XHDATA D-808 does not support user-accessible firmware updates
. Unlike modern Software Defined Radios (SDRs), it is a traditional DSP-based receiver where the firmware is permanently flashed onto its internal hardware during manufacturing.
Because of this, "updating" your D-808 effectively means buying a newer production version. Below is a review of the firmware state and the physical revisions available on the market. Version History & Hardware Changes
Since there is no downloadable software update, XHDATA has instead released several hardware revisions to address known issues: Original Version: Characterized by a white/blue display backlight charging port. 2021 Update: Introduced a warm orange/amber backlight for better nighttime visibility. Recent Revision (2024): Most new units now feature a USB-C port
and slightly modified internal circuitry to improve charging reliability. Performance Insights (Firmware-Locked Characteristics)
Since the internal code cannot be changed, several "firmware quirks" remain standard across almost all units: Soft Muting:
The radio briefly mutes audio when tuning between frequencies using the knob. This is a DSP-level behavior and cannot be disabled via settings. Bandwidth Filters: xhdata d-808 firmware update
The D-808 is praised for its extensive filter options (up to seven for AM/FM/AIR and six for SSB), which are hard-coded and offer excellent selectivity for a radio in this price bracket. Audio "Pops":
Some users report audible popping when switching bands or browsing adjacent stations while using headphones. Hidden Settings:
You can access some hard-coded features by holding specific buttons. For example, holding the
button while the unit is off allows you to set a sleep timer, and clicking the knob toggles between Fast, Slow, and Stop tuning steps.
If you are experiencing bugs (like the random shut-offs reported by some users), these are typically hardware failures rather than software issues that can be patched. For users wanting a "smarter" radio with frequent firmware updates, an SDR like the Malahit DSP2 would be the appropriate upgrade path.
Advice wanted from other users of XHDATA D-808 : r/shortwave Part 7: The Future – Will XHDATA Release a New Update
The XHDATA D-808 does not support user-installable firmware updates. It is a standalone DSP (Digital Signal Processing) radio designed without an external data interface for software flashing; its micro-USB or USB-C port is strictly for charging the battery.
While you cannot update the software yourself, the manufacturer has released several hardware revisions over the years with internal "factory firmware" changes. How to Identify Your Version
Because there is no "check version" menu, enthusiasts use hardware and behavior cues to identify which factory revision they have:
Report: XHDATA D-808 Firmware Update Analysis
Subject: Investigation into firmware updates, version history, and flashing procedures for the XHDATA D-808 Multi-band Radio.
Date: October 26, 2023 Device: XHDATA D-808 Step 5: Erase and Write
As of 2025, XHDATA has pivoted development to newer models like the R-108 v3 and the D-220. The original engineers for the D-808 chipset (based on the discontinued Si4735 DSP) have largely moved on.
The reality: Version 8832 is likely the final stable firmware for the D-808. XHDATA customer service will sometimes email you a copy of 8832, but they do not host it publicly to avoid bricking support tickets.
If you need a feature the D-808 lacks (e.g., multi-level bandwidth filters, no muting at all), it is time to look at the Tecsun PL-990x or Qodosen DX-286 rather than trying to hack the D-808 further.
.bin file from XHDATA.Assumption: You have built the cable, installed CP2102 drivers (via Zadig or official SiLabs), and have the .hex file ready.
Old firmware muted audio for 300ms between each 1 kHz step. New firmware reduces this to ~100ms. It is not seamless (like a DSP radio), but it is far less jarring.
To update the XHDATA D-808, you need specific hardware. You cannot use a standard printer USB cable.
After the update, press the "BAND" button for 2 seconds. The step size changes to 10 Hz in SSB/CW mode (previously locked at 1 kHz in some versions).