Realistic DX-440 Shortwave Receiver Repair and Review

[@cajuncoinhunter]

Real nice find for 5 bux..... I love going to Ham fest's but this year , I forgot all about it .... Missed out on that Jambalaya ....

[@Piltdownpaul]

Good radio, ive had mine years and years.

[@MrRadioRover]

I learn a lot on your channel. Keep it going! Thank you!!!

[@kazzooka]

This unit does have a stereo output jack/port on the side panel to put headphones or external speakers in, thus the balance slider.

[@scdoty777]

Still have one I bought at Radio Shack 25 years ago or so. There’s an internal vs external antenna switch on the side. Mine runs on batteries but not 9v adapter so I’m gonna give the cleaning a try. Thanks for the tip.

[@Atomshamradio]

The power switch was the problem with mine it was dirty sprayed it wit deoxit and it turned on. You had to press the on and off button hard to turn it on

[@Runco990]

The tuning "chuffing" can be fixed by lifting a wire. Look up "Chuffing mod". These are very good radios. Mine is still in MINT condition. Was using it just today.

[@TheElectronMan]

Thanks, I will check that out, and I agree they are great radios. I was listening to Shortwave yesterday as well.

[@Atomshamradio]

Love that screw driver who makes it like to get one for the bench

[@TheElectronMan]

I actually did a video on it I like it to here is the video link kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2KkYWZ9r9aKerM and here is the screwdriver link amzn.to/3XvkiDs

[@johnyoung4747]

Bought a 440 when they came out in 1989 and I think it was $189.95 at the RatShack, so $5 ain't too shaggy. Mine still performs well after all those years. It was a poor man's Sony ICF-2010 at the time.

[@TheElectronMan]

Thanks I agree and I am pretty impressed not a bad little unit at all.

[@Wrang15]

Wish mine would power up. It just up and quit one night. I often wonder if it can be fixed. Was on battery at the time.

[@kimoclyde]

It may have already worked? Wouldn't it be a good idea to always check anyway?

[@outofround]

The DX440 I picked up had a blown Q15. Replaced it and AM works pretty well but the SW bands are still dead. Any ideas? Maybe check the other transistors? Thanks.

[@walter9724]

Hi, I just got mine from eBay and it works on FM and sw and am all well but when I want to listen to commercial bands say 8176 which is USB I can't seem to be able to clarify in the audio. Any ideas why? I'm thinking its a POT or it may need realigning or a hall sensors. But I'm just gussing

[@TheElectronMan]

I believe much of the challenge lies within the inherent limitations of SSB radios, particularly in their radio frequency precision. Personally, I've encountered difficulties achieving crystal-clear signals with the built-in Beat Frequency Oscillators (BFOs), which are essential for mimicking the performance of dedicated SSB radios equipped with clarifiers. My approach typically involves fine-tuning the frequency slightly to achieve optimal clarity, then using the BFO to refine the signal further. Regarding the tuning dial, I've noticed a similar issue with mine. It often exhibits a tendency to jump kHz increments, making precise adjustments a bit of a challenge. This seems to be a common mention among fellow DX-440 radio enthusiasts, as I've seen it discussed in various forums. To navigate this limitation, I've adopted a workaround: I utilize the digital tuning button for precise adjustments and rely on the dial to guide me within the general frequency range. This hybrid method ensures accuracy while mitigating the shortcomings of the tuning dial.