Radioshack DX-394 Inside and out

[@DrAcula-hi3vl]

I love these surface mount sizes! They look like 1206 size, very easy to work with.

[@Radionut63]

If you have the correct tools to work with them then yes. otherwise no!

[@Bootyhunter1971]

A is not the "original", it is the 1st revision with improvements to the receive. The orginal has no letter sticker on the top right rear panel. The A version is the 1st Revision

[@Steven-re7xt]

My 394 sets on my desk in all it's glory Beeing the rooster of the shack. When I get my next. place the land lord told me "NO ANTENNAS" WELL I HAVE A OTTOMAN THAT IS Fitted OUT WITH A LOOP ANTENNA HI HI. 73

[@geraldscott4302]

Wow, mostly an empty box. I have one of these I bought a couple of years ago. The sticker on the back says 9A5, so I'm assuming it's the A model. I got it nearly new in the box, one tiny scratch on it. Paid $80 for it. They wanted $100, but accepted my $80 offer. I probably paid too much. No matter what I do, I just can't good receive on this thing. I have an Icom IC -718 amateur HF transceiver, and I get much stronger signals on it than on the DX-394 when connected to the same antenna. I can be listening to a nice strong transmission on 20 meters on the Icom, then tune in the same transmission on the DX-394 using the same antenna and it is a LOT weaker. The DX-394 does do fairly well with commercial SW AM broadcasts, but I can use my Icom for that. I got the DX-394 for LW, MW, and SSB, with both USB and LSB on all frequencies. The one good thing about it is that it was made in Japan and not CHINA. But that doesn't help if it doesn't work.

[@Radionut63]

Hard to compare the DX394 with a HF radio.. but yeah, if the radio is deaf then there may be some kind of issue with it or may need a good re tuning. Have you tried a small receive amplifier on it just to see if it would make any difference?

[@Bootyhunter1971]

Thats not the A revision. You have one of the 1st run build in 1995. If its the A revision it will have a seperate sticker with either an A B or C on it in the top right corner on the back. Your original models poor reception is why those revisions exist.

[@geraldscott4302]

@@Bootyhunter1971 I sold it to someone who knows what it is for $50. They said they can improve it.

[@precbass]

@@Bootyhunter1971 Never saw one with a 'C' sticker.People refer to the serial number preceded by a C as the C model.This C denotes that the unit was built in China.as opposed to Japan.

[@r.w.leblanc6326]

what a great looking receiver what would 1 of them go for normal price second hand i imagine they sell for a pretty penny even second hand

[@Radionut63]

I got this one cheap $50.00 ;-)

[@r.w.leblanc6326]

some people have all the luck lol congratulations on getting it cheap

[@Radionut63]

right place at the right time... I have plans to modify the frequency coverage of the radio. As is, she will setup directly on frequency.

[@r.w.leblanc6326]

cool wish i had half the knowledge of electronics u do oh well we all can not be Dr Of Electronics lol

[@davedavis4285]

There is one on ebay right now, they're asking $300 or best offer.

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

much respect. is it advisable to run a g5rv w/ the dx-394?

[@Radionut63]

I run mine on a long wire. :-)

[@pd1jdw630]

Having the same offset problem. Also the LSB will detect a part of the USB specially notable when listening to CW . When tuning around you hear the signal go down and up again. I am looking for an other radio at the moment.

[@Radionut63]

Kinda like DSB, very strange design thats for sure. I am looking at ways to fix that problem.

[@pd1jdw630]

Radionut63 I fixed it by tricking the BFO with a capacitor. But the problem is back. The A series didn’t have the trim capacitors. To which you could add an additional capacitor to get it right again. Oh and be careful the tuning coils are very brittle . I managed to damage one with a plastic trimmer tool.

[@pd1jdw630]

Radionut63 and it sounds like this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqLToJKcbd6GppY

[@Radionut63]

I will sure keep that in mind.. thanks! :-)

[@vk6op648]

I prefer the through hole electronics as well. We're called "luddites" by some

[@Radionut63]

Oh yes, thru hole is much better to work on, anyone can take them type parts and build a circuit. SMT on the other hand.. have fun! LOL :-)

[@davedavis4285]

I just bought one on ebay, the guy sent the serial# it begins with a "c" does that mean I'm getting the newer rig with the factory mods?

[@Radionut63]

REV-C would be the updated model.. Congrats! :-)

[@davedavis4285]

@@Radionut63 Thanks!