ATS 25 update

Not new, but I finally got around to installing v4.21, October 27, 2025, on my ATS25 max-Decoder.

Release Notes

AIR beta 27/10/2025

Supported Models: ATS25 / ATS25+ / ATS25X1 / ATS25X2 / ATS25 max, ATS25 max-Decoder, ATS-Decoder Pocket, ATS120, ATS25AMP, ATS25 max-Decoder II, ATS120D / ATS120 Pro, ATS-Decoder Mega, ATS25-XF, ATS25Ultra, ATS200, ARESQ aq1, ATS25 Pro+, ATS25 max-Decoder II AIR, ATS-Decoder Mega AIR, ATS200D

  • The HF-FAX decoder has been added.
  • Bandwidth options for 500, 1000 and 2200 Hz Morse code decoder are installed.
  • Added a rewind decoding screen for the Morse code decoder.
  • Added output of decoded Morse code data to the COM port.
  • Added the ability to move the frequency by clicking on the Waterfall indicator in digital signal decoding and Morse code modes.
  • Fixed an error with the output of a message about the need to connect an external frequency converter.
  • The ability to adjust the BFO in the SSTV decoder has been removed.
  • Added support for new receiver models.
  • Fixed incorrect display of volume buttons in decoding modes.
  • Fixed frequency error when switching VFO.
  • Fixed the display of buttons in station search mode.
  • Fixed incorrect deletion of the city and stations.
  • Fixed the error of displaying the SSTV decoder screen after using other decoders.
  • Added support for the ILI9488 IPS display with inverse color display.

Installation

I downloaded the ZIP version from http://www.harduino.ru/index.php/ru/skachat. I let Google Chrome handle the translation.

The EXE wouldn’t download onto a Windows computer, so the ZIP version was necessary. During the installation process, you will have to identify a COM port to the installer.

The one saying CH340 is the one to select when asked for a COM port, in my case COM-9.

When the USB cable is ready, power off the ATS25 and power it back on while pressing the encoder wheel in. If it displays WELCOME, click the encoder wheel.

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Incoming Radio: Seek Professional Help

This is the thing:

QFX R-333BT

It ended up costing $30 on TEMU, whatever it is. I probably overpaid — other sellers have something similar looking for less.

I couldn’t find a manufacturer or model in the product description (linked “manual” says it’s R-333BT). (The one received says QFX.) The manual is just a list of product specifications. The main features are: red and stereo. It reminds me some of the Evche EC-2110BTS, a device that has a solid speaker.

Shortwave coverage looks like 8 to 16 MHz. MW is 530 – 1600. FM 88-108.

Reviewers said it’s very loud.

Additional features include Bluetooth, MP3, equalizer, AUX input, disco lights and a flashlight.

The product description says batteries not included. The “manual” says 4 D cells, but also an internal rechargeable battery.

Likely destination: Goodwill store, but it might get used as a Bluetooth speaker.

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Happy 1981!

It was New Years Day 45 years ago when I opened my new Radio Peking calendar to the first page of the new year. And in that January 1 square I penciled in reception notes from what I heard on my new Realistic DX-300 receiver.

1981 Radio Peking Calendar
1981 Radio Peking Calendar (click to expand)
  • Radio Relojio Brazil
  • R. Quito, Ecuador
  • R. Progresso, Ecuador
  • R. Bare, Brazil 9895
  • REE Spain
  • VOA, Liberia 17870
  • R. Kuwait, 11650
  • R. Continente 5030
Realistic DX-300 receiver

The DX-300 is long gone, but I still have the calendar, and I’ve hung it on the wall for 2026 as the week days and dates once again correspond.

Sadly, many of those stations are gone. The VOA transmitter in Liberia has been off the year for years, but as the months of 2026 pass, I’ll have warm nostalgia thinking about the younger version of me tuning the bands back when the noise floor was much lower and many more countries tried to make friends across the world through shortwave radio.

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First Impressions: Moliao RADIO Q7

“RADIO” is the brand on the box. It’s manufactured by Shenzhen Moliao Technology Company in China. I snagged it on Temu for $10.17 US including shipping for the retail box, radio, manual, wrist strap, internal rechargeable battery and USB-C charging cable. Temu now marks this as “Sold Out.” Amazon US has it for $21.99 and offers black, red and khaki.

Moliao RADIO Q7
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First Impressions: Baijiali KK9

I blew $7.66 ($20 minimum order), including shipping, on Temu to snag this MW/FM/SW radio. A couple of years ago they went for $5.

Baijiali KK9
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New Version: HanRongDa K-603

I bought the Zhiwhis version (ZWS-603) in April of 2022 and I learned that there had been firmware updates since my V1.6 radio to V2.4. Zhiwhis tech support told me that my older radio couldn’t be updated to the latest firmware; the circuitry had changed.

HanRongDa K-603 and Zhiwhis ZWS-603
HanRongDa K-603 and Zhiwhis ZWS-603
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Incoming Radio? Si4732 ATS Mini

But, but, but you already an Si4732 mini.

Yes, but there is new firmware, notably with RTTY/CW decoding. It also supports loading the EiBiSpace schedules from a computer. And there is ETM, a waterfall display and a gray scale mode. All that and more.

This update is from enthusiast H. J. Berndt. You can read about it and get started yourself. Ask your browser to translate to your language. Firmware is a moving target, so the best way to get up-to-date information is from the source link.

Installation

The installation instructions direct the user to employ the Adafruit WebSerial ESPTool for installation. I was lucky and picked the correct COM port on the first try. It was the one on my Windows 11 computer labeled “USB JTAG debug.” All I had to do was select the binary file I downloaded and it installed (just set the file for the first location). This is considerably simpler than the flash tool I’ve used in the past.

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