As most North American DXers found out last year, the cost to purchase an XHDATA D-808 AM-FM-LW-SW-AIR SSB portable in the USA or Canada was significantly higher than in the rest of the world (around $ 112, in comparison to around $ 75).

Apparently an eBay seller is now offering new D-808 models to USA purchasers for around $ 75, but you need to order through the Australian eBay system at https://www.ebay.com/itm/XHDATA-D-808-Digital-Portable-Radio-FM-stereo-SW-MW-LW-SSB-AIR-RDS-Multi-Band/183176708238?hash=item2aa62ec08e:g:KG8AAOSwHqdaz1l6:rk:17:pf:0

You will need to pay AU $ 12 shipping (about $ 8), but the radio is shipped from China, and the total cost will still be far below the other eBay listings. I don't know if this is a quirk that will soon disappear, but interest in the model remains very high, so nail down your new D-808 at $ 75.64 while you can.

A full 16 page article describing the development, features and 7.5" loopstick transplant procedure for the XHDATA D-808 model is posted at http://www.mediafire.com/file/t2989hg61vbkb5h/Supercharging_the_XHDATA_D_-808-FinalMWLW.doc/file

73 and Good DX,

Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA)