Realistic DX-150 Shortwave receiver Crystal Calibrator Modification D-lab

A new product from D-lab electronics. The answer to accurate analog dial setting on vintage Ham/Shortwave radios. This little board works like a champ and is very easy to install. Limited supply. Another fine Hammared Ham production. Hope you like.

[@TheRadioShop]

Nice mod Terry. Great little item to have.

[@Wildman9]

Darn good idea.Way to go Terry,you always full of surprises.You could offer DIY kits too.

[@MrCnema]

Got a scoop for pc to see what is going on...not very expensive but it will do.. Got the Variac and lightbulb multimeters! My new hobby ..Thank Terry I very much like your channel!

[@raymondkb2nzo788]

Kb2nzo here the crystal calabrator works fantastic just got done hooking it up. Thanks Terry. 73s

[@d-labelectronics]

Excellent! Glad it worked out. Really makes a difference determining where your at on the dial. Thanks again for the purchase

[@erikburman530]

My calibrator arrived in the mail today. Nicely built! I haven't tested it on my DX-160 yet but I did do a quick and dirty check on my CCrane Skywave SSB portable radio. The signal is pretty well spot on, zeroing out at 1 MHz intervals. Maybe it's off by 10KHz but that all depends on whether or not you consider the CCrane radio digital readout to be the gold standard. The Crystal is rated at 1.0 MHz so it's all within tolerance, and more then good enough for the intended purpose. Good job! I love those vintage Fairchild transistors and that big beautiful 1MHz crystal too. I've got no problem with the vintage parts, goes with the spirit of Ham radio. All the more delightful!

[@Radionut]

I can’t find them available anywhere online where did you get yours? You probably won’t see you there since your response was several years ago

[@erikburman530]

@@Radionut the D-lab guy was selling them directly. I contacted him and he sent me a unit that he had built. It looked like he used vintage parts. You could try contacting him to see if he still has something available. Or maybe he’d share the schematic with you so that you can build your own. Good luck!

[@extremeedison]

The Realistic DX-160 radio has a dissimilar metal problem on the tuning printed circuit board with the rivets that connect the top side printed circuit to the printed circuit on the bottom side of the PC board. Resoldering is not sufficient, the fix is to solder jumper wires on the top side of the board to replace the connection made by the printed circuit on the bottom side. Shining a bright light through the bottom of the board shows clearly where to solder the jumper wires on the top side. This is the RF amp and Local Oscillator circuit so it will require alignment. Operation without repair may be intermittent.

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!! A nice simple 'Realistic" mod!! I was a bit 'board' @7:23 though, but the really 'high frequency' of good info kept me 'tuned' in.

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

That brings back memories... :)

[@raulmontesdeoca7843]

Just got one on EBAY. The B of course. Needs a. Band Spread knob. We will be in touch as soon as I replace the caps and add the choke. 73’s KB2DCV

[@RobertKohut]

You should offer it as a kit (build yourself) or standard wired (built by you), and custom wired (built by you to customer specs) all at different prices.

[@d-labelectronics]

I would like to meet you someday as I consider you a friend

[@RobertKohut]

LOL...Too much wine there "Hammered Ham"?...LOL Seriously though... I like you too, you are very entertaining. I'm far away though, way up north In Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Never know our paths may cross one day. Might be a tear welling up here... better go now..... :-)

[@mikesamra9126]

This was my first gen coverage receiver and I got it brand new at half price for 69.95 usd when I was in 7th grade. I traded it 22 years later for an SX-28A Hallicafters and a mint pair of AR3 speakers.

[@d-labelectronics]

This receiver really brings back memories for me. Thats what probably steers me into the crazy upgrades. I wish that those good days were not lost.

[@mikesamra9126]

I hear you. I upgrade mostly vacuum tube audio gear. I do SS gear as most need recapping as well. On solid state amps I usually use the Mj15003 and Mj15004 outputs for most amps.

[@johntmcguirejr8526]

Hi my name is John McGuire. I just came across your KZbin with the DX150. I have a DX160 and would love to have this calibrater. I know this is a year old but what the heck just ask. Is this unit still available ? And what is the price on this. Also this radio is in need of a alinement. If I shipped it to you can you do a alinement on it and why it's there put the board in. Thx John T McGuire

[@pauladams5564]

excellent ! I want one

[@raulmontesdeoca7843]

Yes I would like one so I can hard wire it into my DX-150B

[@Pyridox]

That sounds great. I have a DX-160, and one with a 9v battery holder would be great.

[@d-labelectronics]

I will get a few configured and get back with you soon. Thanks for your support

[@d-labelectronics]

Have the unit with Battery clip ready for you

[@Kennynva]

I have a question...what is that coil..with a black core...next to the tall aluminum coil...for ...On my 160 it is coil T5, and I dont see it anywhere in the alignment instructions, or elsewhere? Thanks for all the video's, I do enjoy them alot.

[@tronics666]

Congrats! You've got a winner!

[@markhuisinga1698]

I want one of these. I just restored my grandfathers halicrafters s-38b and really enjoy using it but mostly "guessing" on the frequencies. Would be nice to know where I am. Even though its a little overkill for that radio.

[@Radionut]

Where is this available I would definitely like to have one or two or three or four. For like several DX series radios

[@richardbrobeck2384]

Nice

[@mikesmuseum]

Wow, you could even make an external version, in a very small enclosure, that connects between the antenna and the receiver!

[@d-labelectronics]

Super idea man. Thanks for being with me during D-lab adventures

[@mikesmuseum]

I always look forward to your videos! Let me know what I owe you and how to pay you for my oscillator. Thanks Terry.

[@kenhancock8931]

first :-) nice vid terry hope it sells well

[@cmvb69]

Are you still making these, have a 150a and would love to install one let me know

[@Kennynva]

You know that radio very well..and I have a question...if you were going to hook an external amp to this receiver..where is the output from the radio at?...in other words where does the radio enter the audio chip? It an odd question I know..

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello, I will have to review the schematic and see if this is possible

[@Radionut]

But where can you get them straight from you? I want one for my DX 150 a

[@VinceRFelix-vw1pm]

Hi Terry, I just love watching your videos and didn't know you were on KZbin. I just discovered you and man I'm glad I did! I would love to have you build me one for both my 150B & 160. Wait.... don't build me one just yet, I'm in the middle of moving from one apartment to another. My Realistic DXs are all box up right at the moment. When I do order you upgrade kit, could you add the parts for your other video concerning the hum issue with basic instruction and willing to pay the extra? I tried to email you with the email you provided from your KZbin channel but received a bounce notice. So.... I'll try writing here instead. I do have soldering experience. This request would be great!! I to Terry was drooling over these radios back in the 70s and wanted one for Christmas and finely convince my dad at the time. 10 yrs down the road I lend it to a friend of mine and never saw it again. Oh well until I saw the 160 up on eBay in mint condition just a few years back when I purchase it. I was happy like a clam once again. I'm 56 years old now and still enjoy listening to it. Here's my personal email address to get a hold me. [e-mail] Hope to hear from you and great job on those videos keep them coming Terry!Vince F. from Phoenix, Az

[@user-qx3tf8ow4d]

i have a dx-160 i like to try one of those little borad.ty

[@mikesmuseum]

Hi Terry, I would like one with a battery clip and an 8" pigtail on the switch. (I will either put this in my National NC-77X or my Hallicrafter SW-500). Excellent idea, Bravo! - KC0IVF

[@mikesmuseum]

Maybe I'll run into you someday, the next time I go back to the Michigan antique radio fest. That would be great!

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello Michael, I have your calibrator ready. Total cost is $50.00. External switch on pigtail and 9v clip as requested. Initial batch was expensive. Cost will go down when I buy in higher quantities. If this is too much, I understand. Thanks, Terry

[@mikesmuseum]

Hello! Fantastic! $50 is fine, that's what I figured it would be. I will pay you via PayPal since I saw your address in another post. On its way now...

[@mikesmuseum]

I sent you an email with my address. Thanks again, Terry!

[@bluesun9675]

I have a DX 160 RS. Do you still offer this calibrator?

[@Kennynva]

Can you install a 455khz crystal in your device and use it as a signal generator to align IF's in radios..????

[@d-labelectronics]

The circuit was designed for 1Mhz. I tried a 100Kc for fun and the oscillator would not run. Cannot say it would work at 455Kc

[@dennisperusse3837]

Awesome video. So that would work even for my Hallicrafter s S40-B?

[@waynehall1]

Yup.

[@d-labelectronics]

Yep, any receiver, just needs to be mounted in a good spot

[@radioguy19510]

I wish that you would do a mod video on an SP-600,

[@d-labelectronics]

I sold my SP-600. Only had it for a short time, not enough room on the bench for that monster. Great vintage RX

[@cejimene]

Do You still have a callibrator for sell? Need one for a Realistic de-160

[@jordanch68]

For me one just like that with the 9v battery clip would be ideal. Mount it in an Altoids tin and I could use it on any of my radios without altering them.

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello, I will get on configured. Do you want the power switch on the PCB direct or remote?

[@jordanch68]

I think direct to to the PCB would be fine. Thanks!

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello Sir, I have your calibrator ready. I left a 8" antenna connection lead. Battery clip is installed. Ready for Altoids! Total cost is $50.00. Initial batch was expensive. Cost will go down when I buy in higher quantities. If this is too much, I understand. Thanks, Terry

[@jordanch68]

No problem. Do you take PayPal? If so all I need is your address. Thanks, Chris

[@d-labelectronics]

Hi Chris, Yes, it's [e-mail] I can send you a final pic of the board for review before you pay. Send me an e-mail. Thanks

[@radioguy19510]

Where do I get one without the switch? I can customize it my self. Thanks!

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello, I have the calibrators built without the switch, Still have 8 units on hand

[@radioguy19510]

[e-mail]. If you want to shoot me a quote maybe I can lighten your load of calibrators and lighten my load of cash...not that it is that heavy. KF0XO

[@erikburman530]

I'd love one of your sweet little crystal calibration boards for my DX-160 which by the way I have kept ever since I got it when I was around 15 years old, now some 40+ years later. To this day I remember how excited I was to get this radio for Christmas! I also have the original Realistic speaker. I noticed that they used the same speaker as a prop in the movie Apollo 13 with Tom Hanks. Did you notice that? I still remember being fascinated by all the creepy communist broadcasts coming from Cuba and the Soviet Union and North Korea during the cold war era (North Korea's broadcasts are still pretty scary). Remember Vladimir Posner, the spokesman for the Soviet Union back in the day? He was so slick. Reminds me of the DNC today. Ha! So, what range does this unit cover? Do the harmonics cover all the ham bands? Funny thing, until viewing your great video I never realized what the red stars were for and how they related to the amateur radio bands on the band spread dial. I'm not a ham (yet) but I think I'd enjoy using your little contraption for calibration and monitoring the amateur radio bands as a hobbyist. I'd like a unit that is independently powered with a 9V battery rather then tapping into the DX-160 power supply. I'm completely capable of soldering into the radio but I'd like to keep it in its original unmolested condition. So, I definitely don't want to drill any holes into my radio and I'm reluctant to tap into the power supply. It looks like your unit can be mounted without making any significant changes. Simply mounting the board and toggle switch through one of the existing ventilation holes on the back panel seems like it would work just fine. Cost might be a factor so please let me know what makes sense considering cost of parts, PCB and work that you've put into this. My holy grail would be some type of digital frequency readout circuit. That's what I really would like in order to use my DX-160 as a fully functional communications receiver. Do you know of any detailed projects that might work to that purpose?

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello Erik, I have your calibrator ready. Total cost is $50.00. Yes, this initial batch was expensive. Cost will go down when I buy in higher quantities. If this is too much, I understand. Thanks, Terry

[@erikburman530]

Yes, a tad expensive but I'd like to support your efforts. I appreciate that it's a work of love. Hopefully postage isn't much more? Just let me know how to pay.

[@erikburman530]

I'm doing my best to figure out a way to contact you. I sent you a email, I think, but I'm not sure it went through.

[@d-labelectronics]

Please e-mail [e-mail], that is D-lab's Ham outlet

[@oi32df]

Certainly more agreeable to tune with your calibrator but the problem I had with all the dx-160 I had is that they are not stable and drift a lot & especially in ssb .

[@eduardopower5254]

Hello my friend, I would like to know the price of the calibrator for my DX160 please

[@jkssr1885]

im looking to buy a dx 160 and will want one. whats the price how do i order one?Jim

[@d-labelectronics]

HI Jim, I have a DX160 here. Could install the calibrator and make you a package deal

[@user-qx3tf8ow4d]

terry i like to try one on my realstic dx-160

[@scoob1636]

Need one. Any available?

[@ardenhall6076]

I have the DX-150 with a load hum have to buy the Filter Reator But I would like to get one Crystal caliprator, right now I have the radio for sale at $10 on Letgo.com like new just hums bad..If I get the parts for it I will keep it or sell it for more

[@mikec9537]

Would like one for my DX 160. Still available?

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello, Yes I still have a few. E-mail me: [e-mail]

[@eduardopower5254]

Hi there its 1mhz or 1 kHz cal?

[@migsvensurfing6310]

Its 1 MHz

[@dragos4253]

Terry, I have a Hallicrafters SX-100 Mark 2 B, my 100 KC crystal detector, don't light up, I think it's bad? I wonder if you could sell me one or tell me where I may find one? Any help would great...Thank you! GOOD TIMES!!!

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello, The crystal tube will not light up. It also has a small 7 pin oscillator tube, does that one light up?

[@dragos4253]

Terry, I am very sorry, I just got a notice that you replied to my ?? The small tube will light up. And I forgot to ask, this thing in the video, would it be good for my sx-100?

[@raymondkb2nzo788]

Is it possible for me to receive this board just let me know how much I have a dx 160 it needs it bad thanks kb2nzo 73. Have a great week.

[@d-labelectronics]

Yes Sir, I have a few calibrators left. Do you plan to power it with your radios DC or a 9V battery?

[@raymondkb2nzo788]

@@d-labelectronics probably with a battery it would be easier I am good on qrz let me know how much you want it would be very cool.

[@raymondkb2nzo788]

It will complete the receiver.

[@d-labelectronics]

Hey Raymond, I will get one configured with the battery. These go for $50.00 shipped. Yes, kind of pricey, the vintage crystal + PCB design drove the price. Let me know if you are still in. TD

[@raymondkb2nzo788]

@@d-labelectronics I'll look you up on qrz so I can send a check

[@Boffin55]

sell it on Tindie.... Bare PCB, Kit or ready made.

[@spresc2180]

I am with Michael Massa. 8" pigtail on the switch AND a 9 volt battery connector on the power lead. DX-160. This is a super vid. Kudo's. And yes, I WANT one. Gmail details please.

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello Sam, I have your calibrator ready. Total cost is $50.00. External switch on pigtail and 9v clip as requested. Initial batch was expensive. Cost will go down when I buy in higher quantities. If this is too much, I understand. Thanks, Terry

[@spresc2180]

D-lab Electronics Terry: Your stated cost is fine. Lord knows I have enjoyed MANY of your video's andI am not about to quibble. @ $20 for parts along with your creativeness & soldering time is certainly worth the rest. This is one way I can say "thank you". Send me payment information and I will send it off post haste. By the way....will there be a schematic included? Sam P.

[@spresc2180]

Terri....Should I send the $50 to the FCC database address for N6TLU?

[@animalcorvair]

i have 2

[@d-labelectronics]

Can never have too many!

[@animalcorvair]

my wife thinks i am a nut my first is Knight-Kit Star Roamer Receiver, 1964 ,, made it gee when i was 12 ,,had to recap this year ,,,love your stuff you are sharp keep it up

[@MrRJS27]

I'm sorry, but a bandspread without guesswork is against the laws of nature!