ATS25x2 Questions

[W8HDU]

Aliexpress had an ATS25x2 on sale + free shipping. I've heard several hams talking about it as a decent SWL receiver, so I took the bait. One problem I encountered was it's the radio, an antenna for broadcasts, an antenna for WiFi, stylus, and a USB C to standard USB for charging. But no manual.

The radio is software version v5.3b, 17-09-2022 IU4ALH Mod. I'm assuming the 2022 could mean a manufacture date of September 17 2022?

It was easy to figure out to get it to play, and searches on the web produce other versions and variations. So while I look for a manual, I was wondering if anyone knows the radio well enough to answer a few question.

• What is the purpose of the WiFi function and antenna?
• Several videos I watched talk about downloading a "patch" to upgrade, which I assume get from a site, then upload the bin or executable to the radio via a PC linked by the USB cable?
• Is there a primary web site for the "official" download?
• Does the USB connection on the back of the radio have any other use other than upgrading and charging?

Appreciate any tips or hints. This is new territory for me.

 

[EAFrizzle]

You've pretty much got it figured out. First FW update is installed through your computer. After that, it will update itself over WiFi.

A stable time signal is needed to decode the various digital modes, provided over WiFi.

A manual really isn't needed; the buttons do what they say they do, and no additional translating/guessing needed. The one that came with mine didn't have any info that isn't immediately obvious from operating it.

If you connect it to WiFi, it'll give you a pop-up with the website for downloads.


I wasn't very impressed with it at first, but it's grown on me over the past several months. Nice audio gets it a lot of use for me. The DSP is a bit heavy-handed but effective. In deep fading, signals can get completely squashed. That can be useful in some cases; waiting for a broadcast on an empty frequency is near silent.

Mine is connected to a 1200' Loop on Ground, and it's great for cleaning up noise around a weak signal. Fun little radio!

 

[W8HDU]

The first FW update comes from where? Is there a web site where the BIN or executable comes from?

And I take it from your statement that once the WiFi is set up, it's always on. Any security issues to consider?

My antennas will be a MW loop that I built, and a TTFD for the HF portion. I think it will do good based on the results of the ATS20+ that I got last year.

 

[EAFrizzle]

You can turn the wifi on and off. Once it connects the first time, it will connect to their server with the update info. Harduino.ru is the website. DL it to your computer and install. After that first FW update, it will do it automatically when connected to Wi-Fi.

To the left of the battery power indicator is a vertical signal strength meter. That turns the Wi-Fi on and off from the touch screen without having to go into the menu pages. It only needs to be on when updating or decoding a digital mode.

You'll enjoy it with a good wire antenna like that T²FD. Mine does better with a passive antenna than an active loop, and it has enough gain that an external amp isn't necessary. I like the audio a lot, and use it a lot in the kitchen with a small loop. It can be sensitive to RF from usb chargers while playing; a usb-c battery pack will charge it silently.

Listening to The Mighty KBC playing Elvis on WRMI 9455 right now. Surprisingly nice audio from such a little box.

Enjoy!

 

[W8HDU]

I'm wondering if the Harduino.ru is the right website. I notice the reference to GitHub on my screen. Another head scratcher is how one names their Wifi connection. The funny thing is, the radio seems to work once I set the bandplan to US 10kHz. I also plugged in the receiver using the USB cable to my computer, and it the PC doesn't seen to see the receiver. But.... the radio works. I'm a little confused. I'll see how it works once on a good antenna.