XHDATA D-219 Radio Review
First off let me say that I love radios. The correct amount of radios to own is “one more”. I was ecstatic when XHDATA reached out and asked me to review the US version of their D-219 radio.
Current price is $12.99 – $16.99 (depending on color) which is almost impossible to pass up. My readers can get an additional discount by using the code D2191KNEW.
There are a couple of versions of the radio. The green radio on the left in the photo above is the 9K (Asia, Europe) version and the white one is the 1K (US) version. You can get either radio in either color. And if I am not mistaken I have seen some gray ones on Amazon as well.
I purchased the green one and soon after XHDATA contacted me and asked if I wanted to review the US version. Yes, please.
Differences
The principal difference is the tuning range of the AM and FM bands. Both are 11 band radios.
The 9K model support the following tuning range:
- FM1: 87-108 MHZ
- FM2: 64-87MHZ
- AM : 520 – 1710 KHz (10K Steps) / 522 – 1620 (9K Steps)
- SW: 4.75-22.0MHZ
The 1K US version supports:
- FM: 64-108MHZ
- AM: 520-1710KHZ (specs say 1710 KHz but radio is marked to 1730 KHz)
- SW: 4.75-22.0MHZ
Regarding tuning, there is a physical wheel which sort of negates actual tuning in 9K or 1K steps. And both radios have sufficient range for any local channels that are available in my region. Conversely, owning either version probably will work for most everyone in the US.
Features
First of all the best feature is the price. And closely following that is the ease of use. I own some radios that are complicated and have menus and features that are not intuitive. On/Off switch, volume, band selection, and tuning. Let’s take a quick walk around the radios.
Very similar in form and function with just some minor differences. One thing I didn’t mention in the video was battery life. Recently I was reviewing some rechargeable batteries and did one endurance test with the Green D-219. I put it on lowest volume and it ran for FIVE DAYS. Granted the higher the volume the more power it will consume but that was a fairly incredible run time.
Power
There are two ways to power the XHDATA D-219.
- (2) AA Batteries
- 5v input port on top of the radio. This would be ideal for someone running a small portable power station or solar array.
Here is an example of a wall wart power supply that should work for the D-219.
Who Is The XHDATA D-219 Radio For?
The first thought that pops into my mind is for kids. I started my career off as a little boy spinning the dials on shortwave radios. It gave me the fever. Gifting your kid a $10 radio is not too big a pill to swallow if they run over it with their bicycle. Or whatever else kids can do.
Next, I would say that this radio belongs in every go bag. Adults can toss one in the car, truck or camper. Also this is ideal for the garage or work shop.
AM radio clear channels (50,000 watts) travels for hundreds of miles after sunset. Recently, I woke up to no internet. So I grabbed my phone and was surprised to see there was no cell service either. To make sure that WW3 didn’t start I grabbed an AM radio. Just took a minute to realize life was normal on the East Coast.
How Is The Shortwave?
My first time spinning the dial on shortwave I was expecting to hear just static. Especially since it was mid-morning when I tried. To my surprise I yanked in a few stations. Can’t wait to try this at night.
Sound
Sound is more than adequate but to be honest I mostly listen to Talk Radio. The D-219 gets pretty loud before any distortion sets in.
Should You Buy One?
I say “YES” based on the price alone. In the times of laptops, smart TV’s and smart phones we tend to forget that those things require the internet. When the power goes out you still need to have a radio to get current information.
And if you have a kid give them this radio and challenge them to see what is the furthest station away that they can receive. You might be surprised at how excited they get trying.
This is a simple radio that is intuitive to use. No impossible to set clock or alarm. Just a good old fashioned radio that WORKS.
And I’ll say it one more time. …… For the price you cannot go wrong.
JOHN’S TECH BLOG LOVES EVERY XHDATA RADIO AVAILABLE TO INCLUDE THE D-219