XHDATA D-808 Portable Digital Radio User Manual

1. Introduction

The XHDATA D-808 is a versatile full-band portable digital radio designed for enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. It features high sensitivity and selectivity across multiple bands, including FM Stereo, Medium Wave (MW), Long Wave (LW), Shortwave (SW), Single Side Band (SSB), and Air Band (AIR). Utilizing Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technique, the D-808 significantly improves receiver sensitivity, selectivity, and anti-image interference capabilities.

Key features include:

• FM reception range of 64 ~ 108 MHz, suitable for global FM radio reception.
• Shortwave Single Side Band (SSB) with a minimum step of 1 kHz, supporting Upper Side Band (USB) and Lower Side Band (LSB) reception independently.
• External antenna jack for enhanced SW reception.
• Independent speed double tuner for precise adjustments.
• Multiple station search methods: Automatic Search (ATS), Manual Search (VF), and Direct Frequency Input.
• Memory system capable of storing up to 500 radio frequencies, organized into 50 storage pages.
• Convenience functions such as a timing boot (alarm clock) and sleep timer shutdown.
• Built-in speaker and 3.5mm earphone jack for private listening.
• Type-C rechargeable battery (18650 Lithium battery included).

2. Safety Warnings

• Do not expose the radio to water, moisture, or excessive humidity.
• Operating temperature range is 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F).
• Remove the battery immediately if liquid has been spilled or debris has fallen into the unit.
• Clean the unit with a dry cloth. Do not use detergents or chemical solvents.
• Do not attempt to open the unit. This prevents damage to sensitive components and voids any potential support.

3. Package Contents

Ensure all items are present in the package:

• 1 x XHDATA D-808 Portable Digital Radio
• 1 x Dedicated Storage Bag
• 1 x External Antenna
• 1 x USB Type-C Charging Cable
• 1 x 18650 Lithium Battery
• 1 x Wrist Strap
• 1 x English User Manual (PDF available for reference: User manual (PDF))

4. Product Overview

4.1. Front View

The front panel features the speaker, LCD display, and various control buttons:

• FM SET / FM: FM Band Select / ATS / Set FM Range
• LW ON/OFF / LW/MW: MW/LW Band select / ATS / Enable LW
• SW: SW Band select / ATS / Scroll through Meter bands
• AIR: Air Band select / ATS
• LIGHT: Display light on/off
• AM BW / FM ST / TIME SET: AM Bandwidth / FM Stereo / Time set
• FREQ: Frequency entry follows
• DISPLAY: Display option: Clock, Alarm, Signal strength, Temperature
• PAGE: Memory page selection
• ALARM: Alarm on / Alarm set
• POWER / Sleep timer: Power on/off / Sleep timer
• SSB: Single Sideband (SSB)
• INFO / USB/LSB: Upper / Lower Sideband select / RDS Info / Lock
• Up Arrow (▲): Frequency up / Scan
• Down Arrow (▼): Frequency down / Scan
• Numeric Keypad (0-9): For direct frequency input and memory selection.

4.2. Display Indicators

1. Battery charge indicator
2. Sleep timer active
3. Key press beep active
4. Alarm on
5. Frequency Display (kHz or MHz)
6. Display temperature mode
7. Signal strength
8. Noise level
9. Band selection
10. FM Stereo signal
11. FM RDS available
12. Frequency
13. RDS Information
14. USB / LSB mode
15. Squelch active
16. Alarm active
17. Station Memory Mode
18. Not available on this radio
19. Radio keys locked
20. Tuning knob speed

4.3. Side and Rear Controls

• External antenna jack (3.5mm): For connecting an external antenna.
• Volume control: Adjusts audio output level.
• Headphone jack (3.5mm): For private listening.
• Main Tuning knob: Push in for FAST / SLOW / STOP tuning modes.
• Fine tuning / clarify control for SSB: For precise frequency adjustments, especially in SSB mode.
• USB Charging port (Type-C): For charging the internal 18650 battery.
• Radio reset button access hole: For resetting the radio (requires a small object like a paperclip).
• Whip antenna: Used for FM, SW, and AIR bands.
• Kickstand: For propping up the radio.
• Battery door: Access to the 18650 battery compartment.

5. Setup

5.1. Battery Installation

Install the 18650 battery into the battery compartment, ensuring correct polarity (+/-). The radio is powered by a rechargeable 18650 Lithium battery.

When the battery is fully charged, the radio will automatically manage power. If the screen does not display, remove and reinstall the battery, or charge the radio until the screen displays.

5.2. Initial Power On

1. Turn on the radio by pressing the [POWER] button.
2. Press any button to skip the sleep time setting if prompted.
3. Adjust the volume by rotating the [VOLUME] knob on the left side of the radio. Rotate the small wheel up for more volume and down for less volume.
4. Select a band (FM, MW, SW, or AIR) by pressing the corresponding band button.
5. Tune to a desired station by rotating the [TUNING] knob on the upper right side or by directly entering the frequency.

6. Operating Instructions

In this manual, "press" means a brief press, and "long press" means pressing and holding for 2 seconds. Settings are saved automatically after a few seconds of inactivity.

6.1. FM Tuning Range

The radio supports different FM tuning ranges for various regions. With the radio OFF, long-press the [FM] button to display the current setting (lowest frequency). Press [FM] again to cycle through the options: 64.0 MHz, 76.0 MHz, 87.0 MHz, 87.5 MHz.

6.2. Medium Wave Step (9/10 kHz)

The tuning step for Medium Wave (MW) can be set to 9 kHz or 10 kHz. With the radio OFF, long-press the [0] button (labeled 9/10 kHz). Press the button again to switch between the two options.

6.3. Long Wave (LW)

LW band is off by default. To enable it, with the radio OFF, long-press the [LW/MW] button. The display will show "LW ON" or "LW OFF". Press [LW/MW] again to toggle. When LW is enabled, pressing [LW/MW] with the radio ON switches between LW and MW bands.

6.4. Temperature Display

The temperature can be displayed in Fahrenheit (°F) or Celsius (°C). With the radio OFF, repeatedly press the [DISPLAY] button until the temperature is shown. Then, long-press the [3] button to change the setting, toggling between °F and °C.

6.5. Time Setting

The radio clock supports 24-hour format. With the radio OFF, long-press the [TIME SET] button. Enter the 4-digit time using the numeric keypad. The setting mode exits automatically after about 5 seconds of no key press.

The radio can also automatically set the time from an FM broadcast station that provides RDS time data. To enable this, with the radio OFF, press the [TIME SET] button. Use the [Up Arrow] key to switch between Auto and Manual modes. Note that not all FM stations broadcast accurate time data.

6.6. Alarm Setting

With the radio OFF, long-press the [ALARM] button. Enter the alarm time using the 0-9 keys.

To set the alarm type, quickly press the [ALARM] button (the "ALARM" icon will flash). Use the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] button to select:

• Radio Broadcast Alarm: Plays the last tuned radio station.
• Buzzer Alarm: Sounds a buzzer.
• Alarm off.

When the alarm sounds, press the [POWER] button to turn it off, or any other button to snooze for 10 minutes.

6.7. Sleep Timer

To activate the sleep timer, quick press the [POWER] button. The display will cycle through 120, 90, 60, 45, 30, 15 minutes. Setting the value to "ON" turns off the sleep timer. The radio will automatically shut off after the set time expires.

6.8. Beep Function

The radio beeps with each key press by default. To disable this, with the radio OFF, long-press the [BEEP] button (number 5). Long press again to change the option.

6.9. Display Light

The display is automatically illuminated for about 10 seconds when a key is pressed or the tuning knob is turned. Pressing the [LIGHT] button turns it on indefinitely. When set, the light stays on even when the radio is turned off. Press [LIGHT] again to turn the display lighting off.

6.10. Lock Function

With the radio ON or OFF, long-press the [INFO] button to disable all other keys. Long press again to re-enable them. This prevents accidental operation.

6.11. Antennas

The radio has three antenna options:

• Internal ferrite bar antenna: Used for LW/MW. This antenna is directional; physically turn the radio for best reception.
• 25.5" telescopic whip antenna: Used for SW/FM/AIR. Fully extend for optimal reception.
• 3.5mm jack: For connecting an external antenna for SW/FM/AIR. Ensure external antennas are clear of power lines.

Moving the radio slightly can significantly improve reception on all bands.

6.12. Search Radio Frequency

The tuning knob offers FAST, SLOW, and STOP modes. Switch between them by pushing the [Tuning] knob inwards. The display shows the mode in small print.

• FAST: Advances 5 kHz (3 kHz on LW, 9/10 kHz on MW, 25 kHz on AIR, 100 kHz on FM).
• SLOW: Advances 1 kHz (10 kHz on FM).
• STOP: Does not advance.

Manual Search

Rotate the [Tuning] knob to change the frequency. Use the [Fine Tuning] thumb wheel for smaller steps, or press the [Up or Down Tuning Arrow] to change frequency.

Auto Search (ATS Function)

Long-press a band button ([FM], [LW/MW], [SW], [AIR]) to enter automatic search mode. The radio will scan all frequencies in the band and store strong signals into memory. Avoid areas with high electromagnetic interference for best results.

Up and Down Tuning Arrow Search

Select the desired frequency band, then long-press the [Up or Down Tuning Arrow]. The radio will search the selected band, stopping at strong signals. Short-pressing the arrow stops the search. Stations found this way are not stored in memory.

Direct Frequency Input

Press the [FREQ] button to enter keyboard input mode. Enter the desired frequency using the numeric keypad, then press [FREQ] again to confirm. The radio will jump to the entered frequency band. If the frequency does not exist in the band, an "Error" symbol will display.

6.13. Memory System

The radio has 500 memory locations (100 per band), organized into 10 pages with 10 locations each (e.g., P18 refers to the 8th slot on page 1).

Manual Memory

First, select the desired band. To save a station, tune to it, then press the [PAGE] button and a page number (0-9). Long-press a position number button (0-9) within the current page. The radio will display "PAGE—SAVE".

To recall a saved station, press the number button (0-9) of the memory position within the current page. The radio will display "PAGE—LOAD".

Auto Tune Storage (ATS)

ATS scans bands and automatically stores stations into memory, overwriting previous entries. It loads them sequentially by page and position. Activate by selecting the band and then long-pressing the band button (FM, LW, MW, SW, or AIR). For shortwave, ATS only scans within the 14 international broadcast frequencies.

6.14. Bandwidth (BW)

Bandwidth selection helps reduce interference from adjacent stations, especially on LW, MW, and SW. Press the [AM BW] button to cycle through values: 6, 4, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.8, and 1 kHz. In SSB mode, bandwidths are 4, 2, 2.2, 1.2, 1, and 0.5 kHz. Higher bandwidth generally means better audio fidelity, while lower bandwidth reduces interference and noise.

6.15. Squelch Function

Long-press the [Tuning] knob for about 5 seconds to activate squelch mode. When "Squelch" appears on the display, rotate the tuning knob to set the squelch level (1-9 or OFF). A higher number requires a stronger signal to activate the radio, silencing background noise. Turning squelch OFF may allow reception of weak signals.

6.16. Display Mode

Press the [DISPLAY] button to cycle through different information: signal strength/signal to noise ratio, time, temperature, and alarm time. Signal strength is in dBu, signal to noise ratio in dB.

6.17. FM Reception

Fully extend the whip antenna and press the [FM] button. Tuning options:

• Press [FREQ], enter frequency, press [FREQ] again.
• Long-press [FM] to activate ATS.
• Press [Up or Down Arrow] for next frequency.
• Long-press [Up or Down Arrow] to scan for next strong station.
• Rotate the tuning knob.

FM Stereo: "STEREO" appears on the display for stereo broadcasts. Stereo headphones are required for two-channel listening. Press [FM ST] to toggle stereo on/off. Stereo may be automatically disabled for weak signals to improve reception.

6.18. FM RDS (Radio Data System)

RDS allows FM stations to transmit data. When RDS is present, the RDS icon appears, and data (station name, type, song title, time) is shown at the bottom of the display. Press [INFO] to cycle through RDS data options:

• PS: Program Service Name
• DATE: Date and Time
• PTY: Program type (News, Drama, Rock music, etc.)
• RT: Radio Text (artist and title information)

RDS date information can be used to automatically set the radio clock.

6.19. MW (Medium Wave) Reception

Press the [LW/MW] button. Tuning options:

• Press [FREQ], enter 3 or 4-digit frequency.
• Long-press [LW/MW] to activate ATS.
• Press [Up or Down Arrow] for next frequency.
• Long-press [Up or Down Arrow] to scan for next strong station.
• Rotate the tuning knob.

Rotate the radio for best reception with the internal ferrite bar antenna.

6.20. LW (Long Wave) Reception

Ensure LW is enabled (see section 6.3). Tuning options are similar to MW reception.

6.21. SW (Shortwave) Reception

Fully extend the whip antenna and press the [SW] button. Repeated presses cycle through 14 international shortwave broadcast bands. The display briefly shows the meter band selected.

Shortwave bands:

• 120m (2300 - 2495 kHz)
• 90m (3200 - 3400 kHz)
• 75m (3900 - 4000 kHz)
• 60m (4750 - 5060 kHz)
• 49m (5730 - 6200 kHz)
• 41m (7100 - 7300 kHz)
• 31m (9250 - 9900 kHz)
• 25m (11500 - 12160 kHz)
• 22m (13570 - 13870 kHz)
• 19m (15300 - 15800 kHz)
• 16m (17480 - 17900 kHz)
• 15m (18900 - 19020 kHz)
• 13m (21450 - 21850 kHz)
• 11m (25670 - 26100 kHz)

Tuning options are similar to FM/MW reception. Position the radio for best reception.

6.22. Single Side Band (SSB)

To decode shortwave SSB signals, first tune the station for the strongest signal. Press the [SSB] button. The display will show USB (Upper Side Band) or LSB (Lower Side Band). In SSB mode, the [INFO] button switches between USB and LSB. LSB is typically used below 7300 kHz, and USB above 14000 kHz. To exit SSB mode, press [SSB] again; the radio will display "NORMAL".

6.23. Fine Tuning

In SSB mode, use the [FINE TUNE] knob on the right side of the radio. Turning it upward displays "FINE 1+99"; downward displays "FINE 1-99". This function fine-tunes the frequency with an offset from the displayed frequency. In other band modes, rotate the [FINE TUNE] knob for slight adjustments or to reduce interference.

6.24. AIR Band Reception

To receive aviation transmissions, fully extend the whip antenna and press the [AIR] button. Tuning options are similar to FM/MW reception. Air band is best received near airports; look up local airport frequencies online.

6.25. Reset

If the radio becomes inoperable, you can reset it by pushing a small object (like a paperclip) into the Reset hole until you feel a click. The Reset hole is located on the bottom of the radio. Do not press too hard to avoid damage.

6.26. Other Operations

• Earphone Jack: Use 3.5mm headphones or earbuds for private listening.
• DC Jack: You can power your radio with a compatible AC wall adapter. Ensure the DC voltage matches the marking on the radio to prevent damage.
• External Antenna Jack: Connect a 3.5mm external antenna to improve reception on FM, SW, and AIR Bands.
• Back Stand: Flip out the panel to prop up your radio for easier control and optimal viewing/audio positioning.

7. User Tips

• For optimal Shortwave (SW) reception, use the included long wire external antenna; it significantly boosts the signal.
• Consider carrying spare 18650 batteries. The ability to easily swap batteries extends operating time, especially during extended use away from charging sources.
• When trying to receive Air Band transmissions, be aware that signals can be weak. Maxing out the volume may be necessary, and even then, signals might be barely audible through the speaker. Using headphones can sometimes improve clarity.
• The radio is noted for its good reception and sound quality for its size, particularly in SSB mode.
• If you experience weak reception, try adjusting the radio's physical orientation, especially for LW/MW bands which use a directional internal ferrite antenna.

8. Troubleshooting

• Radio is inoperable: Try performing a reset by inserting a small object into the reset hole on the bottom of the radio.
• Screen doesn't display: Remove and reinstall the 18650 battery. If the issue persists, ensure the battery is charged or connect the radio to a power source via the Type-C port.
• Weak signals or no reception:
  • Check if the squelch function is unintentionally turned ON. Turn it OFF if necessary.
  • Ensure the telescopic whip antenna is fully extended for FM, SW, and AIR bands.
  • For LW/MW, try rotating the radio to optimize reception with the internal ferrite antenna.
  • Connect the external antenna for improved SW, FM, and AIR reception.
  • Move the radio to a different location, even slightly, as environmental factors can affect reception.
• "Error" symbol on display: This indicates that the entered frequency does not exist within the currently selected band. Verify the frequency and band.
• Radio not working with DC power: Ensure the DC voltage of your adapter matches the marking on the radio. Incorrect voltage can prevent operation or cause damage.

9. Specifications

9.1. Radio Bands

9.2. Sensitivity

AM Selectivity: >80dB

10. Warranty & Support

For technical support, inquiries, or warranty information, please contact XHDATA through the following channels:

• Skype: radiwow
• TikTok: XHDATAradio
• YouTube: Xhdata Radio
• Facebook: Xhdata Radios
• Website: www.xhdata.com.cn
• E-mail: xhdatacn@gmail.com
• Whatsapp: +8618025193267

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this the new or old version of the XHDATA D-808?

A: The provided information does not specify if this is a new or old version. Please refer to the seller or manufacturer for details on specific revisions.

Q: Can the XHDATA D-808 pick up air bands in Spain?

A: The XHDATA D-808 is capable of receiving the AIR band (118 - 137 MHz). However, reception quality and availability of specific transmissions can vary greatly depending on your exact location, local regulations, and proximity to airports or air traffic. You may need to look up local air traffic control frequencies for your area.