The Radio Shack DX 394 Shortwave Receiver Part 2: An In-depth look, Plus Scanning The Sky!

I've been messing with this thing long enough. It is time for a follow-up. This is a great radio. It does everything you'd want out of a shortwave radio, and it does it well. Hooked to a MLA-30 antenna, it gets incredible reception and is able to pick those stations up night after night.
Very nice radio, and I'm sorry my last video caused the price on these to spike. I'd say they are still worth the asking price!
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[@19ct040]

There's something about your videos (besides the topics which interest me) which makes it very very pleasing to watch. Walking along the frequenties as if im discovering for myself.. its brilliant i highly appreciate the time and effort you put into these videos.

[@dont4450]

Thank you for this very informative video. I just bought one of these off ebay, and it was great to know how to use it as soon as it arrived, without having to read a manual.

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad it was helpful!

[@youngsey]

My Dad gave me his dx 394.many years of daily use.great,great versatile radio.

[@FarpointFarms]

I hope that you still have it- I am sure it has tons of memories

[@robertpresley69]

Thank you for taking the time to show what this radio can do! I've been watching lots of videos about shortwave radios because I want to purchase one. However, unlike most people, I've never had one or been around one, so it's really nice to actually hear what they can pick up instead of simply reading what they can pick up. I hope that makes sense. Thank you very much for all the time you put into your channel!

[@richardmillican7733]

I agree, Eric does great review and information videos, it's almost like you're kicking back having a cold beer, right there!!

[@lomgshorts3]

The DX-394 may be your "starter radio" in shortwave listening. It is a very good receiver and doesn't have the birdies that a multiband receiver which has air band/FM included. Do not buy a cheap Chinese made radio - I cannot recommend them as they are not selective and sensitive as the DX-394. Buy cheap and you get really disappointed. Do not listen to "todderbert" reviews! If it comes from China - he loves it!

[@404notfound.....]

I'm gonna go broke watching this channel. 😁

[@FarpointFarms]

Sorry! This one it totally worth it though.

[@bigchief9129]

I'm new to the hobby. This channel has given me lots of good info. It's definitely up my alley.

[@TheJackblack86]

Me too hope he doesn't review a Porches someday

[@mattcurtis3019]

Great review buddy from across the pond 🇬🇧

[@BufordPusser582]

Another great video Bought mine in 95. Still have it and going back to it thanks to you!

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks- cool to see that you still have one after all the years

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

You compile a lot of good information. Nobody else does what you are doing, and you do it well.

[@FarpointFarms]

thank you for the kind words

[@InkBunnyBlindRabbit]

I own three of these.. All three versions and they are fun radios... I will not trade them for anything,, Farthest thing I heard was a ham operator in Australia,, Oh and there is a lot of mods for these too..

[@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee]

Very good receiver for what it it is and good quality. It’s one of my favorites as well . Thanks for sharing

[@FarpointFarms]

You bet,I hope that your back starts to feel better

[@Mavv.err.ickk506]

That's a dang nice unit. I'm gonna have to find one of those. It'd be a great addition to my shack.

[@RonanCantwell]

A great radio indeed. I spent more hours than I should have listening to mine when I got it. There are a few useful mods that make it even better. The "anti-chuff" mod gets rid of the annoying muting effect as you tune - dead easy to do. There's also an AGC mod to give you a couple of different AGC settings.

[@edwintapia9245]

Im joining the Army in my own decide time.

[@FarpointFarms]

Good luck in the Army- It is tough, but worth it- I learned so much from my time in

[@drivertraining3897]

Nice review. I wish I still had the radio.

[@SevenFortyOne]

You are going to like the radio I picked up at a hamfest this weekend...its very similar to your DX394. I sure do wish Radio Shack still made radios like this!

[@FarpointFarms]

Very cool! Can't wait to see it. I reached out to Radio Shack to see if they wanted to work together, but I never heard back. Too bad. I loved that place.

[@hdrvman]

Nice radio! I recently found on Craig's list an Icon R71a shortwave receiver for $60.00!!! It looks and sounds great!!

[@FarpointFarms]

Oh wow! score for you

[@richardmillican7733]

The dx 394 is a great (and relatively inexpensive) but I like the audio quality better on my dx 200 and dx 302. Plus the earlier dx radios needed a little more "work" which I think is a positive. GRE made them under licence for Tandy corporation, Sangean made the portables. I've got a couple of pro 2026 scanning receivers, these too were manufactured by GRE. Always interesting videos Eric, best regards from North West Wales, UK

[@johnbolt806]

Sounds and looks great

[@gregoutdoors7]

I've had this same radio maybe 20 ~ 25 years or more now. Bought new and I still love it, works perfect. I can certainly recommend it. FYI, ham bands below 10 MHZ generally use LSB, above 10 MHZ USB. Thanks :) AE4OO

[@ronalddaub9740]

I have an older 160 that lost its power I believe I'm going to have to check it out it's not digital but I still love it I'll listen to 40 m all the time on SSB now I'm using my c crane until I figure out why it's not getting power and why it lights up but the radio is not coming on I want to check the power supply

[@paullinnell]

Thanks Eric!

[@FarpointFarms]

Anytime!

[@tomcostello5058]

Nice radio! I want one so bad, I'll forever regret passing up a 302

[@WH6FQE]

I just bought one of these, waiting for it to be delivered tomorrow. Spent the morning up on the roof installing a 100' wire antenna for it. Almost bought a second identical unit.

[@FarpointFarms]

You will love it!

[@LaurieFloodTeacher]

I miss my DX-394. It is really easy to tune in SSB on the unit, and it was budget-friendly.

[@philipacovington]

Great receiver for modding!

[@les67b38]

I still have mine. I enjoy it.

[@Alan-Dawson]

I forgot I still had mine! Lost at the back of a cupboard. Looked at mine and It's the model B version. I do remember doing the anti-chuff mod which made the tuning experience loads better. Think I might have to rig a long wire up!. Great vid btw.

[@kenbaird7067]

Just some comments. SW frequencies for BC stations end in either 5 or 0, ie 9750, not 9749, a 5kHz channel spacing. Also, HAMs use LSB below 10MHz, USB above 10MHz. I have a DX394, a great RXer, and I have heard a lot of interesting broadcast stns with it. A much liked receiver.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks for sharing

[@hillbillyhorticultureselki7899]

NICE radio. Looking forward to seeing your long wire ant. I,m getting a 100ft ready to go up soon. Wondering if longer than that is better? Like you i got lots of room

[@DanielKE7UUM]

I had one for a short time. Sold it to but a 2mtr/70cm radio .

[@Daisy-yq1gi]

Just got one for £75 here in the UK. These older mire chunky radios seem to do a great job...

[@FarpointFarms]

That is a good deal for one

[@ratanator]

I still have 2 of those nice little radios

[@youngengineer6697]

I saw your video and happen to see one of these for sale near me so I ran and picked it up. It does have trouble picking up stations from my dorm room and the college doesn't having an antenna hanging out the widow

[@johnnytacokleinschmidt515]

Keep it for when you can hang a wire out the window and no one will bother you about it.

[@robertvance1873]

I have a inexpensive shortwave radio made by Bell and Howell it's about the size of an old style AM Radio it has about 9 different bands you would be surprised how well it works. They go for about $10-$20 cool little radio, and I have a Realistic Astronaut 6 it picks up All kinds of stuff lol 🤣

[@chrislj2890]

I still have mine that I bought at my local Radio Shack back in the '90s, but it's in the closet. I fellow worker talked me into buying it and it was pretty neat on shortwave but it was frustrating when I would get a good signal and really get into some music (usually latin) and then it would fade out. That was irritating, plus the fact that I can't speak Spanish, lol. Enjoyed BBC radio back then also.

[@FarpointFarms]

It's part of the shortwave experience, and I feel you! I hate that too.

[@ry491]

I had one of these but the chuff on tuning drove me mad. I did the mod . Cured the chuff but reduced the sensitivity a bit . Thought the radio looked and felt a bit cheap . I prefer the DX 160 that I still own . A bit more fiddly to operate but good fun . Also less background hiss I find . The 302 is a lovely looking radio but messy to operate . I really miss radio shack . Called Tandy here in the UK .

[@FarpointFarms]

The chuff never bothered me, but I will agree that the DX302 is a handful sometimes.

[@externalaffairsporter]

I have that same type model radio don't use it too much just to listen to AM radio and some side band. Now that I saw the video I try using it more often

[@FarpointFarms]

glad to hear that you might use it more often. It is a good little radio

[@thekycoffeebean]

Only shortwave comms I can get here in NE Ky is J. Vernon McGee and Spanish speaking station and a very faint Voice Of China. Great radio !

[@BluffTopRadio]

If I had unlimited funds I would get one of these but I can't justify it to myself because I already have 6 shortwave receivers that work just fine. One more and I would have to check myself into rehab.😕

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice.......................

[@davidhill6921]

Eric I live in NC near mountains too !! Looking for some local people to connect with. Changing times .... let me know how we can meet up. I live in the foothills near Tryon. Thanks good job on channel

[@MrPocketfullOfSteel]

When it first came out from the factory, it came out like junk. Many quickly learned it was/is a 'modder's heaven'....myself included. Still got it with all the bells and whistles and 2 extra SPST Toggle switches on the front. Love mine - though all my gear except the modded 398 is boxed away. I coupled mine with the AD DX Sloper mounted 47 ft. (I think that was it) up and my red litz wire AM loop for the BCB.

[@johnnytacokleinschmidt515]

I searched on internet and saw a few references. Which did you bold or buy? Thanks

[@BillboardPenguin]

They were made by GRE, who also made the DX-302.

[@DanielLehman-cm5lb]

Yes it is nice I have one I love it 5030 tn

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad to hear that.

[@whitefeather61]

I have one but didnt come with a manual but its a good radio I like.

[@bigchief9129]

I just saw a manual on eBay.

[@scottwallace6410]

Great video Tomorrow I'm gonna go in the closet and take my radio out haven't listened to it in about 15 years ran a long wire for about a 100' along the fence looking forward to having fun this fall in Winter

[@numbr6]

Please show off WWV, Ham band SSB and CW performance. Looks like a receiver with possibilities.

[@anthonypope8429]

Hi great video I have just got this radio second hand how do you get on to am I move the knobs to am how do you get it to show up in the display I am lost any help as I don't have a manual as I bought it of Ebay UK

[@FarpointFarms]

I don't remember off the top of my head and I am not at home to see how. You might be able to find a manual online to download

[@darrenbaugh5687]

I have the same radio it works great.

[@FarpointFarms]

Love this thing!

[@alzeNL]

looks a great radio - what antenna are you using to receive all the different frequencys ? its doing a good job !

[@FarpointFarms]

This is a 50 foot long wire tucked in under my roof line. In the house I use a MLA-30 antenna and it is AWESOME!

[@DJ-SPARKY-REACH-ON-AIR]

can you get cb radio and aircrafts frequency on this unit?

[@FarpointFarms]

Yes.

[@ericdee6802]

Speaking of Morse code. Check out 406.50 khz for days now I've been hearing a beacon (I think) which is sending out in code the letters almost like an incomplete S.O S. ???

[@geraldscott4302]

I have one of those I bought over 10 years ago for I believe around $80. It looks almost new. It's usable on strong stations, but no match for my Icom IC-718. I'm pretty sure mine is the original model. It has a sticker on the back that says 9A5, and the serial number is 005800. There is no letter at the beginning of the serial number. Aside from the poor receive, it seems a bit flimsy, like it's an empty case. Everything works, but it has a lot of features I have no use for. I have never been a fan of programmable radios, especially shortwave and CB radios.

[@FarpointFarms]

There is no way to compare this to a Icom. Its a consumer grade shortwave, but for what it is, I've been very happy with mine.

[@FarpointFarms]

I understand. You have to realize that the Icom is a pro level shortwave, vs this old girl what was commercial grade. That said, I've been happy with mine for the past few years. SSB stuff is sometimes a bit hard to dial in, but the signals are there for sure!

[@edwintapia9245]

Goodluck.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks

[@marcusalancate1782]

Did you have your long wire connected with a PL259?

[@edwintapia9245]

Eventually wont have in my own time to decide an android cellphone but a basic cellphone model.

[@FarpointFarms]

I miss the old cell phones that were just that. Phones!

[@francismcclaughry9851]

I have Tuscon and also a saygain

[@paullambert8701]

Would squelch really be a thing on amplitude modulation? I suppose that setting the RF gain would be the closest thing to it.

[@FarpointFarms]

You can use it, but yes RF gain is a better option.

[@walty28msn]

nice radio,but what's the name of the song, in the begging of the video,73's from Brasil !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@danielson101]

what best antenna for anything except local am? for this radio? in mid ontario canada?

[@FarpointFarms]

The MLA-30+ is perfect for this radio.

[@danielson101]

Thank you!

[@richardcallihan9746]

Thought you had a DX-302. left a comment on the MLA video which I edited at the end to this fact. check it out. Found out 100' is not a good length to use for longwire, see the link. think I also commented on the DX-302 vid also. ALL fine videos. 73

[@FarpointFarms]

I now own this one as well as the DX-302. Heck I just picked up a open box Eton Elite 800. So I can compare it too.

[@whar2010]

Newbie here. Want to buy a good entry level radio, under $500. Any suggestions on a new full band receiver?

[@FarpointFarms]

The Eton 750 Elite is a GREAT radio. Big $$ though. I like the XHData 808 for a mid priced unit.

[@mikeridge]

Hi just been given one could you recommend an arial for it many thanks

[@FarpointFarms]

The MLA-30+ is perfect for this!

[@mikeridge]

@@FarpointFarms hanx will get one

[@francismcclaughry9851]

now the dx one hundred was a great one. mine got so you could not tune it.

[@francismcclaughry9851]

it was good looking, but I was sorry I bought one.

[@jamesweisbeck2966]

does it have sideband?

[@FarpointFarms]

Yes.

[@dankoenig5938]

Hey, any new episodes of midnight cafe coming soon??

[@FarpointFarms]

That's a tough one. Censorship has really taken the fun out of the KZbin version of the show. I would love to do a few episodes this year though, so I may still pull it off.

[@dankoenig5938]

Sweet, thanks for the reply!!

[@andyc664]

What’s the best antenna

[@FarpointFarms]

For the money? The inexpensive MLA-30+ is a great pick!

[@francismcclaughry9851]

the Drake that I have works for a short time and then it kicks out. I'm am an applaince operator. I keep my fingers out of radios

[@bro.weaver1282]

How does this receive 12.160 WWCR AJ show?

[@FarpointFarms]

comes in just fine

[@johnnytacokleinschmidt515]

AJ is the man. Great guy. God Bless!

[@JohnMDiLiberto]

Some nice features, for sure, but no signs of AGC. That is a deal-breaker for me, having noticed on many occasions of listening with my HF transceiver just how much that can reduce listening fatigue.

[@bellytripper-nh8ox]

To Farpoint: **I IMAGINE YOU VOMITING ON YOUR RADIO IN YOUR VIDEO HERE!!**

[@johnnytacokleinschmidt515]

No AGC or response time issue?

[@wu2u]

40m ham band is 7.000-7.300

[@davidk9528]

13:57 that's actually CHU Canana time station at 7.850 Mhz. The chirps were the once per second tones.

[@danielson101]

i need that channel

[@FarpointFarms]

It is good to listen to a bit of everything- you can make your own opinions that way

[@bloodybillanderson9294]

What type of antenna is best? Are antennas directional? Ground plane or dipole? Im sooooooo confuuuuuused🤯

[@ronalddaub9740]

Long wire... I'm using an old television dipole on mine it works good

[@tomstrum6259]

Like many "All Digital Tuning" radios, It Much more noisy & frequentl Sounds like it's Not quite perfectly Tuned in like it's a 1/2 Click Off tune !! The DX-302 seems Quieter internally

[@FarpointFarms]

Interesting. I found this radio to be better all around vs. The 302.

[@lacemi]

Maybe low z antenna have 50ohm for real antenna and Hi z antenna have 600ohm or 500ohm for copper wire, but I dont read manual or intruction book. Its Nice review, but I think yaesu or keenwood are better because they have triple VS Double conversion superheterodyne in Realistic. I have 2 Realistic and they are a toys vs japanese also Realistic have better and cheapear cost. Second Hand in Spain is very high, not worth it this radio. But nice review, I like yours reviews.

[@francismcclaughry9851]

it must be the fact that you are in mountains

[@bobbyworkman9635]

I got some good radios and leaners

[@bobbyworkman9635]

I can put out about 2000 watts

[@rustynail6819]

Pick one up? Ebay $500.00 for this. Not in any way shape or form worth that. You can buy a new radio that's more feature packed for much less. This radio was state of the art in 1995 but now it's slow and lacking a lot of features like SSB. Sorry, this radio is a hard pass unless you can pick it up really cheap at a yard for like $25.00.

[@PlexPelton]

No SSB? You see mode selection knob? There’s AM, LSB, USB and two CW modes.

[@FarpointFarms]

It has SSB, and CW modes, in fact I can't think of anything this radio is missing that new radios have. $500 is a rip off, after a few weeks the prices will go back to normal Anytime I post a video about a radio the prices surge on eBay. Normal price for one of these is around $120.00 to $175.00 . A good deal for a nice full featured radio.

[@francismcclaughry9851]

to me it was a piece of junk

[@ricardosotoacuna5174]

Pésima. Calidad