The Best Shortwave Radio Made. The Realistic DX302 General Coverage Receiver.
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- Long overdue here, but I finally wanted to show off this masterpiece of a radio. This sweet looking monster does it all, and does it all in style with plenty of knobs, switches and dials!
The Realistic DX-302 was THE shortwave to own in the 80's and for good reason. It's built like a tank, looks like it belongs in a 60's fallout shelter, and has the best set of "Ears" I've heard on a shortwave. I have it hooked to an inexpensive MLA-30 active loop antenna and this thing can hear the entire planet!
I've got a part 2 and a part 3 that feature this radio. They cover the hobby of MW (The AM broadcast band) DXing as well as a video that covers some of what you will find on the shortwave bands.
There has never been a better time to invest in a decent shortwave receiver. We live in very strange times and being informed from sources other than cooperate sponsored sites is more important than ever.
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i was a teenager in the 1980s. no money. i always wanted this radio. thats a keeper. unlike most radios , it picks up SSB.
That certainly makes it great for HAM stuff as well. I hear just about everything with it.
Nice radio! I have a Realistic DX-200 and a DX-160 that I still use. I miss Radio Shack! Thanks
Very cool!
I miss Radio Shack also.
brings back very delicate memories
I hope they were some great memories for you
Think that radio is gona be worth its weight in gold after this Thursday. You guy got sum crazy shit happenin down there. Stay safe 73s
Oh yes my friend! Times are certainly changing!
I still have mine from 1980 and put mega miles of use on it for years and years and still often use it among my various other radios.
One thing of note is about that silver ring behind the frequency adjust knob. It is not enough to simply rotate it to put the MHz # that you desire on the display and then adjust through that range with the outer knob. When you rotate the silver ring to the MHz # you want and adjusted the preselector correctly and rf gain is up,, tweak the silver ring a little left and right and tune for highest signal on the meter. If the meter is sketchy you can also go by how it sounds. For the newbies you also have to readjust the preselector here and there as you move up or down the selected MHz range. Eric, You may have already known all that, but others may not. By the way, that type of tuner is called the Wadley Loop method. Happy dxing. .
Thanks for the info!
I own one of these! My uncle is a ham geek and when he updated his ham battle station in the early 2000s, he gave this to me to play around on to learn about HAM radio...after watching this video i dusted mine iff and turned it on for the first time in at least 15 years...had a great time figuring out how to use it again lol. Awesome vid!
I have the DX-300 using a long wire. Love this thing!
They are great!
She's a beauty! I need to get me a nice shortwave like that! Thank you for sharing!
You bet!
Bought mine new in the 80s and took it home on the bus. I've used it off and on ever since. The preselector started to slip (not uncommon, apparently), but youtube videos showed me how to fix that, and the radio is now ready to run another 40 years.
What a great radio. Radio Shack made some great equipment back in the day. I have the DX 300 , loads of fun pulling in broadcast with the telescoping antenna it came with. 73s
It is 1000000% totally worth it to get a MLA-30 Active loop antenna. I got one for like $35.00 and that thing is like a signal magnet. I am hearing all kinds of stations. Trust me, you will LOVE it!
Farpoint Farms May look that up and build one , seems like I’ve seen that some where on the “net”. I’ve got enough stuff laying around to do it
Every time I see those Radio Shack knobs, the memories come flooding back. Love using this radio, but the FRG-7 (FROG) has a slight edge simply because the main tuning is also analog.
Agree Loved the FRG-7 , but fir the money this receiver was a gem. My XYL kept stashing my stuff in the attic, and the heat and humidity killed most of my gear, and my vinyl record collections of the 60s/70s too.
I did not know that was the best. I have a Realistic DX-440 and I thought it may be the best. Had it 30 something years. Works great.
I think it is the best
That's a beauty!
I grew up in the 80s and 90s i remember my dad bought a realistic home entertainment system when cds first came out the quality of that stereo was incredible just the feel of the buttons and dials was incredible he still uses it today
Great videos Eric! Have a DX-160 I had for years.
Also a great radio!
I have its twin the DX-300 on my beside table, still working well. Great to see someone else enjoying these classic radios! Don't know if you're a fan of the James Bond movies, but this radio featured a few times around the half hour mark in 'Never Say Never Again' :)
Thanks for the info!
Wow I never knew that , I wish I still had mine now 😢😢😢😢😢
What is the difference between the 300 and the 302? There is a 300 for sale locally at a decent price I would say... but are we better to go for a 302??
@@tommyb.6064 The 302 has few refinements over the 300 including some better filtering, but the main part in the same. I don't think you'd be disappointed with a 300 if bought one. I love mine.
I had a DX-300 throughout the 80's-90's and it really pulled in some interesting things. I have a DX-302 now. Is it the best? NO, but it is/was "The best value radio" with good features and performance for an affordable price. SW broadcasting is not what it was, but it is still worth the effort. In this age of corporate censorship, I believe that the station numbers will be growing. Thanks for the informative, nostalgic video introduction to a great piece of radio history that is still relevant today.
amazing! never heard of this radio. I am a ham who has been off the air for many years. Returning soon, when I get an antenna up. That radio looks old school, very nice receiver.
It is just so cool looking isn't it? Love playing with this thing!
The thing is you can probably pick up a used general coverage transceiver with general coverage for a couple hundred bucks.
Hard to beat the older style radios, thanks for sharing!
I just found one of these in the wild and decided to snag it a my local goodwill. Hardly ever see ham radio stuff. Got it home and surprise it seems to work great. After watching your video it helped me a lot to use it. So I downloaded a manual and it now sits next to my yaesu ft 101zd thanks for your video 73
how cool is that to find one at goodwill, I swear, you find stuff when you are looking for nothing
AOR 5000A +3 this radio will take some beating.
Cool!
When we moved to Alberta in Feb. 1980, brought with us our Realistic DX-160. Still use it today on a daily/nightly basis with a long wire antenna. Never had an issue with the receiver. Works like new. Enjoy it tremendously, especially when you speak/write 4 languages fluently. 5 STARS for the DX-160
That is a great vintage receiver. I owned one for a short while.
Extremely Impressive Receiver..... An oldie but a goodie! A lucky find for you!
I just came across this vid and went - yay, I’ve got one of those over there. Never really played with it but am intrigued now - fab vid - thanks
The Wadley Loop design of tuning used in both the DX-300 & 302 as well as the Yaesu FRG-7 is a royal pain in the south end...The scroll on the fine tune likes to freeze up, those brass sleeves just bond themselves together and can be a pain to free back up...Good entry level receiver, but the Yaesu and it was also re-branded by Sears are just a better rig...The digital read out is a real plus, but the nob's gear would crack, but a metal gear for a RC car will fit for a good repair...I too like the looks of both the 300 & 302, but really got so very tired of all the tuning needed that both my 300 & 302 rest nicely in a box in a closet...The antenna you were speaking of is the MLA 30+, not MLR...The 30+ was brought out and tests show it does do better on MW & LW than the original 30 design...Can do a lot of modifying and improve performance on the loop and it's system...But even the most expensive of HF rigs will not work unless you have a good antenna...So the 302 works as well to be able to bring in transmitters as other receivers in that entry level price range, which RS was really asking a bit too much when first introduced...I like your video's, but could I make a suggestion...I would think most people who view, might want to see just how well the receiver works at reception...Try to find much more transmitters to listen to...I've heard so many say that it's daytime and SW works best at night...That's just not true at all...SW doesn't have the amount of good broadcasters as it once had...But during the day, you simply move up on the frequencies and many broadcasters move to 12 Mhz and above during the day...9 Mhz to 12 Mhz are pretty good during both day & night...But at night, 9 Mhz and down work best...Just the way propagation for HF is with an AM signal...Good video's and most important is to enjoy the hobby!..
Nice ! I have one stored away back in the Ham Shack. Liked this radio, but for SSB it should have had a product detector included. Radio Shack had this made in Japan by one of the good radio manufacturers in the early 80's. It had the same issues as all the SW equipment of the time, had a tendency to drift especially when slope detecting SSB. This is a good keeper radio, however I think Drakes R8 (first digital) radio does a better job. You made me curious, think I will get it out of the closet. Thanks for the video ! KE6QK
I had a DX200 and loved it. Still have it in a closet in fact. I however think the old FRG7 was the best of the bunch, and I even had an old Hallicrafters tube radio.
All great classics!
Very cool with preselector....I ended up with a Sony 2010 portable and an ICOM R75 with Kiwi AM sync and NR. Thanks, Michael
Nice radio!
My first stereo system was from Radio Shack. That AM-FM receiver would pick up everything, and 85% of them clearly. No external antenna. But then, it was 1971.
The receiver still works, btw.
I've just recapped mine with new electrolytics and it sounds like brand new!
Take care of the band selector as, if they become stiff to turn, they can be damaged very easily.
A bit of lubricant solves that issue, also..
..I found, with excessive static on a broadcast, if you reduce the RF gain back to almost half, it retains the audio signal well and reduces the noise behind it.
Yours looks really well considering its age. 👍👍😉
Glad to hear that others are fixing these old girls up!
Hey Eric just put out the video on the Realistic SW-100! Like I said earlier not as good as the 302 but it's still a classic. Thanks for the motivation! 👍Keep up the great videos
I will check it out!
Ah the old days. Lafayette, Heath kits and Realistic from the original Radio Shack.
I miss those days!!
@@FarpointFarms As a 10-year-old I would listen to Radio Moscow and VOA and BBS on my first Lafayette kit. Taught me a lot about the world.
I picked up a DX 200 for free the other day. These damn things really receive. Mine is obviously an older model but WOW! I am so excited this thing came into the donation box and plan on playing with this thing so much more. Way to go Radio Shack! I picked up a radio and am finally working on getting my HAM license soon. I have been in contact with my local club and due to covid last year I put off going in for my test. Now that life is settling down its time to get that done.
free is my favorite number!!
DIFFERANCE BETWEEN DX-300 and DX-302: the 300 has a larger speaker and is better for general shortwave users. it has no IF filter or BFO but uses a micro tune knob for SSB. it also has an internal ferrite antenna for AM/MW...like most standard radios
DX-302 has poorer audio and smaller speaker. it is a setup better for CW code/SSB with its IF filter and BFO knob. there is NO internal antenna on the 302.
they both work much cleaner on 12v power source then AC
Thanks for the info!
That is a very beautiful and cool radio, I love realistic equipment, in 1979 I bought very powerful and beautiful realistic stereo with a totally awesome turntable and a really cool double cassette player and man I had that thing for 30 years before I got rid of it. Now I just bought me the Tecsun H-501 X and I think it's pretty cool too.
Great review! I agree, i bought one a few weeks ago in mint condition and it's a great receiver, indeed oldschool, I love it!
Right on! Old School is the way to go
I had one in 87 I heard Ham’s all over the world from here in the uk , I had a trio jr300s too but couldn’t resist this when it came up locally for £90
It's a great little radio!
Thanks Eric, you have defiantly peeked my interest in short wave radios. As a Linux user, I am working with and refurbishing old computers, but there is just something great about older technology. Kind of like sound powered phones onboard ship, heck they even used them in BSG, why? because they work. I think my wife is going to kill me, because I told her I want a short wave radio for Christmas, as if I don't spend enough time in my shed (Boatswain Hole) as it is. I truly appreciate the time you spend to make these simple, yet very informative videos. God Bless you brother.
I wouldn't say that any Radio Shack receiver is the "best ever made" unless the comparison is with other Radio Shack models. Radio Shack receivers have always been at the back of the line. I guess I've had them all starting with the DX-150 through what was probably their most expensive model from years ago... the DX-394. I'm looking at both models on the shelves as I type. Of course Radio Shack never built radios; it simply re-branded Asian-made stuff. I never figured why all the products it bought were sub-par.
For those researching this radio it uses an unusual wadley loop stability circuit. Which you also see in the more expensive FRG-7000
Thanks for sharing that, I did not know that
@@FarpointFarms As wel as the earlier Yaesu FRG-7
The communications receiver with general coverage is the best shortwave radio receiver on earth. I heard it when I was a senior-high student in the early 1990.
There is no way in hell that the Realistic DX302 is the best radio ever made.
@M. S. I appreciate you pointing out the error of my ways, but it isn't the best shortwave radio ever made either. No way, no how.
Always a "fighting" subject. :-) The best is the one that gives the happiest memories and is/was fun to operate. I just wish the international broadcasters were as diversified and abundant as they were in 1970.
I agree. I had a DX302 way back when, and I certainly didn't think it was anywhere near the best shortwave radio ever.
It's a cheap crock of shit.
He did say in HIS Opinion
There is something exciting tooling across the bands, listening in to distant stations, whether those are hams talking to each other or broadcast stations. With my shortwave receiver in a small apartment on beacon hill in Boston, back in the early 80's, I could pull in the BBC ...I would here the chimes when they were either coming on the air, or signing off. My antenna was a copper wire tacked up along the baseboards near the ceiling. At some point I believe that the BBC stopped broadcasting...i.e. they went off the air. I haven't heard if they have come back since. But I enjoyed pulling those signals out of the "ether"... haven't been doing that lately-but inevitably I will indulge myself in my hobby again.
I used to listen to Chuck Harder in the late 1990's.
I remember him!
They are nice looking and performing radios. I think the digital display is what makes it such a nice radio to use. I don't know if it is mentioned in the owners manual or not but the silver ring around the main tuning knob can also be 'rocked' back and forth to fine tune a little bit. Similar in action to the preselector control. One thing to keep in mind is that if you happen to be purchasing one, plug it up before you buy it. Check that that display is fully functional. If it isn't it could be that the IC that drives the display is defective and that IC is next to impossible to find. I ordered two of them from England and they are not inexpensive.
thank you for sharing the tips
I've got one of these. Lovely radio. Many a happy hour listening in on the amateur bands.
Rock on!
I own 2. I love mine. I got great deals on both. One is cherry the other for parts. I also have the Caps set aside. another underrated radio I own and love is my Realistic DX200. They get the job done. Lots of folks complain that they aren't a big brand etc. etc. I beg to differ from the point that they don't do this or that. First good Antenna and ground are essential. I can also work on these radios if needed but just clean etc. A great inexpensive way to enter the hobby. Medium wave is great. Worth the bucks and they are out there for sale usually reasonable.
Radio is the wave of the future. Thanks, Great show.
You know so little of what you talk about that it's still amazing.
Thanks. What a great person you must be. I certainly know one thing you don't seem to. How to make a successful CZcams channel, or in my case 3. Good luck with that positive attitude!
I use to own one of these and I loved it. But I now own the brand new Eton Elite 750 - which is an updated version of the Grundig 750 / Tecsun S-2000 - and I consider it to be about 20 times better. The Eton Elite 750 looks just like the discontinued Grundig 750, but it includes ATS on Shortwave (not documented, but just long-press the SW button for 5 seconds to activate it); better bandwidth filters for SSB, and higher overall build quality. It does cost $150 more than the older model ($400), but you can buy it brand new from Amazon or Universal Radio. Best of all, you do get a lot of classic looks from this radio: Analog S-meter, upper and lower sideband with adjustable BFO, Wide/Narrow bandwidth switch, etc. But it also has 1000 memories with automatic tuning on AM/FM/SW and an oversized rotatable ferrite bar antenna for AM DXing. And it also runs on four “D” cells when the power is out. It’s the best of both worlds!
Higher build quality? You mean entirely plastic.
@@oculedo9137 -- Yeah, the unit is high impact plastic. That has always been the case. The better build quality relates to the rotatable treble, bass, and volume knobs (which were prone to fail on earlier models); and VFO calibration. My unit is now a year old and is still going strong.
Nice vid, and taking nothing away from your appreciation for this unit, if you ever get the chance, try out the Phillips DX 2999. Got mine in late 80s or early 90s, can't remember which at the moment. Still going strong, great reception, perfect size between fully portable vs tabletop. Started in SW back in late 70s with my grandpa's radio. Still enjoying the hobby all these years later. Anyhow, thanks for posting...cheers!
I watched this video for reason to compare to Philips D2999. It is actualy my new purchese - got as second hand just week ago. I think Realistic is exciting by view and operation, looking cooler than Philips due to size and charming details but on other hand Philips portability moved me . Its style is beautifull. . I am greatly satisfied with way it is operated - so quick to operate , sensitivity and excellent alignment, after so many years all switches are perfect.
Using some 10 meters antenna and living in area above depending on time and propagation I can hear all stations which target foreign countries even in 13 meters band. . Philips is my third SW radio after Panasonic, and Grundig which I repaired both to full capacity but Philips design beat them even with double speakers sound .
I had a Realistic DX302 in 1989-90 was unstable especially 27 MHz SSB. Even drifted on 1.8 MHz Ham Band. User wadley loop. Was a good AM receiver & narrow filter was nice.
I do really like the AM performance on mine.
I remember seeing that receiver as a kid on the shelf at the local radio shack. Between 1981 and 1982 that receiver retailed for $399.99. At the time I couldn't afford that. What will now be adjusted for inflation? When the DX 440 came out I saved up and bought that one.
That is also a great radio! Wow, 399.99 in 1981! That's a LOT of $$
Around $1100 in today's money adjusted for inflation.
What a fantastic machine! In a little while I will bet on one of these, as it continues to be a subject that interests me.
I only met one working here in Portugal. I don't know if I will be able to buy a DX-302 in the European market but I will try, from the end of this year.
Macedo Pinto
Portugal
73's!
I have one, it was given to me by someone who said it didnt work, when I brought it home and set it up, I played with it and she is in good working order. I sprayed some electronics cleaner in to see if I could get rid of the noise of the switches, but it didnt help much
I haven't opened mine, but I'm happy with it the way it works. Sounds like you got a great radio!
That's a clean radio a great find. I have a Realistic SW-100. I will try and post a video on it. Great video👍
Please do!
I replaced all the capacitors and did some audio modifications to enhance sound. See link below.
Wow! Love to own one of these all restored!
YES SIR.VERY NICE RIG. DEFINITELY A KEEPER..KEEP UP THE GREAT VIDEO'S BROTHER..BE SAFE AND STAY WELL EVERYONE..( DESPERADO 56 NORTH OF TAMPA FL. WAVING A HAND) 73's
Thanks, you too!
this sure this is a great receiver.
That's a good looking radio
I love this thing!
What I couldn't afford as a child, I could afford as an adult. About 20 years ago I purchased a DX-160, a DX-302 and a DX-394. I trawled eBay for a few months and got an example from the popular eras of RS. Every now and then I'll sit down at night and do a random run through the spectrum.
So do I !.
I had one of these. I had put it back in its original box to store it. Years later, when I was moving, one of the helpers wanted it as pay, instead of cash. I let him have it. I still have regrets.😢
Bummer!
Great radio . Will last another couple generations for sure. 🎉.
Great radio you have there. I also have a DX 302 on my radio table. I use it nearly every day.
Radio Shack/Realistic Made quite a few neat receivers. I had a DX 160 and my first SW radio was a Realistic Astronaut 4. While just a simple 4 band receiver, it was made well and actually picked up a great deal of stations.
Love all those old SW rigs from Radio Shack. I have a DX100, and I love it, but this thing is miles ahead of it as far as features. Still use the DX100 in the garage though.
@@FarpointFarms always good to have a nice shortwave radio.
If you're impressed with the Realistic shortwave set, the Kenwood R-5000 would totally blow your mind. Comparison? There's no comparison at all, it's like the difference between a Yugo and a Rolls Royce.
Hey now. I owned a Yugo!
Hi Eric you will find that signals become much stronger if you use the outer tuning ring as well as the preselector knob when tuning round the band's, the outer ring is also for tuning as well as frequency change. Tune for maximum noise, then along with the preselector dial you will find station become far stronger and easier to hear. A lovely radio, if not a little bit tricky to tune until your used to it. All the best
I have a 300 that should be here next week. Got it from another ham.
I have. DX302 which I bought in the early 80s when I worked for RadioShack. Not bad, but not great on higher frequencies. I also have my DX150B, which Santa brought when I was 10. Just about wore it out, but it still works well. I have a DX302 Service Manual, if you have a need. I’m near Chattanooga, so could see you at an area Hamfest, if they restart. Best, Earl WA4KBT
I remember when that came out, didn't have the money to get it at the time😪
Sounds old like my Dual conversion IF, Hallicrafters SX 99, up in the attic. It totally lacks FM and the VHF-UHF bands. Now I use a YAESU FT-991a - it has it all plus aircraft and I can talk back on ham bands
I owned one 20 years ago. Great radio. Sadly got rid it to trade for other gear. I did pick up a Sony SW 6800w which is very close in operation and design to the DX302.
I'll have to look into that one.
I had a Radio Shack DX-300. It rocked.
Great radio!
That's in great shape. I have a Kenwood R1000 from that era and it's great to tune across the bands with that sort of rig.
I know, as soon as I saw it I had to have it
Your video got me wanting a shortwave radio I was going to buy one but found one at goodwill for 1.99 it's a radio shack dx-351 but the bad thing is the batteries were left in it and they leaked ruining the battery compartment now I have to find a DC adapter to see if it actually works
Looks like a good product. I had two Realistic DX 100 but never got good service from them. Tried the one I have left and it doesn't pick up anything.
Compared to my DX100 this thing is so much better at reception.
I agree with you about your estimation of the DX 302. I have one and find that it is my go to radio when I really want to pull in those stations.
There are several modifications that are available for the 302. If you were interested I could pass them on to you.
Great video great radio thank you for posting
@Radionut R Please pass on the mods! I have a 302 I bought when I worked for RadioShack and just put up a dipole for it. I have a service manual. Best Earl G WA4KBT
The communications receiver is the best for shortwave receiver.
Indeed
I had one of these years ago and it was a decent receiver for the price. But, it's far from the best receiver ever made. I have two here that will run circles around it in terms of selectivity, image rejection, sensitivity etc., the Drake R8B and Icom R-75, with the R8B being my top choice. The AM synchronous tuning which allow you to select which sideband to use, 5 different band filters and passband tuning simultaneously make digging out those weak stations in the noise a piece of cake. However, for the price, the '302 is ok. If you can find one at a good price in decent shape, go for it.
I'll look into those.
For me it would be the Drake R8. Always wanted one, but could never afford it.
Hey Eric love all your videos......hey I noticed a picture in your office behind you looked like a Marine Corp photo of a platoon was that you ? If so where you in San Diego ? I was in San Diego platoon 3166 back in 1969 .....Keep up the great work.
I was Army. The black and white photo is my Grand father, and the color one is of my unit at the same base some 40+ years later.
Eric, Don't forget to carefully peak tune the silver MHz knob first for the strongest signal every time you change MHz then tune the antenna or vis versa. Found this out on another vid. If you didn't already know.
Even stronger signal. You will like it!
🥪
There is something simply "romantic" about listening to radio (regardless of the what you pick up). Spinning through the dials is calming. It takes you out of the modern world.
yup!
try spinning tru the dials on this turkey- its a real chore
Любая созданая конструкция в прошлом была актуалльной для своего времени а если она работает и в наше время это еще лучше
G'day Erik from Australia, yes I remember Tandy/Radio Shack. I've been around shortwave for 60 years. I haven't owned a working shortwave for over 10 years. I just recently sold a non working Panasonic DR48. Anyhow these days I use SDR in fact KiwiSDR. It works on android I think MacOS winwows.. I use it on my laptop. I don't like using it under 10" screen. I don't know if you are aware of it, apologies if you've done a review.. I enjoy your videos, oh btw I've been on cb radio since 1971... Cheers mate call sign HK307
DX-160 was my go to. Owned three over the years. 302 was on the wish list but never came across one.
I had one. Not sure why I sold or gave it away. It was OK, had the needed BFO for SSB, but it was a bit cumbersome to change across the spectrum. I think my Kenwood transceiver saw the receiver being not needed and occupying space that was needed. But, yea, compared to others it did its job and was kind of cool to fiddle with its adjustments....
I just started looking for one of these.
I have a DX-300 but it doesn't get too much use these days. It seems like it has a problem in the LO chain, something causing excessive phase noise and ruining the close-in selectivity. Also the preselector coils seem to have low "Q" as the peak is low and broad. Maybe I'll root out its problems one day, but it's low priority.
With the age of these, It doesn't surprise me that they are a little cranky.
Geez I'd love to score one of these radios!
They come up on Ebay every now and again.
I think a good modification for the DX-302 is to change the bandwidths for AM and SSB.
*X-TAL FILTERS.. BUT DONT THINK THE "PVC" RADIOS ARE VERY GOOD TO USE*
*I TALK A BOUT .. (DRIFT OF THE FRQ) .. BIGGER THEN "TITANIK" ..HEHE*
I've got an old FRG-7 that I love. Takes 2 hands to use it 😂😂
Love a radio that makes you work for it!
This is a good radio!
Nice SWL rig....I, too, like AM DXing on my Dunwoody AM DX Crystal set...a real challenge.
Always wanted one when I was a kid , like you I used to spend hours going through the Tandy Catalogue (UK radio shack) never got one , I do have the dx394 . Even though I have ham transceivers I still use the dx394 as a table top receiver , love it . Still want a dx302 though if I can ever find one .
Wow, I wonder what your reaction would be if you spent a few minutes playing with any of the much much better SW radios made before the DX300/302. As a former owner of a 302, I can say it wasn't great by any means. Not the worst, but the Yaesu FRG-8800 that replaced it was light years better and even it wasn't all that great. The JRC NRD-515 that came next WAS a truly great receiver.
*I THINK MY "ICOM R-9000" IS A VERY GOOD ONE ...*
Let alone just comparing it to an FRG-7, which is a very simliar circiut made to a higher standard.
Sounds like someone had a bit better cash flow than the rest of u$ 😉
I guess today it’s about how much one wants to spend. One could end up spending 1000’s of $ for a goodshortwave receiver.
I looked up the JRC- NRD 515. Theres one listed on Ebay for
$ 1600!!
@@laheart1957 The NRD-515 is now a "Cult item", going for huge prices. I miss mine a lot. Mine was bought used in 1986 for about $875, it had all the filters and was a "Gilfer" modded one. It was a killer radio. About the only flaw it had was the AM sounded sort of "wooly". The right speaker helped a lot (NOT the factory one, which is petty worthless, IMHO)
Sadly, the early ones from '79 are beginning to fail. Most of the problems can be fixed easily, the IC's are pretty common, but the filters are sometimes going bad, and if the magnetic encoder fails, it's a huge hassle to fix. It has to be converted to an optical encoder and I don't know for sure if anyone has successfully done it, yet. The filters are not fixable, they just have to be replaced with other functioning old ones, as replacements don't exist. A lot of the really great old HF radios are now beginning to fail from old age. I guess I am too!
lovely radio ! looks a great shortwave listening radio.
It is!
Very nice radio indeed !... I love my old Kenwood TS-440 for many of the same reasons :-) the old analog signal meter is simply the best
buenas noches.tengo este scanner realistic dx-302 desde hace 27 años la recepcion bajo mucho casi inaudible. algun tip? gracias por la atencion.
Desearía poder ayudar. No sé cómo reparar radios. ¡Lo siento!
It’s awesome. I don’t remember this model.
I think it's funny you do all the stuff i do. My best is the new sangean 909x2. Which pulls in better than my tecsu. 990x. I just ordered that president randy ht. Keep the great radio videos coming
Like minds my friend!
Down the rabbit hole 😂
And enjoying every minute of it!
You need to deoxit your pots and switches.