Seems very nice!!! I kept imagining an Amer having one of these next to a boat anchor transmitter using it on an AM net or bunch of Hams rag chewing back and forth.. Makes me kind of want one, ANOTHER GOOD SHOW !!!
Thanks for the very informative review Fred. I've been thinking of getting one of these for awhile now, but like you, have been put off by the "case" and some reported build issues on earlier versions. I'm tempted! 73s, Drew
As time marches on, these little receivers seem to get better and better. Definitely a good radio for preppers, camping, etc. Seems a better design than the ATS 25. Cheers Fred!!
I have one of these these radio's, you said that the on-off button only switched off the screen but holding the button in for a few seconds the radio will switch off with a morse code bleep
Looks like a very good clone , been running the original Malahit DSP2 from Russia since November and with the present situation this may be the one to get until the diplomatic conditions cool off, not crazy about that tuning knob compared to the original though
Enjoyed your video, Fred. Answered some questions for me, but would like to know the following: I enjoy listening to the shortwave bands, and dxing as well. Will this receiver allow me to do that ?? And Banggood advertises a loop antenna to use with the receiver. I live in an apartment house, and no place to install a wire antenna, and not allowed by the landlord. Thanks for your attention!!
Hi. Yes this SDR radio covers all of the AM shortwave band. Loop antennas receive really well on SW. I am a bit new to them myself and they can be tricky to use. I do have 3 videos on the one i have but i was more trying to use it for CB than SW. Next year I am getting more into SW so stay tuned. Loop. 1 ruclips.net/video/e7rsHpa35EM/видео.html
The final firmware version for that radio type is v1.10D and it can be had for free out on the net. Updating to that version is well worth it. Beware, updating the firmware on any of these Chinese knockoff radios is tricky. The best version of that radio has 2 antenna connections on top. VHF/UHF and HF. The version 1,2,3 or 4 is just hype from Chinese sellers. The Russian Version 2 is slightly better but not at the price they are asking for one. The model I like is the one with a gold speaker cover on the left side and 2 antenna jacks on top. It has one speaker as do most of these radios. Do not over spend for one. They are made with old cell phone parts and not a quality product.
Fred, love the vids, I have a 5/8 high gain thunder pole, but not happy with receiving distance, can you recommend a new antenna which is also great for propagation?
The best model has 2 antenna connectors on the top. One for 50 Ohm HF coax and the other for VHF/UHF high resistance whips. Different impedances. The older model Mala has only one connector and dirt poor VHF/UHF reception.
I wonder how well it works with local AM radio stations. I got myself a portapack but was disappointed that it couldn't get the local AM radio stations.
Sadly having several clones and tweaked will receive 20m on telescopic whip on USB, however the build quality internally screen mounting is hot glue and no internal support frame. Genuine £280 plus and fakes are lucky dip.
Most Chinese clones out there are still of the Malahiteam DSP1 compatible type. They either have the test firmware on them (with disabled features) or a hacked (not paid for license) version. Most sellers are vague about the fact they use a hacked firmware. Just assume you do not get a licensed firmware with a Malahit unless you buy it from the Russian developers or a verified authorized 3rd party channel. (I believe there is a German guy who does official repairs and upgrades, I haven't seen any other 3rd party authorized channels). Do keep in mind that upgrading firmware on hacked versions possibly result in bad working radios because the official firmwares check for the a certain hash of the CPU ID against those of license holders. When you buy a license you provide the Malahiteam with your CPU ID and they program that in the next firmware update. Only then you can use the subsequent firmware releases legally. There are two versions of the STM32 microprocessor chip out there. You have to open your radio and look at the microprocessor IC inscription to see what version you have. There is the 'V' and 'Y' version. The 'V' version can be programmed over the USB port. The 'Y' version only with a separate programmer through dedicated IC pins. Those pins are also used to 'revive' bricked devices. Programming software is freely available (from STM) and firmwares are provided by the Russian Malahit team and are usable, provided you have a paid for license.
I don't know if you've heard of the Xiegu X6100 radio. It's an SDR transceiver. Out of the box, it's a ham radio covering HF and 6m but as it's an SDR radio running Linux with wifi, you can easily connect to it with your laptop and change one line in a file to wideband it so it covers 27mhz - as simple as changing "disable" to "enable". Great little radio that is 5W when using the internal battery and 10w with an external power source though you can run it through an amplifier to get even more. It includes much of what you have reviewed here but in the actual radio itself with a waterfall display, inbuilt SWR checker/antenna-analyser, noise blanker and filters etc. It also has a PTT button if you want to use it handheld with an 11m whip or use it on the desktop with the included fist-mic. It also has regular firmware updates which are free and improves the radio and it's reasonably priced for the package.
I would try running it totally flat and then plug it in. They do take a fair while to charge and the battery display is green when on charge but drops to straight yellow when you remove the charger however this does not effect the run time. If you still have problems i would suggest you insist on a return and refund.
Oh ok. On my vid you will see the WFM is slightly offsite as i forgot to switch from 50 ohm. I think the broadcast FM performance is ok. I did try some 11m FM which seemed alright but i really needed a nearer station. I will prob record some FM CB in the future. Mostly i will use mine on SW SSB
@@CB-RADIO-UK regardless of the small antenna they're a great little receiver. I would use a Commet H422 with it and once the radio is set up its a lot of fun to use...
What firmware does it come with? It says on the boot screen. Also, that's not a V4. The Chinese sellers of the stolen Russian design just make that Vwhatever name up from thin air. The Russians designed 3 versions. The Chinese only have the plans for the first one. That's yours.
I’ve been toying with the idea of getting one of these....you have just made my mind up for me Fred....thanks for posting mate...best wishes...Bob
Its a nice bit of kit Bob. Have some USB CB recorded (vid soon) and it sounds very good.
Well done. Thank you for the review. I think I might have found another great channel to follow
Welcome aboard!
Seems very nice!!! I kept imagining an Amer having one of these next to a boat anchor transmitter using it on an AM net or bunch of Hams rag chewing back and forth.. Makes me kind of want one, ANOTHER GOOD SHOW !!!
Sadly you can never have "too many" radios :-)
Thanks for the very informative review Fred. I've been thinking of getting one of these for awhile now, but like you, have been put off by the "case" and some reported build issues on earlier versions. I'm tempted! 73s, Drew
Hi Drew. Yes the early models were just not finished and often open on the sides.
As time marches on, these little receivers seem to get better and better. Definitely a good radio for preppers, camping, etc. Seems a better design than the ATS 25. Cheers Fred!!
Expensive aor radios don't even have these displays cheap 1980s lcd jobbie cheers shed man
Fird in the shed your malachite v4 DSP SDR recover is cool
Just orderded a Malahit-DSP1 SDR from Bangood, going to try it with a Skyscan desktop 25-2000MHz
I have one of these these radio's, you said that the on-off button only switched off the screen but holding the button in for a few seconds the radio will switch off with a morse code bleep
Looks like a very good clone , been running the original Malahit DSP2 from Russia since November and with the present situation this may be the one to get until the diplomatic conditions cool off, not crazy about that tuning knob compared to the original though
You beat me to it! Good video mate
Ah yours will be better bud. Hope your well. You are knocking vids out at a tremendous rate right now.
@@CB-RADIO-UK cheers mate mines different actually just looked haha. Hope you’re ok
I believe its easily hooked up to your pc +sdr software.. HDSR etc to watch in HD and controlled with your mouse..
Yes tony i believe your right
Enjoyed your video, Fred. Answered some questions for me, but would like to know the following: I enjoy listening to the shortwave bands, and dxing as well. Will this receiver allow me to do that ?? And Banggood advertises a loop antenna to use with the receiver. I live in an apartment house, and no place to install a wire antenna, and not allowed by the landlord. Thanks for your attention!!
Hi. Yes this SDR radio covers all of the AM shortwave band. Loop antennas receive really well on SW. I am a bit new to them myself and they can be tricky to use. I do have 3 videos on the one i have but i was more trying to use it for CB than SW. Next year I am getting more into SW so stay tuned. Loop. 1 ruclips.net/video/e7rsHpa35EM/видео.html
The HFDY V3 was and still is the best clone on the market.
Seems to have very good audio.
56CT004,
Glenn.
Looks impressive. I've been looking at these for a while but not dropped on one yet....
The final firmware version for that radio type is v1.10D and it can be had for free out on the net. Updating to that version is well worth it. Beware, updating the firmware on any of these Chinese knockoff radios is tricky. The best version of that radio has 2 antenna connections on top. VHF/UHF and HF. The version 1,2,3 or 4 is just hype from Chinese sellers. The Russian Version 2 is slightly better but not at the price they are asking for one. The model I like is the one with a gold speaker cover on the left side and 2 antenna jacks on top. It has one speaker as do most of these radios. Do not over spend for one. They are made with old cell phone parts and not a quality product.
Going to order one right now!!!.
I ordered one. Its on back order. Just waiting for it to be shipped
Great bit of kit Fred, I'm in the market for one now !. CT4089.
Sound quality is awesome! ❤
It really sounds good on headphones. The fully adjustable NR (noise reduction) helps.
Great stuff, thanks Fred 👍
Fred, love the vids, I have a 5/8 high gain thunder pole, but not happy with receiving distance, can you recommend a new antenna which is also great for propagation?
Everyone has their choice. Last time i asked the Sirio 2016 got good recommends. See here. ruclips.net/video/vmwvB24EXZI/видео.html
Nice toy, I quite fancy one for swl on the road trips
i love the old fred in the shed lol
The best model has 2 antenna connectors on the top. One for 50 Ohm HF coax and the other for VHF/UHF high resistance whips. Different impedances. The older model Mala has only one connector and dirt poor VHF/UHF reception.
I wonder how well it works with local AM radio stations. I got myself a portapack but was disappointed that it couldn't get the local AM radio stations.
In truth i never tested it on the AM broadcast band. Ive normally found a radio with a ferrite antenna work the best.
Great video
Thanks!
Please what différence with the DSP2 ?
Sadly having several clones and tweaked will receive 20m on telescopic whip on USB, however the build quality internally screen mounting is hot glue and no internal support frame. Genuine £280 plus and fakes are lucky dip.
Yes most clone radios are a bit of a gamble.
Hello, What is the difference between the Malachite SDR1 and SDR2 model?
Is it just the SDR software version?
SINCERELY
TBH I am not sure. They change the firmware so fast.
But can the FM mode be used on HF?
As some will be left wondering if it can receive UK FM CB
Yes see here. ruclips.net/video/NmShh7EVoHk/видео.html
Frid in the shed how much is malachite v4 DSP SDR recover
Greg. Its around £150 but there is a discount coupon in the description. No unlock fee to pay either.
i have via banggood the malachite v4 dsp sdr radio recieft but mine radio is fake please note this
Do any of those little SDR have any memory channel for fav. frequencies?
Yes the latest one i tested had 99 mems. Only issue was to save them in the order you wanted you had to connect to a PC.
Which version of the software does this come with? I bought one of the originals about a year ago, upgrading the software looks difficult.
This should be Version 4. Some have said its the earlier version so not 100%
Most Chinese clones out there are still of the Malahiteam DSP1 compatible type. They either have the test firmware on them (with disabled features) or a hacked (not paid for license) version. Most sellers are vague about the fact they use a hacked firmware. Just assume you do not get a licensed firmware with a Malahit unless you buy it from the Russian developers or a verified authorized 3rd party channel. (I believe there is a German guy who does official repairs and upgrades, I haven't seen any other 3rd party authorized channels). Do keep in mind that upgrading firmware on hacked versions possibly result in bad working radios because the official firmwares check for the a certain hash of the CPU ID against those of license holders. When you buy a license you provide the Malahiteam with your CPU ID and they program that in the next firmware update. Only then you can use the subsequent firmware releases legally.
There are two versions of the STM32 microprocessor chip out there. You have to open your radio and look at the microprocessor IC inscription to see what version you have. There is the 'V' and 'Y' version. The 'V' version can be programmed over the USB port. The 'Y' version only with a separate programmer through dedicated IC pins. Those pins are also used to 'revive' bricked devices. Programming software is freely available (from STM) and firmwares are provided by the Russian Malahit team and are usable, provided you have a paid for license.
I don't know if you've heard of the Xiegu X6100 radio. It's an SDR transceiver. Out of the box, it's a ham radio covering HF and 6m but as it's an SDR radio running Linux with wifi, you can easily connect to it with your laptop and change one line in a file to wideband it so it covers 27mhz - as simple as changing "disable" to "enable". Great little radio that is 5W when using the internal battery and 10w with an external power source though you can run it through an amplifier to get even more. It includes much of what you have reviewed here but in the actual radio itself with a waterfall display, inbuilt SWR checker/antenna-analyser, noise blanker and filters etc. It also has a PTT button if you want to use it handheld with an 11m whip or use it on the desktop with the included fist-mic. It also has regular firmware updates which are free and improves the radio and it's reasonably priced for the package.
Hi. Yes ive heard of the X6100. I thought it was expensive when sold in the UK
Pretty crazy how you have a s5 signal with no antenna connected..
What's the maximum bandwidth it can display on the waterfall/spectrum?
Depends on the setting. Narrow / wide etc. There is a possible zoom on the screen.
@@CB-RADIO-UK can it display a full 2.4Mhz of bandwidth similar too an rtl-sdr dongle?
@@grahamjones6712 No, max bandwith on radio 160 kHz, on PC with IQ out 40 KHz.
@@DL8LDN the 40khz IQ out is via the built in USB sound card feature?
@@grahamjones6712 yes it is
Bought one of these and from the start it would not charge. Banggood want me to get it repaired locally ??
I would try running it totally flat and then plug it in. They do take a fair while to charge and the battery display is green when on charge but drops to straight yellow when you remove the charger however this does not effect the run time. If you still have problems i would suggest you insist on a return and refund.
VERY NICE,FRED,, DES , BELFAST ,, IRELAND
Thanks Des
Doesn't your huge antenna overload this radio?
Yes it can with the AGC turned on but not if you man set the gain.
My guy Fred from TOTTENHAM. how's tricks mate, all good?
All is good in the hood :-)
Does this radio has 200 MHZ to 400 MHZ let’s me know I’m planning buy this radio
Yes all the way up to 2 GHz
Can I preset frequencies (like FM and SW stations) in it ?
No i dont think you can.
yes u can.
just hold the selected band button for 3sec.
u can store 50 presets.
Love mine but the telescopic antenna is a complete mismatch and totally useless.. I bought a 75ohm for it and it wasn't much better...
Did you adjust from the 50 ohm setting in the menu ?
@@CB-RADIO-UK yes Fred.. Not a pic of difference..
Oh ok. On my vid you will see the WFM is slightly offsite as i forgot to switch from 50 ohm. I think the broadcast FM performance is ok. I did try some 11m FM which seemed alright but i really needed a nearer station. I will prob record some FM CB in the future. Mostly i will use mine on SW SSB
@@CB-RADIO-UK regardless of the small antenna they're a great little receiver. I would use a Commet H422 with it and once the radio is set up its a lot of fun to use...
1ST Very Nice
Thanks 🤗
This is not the best version of the malahit you can get the encoders are the problem there are better versions
too bad it doesnt receive normal mw Am stations
Yes it has MW
How can we take you serious with all the dropped THs
What firmware does it come with? It says on the boot screen. Also, that's not a V4. The Chinese sellers of the stolen Russian design just make that Vwhatever name up from thin air. The Russians designed 3 versions. The Chinese only have the plans for the first one. That's yours.
Not sure. I only get the CPU reg number at the start. Its sold as V4 and everything seems to work quite well.
@@CB-RADIO-UK Okay.
fred
OR .. Al - U - min - E - umm 😆😶
Another paid promotion. Zzzzzz
Welcome to RUclips EMAX.
Jealous or uptight?
Nice set.....Just a shame about the big gap in the UHF airband......Are there any software updates which address this....?
Yes there will be firmware updates but they will be open source on forums etc.
So what's the appeal of listening to radios such as broad band ham etc it's just old men talking nonsense...
Depends what hobbies your into i guess. Why do people ruin a good walk trying to hit a small white ball around a field.