Realistic DX160 How to install frequency counter

[@kevinmccool3719]

I bought a frequency counter kit for the dx160 that was available back in the 70's. Saw it in an old radio electronics magazine and ordered it. It had great instructions and hook up information. Mounted a rca plug into the back wooden panel on the dx160 and it worked great. I still have it today along with the full manual and schematic diagram. It's full of ic's of course but well made kit. The case was made from a project case radio shack sold back then. It's roughly 5w × 3h x 4d. Has it's own built in power supply and did not add any digital noise to the dx160. Red leds of course and was only 5 digits. But man, when I was still new to the swl hobby and 12 years old it was really nice to have the frequency readout. I could find near anything on the band's before the counter using the analog dial. I still enjoy listening to the dx160 on occasion today. Has really good audio. I've used it many times on 40 meters cw with low power home made qrp cw transmitters. The standby switch on the dx160 works good for that. I must of had hundreds of cw qso's back in the day as a novice. Found a mint new in the box dx160 and matching speaker at a yard sale about 5 years ago for $20. Has manual etc. Looks like it was never even pulled out of the box. Who knows but it works perfect and still has that brand new factory smell.

[@user-su5sq5ib3i]

This is a cool little mod. I'm thinking about getting a dx160 for listenning to sw up stairs in my kitchen/livingroom. I have an extra test freq counter I could use

[@Radionut63]

That's a great idea!

[@The411]

Interesting.. How did you know to tap off from that resistor? Where does that resistor sit in the tuning path? Trying to understand so I can attach a freq counter to another brand of radio.

[@Radionut63]

Honestly, information i found on the internet many many years ago, i can't remember where from, but it was an awesome idea to add a frequency counter to this great little receiver. :-)

[@davep6977]

Interesting, thanks. But see the detail on how to wire the one that didn't work. How'd you wire the one that worked? All I saw was a coax feed thru and probly a sampling link with sensitivity for tx but rx?

[@Radionut63]

Yes, exactly... I will upload an update video on what i did with the 2nd frequency counter today. Thank you for commenting. :-)

[@pd1jdw630]

Good info. Sounds good though. 73!

[@Radionut63]

Indeed!

[@denazify]

SOURCE for THE HFC -40?

[@ArthurJS123]

Makes absolutely no sense to do on a radio like this. Just keep a radio with synthesized tuning handy if accuracy is an obsession. I know how finicky some can be about dial accuracy. I never have been, never will be. There are too many modern, more accurate alternatives available. To me, analog toning is simply more enjoyable. It’s how this radio was designed, and people did just fine without it.

[@Radionut63]

You get a bit butt hurt abut this or something? If you don't like the video, then move on.

[@ArthurJS123]

@@Radionut63 Not an issue. Thrilled with what I have, including my fully restored SX-42. Wouldn’t think of adding a digital readout to that for a moment. Enjoy watching your videos.

[@Radionut63]

Yes i am glad you are... and so am i... I spent a lot of time restoring this Realistic DX160, when i first got the thing,, she was filthy inside and out, had to clean it up, replaced all electrolytic caps, bubble bath the cover and bottom covers, clean up the controls and clean the main board the best i could, replaced all the lighting. Do you actually think that after doing all that work i would want to destroy the radio? There is no damage done to this radio in anyway, did not even drill a hole in the chassis to install the counter. As a matter of fact the counter can be removed from the radio just by unplugging it from the back! How in the world is adding a frequency counter such a bad thing? I am sorry if i sound a bit rude, but when i read comments like that it kinda sets me off a tad. I do apologize for that. But in all due respect, i enjoy showing others how they can sometimes make an awesome vintage radio like the DX160 even more of a pleasure to use and enjoy. Personally i do not see any issue in doing that.

[@spresc2180]

@@Radionut63 Well said.