning the distortion isn't as bad but still notable but the other issue that has never been resolved in any DSP radio using this poor design Silicon Labs SIxx chip is the low frequency cut off of around 300 Hz which doesn't help audio quality.
Thanks for your comments. Anything less than 5KHz audio bandwidth on the PL-880 and the audio is muddy so I tend to live with the extra noise for crisper audio on everything but the weakest signals. 73.
Thanks for your comments.
I am sorry that the RF-919 wonked out on You. I wonder what kind of defect caused the batteries to deplete so quickly?? Any of Your friends arrive at viable conclusions??
I think it might be something to do with the bluetooth, but it just wasn't good enough to justify the price so I sent it back. 73
@@OxfordShortwaveLog I do HOPE that You can find something that will suit YOUR NEEDS! BE WELL & SAFE!
Thanks
I'd rather keep to my Tecsun and Sangean radios. They are not perfect but they work quite well.
You're right, Malcolm.
😢😢
Cheers my friend.
it looks like a toy to me!
I know what you mean - but it's actually a serious receiver - just the quality isn't there. 73
Just sent my RF919 back, NOT impressed..Sorry. AM with the Plugin T. amazing. Everything else unimpressive. I have a ZHIWHIS 787 Blows the Raddy 919 out of the water. Tried multiple antennas ......internal external UHF/VHF antenna picked up very few stations SW. Radio Marti was very poor reception on 11.930. and 11.860 that I can pickup on all my vintage Transoceanics, Realistic/Radio Shack, Grundigs etc. Had Great hopes for this Technological Marvel . Well on its way back to Amazon. Very disappointed.
The antenna options in theory are great, but they all couple with each other and it takes a lot of experimentation to copy weak stations in a crowded band. Mine kept depleting the batteries within a couple of days of no use etc. A shame.