The XHDATA D-226 is an interesting new model in the compact category. At first glance it would appear to be similar to the well-known D-220 but there are a few major upgrades. The primary difference is that the new model separates the SW spectrum into 8 bands which makes tuning to a specific frequency range much more precise.

Another difference and a fairly unique feature is the presence of a USB C charging port and a rear panel switch labelled 3.7 V / AA. You can use the internal USB rechargeable battery or install a pair of AA’s which gives great flexibility. You could install the AA’s as backup but primarily use the rechargeable battery, then if it runs down unexpectedly switch to the AA’s and play on…very cool!

There is also a top-mounted LED light with a dedicated slide switch…it works whether the radio is on or off so it is instantly available, and there is also a Power/Charging LED Indicator. The D-226 is available in Black, Red or Green.

Specifications & Features:

FM 1: 87 – 108 MHz

FM 2: 64 – 108 MHz

AM: 520 – 1730 KHz (9/10 KHz)*

SW: 5.6 – 22 MHz in 8 Bands (Approx 5.6 – 6.4 MHz, 6.8 – 7.5 MHz, 9.2 – 10.0 MHz, 11.45 – 12.25 MHz, 13.4 – 14.2 MHz, 15.0 – 15.9 MHz, 17.1 – 18.0 MHz, 21.2 – 22.0 MHz).

Size: Approximately 5 1/8” x 3” x 1 1/8”

*The D-226 specifies that it is compatible with both 9 and 10K AM channel spacing which makes it usable anywhere in the world. This is achieved by tuning in 1 KHz steps which allows the radio to tune precisely to both 9 and 10K spaced signals…it also allows fine tuning.

In Use: The D-226 worked as I expected. It did a fine job at receiving my local and regional AM signals. SW was not bad either…although daytime SW reception was, of course, not as strong as more expensive radios, it was nevertheless quite reasonable. And although one doesn’t expect pinpoint dial accuracy at this price it was gratifying to hear WWV right at 10 MHz and 15 MHz on the dial…dial accuracy is good for this class of radio. And the 8 SW bands make tuning much less difficult than on radios with fewer SW bands. At night there were many listenable SW signals. FM was quite sensitive and selective, due no doubt to the use of DSP technology…this is great FM at this price point.

Sound quality favors mostly midrange/vocal frequencies, so it maximizes intelligibility but is not designed for powerful sounding music, but again, at this size and price it seems like a logical choice. For a very inexpensive, compact portable the D-226 performed commendably.

XHDATA offers a wide range of radios at varying price points and capabilities and their new D-226 is a worthy addition to their line.

I have just learned there is also a D-228 which adds NOAA Weather Band.

Recommended!

Jay Allen

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