The Realistic DX-160 SW Receiver: Troubleshooting Dead Bands and/or Weak Sensitivity

A simple how-to video for repairing a dead band and/or weak sensitivity on the Realistic DX-160 SW Receiver. These were sold between 1974-1980 at Radio Shack.

[@LeeBlaske]

Great to see you doing a video again. I've missed them. Also nice to see you working on a shortwave receiver. I predict it won't be long before we see you on the ham radio bands. ;)

[@richc8253]

I've had one of these radios since the day i first saw it in Radio Shacks catalog many moons ago. It always worked great but did notice band E no longer was receiving. I almost stored it away in the closet but when i came across your video, i had to give this a try. Worked like a charm! Thank you for posting this video and helping this old man who knows nothing about electronics bring my radio back to life. Thanks again!!

[@westy40]

Yes! You're back!! All is right in the world!!

[@roymonday5088]

Glad to see a new video really missed new content from you! Thanks again!

[@Kevin_Carlson]

I'm so happy to see your new video on KZbin. I and a lot of other viewers were getting worried! The Realistic DX160 is one of my favorite se receivers of all time. Down here in South America we used to live on shortwave radio in the days before Internet. My favorite station was American Forces as it had all the major US networks and American sports on one station.

[@HENSLEYMB]

I just acquired a DX 160 and it has dead bands. Thanks for showing the cause of the problem.

[@OBC-radio]

Great to see you back! My best friend’s Dad had one of these when I was growing up in the early 90s. My first exposure to serious radio/electronics. DXing with that Realistic in my friend’s basement is what got me hooked on radio.

[@Oldcomputer]

Glad to see you making repair vids again. When you started tuning around on SW I was thinking "Ill bet the 1st thing he finds is Brother Stair" and of course seconds later there he is lol

[@jasonthejawman5442]

Hello Doug love your repair video's so glad your back very awesome

[@williamlinington9166]

I am so glad to see a new video from you! Your channel is informative and very helpful. I would love to have one of those.x

[@Darryl603]

Hope to see more videos soon. Thanks for taking the time to share...

[@BuxProduxshuns]

Great news! I have done what you suggested and boom! Back in business! Thank you very much!

[@richardhz-oi8px]

It is so wonderful to see more content from you, I will keep this tip in mind anytime I see solder joints without traces.

[@gentleman113Tulsa]

I had my old DX-160 on a shelf for over 20 years with dead band, thanks for the tip, I got it working again. :)

[@Andrewausfa]

Good to see you again, hope the cars are still working well too.

[@normanwalz8636]

Thanks for the video and happy you’re back.

[@Johnniethesportsguy]

Welcoming back!!! I have missed your updates.

[@DasMrOSi]

Great to see you on KZbin again

[@mwstaton64]

It's been years since we heard from you! Hope to see some TV repair videos. Thanks for posting!

[@alasdair4161]

I just did this exact repair to mine, although I didnt twig to the fact that the holes weren't through plated, too early for that. After watching your video it makes perfect sense and the repair has brought the radio back to life on several bands, and it got a full alignment which really woke it up. Cheers, and thanks for posting.

[@JPRD2379]

Love and missed your videos!! always wanted a dx-160,would go in store when i was a teen (Radio Shack) and look at equipment:(.........empty pockets.

[@willykluppels2493]

nice video, brings me back to my childhood, here in Belgium. I'd love to watch your video's !!

[@moviestarmemories630]

Good to see you back!

[@JagerMagic]

Thank you for the video. Cured my problem. I would have never figured it out on my own.

[@TechneMoira]

I'm sure a lot of people will agree with me when I say I'm glad you're back. Always enjoyed watching your videos. Welcome back :)

[@jeffadams5510]

Been over a year since your last video/post. You had a LOT of us wondering what was going on-if you were even still alive? We LOVE your repair videos!!!!! PLEASE keep em coming!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johnyoung4747]

Thanks a bunch! About two months after you posted this video I picked up a DX-160 at a yard sale that was still in its original box (with some unopened Archer headphones and an antenna kit) that appeared pristine inside and out. It worked great on MW, but not on shortwave. I cleaned the switches and pots and applied DeOxit where appropriate -- no change. Then I followed your video and hit the four joints as prescribed and it did the trick! The set I got was used very little if at all, yet those four solder joints weakened just from nearly 30 years of aging . It took all of 20 minutes and saved me the major job of re-capping. Thanks again!

[@xraytonyb]

Thank you for sharing! Great to see you doing another video!

[@fransvanhelvoort1083]

This is a wonderful machine. I have a hole bunch of communication receivers and this one is one of the best (Kenwood, Realistic dx200, yaeshu and more ) After I changed R2 to 4k5 ohm and made a digital frequency display and done the alligment job. Super selective and sensitive. Installed a notch/cw filter for perfect cw and ssb sound.

[@neilloewe4287]

Wow! With this great video I was able to turn my DX-160 from a boat anchor back into a working radio. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and for the clear, concise video!

[@douglasallen9428]

What an enormous surprise...... super, super glad to see you again!!!!!

[@craftsman123456]

Thanks for doing this vid. Just picked one up today. I'll be checking for the cold solder joints

[@michaelreece458]

Very nice! Your videos are always first class and informative. You're an excellent instructor, thanks for the videos!

[@shwanbrusso7626]

Great to see you with a video. I like all your work, my favorite one was the tour of your tv repair space.

[@3713msg]

Doug, it is great to see you posting a video again. Thank you!

[@KD5VSV]

Great tip, thanks for posting

[@RCALivingStereo]

Doug!! What a nice surprise to hear from you Hope you been well friend:) Mike

[@rkmklz7562]

I wanted one of these radios in grade school...I seen and used it at our radio shack store in San Pedro California in the 1970s😊

[@markstump7079]

Have 2 of these, have not turned them on for 15 years. I will remember this tip..

[@mecamaster]

I'm very happy to see you back, we need this kinda content Keep it up! :3

[@alphabeets]

I really miss your videos. Please, I hope you will continue to make more.

[@tb40ford]

Hey Doug Thank you Sir for another wonderful video. I was so happy to see a new video.

[@pafoofnic]

Long time no video. Thanks for another excellent video. Don't be a stranger.

[@randydaniel1583]

Glad to see you back. I restrung the dial cord on my dad's Realistic DX-350 portable SW last year. First Radio I've worked on in years! Just watched your '65 Chrysler videos again. I've got a '65 Newport that's been in our family since 1966. Hope to get it running again soon.

[@ChrisR]

It's always nice to see a new video from you sir.

[@northhankspin]

Nice to see you back!! Great informative video.

[@CommodoreGreg]

Like many others have said, I also missed your videos! Hope things are going well! Glad to see you're around!

[@kevincarlson2965]

So very happy your back. I sure missed your videos. Your top of the line electronic analytical skill is second to none. Hope your doing well.

[@AiMR]

Welcome back DRH, you were missed.

[@alohawuff]

Really glad to see you upload more stuff to youtube - I love the way you do videos

[@davidmangani3899]

Thank you so much! I bought one of these at a consignment shop and got it home to find erratic sometime dead bands. I. Cleaned that blasted band switch till the cows came home to no avail. Once I found your how to video and performed your recommended repair I now have a fully functional dx-160! The last small issue I have noticed is early audio, most notably when running sw and sideband. It isn't terrible but a nuisance non the less. Any tips are appreciated. Keep the videos coming!

[@flyingmoose]

Hey welcome back, nice to see a video from you again.

[@craigstaggs8597]

Excellent ……. Any more for us Doug ?? ….. Glad to see you back !

[@ostrand11]

WOW! Thanks for coming back!

[@ryan12101954]

Wonderful seeing a new video. Whatever your topic, it's always engaging, so hopefully there will not be such a lengthy time lag until the next one.

[@L0WRYDER]

its good to see you back its been a long time

[@fanfan-tz2tk]

Hello Very nice you're again on youtube. Hope to see some TV repair videos from you soon cause you're one of the best.

[@colinlark6715]

Welcome back, Doug!

[@Pyridox]

Thanks for the video. I have one of these DX-160's. I've had it since around 1974, my parents bought i for me for Christmas back when I was in High School. I had a lot of fun tuning into stations with it. I haven't used i t in many years, I'll have to fire it up and see if it still works.

[@Papadishes]

Wow...where have you been hiding.? Need more roundie TV's.

[@bob4analog]

He's been incognito as shango066 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKGydWydZ8l-oLs

[@Mr1966canuck]

Great to see you back Doug. Those were pretty popular radios. Still see a lot of them at Hamfests.

[@waltschannel7465]

These are great radios. Glad to see a new video from you.

[@goodolddayzz]

Hello drh4683 love your channel and really enjoy your videos! Please continue to make more. You have many longtime faithful followers who are really missing your great works. Hope you are well and hope to see more from you soon!

[@tough213]

hello there drh4683 it is great to see you are still active and i enjoy all your videos and they are very interesting and i learn a great deal and i hope that you are safe and well and being careful with the covid virus and the new strain that just came out and i want to wish you and your family a very happy and healthy and fun and memorable holiday season and all the best always

[@marto4206]

Nice to see you again

[@marioviel8277]

Great video, helpfully, good, well done.

[@easylisteninglounge1000]

Glad to see a new video from you.

[@mjg263]

Great to see a new vid from you Doug! Dual trace boards with the eyelets are a real bear, especially early ones like this.

[@AMStationEngineer]

@05:09, if the board house, or design engineers would have increased the barrel size - "oh so very slightly", insufficient wicking would not have been an issue. My guess is, these "islands" required special attention in touch-up/rework. BTW, your presence on KZbin, has been sorely missed. If there were a 'Johnny Carson of the YT classic electronics crowd' you'd pretty much be it...

[@dougg1075]

Dang dude where have you been?

[@Boozion]

Neat little radio. I would not mind one of those myself. It looks really cool. Nice way to find the problem. Glad you got it working good. I will have to try and find one for the fun of it. Good information on the fix. Thanx. 😆

[@render8]

Holy shit, your back...awesome.

[@Vintage_USA_Tech]

GE made a really cool little 13" color TV back in the late 60's and early 70s that had an Issue just like this and the heat of the set operating would flex the board and crack these via's and cause all sorts of problems, they had a beautiful picture and rich color but man what a pain to trouble shoot.

[@tombump6946]

Thanks for posting. I have two of these. Will check solder connections.

[@jerrycarriera8648]

Thanks for this video! I have a Realistic DX-100 that was give to me years ago and I've been very disappointed with it's deafness especially on the MW band. I admit that I haven't done much more than spray the band switch to no avail. Now I will have another plan to investigate. It seems to me it should be better than it is.

[@AI4QT]

WELCOME Back !!!

[@dennisqwertyuiop]

nice your back

[@anthonymokelkie9360]

DX 160 is a GREAT radio, its a beef up super het with transistors. radio works great on CW and SSB too, AM band DX 550 to 1600 is great. nice dial too listen at night to DX. Great Radio really is . i been shortwave and ham since 1979 it is a good radio do lots with it. love the dial too.

[@kg4yhr]

Thanks for the info I have one of these radios good to see a video from you

[@yahirthevyond]

It’s been forever since you made a video!

[@tubeDude48]

At 0:55 YES! Replace ALL Electrolytic CAPs!! Remember, that radio was manufactured in the 80's. Those CAPs are resistors by now. Also there are many MODs to be made with different values. These MODs improve the quality of the audio!

[@drh4683]

As stated in the video... An ESR meter will confirm the condition of the electrolytic capacitors. LOW ESR= good capacitor thus it is NOT imperative to immediately change...

[@gsnfan]

Realistic receivers are really cool! Super sound quality considering many had low watts, and at a good price.

[@MrModelaer]

Thanks for sharing.

[@1112223333111]

I just got the 160, I'll have to check these, thanks

[@davidmangani3899]

I hate auto correct keyboard settings! My comment should say that the audio has a slight warble not early audio! Thanks again

[@teddyblair3922]

Great to see you!

[@stusutclif1930]

I love the dx-160 when I was a little kid it looked so professional to me I just had to have one,if it had been manufactured a little bit earlier it would have been tube type. I have a Heathkit aa-100 stereo tube amp from 1962 that works great.. the 7199 driver tubes for the final 7591s ones are very hard to find,so is the rectifier tube gz34, 5u4 will work in its place but with reduced performance.. I also have an RCA 19 inch color TV from 1967 it works fairly well but needs some Purity adjustments I can't even lift the thing up by myself anymore it's so heavy

[@jpolar394]

Hello stranger, long time no see.

[@tech45]

Welcome back to KZbin land, Doug.It's been too long :)

[@superhorchacha]

Spent forever troubleshooting one. Was a broken solder connection on IF transformer

[@SWRadioConcepts]

I have this same radio, restored and recapped myself. I also had dead bands, and if I remember correctly, it was a bad connection at Capacitor C2 on the coil board. My big problem is BFO drift now. I've recapped it, plus replaced all the resistors in the BFO circuit with higher tolerance ones. Maybe these radios BFO just drifted?

[@extremeedison]

This radio has a problem on the tuning printed circuit board resulting from dissimilar metals with the rivets that connect the top side printed circuit to the printed circuit on the bottom side of the PC board. Soldering 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. This is the RF amp and Local Oscillator circuit so it will require alignment. Operation without repair may be intermittent.

[@KIRBZVIDS]

Wicked buddy i literly have one of thease i saved from a abandoned bulding i will give this ago and see if it makes it work :)

[@seanlynch1841]

Super helpful

[@Trminton42]

This may be what is wrong with mine. Band E will start out not working and picking up much, then after about 10 minutes it will "pop" on and all of a sudden pick up everything. I will try this fix.

[@warplanner8852]

Good explanation but do you happen to have a bottle of Dramamine? I'm a little seasick from the camerawork.

[@RadioRich100]

The caps are what make the radio old. You should change them anyway, if there not bad now they WILL be later. And yes even on THESE.

[@rkmklz7562]

I can't believe they made this radio to fail 😭...

[@choppergirl]

If you put your teeth over that dial string, you can floss your teeth by moving the tuning knob back and forth. I always thought I had dead bands because I had the wrong length long wire for that band. I mean, my radio was new. Who is going to use the A long wave band anyway? I added an internal speaker to mine. Gave it away. Upgraded to PLL receivers, as this unit is too drifty, then lost interest in shortwave.

[@mmpiforall5913]

solder defects on the coil board and eyelets was a cheap way to avoid plate-thru PCB boards!