A recent IEEE Spectrum article details how hobbyist PE5PVB has repurposed an NXP TEF6686 automotive FM/AM tuner chip into a software-defined radio with a tuning range of 65 MHz – 108 MHz and 144 kHz – 27 MHz.
PE5PVB developed custom open-source firmware for TEF6686 dev boards, allowing them to tune beyond their original design frequency range. He then went on to develop a version that included a screen. Eventually, the Chinese manufacturers caught on to the potential of the design and are now producing a full handheld version that is available on Aliexpress at a current sale price of US$61.26.
Reviews of the product are all positive, and it appears to be one of the best choices for a portable handheld DXing radio.
