Sangean DT-400W Pocket Radio Review by TheUrbanPrepper
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- čas přidán 21. 04. 2012
- Sangean DT-400W AM/FM Digital Weather Alert Pocket Radio: B0012YHQVE
amzn.to/2KIe3sh
FEATURES::
NOAA Weather / Emergency Alert
Digital AM / FM Tuner
19 Random Presets
Belt Clip
"My Favorite Station"
Select Button
Auto Seek Station
Optional 90 Minute Auto Shut Off
PLL Synthesized Tuning
Built-In Speaker / Clock
Removable Belt Clip
DBB (Dynamic Bass Boost)
Large LCD Display
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT:
Width (mm/inch): 63.5 / 2.5
Height (mm/inch): 106.4 / 4.19
Depth (mm/inch): 30 / 1.18
Weight (g & lb. oz): 102 / 3.6oz
Sangean DT-400W:
www.sangean.com/products/produ...
www.amazon.com/Sangean-DT-400W...
CZcams (Subscribe!): goo.gl/eQcPiV
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Thank you for watching this video of the Sangean DT-400W AM/FM Digital Weather Alert Pocket Radio. If you are interested in purchasing this awesome, here's a link: amzn.to/2KIe3sh Cheers! ~Cliff
I just bought one. Haven’t gotten it yet but can’t wait. This Video helps a lot!! Thank you.🙏🙏💯💯
I've got one. Mine is about 3 years old and I love it. I have other radios too but this is my go-to radio for almost everything. It will be going with me if I ever have to bug out.
I have this radio and it’s great.
A tip: I have a single ear headphone that I wrap around the belt clip. Run the jack up through the clip so you can keep the headphone wrapped and still plug it in to use as an antenna. You won’t lose it and it’s always there.
Also, leave the batteries in and just stick a plastic spacer over one end of a battery to break the circuit.
Thanks a bunch. The Sangean DT-400W is an awesome radio. I’ve been using it for my EDC radio for 2 months now. There are so many great features about it. Don’t let the removable antenna scare you. I have never run into a problem with it. I always have earbuds with me, which are used as the antenna. Thanks for commenting!
Love your reviews. You're clearly very intelligent and you know what you're talking about (without being one of those obnoxious experts that talks only in technobabble), and you speak very clearly and at a perfect volume. Keep up the good work.
Great video I really enjoy watching all of your videos keep up the good work.
Great review! You're thorough and very informative!
Wow you're really good at talking without stopping the film!
I have had this radio for SEVERAL years now and use it quite often. I almost always take it when backpacking because of the weatherband feature. The antenna is easy to move around to get better reception when you are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY back in the mountains. I dont take overly intensive precautions to protect it in my pack, it just goes in a double zip lock bag with the batteries out until I need them.
I am completely happy with this radio and when I turn it on and have no reception for radio or weatherband... I know I am far enough into the sticks.
I highly recommend this unit.
Thank you for this video!! I've been looking for this exact type radio.
I own a Sangean DT-400 and it is a very high quality little radio. The reception is unbelievable for such a small radio.
Thank you for a great review.
Great review! After watching this, I purchased one to replace my Sony ICF-S10MK2. The Sangean is awesome - I couldn't be happier. Again, thanks for the review.
I love the battery durability test idea! Consider it done. I wanted to have the Sony in the video, but my grandfather is currently borrowing it from me. He's in the hospital and wanted to listen to the Seattle Mariners games from his room. The Sony is working great for him. I may need to buy myself a new one since he is loving it.
Im adding this to my BOB. Great review!!
I'm glad you enjoyed that part. That was an improv portion that I decided should stay. :) I'm not sure about the weatherband's working in Canada. I will do some research to find out.
Just bought one, thanks to you!
Nice job. I love mine. I concur that the digital tuner is excellent in all bands. The high quality and performance is worth the price uptick. My compliments on your informative and intelligent reviews.
Nice...Been waiting for this review for a long time. Thanks. What carry on do you use when your flying? I'm considering a Red Oxx Air Boss but would like your recommendation / opinion. Thanks
Excellent honest review.
Thanks For The Vid
The plug in aerial gives yu the option of a very long antenna
Thank you for great reviews. They are always very thorough and presented intelligently. I would be very interested in knowing the type and brand of the headphones you use to replace the "crap" that comes with the radios you review. I value your opinion on the product reviews you present.
Stargazer131000 You're very welcome! I'm glad you enjoy my reviews. I actually use fairly inexpensive headphones in the $10-20 range because A) I often lose them and B) I often break them. I try to go with highest rated popular earbuds in my desired price range.
You can also use an Apple iPod shuffle charger as an antenna. Short but effective.
You can just plug any set of earbuds and change the control button from ST/MO (Stereo/Mono) to SP (Speaker). The headset will then act as an antenna for the radio and it will work great.
Thanks for the review of this great radio I own it, and it is a very nice small Portable radio. I have several radios, The thing I like about the antenna/headphone Port, is I can very easily Plug in the OEM antenna or my 30 foot long wire I have it wrapped on a small reel to wind it up so if im way out I can throw one end of the 30 foot antenna over a tree branch and extend it out, it has a headphone jack plug on the other end, i plug the other end into the head phone jack and bring in some distant stations. or the 75 foot wire antenna I have in my back yard. But For Really bringing in the Distant AM stations I Have for AM a Tecsun AN-200 Adjustable Loop antenna. The Tecsun adjustable Loop is for AM only and it works with the Radios Internal Ferrite AM antenna to really Boost the am signal, you just have to get the loop close to the radio for it to work there no plugging anything in, it works by proximity. It does a Great job of bringing in and making very weak stations very clear, Im talking stations that are very Poor reception that there is No way you can under stand anything they are saying. To Completely understandable Like someone is right next to you talking to you. It is a Night and day difference. There is a couple ways to use this AM Adjustable loop antenna one is increase reception of a weak station, the other is, if two stations are close and competing over the top of each other you can use the loop to reject one of the signals and bring in the other signal. They are cheap for how great they work. I m out in a rural area If I didn't have the Tecsun am Loop Antenna I wouldn't get much if anything. I really Love the Tecsun an-200 AM Loop antenna. But, if you search for AM grounded Loop antenna you will see how to make a cheap version that is Not Tunable, out of about 50 feet of wire it is a AM only Loop antenna that has 30feet of extension wire to a tree lets say and the other end is looped 6 loops about 10 inches in diameter those loops get taped or zip tyed to keep them as Loops, the loop end of the wire about 2 or 3 feet or so from end of the loop side will be the wire side that gets grounded. these work really well also if you are out backpacking. The Sangean DT400w & the DT200 has the capability to get out there when you have the right antenna(s) to do the job. I have Several radios, or maybe more than several in AM, FM, SW, LW, SSB I collect them.
The antenna gets some getting used to. I think I am still on the fence regarding it. I am trying to determine if the pro's outweigh the con's.
Great review. But just curious --- can you use any headphones with it? Or just the ones it comes with?
The Eton FR160 has solar capability, but unfortunately the region I live in isn't the best for solar devices. That is why I am sticking with battery operated. Do you have a particular model you were thinking of?
Yes. Or you could just bring an extra set of headphones. Both would work. The removable antenna has not been as inconvenient as I thought it would be.
Actually, you don’t even need to cut off the earbuds. You can just plug a set of earbuds (Ex: Skullcandy), including the ones provided with the radio and change the control button from ST/MO (Stereo/Mono) to SP (Speaker). The headset will then act as an antenna for the radio and it will work great. Currently, always have a set of earbuds connected and I switch it to Speaker if I even want to listen to the radio without headphones.
Excellent point! I didn't think of that. Makes perfect sense, at least with FM stations (I don't think you need the antenna for AM, even with the cheap radios).
AM tunnig. step change from 10 kHz to 9 kHz:
522 - 1629 kHz (9K)
520 - 1710 kHz (10K)
If you want Japanese FM band with NOAA band and 9 kHz, but C Crane CC POCKET. 76 - 108 MHz for FM if AM step set to 9K, 87 - 108 MHz if AM step set to 10K.
Great little radio. For emergencies I think I prefer this antenna set up, great it can't(hardly) break and is replaceable by headphones. As long as you keep it attached I don't see how you would lose it that easily. It should have been a bright color though. The flexible antenna is what makes the belt clip possible, a telescopic antenna would snap off when worn on a belt and internal antennas usually have poor reception (?).
4:13 "Can't believe I added that in the review". LOL
Great review.
THANK YOU!
My gold standard radio!
Think I will wait to see the Crane CC Pocket radio due to be out in November. I have wanted the Sangean but initially the Crane appears very similar but also has the internal antenna and presets. The Crane looks somewhat cheaper on the outside and the yellow Sangean is easier to see in a bag.
that radio looks good, but not to sure about the antena. but great review as usual. thanks.
NOAH weather station is a nice feature of this radio, it's actually on the 2 m band , 161.xxx Mhz, much higher than the AM/FM!
If you like AM radio get the Eton Executive Traveler AM/FM/SW/LW digital radio on clearance sale on Amazon for only $35.00. It`s VERY good on AM and has no soft mute on weak signals. Also, to boost your AM reception on this Sangean considerably try the Tecsun AN-200 passive loop.
Stored stations can not be deleted, only changed.
To reset the radio and clear the preset memory selections, With the radio off press and hold the Band button, keep holding then press the power button until the display reads "def". It is reset. Tip from "amazon ask question".
Hello from 10 years later. Over the years, I've gotten those mini wind-up/solar radios for EDC, and they've failed me after only a year. Apparently they can't tolerate too much moving about. Now I've decided just to carry extra batteries for the CCrane pocket radio I have, or get this Sangean radio on the video, with extra batteries. At least until I can find a sturdier windup/solar version.
Hey Jean! I'm glad this video is still being watched 10 years later. That's AWESOME!!
Love the radio, I take it to the Beach (East Coast) Atlantic ocean. Works great. Yup, not being able to delete pre-sets is a pain. Although pricey, great buy.. Adorama is cheaper then Amazon with "Free S/H".
Nice job!
The man talking describes the product amazingu
I have had a DT-400W for many years.Recently it has developed a habit of continuing to play after it has been turned off. When i press the power button, the display shows "Off" for a few seconds followed by the display of the time. However, the night light stays on and the speaker plays static. The only way to truly turn it off is to remove the batteries.
It's my gold standard for radios. I have jerry-rigged a couple in old telescopic antennas to one of those antenna wires. And the DT-400W uses SMC technology, independent surface mounted electronic components like IC circuits are mounted. Oh, the AM antenna is at the bottom of the radio ( so don't drop it, or no AM reception ). Reception is great on FM and AM. My DT-400W is with me all the time or next to me even at night. Only one other radio has that honour, my ICOM R-6 wideband radio. Last, the AM band tunes in 9 or 10 khz steps ( push up or down tuning buttons when you turn radio on ). Yes, you pay a little extra for a good radio, yet it's worth it.
Thanks for all your great reviews. How is the AM reception on the DT-400W compared to the Sony ICF-S10MK2? The little Sony provides very good AM radio for such a cheap price. This Sangean looks like a great little radio, I like the weather alert capability. I mostly listen to AM. I am seriously considering this radio. Thanks.
J Young, surprising how good the AM reception is on the Sony ICF-S10MK2 is it? It only has a little ONE INCH ferrite antenna in it!
Great bag. I am leaning more toward a light weight bug out option. I purchased the CamelBak Hawg that has a 3 Liter water bladder and lots of storage options. For extra storage I also Purchased a Maxpidition Proteus Waist Pack. Together i have plenty of storage for only the essential gear. In my opinion you need to be able to carry your pack a long distance or be able to run with it. If you can't its going to be a burden.. Just my 2 cents.
Good review. But I think your criticism of the antennae missed a crucial point. ANY headphones will serve as the antennae, and you can listen to the internal speaker with headphones plugged in. You DO NOT NEED the included antennae. I just bought this and tested it. I don't know about you all but over the years I have like 20 pairs of headphones and ear buds laying around.....there are literally a billion of them just in the USA, so even in a "bug out" situation, the probability of getting hosed on the antennae is almost zero. Not to mention that AM will be the band used for emergencies. You could clip the buds or headset off a blown pair and presto...new antennae.
Ted Pollak, RIGHT! In fact, any small wire with a 3.5mm male jack will work as an antenna. Meaning that even broken earbuds will work as an antenna for this radio.
4:26 he kind of mentions it but thanks for elaborating!
I found it odd that the reviewer lamented the external antenna stating that a person might lose it and not be able to listen to FM. Since the headphone/earbud wire works as the FM antenna and it's a pocket radio, there's no doubt Sangean fully expects users to carry headphones with this radio. This radio is really designed to work best with headphones. It is a pocket radio after all. A telescopic antenna would add bulk and weight to the unit and, as mentioned in the review, they tend to break off.
I think the non-whip antenna is fine..especially if you're moving. If you have a whip antenna, it's prone to breaking.
If you have a pack with a metal frame, you can use that as an antenna for FM reception. Put an aligator clip on the end of the wire and you can connect to any suitable antenna (as long as it's not grounded).
Confirm though if AM has a loop antenna on board. If it does you know you can use any loop type antenna for direction finding. Just rotate the radio until you find a null (AM only) and that's the direction of the station.
it would be nice if had a short rubber duck antenna that you plug in the radio
"dropped it once, couldn't see anything on the screen after that"
Sorry to hear it. Months ago I dropped my DT-400W on a floor, hitting so hard that the top portion of the case separated and the lock switch was knocked out of alignment. I carefully repositioned the switch with a screwdriver and then snapped the case closed. Turning the unit on, I was amazed, and very pleased, to see that everything worked! No damage, no marks ..nothing. I adore this little radio
Should do a review on the SANYO Cadnica 7C-3077
Nice review. A couple of things I would change on this radio:
1) The radio "lock" lever should disable the volume as well as the station frequency- especially with the wheel volume control which is easily bumped.
2) The alert mode should be automatic. Having to remember to "arm" the alert mode each time doesn't make any sense to me. And why not an option for 24hr alert mode?
Still a nice radio, but they need a few tweaks to make it better.
.
I love your video! After watch your video, i decide to buy one! My question is Sangean is a Taiwan company, but they tell me they don't sell DT-400W in Taiwan......So i buy a cheap version DT-125, DT-125 doesn't have "NOAA Weather" and it is not "YELLOW"...Oh god, i want a yellow radio!!!!!!
Nice review. I have one and really like it. I have a few minor issues though:
- The "lock" function has no effect on the analog volume. I hate when my ears get blasted if the dial gets bumped in my pocket- and it moves far too easily. I would have much preferred a press button digital volume control that can be locked out.
- You can only overwrite stations stored in memory- you cant delete them. Quite the pain in the back side, especially when using the radio in a new area.
The other issue I have (and maybe I missed it in the manual) is that when the radio is off, the clock time blinks on and off. I thought perhaps it was low battery power, but it wasn't. Any thoughts?
Eric M, the clock should not blink. That happens when the power is cut--like when the batteries are taken out or come loose. Is it showing 12:00 when it blinks? If so, your batteries are getting knocked loose. The other functions are hold-overs from the previous model (Sangean DT-300VW). Personally, I like the volume being I effected by the lock.
Quality first. Durable, except for where antenna is, at bottom of radio. My favourite radio.
Got an expensive Trivoli radio ($140) and can't get one AM station no matter what I do. Looks like your AM reception is good?
that is a good idea!!!!
I JUST WOLD LIKE TO TO ADD that actually the The NOAA feature usually drains a bit battery in any device but this device as unique battery-saver features which lets you program when the alert mode is active, while a flashing LED reminds you when you are in that mode. So unlike any other NOAA Weather radio with an alert feature, the DT400W lets you actually use the alert feature without draining the batteries in short order…very clever and useful.
Don’t use lithium AA batteries, or else the AM reception interferes with lithium. Just use Ni-MH batteries to charge as you take off from that radio.
Amazon has the option of buying a refurbished unit. I did, and I don't mind the very light scratches on the display. My unit cost $37.00 w/free shipping. Because it won't stand up due to the shape, I clip it onto a wire book stand.
Thanks for the heads up, Richard! I wouldn't mind having another one of these.
Se venden en comercios en Argentina? Excelente testar de radios. Excelente radio!!!
It's GOOD kit.
I have owned 4 of these..last 3..the power button stopped working..please improve it if you already haven't..I also have a 1st generation Cc Witness..the battery quicly drains when using the external speaker.. they just sent me a replacement battery..free of charge..we'll see how long it last.
CC Crane Pocket Radio is great as well, you should review that
I was thinking about the antenna. Could another cord, say a headphone extender cable work in place of the antenna?
very handy
can you set your area for noaa and have it alarm for say, a tornado warning?
Would've been nice if you had shown us how to use it... For instance the instructions that come with it suck, The My Favorites thing is locked on one station why? I can set the stations but wanted to break the radio because of MY Favorites and it's seemingly meaningless purpose.
can you hear UVB-76 with this thing?
Not that I am aware of.
It looks like this comment should be in the Urban Bug Out Bag video instead of the Sangean video. :) Thanks for the comment and recommendations. I am working on my BOB diet plan.
could you test if this would work. cutting off the ear buds from a pair of cheap headphones and seeing if that will work as an antenna
Do you have plans to make a review about the Sangean Dt-110? I'm searching a good am/fm digital radio AA or AAA battery for run in the mornings
La cueva del enterrador It looks like that radio is discontinued. :(
I almost spat out my coffee when I heard you say "It's kinda like an antenna that needs Viagra."
Do you know if the weatherband radio also works in Canada ?
Can the device be connected to an external speaker?
Putting a small telescopic antenna in a small radio for FM, would not be effective. Wire antenna or head phone is much better, because the length of the wire. If you look it those pricier SW radios , all have large telescopic antennas, all most 1 m long, because that's length what FM 98 Mhz (happy medium 88-108 Mhz) needs to work properly. Little 8" long telescopic antenna may pull in some near by strong FM signals, in the city, but not much. You can buy these small telescopic antennas on Ebay cheap for $2, made for mobile phones, plugs into the headphone jack, but don't work well, believe me, I have one.
For AM, all radios have the built in ferrite antenna for low AM frequencies, so you don't need external antenna for that. That's as good as it gets, than the one in inside. Some radio geeks, use large external ferrite antennas which can pull in AM stations 100's of miles away clear, but it's beyond the scope of this small radio.
Not true about the AM radio getting Much better I use a Tecsun AN-200 tunable Loop antenna, it really brings in the weak stations Much better the stations you cant quite under stand but the Tecsun make a Big Improvement.
For *any* item, I recommend keeping the batteries out. Avoid that horrible realization when you open up your device and find it full of battery acid corrosion.
To add to my last comment I think they should have made it splash resistant or water resistant for use in light to moderate rain and added a rubberized stubby antenna I’d pay more just for those features I had a Sony sports water resistant radio back in the day they should have done similar
can it get the BBC world service radio? And does the display light in the dark continually?
Jesusandbible, it does not have shortwave bands. Only has AM/FM and weather (WX). So, NO, this won't pull in any shortwave world service stations like BBC.
Jesusandbible the back light does not stay on continuously.
Haha... I'm just about burnt out on doing radio reviews. Just one more to go... :)
How does this radio compare to c crane pocket radio
kevin w. Kcdy
kevin w. CC Pocket has Japanese FM tuning frequency and AM timing step turns to 9 kHz (522-1629 kHz) for use in Guam and Mariana Islands.
Also have 9 kHz tuning step for Sangean Pocket Weather Radio but only normal FM (87.5-108 MHz).
@@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY you can change from 9 to 10 by depressing and holding the band button
I just got one and it appears good. Only negative so far is, instruction manual does not illustrate how to delete stored stations. Help anyone!
Peter Collins h
what else do you find
In terms of its reception, how is it compared to the Sony ICF-S10MK2? How clear is it in the rural area?
Is there any shortwave radio with recording function?
Debojit Acharjee, No. This radio does NOT receive any shortwave bands. Only AM/FM
$50 for these small radios, not cheap?
I have a same radio bought 3 months back now the speaker is not working i can only listen through earbuds any suggestions?
Dang. Where did you buy it from? I'd look at returning it and getting a replacement.
@@TheUrbanPrepper I bought this in Dubai through online shopping site UBUY, but the set was sent from USA
the volume dial is stuck on loud..it moves..but stuck on loud..this is my 3rd one..last two the power button stopped working. wthell!!!????
John Alberti, maybe you should stop buying them and get a different radio
power button stopped working on mine as well ...too bad ..because I really liked the radio....I replaced it with the sangean MMR88 this week...which is way too big to walk around with...I'm probly goin to return it
Is it waterproof or water resistant?
I have one of these and detest it! I wanted it for AM and all I get is static over the sound...its horrible...mine sounds just like yours did in the beginning.
i need this one.. cash in delivery in qatar is possible
they need to make a hand crank
You picked the wrong station to turn up the volume on.
Theurbenprepper @ I want little help ..Amazon india sell Sangean DT40W and Eton GM400 (NGM400B) at same price.. On CZcams video Eton GM400 (NGM400B) found more c!ear n louder then Sangean DT-400W (not comparison video I just watched both brand saperate video).. so want one pocket radio from this 2 model so please suggest me which one best for sound, sensitivity and durable..
Thanks
+Jitendra Patel I don't own the Eton GM400, but I've been REALLY happy with the Sangean DT-400A. I also really like the Sangean DT-180 as well, but you'll need headphones.
who sells this radio, and what I am looking for is a am/fm pocket radio that will pick am stations far away.
or can you recommend a good radio
kevin w.
kevin w. Hi
kevin w. The b. I'm so
This radio is sold on Amazon as well as other places. The ferrite antenna in this is only about 1 inch long so AM reception will be limited to powerful transmitters close to you. To pick up far away AM stations (known as DX'ing), you'll need a radio with a long internal ferrite antenna. The legendary GE Superradio has an internal ferrite antenna almost 8 inches long! That radio is very popular for DX'ing the AM band. For your purposes, you'll want to shop for a radio with a long ferrite antenna OR you can invest in an external AM antenna (like the Terk Advantage) and place it near your radio.