A look at the much maligned Realistic DX394
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- Опубліковано 24 лют 2019
- Here's a brief look at a radio that polarises SW listeners. Does it deserve it's poor reputation? Well yes and no but mostly no. It certainly is basic, it certainly has limitations but for the money and fun factor, you can't beat them. They are very sensitive and are capable of good performance despite the aforementioned limitations. There's plenty on the net for those wanting to mod them but apart from filling in the indents on the controls with white paint, I'll leave mine stock standard. The B version is the one to get, many of the initial problems were sorted out. My main gripe is the single bandwidth on AM, pity they didn't provide 2 bandwidths. Audio is tinny but not objectionable and using an external speaker solves that. I can recommend these radios if you want a good performing fun radio but do look for the B version.
Hope you enjoy..... Cheers....... Phil vk2gjf
I have 2 B models and 1 has a FM board fitted and a few other mods when I bought it.
But over the time it seems to me that other like amateur radio users put it down they thing it should be as good as a high end pro radio. Look guys NO RADIO on Earth is GREAT. it is a SWL radio and with a few mods here and there it does pretty good. I like my 2 as they perform pretty good. I think some people out there want utter perfection.
I like the layout and general appearance of this DX-394 (somewhat reminiscent of a scanner), as you state there is a range of modifications to improve performance and I believe the KIWA filter mod is one of the most rewarding, the sad thing though is mods are required at all to bring the radio to a satisfactory level of perfomance, that said I would still gladly pick one up out of curiosity if anything.... thanks for sharing Phil 👍
Any chance of some "head to head" comparisons with this radio and your stable of high perfomance portables?
Thanks, Phil. I just bought one on EBay, and trying to get all the info I can get on it. Definitely think I’ll be using an external speaker 😀 and I have a vertical helical antenna I’ll use. Thanks for an informative video.
It may be basic Phil, but it does the job. Thank you for sharing your video Sir 👍 73s Tam.
Thank you for your excellent review. I have one of these. It is an "A" model. I does not pick up much anymore but I think there is a lot less to listen, cheers
Me gusta mucho este pasatiempo
Just pulled mine out of cold storage. And looking for a companion rig. Pulled up some vhf receiver's also. Getting a bit long in the tooth for me motor bikes. So I will travel around the world with short wave. Also reviving a Tentec scout 5 watt tranciver as side work. And currently the DX 394 just loves the new half wave forty meter ant . good coverage from 160-10 meters. Oh they work well on solar. De KV4LI 73
Useing the 12vdc spigot. I took 6 foot of coax "tiny" then I took a cola can, and then wound a slip (6 turns) around a soda can "close" to radio. Remove can and tape resultant coil form. The coil helped me cut noise from appliances , and some of the harmonics created by the receiver. As I am also bringing. My ten tec , and kanga kits on line. DC rigs love local birds . So useing coax and home made filter helps keep the Peace. de kv4li
I sold mine to add up the money to buy a ts-440. I wish I didn’t sold that radio. And waited a bit longer. Cause it was quite a nice radio.
i believe there is a B model which is supposed to be slightly better, i had one of the A ones i found drift a major problem..
thank you for the informative video. I have a chance to buy a brand new in the box never been plugged in DX-394 for $200.00 (Ca) that's been sitting since bought, what are your thoughts ? thank you
Hi,
Worth getting if it is the B version, look for the little sticker on the back of the radio. They are a fun radio and capable if reasonable performance. There's lots on the net about them too.
Hope you get it and enjoy it.
Cheers..... Phil
@@philireland1678 thank you, yes it is the B
Is $150 for this unit worth it? Seller said it works not sure if I have to do some tuning etc. TIA
Hi,
Have a look on the back of the radio and see if there's a little round sticker with B on it, if not it could be the "A" model with needs some mods to sort out some issues. If the A, I'd steer clear of it, especially at $150. If a B, $150 would be top price for it. It would have to be in excellent order, cosmetically and functionally and with box or manual.
If you can't verify the version or see the radio before purchase, I'd offer somewhere between $80 to $120 and take the risk.
Good luck with it, they are fun radios.
Cheers...... Phil
Phil Ireland thank you very much!
ah lol you have a B