On Nov 18, 12:04 am, wrote:
I just came across an used Radio Shack DX-394 receiver.

Is it worth getting?

What mods are available?

Is there a better (newer) receiver in the same price range that one
should look at?

Thanks
TMT


DX-394 was an attempt by Radio Shack to toss a bone to the SW
market it had long abandoned during a short rebirth of SW listening
in the late 80's and early 90's. It was a general coverage receiver
built by GRE, and it was not one of their finer efforts.

There are at least two iterations of DX-394. Some say three. And
they can be distinguished by an A, B, or, if actually manufactured,
C on the model/serial number on the back of the chassis.

The differences between these models is small. The A version is
the worst. It's sensitive enough, but overloads with little or no
provocation. Filters are way too wide for the crowded bands of the
late 80's. And audio is passable. There are a nice aggregation of
features, including timer on/off of recording gear, and a decent
number of inputs and outputs. As well, an s-meter, VRIT tuning,
keypad entry, a reasonably effective noise blanker,
clock/programmable timer; scan, sweep, and standby modes; and four
tuning steps for more agile dialing aup and down the dial.

There is a whip antenna for portable use and an SO-239 connector
for more significant external antennae.

The A version would also not hold an alignment if you put a gun
in its mouth. Service access is readily achieved by removing a few
screws, and lifting off the chassis cover, and the alignment
procedure is easy enough, but some examples actually drift back out
of alignment by the time the chassis cover is replaced. Drift
factors include thermal, humidity, and poor inate component stability.

Controls work well, but feel cheap. Tuning is known for it's
backlash. Dial accuracy is fair.

The B iteration is somewhat better. More stable, able to hold to
an alignment better than the A, but still not particularly well.
Somewhat lower noise floor and higher headroom. Not exemplary, but
not as God-awful dreadful as the A.

There is talk of a C. I've not seen one, but that's ok. I've not
seen Lauren Graham naked, either. That's no indication such things
don't exist. The C is supposed to be DX-394 done as it should have
been. Better filters, stable circuit design. Better immunity from
overload.

The whip antenna may be omitted from B and C models.

There are copious websites dedicated to modifications of DX-394.
Like a number of ICOM receivers, modifications can make DX-394 a
nice little radio. Better filters are a must, and such mods are
plentiful. Unmuting during tuning is a good choice. Input mods to
significantly raise headroom are numerous and a very good idea.

Truthfully, though, most mods are a waste of effort on the A model.

Like a 57 Chevy Bel Air, you can pick up DX-394 for little cash,
and mod it to death, ending up with a pretty snappy toy that will
hold its own in performance, and play with the big boys in DXing
competitions, Field Days and Hamfests.

Mike Maghakian modded a DX-394 and used it as his primary
receiver...with claims of outperforming some R75's. I don't doubt him.

Whether all the work is worth it to you is for you to decide.
There is considerable fun in bringing a project to completion. There
is considerable fun in making an inadequate project rock.

But as it sits on the table, DX-394 is largely a waste of good
plastic. There are much better radios out there for the same money.

Sangean's ATS-803, and ATS-909 come to mind. And, if cost is an
issue, they can be had for around a hundred bucks.

For a little more, ICOM's R75 is decent. But may require some
mods to make it more user friendly.

There are a lot of proponents of (Tecsun) Grundig SAT-800. QC is
spotty. And there are, contrary to the claims of some creative
internet (eBay) sellers, only two versions of SAT-800. One WITH a
tuning shaft bearing, and one WITHOUT. There is only one generation
of the circuitry. Service availability is through Drake. Parts
availability is limited, and through Eton. Documentation is largely
not available, so self service is possible, pursuant to your own
technical skill.

A better choice would be a used Drake SW-8, upon which SAT-800's
IF strip is based. SW-8 is portable, works VERY well in a fixed
installation, great audio and very good performance with an external
antenna. There are two versions of SW-8. With sideband selectable
sync and without. An input mod is available that will better match
the built in whip with the input circuitry for better performance as
a portable. Service through Drake. This will be pricey, but a good
value.

Two excellent choices would be Ten-Tec's RX-350, and Drake's R8.
Both excellent performers, highly configurable to existing listening
conditions, feature rich, and very good audio. Not cheap. Worth
every penny. RX-350 comes in two iterations, RX-350, and RX-350D.
The difference is the D has an IF output for use with a PC in
demodulating DRM and some utes. Ten-Tec's support is non pareil.

Drake's R8 comes in three flavors: R8, R8A, and R8B. Any one
will get you where you want to go. Excellent performers, decent
ergonomics. Excellent audio. R8 was the first, and is most basic.
R8A has about the same performance, but with 440 memories. R8B adds
sideband selectable sync. Drake's support is exceptional.

There are also the Lowe's: HF-150, 225, 250 and 350. AOR's cut
apart--AR-7030 and 7030 Plus. Any of these are excellent receivers.
Prices will take you to 4 figures.

And, there are the Eton/Grundigs available today. You'll have to
do your research on those.

If you're seriously looking to save money and still want a
decent receiver, there are some decent tube sets by National,
Hallicrafters, and Heatkit out there that offer decent listening,
nearl bulletproof construction and serve as very good learning
platforms as you delve into Shortwave listening.

Enjoy.