#59: Realistic DX-100 Receiver

RadioShack sold this receiver in the early 1980s and was the first shortwave receiver many people currently in the radio hobby owned. It was my first receiver and I have fond memories of using it. In this video we look over a specimen of the model.
*The Radio Museum description, www.radiomuseum.org/r/radio_s...
* A video describing the drift and cure, • Video
* Some additional modifications people have described, users.belgacom.net/hamradio/dx... (note this list is for the DX-100L variant)

[@Travis141123]

There's no telling how many people have become hams because of radios like this. Love 'em or hate 'em, Radio Shack, with thier simple,affordable & reliable products, have done the hobby a great service. RIP, Radio Shack.

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

Indeed, RIP RadioShack.

[@jhorton1600]

I had one of these fir a while. Super simple radio and a lot of fun playing with the controls.

[@cinnamontoast9999]

Very well made video, trying to get into shortwave radio as a 27 year old, subbed

[@vu3mes]

Nostalgia lives again. We have the same radio experience, I started with a Panasonic 3 bander in 1980s. Eventually ended up with my call sign vu3mes. Thanks for sharing 73.

[@gklinger]

I find it remarkable that you're able to make such high quality, thorough videos that are as interesting as they are. Nobody does better reviews than you do.

[@b.2221]

Fantastic overview on this old classic, especially as you are a very concise person, this is just top notch on a great little rig that only you can explain to the man in the street to the technically minded people, and for that you have to be commended 👍 Tom.

[@elshiftos]

I purchased one of these new in the 80s as my first 'real' radio. While I thought it looked pretty cool for the time, the performance was lousy, especially on SSB. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

[@nickwarhead]

I really wanted one of these when I was young, pouring over the radio shack catalog.

[@jeffking4176]

My first “short wave “ radio was a G.E. 10 band portable. Mom got it when I was 14, after I had been bugging her for a couple of years. Only 1band was S.W. But, like you, I wrote to them all. Had a huge collection of QSLs. This was early-mid ‘70’s for about 10 years. Nice to have a radio that used to be your first.🙂

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

I came into the hobby in a similar way, but a decade later. Sadly, my SWL QSL card collection from the early-mid 1980s has been lost. It seems that international broadcasting today is a mere shell of what it was then. Fun times.

[@TheRadioShop]

This was my first solid state short wave receiver many years ago. Before that it was an old Hallicrafters. Good review and presentation. I have one of these sitting in the Que for a restore myself.

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

It seems many people have a fondness for this little receiver. Thanks for the comment. Can't wait to see your restore.

[@Kennynva]

I have learned to replace the electrolytic caps FIRST then see if you need an alignment. The caps will increase the audio, and might make the dial line up right...nice video...I have a DX-160 I use on occasion.

[@jeffking4176]

Very cool radio. I remember them well. 🙂👍

[@stridermt2k]

This was my first shortwave radio as well. Great times. 73 DE N2NLQ!

[@SpectreOZ]

Nice concise overview of this classic entry level receiver, TBH the heatsink addition is an extremely good upgrade, frequency stability is everything especially when listening to SSB and utilities 😎

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

Agreed! I've been extraordinarily busy since doing the video, though I hope to do a video on an alignment and adding a heat sink.

[@caulktel]

I used to own a DX-100 back when I worked for Radio Shack, I finally sold it because it drifted so bad. If I left it on a station and left for a few minutes, when I came back it would be in no mans land. It was nice besides that.

[@tonyperry6702]

Very neat.

[@arildoaparecidocosta5729]

Ótimo vídeo gualidade total guereiro parabéns bazuka Foz do Iguaçu pr Brasil

[@bomerboy1]

hi there i have this model what band would i set it on to listen to people on cb radios ty

[@gandsnut]

Might the blue wires at the right-side of the tuning 'frequency display' drum be to a (non-working) bulb to provide back-light? I couldn't tell if the signal meter likewise had wires suggesting a back-light. One would think operational back-lights would make a huge difference for viewing. Thx.

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

Good suggestion! Sadly, the dial and meter lights are functioning but just dim. The bright lights of my shop washed out the contrast.

[@danhendrickson9572]

I have one of these too. All I get is static on it.

[@Kennynva]

The transformer is the same on a DX-160, the main power switch does not cut the power to the transformer, so It is on all the time. There is a mod to change this so the switch controls the AC going into the transformer...which to me is safer, plus it dont use electricity.

[@emylrmm]

I've designed an external LCD freq readout based on an Arduino MINI, and will provide a schematic to anyone interested.

[@rickinthemorning8747]

Yes would love that

[@dougthetechguy5005]

I really miss the good ole days of Radio Shack before it became a cell phone store and vanished

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

As do I, and many others, I suspect. I wonder if there will ever again be a similar store, and the market to support it.

[@dougthetechguy5005]

I doubt it

[@pitch339]

I just buy on ebay a Realistic DX-100 and receive it today from USA ! I my QTH am in Québec Canada , some things are bizarre , it looks the same exact radio and mods , electric tape in exact position exept the big ferrite antenna broken loose ! need contact cleaner in all controls and now work s fine , very sensitive in DX on my long wire antenna

[@greggaieck4808]

Radio physics your RADIO Shack Dx 100 shortwave ssb receiver is cool my dad got me a gift it was Radio shack Dx 100 shortwave ssb the string brok on me I wood like to get radio sack Dx100 that was built better then new shortwave receivers

[@ericzerkle8486]

I went ham years ago, but I quickly found out it wasn't for me. I'm just a diehard cber.

[@anthonycosta1776]

This had to be the worst sw receiver I ever owned. I have over 60 receivers portable and base. You name it I probably have it. This one is not in my collection. Pure crap. Best thing about this radio is the layout and S meter.