ZHIWHISShortwave Radio with SSB and Extra Antenna, AM FM CB LW AIR VHF UHF SW WB SSB Receiver, NOAA Weather/Antenna Tuner/APP Control/Bluetooth/20W Speaker/1600 Presets/Rechargeable Radios ZWS-C919

I am a licensed amateur radio operator (General) and have numerous ham radios, gokits, handhelds, and SDRs. I also have numerous Tecsun radios for general listening, and a dozen outdoor antennas in various configurations for ham voice operations and general listening for SW/HF, VHF, UHF, Airband, etc. I love this hobby obviously. From time to time I purchase general coverage wideband receivers. I have been watching this radio since it was introduced earlier this year. Have tracked the various video and written reviews. This radio is available in at least 3 different brands, including ZHIWHIS. I chose the ZHIWHIS version primarily due to reviews stating the one real issue with this radio has been mostly solved with a firmware upgrade to version 1.710. That issue which is demonstrated in most videos has to do with muting when tuning in SSB, which is a known problem with this generation of receivers caused by a specific chip used. However, the problem can be improved with firmware which has been done with various iterations of Tecsuns, Sangean, and other models.This 919 came with firmware v1.698, which as far as I know is the original version on the first run of production. I immediately contacted the ZHIWHIS support department at the email address in the included manual requesting a firmware update file for the latest version. Within 2 days I received a wonderfully kind response AND and a firmware update file, plus the updated manual copies for the radio and the phone/ipad app for remotely controlling the 919.The firmware upgrade process is not without nailbiting, as the support department clearly states that this is done at your own risk and can brick your radio if not done exactly as specified. They will not replace a bricked radio. This happened to reviewer Dan Robinson at swling.com. However there is enough evidence on various online postings that a firmware upgrade can be done without problems if done as below. Also, the better known brand, R**dy, has officially posted a firmware upgrade for their version of the radio. Their upgrade is v1.706.So, here is the only way I know of to do a ZHIWHIS firmware upgrade with confidence, which I perfomed on this ZHIWHIS yesterday (at my own risk):1. Obtain a NEW micro SDCARD, either 16 or 32gb. I used a new Sandisk 32gb card I had. It is important that this sdcard has never had any files on it, that it is new, and clean2. Format this sdcard as FAT32 (important!), and DO NOT use the "quick format" option. You must do a full format which takes 10-15 minutes on at 32gb card. Again, DO NOT use "quick format"3. Safely unmount the sdcard after formatting, then reinsert in card reader / PC . Copy the firmware upgrade file to the SDCARD. For this radio, the file needs to be renamed to ZWS-C919.upd on the sdcard for the update to work4. Safely unmount on your PC and remove the card from the card reader5. Turn on the C919 to any band of operation as normal6. Insert the sdcard into the ZWS-C919 card slot on the right side of the radio. IMPORTANT: when pushing the card into the radio card slot on the right side, do so in one motion seating the card with the click in the slot. The support email said this was important to "seat" the card in the radio without letting it slip out or removing it and reinserting it.7. Once inserted, the radio screen will instantly display "upd" on the screen and go into update mode. It will update itself, and then you will hear 2 short beeps and the radio screen will go back to normal operating. My update took about 10 seconds. Others have said it took 20 seconds, so the update timing could be 10-20 seconds long8. At this time, I powered off the radio and removed the sdcard from the radio, then powered the radio back up. I immediately tested the radio verifying that everything worked (which it did). I then powered back down, pressed the "settings" button (which is how to make system settings in the power off mode), and verified the current firmware version as v1.710, which confirmed that the update worked.9. The radio now gives the option in the system settings to DISABLE/ENABLE MUTE. I disabled muting and then saved the new setting, then powered up the radio again to test the tuning in SSB, which is where the muted tuning was the issue. Tuning was now much better, and probably as good as it gets with this generation of radios using this particular chip on the motherboard. Not perfect, but much better IMO.Again, I commend ZHIWHIS support for their outstanding response to my inquiries and quick response to helping me upgrade my firmware. One other nice feature of this ZHIWHIS brand of the 919 is that it includes a soft case for the radio, which fits it well and is a wonderful feature for transporting the radio.I also downloaded and have experimented with the phone app that controls the radio via bluetooth and the app itself is pretty amazing.Last, there are many videos demonstrating the radio. There's even a video featuring a "tear-down" of the radio showing the internal chip, amplifiers, antenna engineering, and many other features. If you like this hobby you would really enjoy this tear-down video. With the exception of the muted tuning before the firmware update, Dan Robinson's review (swling.com) of the radio is very good and I have found that the radio performs at the level he has described. The best video I found in demonstrating the radio is by ham radio enthusiast OM0ET (the second "0" is a zero). It is excellent. I purchased this radio after watching his demo and review. He is an expert in amateur radio and antenna technology and a trusted source. He includes an important tip on setting the Low Passband Filter properly for SW/SSB listening.In my opinion, this radio is worth the price, if you like a wide general coverage receiver. There's always "better" and "cheaper" comparisons, but for me, I love this radio and it works as advertised, even exceeds my expectation. And now, I really like the ZHISHIS brand!! BTW, the sound and equilizer settings on this readio produce great sound! Hope this review helps you.

Great all-around radio. Good speakers. Good AM, FM & Weather. However, I couldn't get it to receive shortwave. There are enough options that I might have missed something.

There are so many features on this radio. Honestly I haven't explored all of them.The firmware version on the radio I received in December 2024 was the latest, v1-710, so no need to update firmware if you want the tuning "muting" setting option. Muting "off" was default when I checked. There is still some muting and though not optimal, I don't find it to be a huge issue or hinderance.The antenna options are numerous and I haven't explored all of them, The included "T" shape antenna which plugs into a port on top of the radio did bring in better reception on several AM or Medium Wave stations when used once during the day. The whip antenna is quite long and seems to work well. I currently live in a home surrounded by power wires and transformers and I do get decent reception on most bands with just the provided antennas.All of the features I have used thus far are working correctly. I did have an issue with the battery draining on two occasions after not using the radio for a couple of days. I am not sure how this happened. Perhaps the screens were being illuminated by accidental continuous button press while in the soft bag case next to other items in a backpack. After the second occurrence I reset the radio (in setup options), selected my preferences again and now try to remember to lock everything with the switch on the right side of the radio. No problems with battery drain now. No idea if necessary or helpful, but I also have the screen time and other info turned off when not using the radio.The radio is a bit pricey. I'm frequently shocked at what a lot of things cost these days. I don't love the look of the radio, but can get past this for the feature set. It's fairly rugged and doesn't feel cheap though it is plastic with the exception of the heavy metal rear "kickstand" and the antenna ports. I don't think it could take a beating or a lot of sun, moisture or dust. I have other radios which include all bands, but this one has much more coverage and many more options. I bought it mainly for exploring the airwaves and learning a bit more about antenna usage and the ability to more easily record to micro sd some of the more interesting broadcasts I stumble upon..Oh, a final note about Zhiwhis customer service. After receiving the radio I requested via their provided email, electronic versions of the manual and asked questions about maximum recommended battery capacity. Their response was very fast (I think a day?) and they were very friendly and helpful. A reply regarding battery capacity, BTW, was no limit in capacity for the (2) 18650 flat top lithium, but must be 3.7 volts. I own two other, much less expensive, Zhiwhis radios and with two of them they are offering just a bit more in cables and protective bags for the same radio labeled under other companies. After conversing with them through email I feel confident they will be helpful after sales with problems or questions.

This is a fun radio, not perfect but good. It’s so different in design than just about anything out there, what with its military design similarities.MW broadcast could be improved, likely the removable antenna is at fault and should be redesigned.One flaw you need to be aware of, at least with mine, is that it will drain the batteries when turn off and not in use. Remember that before you assume the radio is broken… plug it into a USC C and charge it. Then you’re good to go.

AWESOME RADIO !! does what my 6 other radios do ALL IN ONE WELL DESIGNED COMPACT UNIT !! channel discrimination is excellent

This radio is a BEAST! it can just about do your laundry for you. It is very complicated though, because it has so many bands and functions. It is way more than your average Joe needs. But, a radio enthusiast is going to love it!! My husband is really good with electronics old and new and restores radios. He loves it. It keeps him occupied for hours.

Disappointed with reception power!!!

My first multi wave since I was working in China years ago and bought a Tescun. This does more, so much more buttons become multi-task. When I carefully read the instructions, all is fine. This is not a radio for people who think they can figure it out themselves. READ THE BOOk!