Looks Cool: Zhiwhis ZWS-777

This just popped up on Amazon (no commission on this link):

Zhiwhis ZWS-777 (click to expand)

I’m probably not ordering one because I’d never use it — too many other radios in the box already. I’m trying to focus on more serious models for the shortwave listener, but I was still impressed by this offering.

First, I was impressed by the size. It’s really small, albeit thick: 2.2″ x 2.95″ x 1.7″ and powered by a BL-5C battery. Second, perhaps unique among radios I’ve seen is, the spirit level on the right side; the color of the level also indicates the state of the battery. Third, where are the controls? I found the manual for the HanRongDa HRD-777 branded one, and the controls are mostly on the left side plus one 4-way multifunction button on the top. The faux schematic markings on the front are a nice touch.

The radio is app controlled, pretty much standard now for HanRongDa / Zhiwhis / Raddy products.

It has ATS (99 memory preset slots for each band: MW, FM, SW), plus NOAA weather band with alerts. There is a 5-bar light indicator on the top and two decorative lights beside the display. It has a clip-on antenna as well as a dedicated rotating ferrite antenna bar on the top. Frequency coverage: AM: 520-1710 kHz, SW: 4.75-21.85 MHz, WB: 162.40-162.55 MHz, FM: 64.0-108MHz.

It adds music play from a TF card plus Bluetooth. Not bad for under $40 (as low as $35 for the HanRongDa variant on AliExpress). There were no fewer than 18 listings for the HanRongDa model on AliExpress. The Raddy RF750 version costs $45 on Amazon.

One issue, noted by an Amazon reviewer, is that operation is somewhat complicated and not at all possible without consulting the manual.

About Kevin

Just an old guy with opinions that I like to bounce off other people.
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