Realistic DX-160 Weak/Low Sensitivity Problem finally solved.

I discovered after replacing what might have been a blown-open capacitor, that one of the traces leading to the capacitor was bad. In this video, I show and explain the problem and discuss my experience repairing this otherwise fine communications receiver.

[@extremeedison]

This radio has a 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. 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.

[@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.

[@stephengolden4074]

Remington- I came across your videos on the DX-160, and your fix worked...I couldn’t tell if there was a cold solder joint, but I ran a jumper (as you did) from C2 to ground, and that dramatically improved reception on the shortwave bands. Otherwise, I had very low sensitivity on all but the mediumwave band. I may try removing R3 as suggested by another in your comments. What I hope to figure out at this point is a compact antenna that will receive most of the shortwave spectrum, to be placed in the attic (we have a strict HOA), and which won’t pick up too much interference from the electrical appliances in the living space below. With a 25’ random wire on the main level, it is a real challenge to hear anything but noise on the DX-160.

[@SWRadioConcepts]

Oh wow. I just discovered you're commend. I'm glad you had some luck in fixing it. Does the BFO drift on yours?

[@tubeDude48]

At 2:16 Germanium Capacitors!?!?!? I think *NOT!* At 3:40 Use a common value for R2 5.1K will work fine. Those diodes are *1N60* and are plentiful on Ebay!

[@SWRadioConcepts]

That's what was in there per the service manual! They are a bit hard to find as well. I'll check the R2..

[@markstump7079]

Maybe a good idea to add that bridge even if its ok.