| Author |
Message |
    
2ec837
Junior Member
Username: 2ec837
Post Number: 49
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 11:01 pm: | 
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Has anyone used one of these?I picked one up this weekend at a hamfest for $40 and was curious if anyone has experience with one. |
Kilowatt
Junior Member
Username: Kilowatt
Post Number: 28
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 12:31 am: |
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Hi 2ec837,
I had a DX-302 a few years ago, and liked it a lot. The noise blanker was a little "weak" on mine, and wouldn't take out strong noise pulses. However, it had a first-class receiver. I'll bet that you'll like it!
Just string up some wire for an antenna, and you'll be listening to the BBC, hams, CBers, etc. in no time!
Be sure to ground it to a good ground source (8 ft ground rod, cold water pipe, etc.), and you'll be surprised how much the noise level goes down on this radio.
Remember, you've got to retune the preselector every time you change frequency by 500kc or more for best reception...
73 |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 862
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 9:38 am: |
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The 302 is a marvelous receiver in my opinion.
There is a whole user group online dedicated to the DX-302. It has quite a following! On mine, I recapped it and performed the audio modifications. It worked every bit as well as my fancy (and expensive) Kenwood. One thing that it weird is the Wadley loop tuning scheme. With the outer ring controlling MHz. and the inner tuning knob controlling the kHz., it makes a quick trip through the bands a little bit of a chore. It makes a big difference when you tune in a station to also peak the outer ring again. It makes a big difference. The preselector makes that 302 a potent BCB DX rig too. I highly recommend the 302 for AM BCB enthusiasts. You have an excellent rig there. |
2ec837
Member
Username: 2ec837
Post Number: 50
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 4:17 am: |
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Thank you for responding.I finally had a chance to pay with the 302.I have to admit that the tuning process is akward,I'm sure it will become easy with time.I was very impressed in how sensitive the receiver is.I heard more than I thought I would with only about 10 feet of wire tossed out the window.I did notice alot of image frequencies but I was able to clear this up by lowering the RF gain.Maybe I'm not using the preselector correctly.Another thing I noticed was the noise level seemed higher than it should be but it was ungrounded. In the 2 hours I used the rig I know it has found a home in my shack. |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 863
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 11:25 am: |
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Great!
Here's a page of modifications to your receiver- http://www.geocities.com/w4jbm/302hints.html
Do an online search for the manual. I downloaded a copy of the owner's manual for the DX-302 a while back. It is extremely helpful!
A 10 foot wire hanging out the window will be noisy. A proper ground will help. A lot!
The tuning procedure is second nature once you master it. A couple hours in front of the radio will do the trick. Some people prefer the wadley loop tuning scheme! Many people believe it give total control over the experience and the ability to tailor the filter slopes makes DXing easier.
I highly suggest performing the outer tuning knob audio blanking modification. This will disable the audio silence between MHz. tuning. The audio will stay on while tuning the outer ring, which gives you more filter slope control. Nice! |
Boxcar
Intermediate Member
Username: Boxcar
Post Number: 319
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 9:06 pm: |
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Hey Tech 833,
I have a DX-300 shortwave radio. Do the mods listed above work for that one also? |
Dindin
Intermediate Member
Username: Dindin
Post Number: 405
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 9:36 pm: |
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Boxcar,
the dx300 and dx302 might look the same but are very different boards. |
