By Jock Elliott, KB2GOM
Within the run-up to the Nutty Concept XHDATA D-200 DX Contest, I actually thought that sorting by the info would possibly take some time. Why? As a result of I heard from so many individuals who mentioned they’d purchased the D-220, have been pleasantly shocked at its efficiency, and thought the competition gave the impression of enjoyable.
Nevertheless it turned out to not be so . . . solely two “official” entries have been obtained, plus an electronic mail from a ham radio pal who participated.
So I believed I would really like the contributors converse for themselves.
Don
First setup. I used a trimmed printer label and pen on my D-220 to mark the SW bands and key frequencies – so marks on WWV, CHU, FT8 on 7, 10, 14, 18 and 21MHz (good I may hear all of them) and a few marks of the important thing SWL bands. I spent Friday attempting to do every little thing indoors on my second flooring and Sat outside. In fact, ready for station IDs grew to become the large roadblock. I didn’t get a variety of time over the weekend with occasions so I did what I may.
Recognized Stations:
- WWV 10 and 15 MHz (680 mi)
- CHU 7.9 and 14.9 MHz (850mi)
- WRMI on 17.5-18MHz (1410 mi)
- WWCR on ~5.9 MHz (700 mi)
- WGN Chicago – 720 kHz (350 mi)
- KBGG Des Moines – 1700 kHz (240 mi)
- KCNZ Cedar Falls – 1650 kHz (180 mi)
- ??Radio Exterior de Espana?? – I believe so however couldn’t make sure 16m band
Friday night – all occasions native CDT in midwest:
- 41m band – 3 stations – 2 in Spanish, 1 in english (no IDs)
- 49m band – two non secular stations and one hispanic (that was 2-3 kHz above the two english stations – no IDs)
Saturday – began a extra systematic method.
- actually tried arduous to listen to WWV on 20MHz scanning down a bit from 21MHz FT8 – nothing
- fairly positive I obtained Radio Exterior de Espana – however unsure
- hear loud stations within the 31, 25, 22 and 16m bands however solely a few IDs – famous above
- heard a ton of MW stations however solely picked out a couple of with IDs – famous above
Listed below are some key observations:
1. As a easy moveable, the D-220 is a pleasant, very light-weight journey companion. FM and MW are adequate for listening to video games or music. I’d positively take it on a motorcycle journey or tenting and even to a recreation.
2. Headphone plug on the aspect??? Why?? Not good for a pocket or case. Ought to be on the highest.
3. Out of doors use is reasonable to wonderful – efficiency improves dramatically. MW at evening appears excellent as does SW. This actually is an outside moveable with simply the whip!
4. SW noise stage is superb. A lot better than Retekess or others.
5. SW overloading from MW is dangerous within the metropolis but simply touching the whip with a finger removes it fully (altering impedance, grounding and antenna traits) permitting for clear SW.
6. FM audio sounds good however bass is severely attenuated. Hooking up the headphone jack to a stereo demonstrates how a lot low frequencies are minimize whereas different low cost portables have nice lows.
7. Audio tuning bandwidth drowns out stations shut to one another if one is extra highly effective – advantageous tuning isn’t an possibility.
8. Tuning is basic takes persistence and a really delicate contact to vary the frequency.
9. SW is doable outside – want some testing with antenna mods – however the whip would provide you with a number of the large SW weapons.
All-in-all I used to be usually happy with the radio at its worth level and portability.
*****
William, KR8L
MWBC = 5, DX = 130 miles (WSM)
FMBC = 10 , DX = 50 miles (WCIL)
SW SFTS = 3, DX = 900 miles (WWV)
SWBC = 6, DX = 8000 miles (RNZ)
Beginner (CW) = 4, DX = 1010 miles (K1YAN)
Beginner (AM) = 2, DX = 1110 miles (W7YO)
Enjoyable! Heard much more however no ID as a consequence of language and time constraints.
*****
Lou, KD2UHG (through electronic mail)
I couldn’t spent as a lot time as I’d have preferred scanning the waves. I used to be choosing up extra SW then I imagined doable. Most noteworthy was the Music Via The Many years. From Akron Ohio, and Radio Romania. I heard all the standard Christian preachers. Brother S was booming from Florida.After receiving the 220, I additionally purchased the 219.
*****
So, thanks Don, William and Lou on your participation and your feedback.
I hope William’s statement sums it up for all of you: “Enjoyable!”
