Thanks for the detailed reply - very helpful. I’ll be using it for a web server, so I guess that negates the benefits of the blue one.
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You could possibly just purchase the TEF module as @melb_mateyy0 did if you’re okay with soldering iron & have tech & handyman skills?
Always lots of info on the Discord site.
Keep a regular or periodic eye on physical battery with extended long term usage too.
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I’m not so good with the soldering iron, unfortunately.
I’ve disconnected the battery completely from my TEF so that shouldn’t be an issue.
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In 99.9% of cases I found the LNA to make things worse, even with a low noise floor hundreds of meters away from houses/buildings. If your radio doesn’t have one, you’re not missing anything. The TEF module is incredibly sensitive and some argue it’s about as good as it gets.
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That’s good to know, I’ve been tempted to get an LNA one.
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Thanks for that advice. I’ll save the $100 and just get the non-LNA version instead then.
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The silver version has got cheaper from some sellers on Aliexpress from when I purchased mine. Also reports though some later versions missing some electronics to save on costs too with resultant slight impairment of performance. 
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And one more note on the silver version.
They are not as easy to update the software on as there is a boot button inside the unit to put it into boot mode. The case needs to be removed to access the button. You don’t need to do this with the blue ones.
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Yes, the LNA (preamp) is a bit of a dud on the TEF’s from all reports I’ve read. None of my sets have it.
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This is the “silver” model I was referring too (below), given the lack of model names/numbers. The user just acesses the boot button
via the headphone socket with a small screwdriver (no case removal required).
Some ‘other’ models do however require user to do that.
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I note some changes to the TEF server map page.
It’s also now possible to start the page centred on Australia with this command:
https://servers.fmdx.org/?country=au
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The Silver TEF’s are getting cheaper: $75.03 (Free Shipping)
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@ozbark Do you, or does anyone know how these silver TEFs compare with the Qodosen SR-286/DX-286 radios?
GitHub updates.
For Webserver owners, a minor StationLogosOCE update.
For logos, a big logo update, from 225 to 322 files. New Zealand and some others still to come.
And a new preset button plugin. Latest update fixes some alignment issues. GitHub - AmateurAudioDude/FM-DX-Webserver-Plugin-Button-Presets: This plugin allows locally-stored frequency presets, displayed below general FM-DX-Webserver containers.
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logos.zip “Update #5” for webservers, now includes logos for: New Zealand, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Wallis and Futuna. And more or less, all the Australian stations with RDS data logged. 430 files.
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Here’s hoping some of those exotic countries will be logged this season! Would like to get PNG via the Sunshine Coast.
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Speaking of images, a .png on screen from PNG would sure be something! 
logos.zip “Update #6”, missed a few Triple M’s and some others. From 430 to 474 files.
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Howdy. From what I read in earlier posts on the blue TEF6686 chats the LNA is actually just a inline resistive attenuator not an actual LNA
Was a bit off dodgy advertising by some Chinese manufacturer. Put in a switch reduce the front end gain and then claim it had a LNA. Test proved there was no improvement between a standard TEF6686 and a LNA Version. Any introduction of gain is possibly going to cause front end issues anyway. So stick with bare foot version .
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Hi it Alek here from “Aleks Waikiki FM Vert Setup” I found this forum after someone contacted me regarding my webserver. They provided me with some valuable feedback and suggestions I will plan to inplament over the next few weeks to try and improve my setup.
A bit of background on my setup. I have multiple FM Horz pol antennas connected to a couple of airspy Discovery SDRs and 2 x TEF6686 silver receivers connected to a rotatable 3 EL vert FM antenna at about 5mt AGL this is the one I use for my webserver.
This is currently connected to a stand alone windows PC with Remote Desktop access.
As you can probably gather I am a bit of a FM-DXer. The setup usually gets hammered for about 8 -12 weeks during the Aust fm dx season Nov-Feb then it sits idle.
I originally setup the TEF6686 Webserver as a tool I could use while I was away or access in the house. I did not plan to make it public. But as things happen I was away up north on holidays and left it active. I was surprised by the traffic it got and the feedback. So I decided to leave it up full time.
The webserver should be up 24/7 unless I reboot the pc and forget to restart the server. Most of the time the antenna is pointed North unless there is an opening to the East during summer
I have a few questions which I will post later. I do have access to the TEF6686 Discord group. But always good to have local feedback and suggestions.
Cheers
Alek
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I hadn’t read that, but it doesn’t surprise me. The IMD it causes makes it next to useless. I don’t regret the radio I chose, as the large display and speaker are excellent, but technically could’ve saved a few bucks with a non-LNA version, but it’s no big deal. But, good advice for others to not bother paying extra for this feature.
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