I played with the 302 back when I worked at Radio Shack back in 1982. Always wanted one, but I could not afford it on my Radio Shack salary! Oh, well. Good radio to still be working in 2015!
I've used a DX-302 for years. Qwerky and complicated to tune but otherwise great.It finally "gave up the ghost". I got a Grundig 750 from ebay a few days ago. Your comparison could not have come at a better time. Thanks for the video.
I found with the DX300 that signals could be further peaked (after the preselector was tuned) using the MHz outer ring, this was especially evident when chasing narrow TX NDB's. Another point I should make these radios appeared to have relatively lazy S-meters.
I have an earlier version of the Radio Shack Realistic DX -302 which is the DX-300. My Eton Elite 750(Grundig Sat 750) is by far a much better receiver than the DX-300. When I was a young man, I use to go to Radio Shack and dream of having one of these beauties: however, at least in Canada it was going to cost me back then around $400.00. Hey, you could buy a good use car for that kind of money back in 1978. LOL Anyhow, I was able to purchase a beautiful DX-300 from a Ham operator in my community and he kept this thing in pristine mint condition. The moral of the story is I never go wrong when purchasing old radios from Ham operators. They really keep care of there stuff. Great video.
Great comparison vid. Sorry about the re-failure of the plastic gear. The metal gear from the RC car won't suffer a similar failure. I highly recommend it. It is : Robinson Racing 64P Alum Silencer Pinion, 36T RRP4336. You just have to very slightly enlarge the hole to fit it on the shaft. I'm looking forward to a great repair vid. Have fun.
Hey Tom. I'm a little late coming into this. I'm about to purchase a 302. We'll see how it works. Maybe it's a bucket of bolts. On your tuning gear issue. Could you get a 3-D printed gear to replace what's broken? Just an idea.
I am sure you could if you had someone that could design one a print it for you. I was also told that there are gears for RC cars that will fit with a little modification. Both of these are beyond me.
@@hamrad88 where I live, the library has a 3D printer. They can copy it (the gear) for about $20. I discovered this when trying to get a gear replaced in an old Dyno emergency radio. It had a missing cog.
Hi from down under I have a DX-302 with the same problem and I would like to repair it. Before I start disassembling my DX-302 radio I would like to know if a replacement gear is available in Australia or maybe ebay internationally, so do you know what model/part number of the possible radio control model car gear or it specifications for the gear? Thanks
Hi, do you have to turn off the music due to some TH-cam restriction? Was a good check on audio output on shortwave which is helpful to compare. Thanks
Tom, good video. I had a old RS DX-160 and it was ok but the DX-302 was far better when I compared the two. There's been a lot of improved technology in receivers since the DX-302 and the Grundig 750 was brought out. The worse thing about the DX-302 would be a few readout segments could go out on the rig otherwise it was a good receiver in it's day.
Hello. Shot in the dark here. My SO is interested in playing around with SW radio. I know nothing about the subject and have no time in which to research/educate myself. I have a GRUNDIG Yacht Boy 300 Vintage Portable Radio With Shortwave Germany 1980s and a Radio Shack Short Wave Travel Radio 2000125 Receiver AM FM SW in my cart as potential Christmas gifts. I do not want to ask my SO any questions that might give the gift away. Can anyone help me decide if one is considerably better than the other? Both are within $10 of each other, under $100, and my SO is not a pro of any kind. Just looking for a cool vintage toy to mess around with. TIA!
@@hamrad88 I believe that is a common problem with this radio. I read somewhere that people had found a metal replacement gear at a hobby shop for rc cars.
On the DX-302 you N E E D to Adjust/Peak the Outer RING on the Mhz Tuning Dial.....It Makes a Huge Tuning Improvement !! .....How do you Not Know This !!
The "newest" DX 302 was built in 1982; your radio was 33-37 yrs old when you posted this, its now 35-39 yrs old. I watched this video, and I was struck by the poor audio quality of the DX 302. A "same speaker" comparison would help. Maybe because it stuck in "narrow" filter mode. Its also a bit deaf compared to the 750; something you noticed. The old Realistic radios were never top of the line; the closest they came to decent portable SW receivers was when they re-branded Sangean receivers in the late 80's early 90's. Interesting to watch these 302 vids, a lot of people like these radios - or the idea of them. I think a Yaesu FRG-7 is probably the only vintage receiver from this era to warrant the prices being asked on eBAY.
I played with the 302 back when I worked at Radio Shack back in 1982. Always wanted one, but I could not afford it on my Radio Shack salary! Oh, well. Good radio to still be working in 2015!
I've used a DX-302 for years. Qwerky and complicated to tune but otherwise great.It finally "gave up the ghost". I got a Grundig 750 from ebay a few days ago. Your comparison could not have come at a better time. Thanks for the video.
You are very welcome. Let us know how you like the 750.
I like radio shack old school design,,and grundig reception
I'll Always Protect you Hayden Panettiere
I'll Always Love you Hayden Panettiere
I'll Always Pray for you
Hayden Leslie Panettiere.
I found with the DX300 that signals could be further peaked (after the preselector was tuned) using the MHz outer ring, this was especially evident when chasing narrow TX NDB's.
Another point I should make these radios appeared to have relatively lazy S-meters.
***** Thanks for the info,
Tom
No worries hopefully a new gear will be an easy retro-fitment...
I have an earlier version of the Radio Shack Realistic DX -302 which is the DX-300. My Eton Elite 750(Grundig Sat 750) is by far a much better receiver than the DX-300. When I was a young man, I use to go to Radio Shack and dream of having one of these beauties: however, at least in Canada it was going to cost me back then around $400.00. Hey, you could buy a good use car for that kind of money back in 1978. LOL Anyhow, I was able to purchase a beautiful DX-300 from a Ham operator in my community and he kept this thing in pristine mint condition. The moral of the story is I never go wrong when purchasing old radios from Ham operators. They really keep care of there stuff. Great video.
For maximum signal you need to tweek the preselector and the MHz tuning at the same time.
Thanks for your help and have a great day.
Great comparison vid. Sorry about the re-failure of the plastic gear. The metal gear from the RC car won't suffer a similar failure. I highly recommend it. It is :
Robinson Racing 64P Alum Silencer Pinion, 36T RRP4336. You just have to very slightly enlarge the hole to fit it on the shaft. I'm looking forward to a great repair vid. Have fun.
TheScottytr6 Thank you very much.
Tom
You can change a few caps in the audio circuit and upgrade the speaker to get much better audio quality and bass response
Thanks
I miss my DX-302. I'm tempted to buy a new one off of eBay.
I am surprised you didnt bet a better tune by slowly rotating the outer Mhz dial. Also try using the SSB control that is what its there for.
Hey Tom. I'm a little late coming into this. I'm about to purchase a 302. We'll see how it works. Maybe it's a bucket of bolts. On your tuning gear issue. Could you get a 3-D printed gear to replace what's broken? Just an idea.
I am sure you could if you had someone that could design one a print it for you. I was also told that there are gears for RC cars that will fit with a little modification. Both of these are beyond me.
@@hamrad88 where I live, the library has a 3D printer. They can copy it (the gear) for about $20. I discovered this when trying to get a gear replaced in an old Dyno emergency radio. It had a missing cog.
Awesome
You might remember the Yaesu frg 7700 didital display also frg 7000 were around at the same era
Your two shortwave receivers AR cool
Hi from down under I have a DX-302 with the same problem and I would like to repair it. Before I start disassembling my DX-302 radio I would like to know if a replacement gear is available in Australia or maybe ebay internationally, so do you know what model/part number of the possible radio control model car gear or it specifications for the gear? Thanks
If you look down in the comments you will find the info on the gear needed.
@@hamrad88 Thank you. It is : Robinson Racing 64P Alum Silencer Pinion, 36T RRP4336 and thanks TheScottytr6
@@RoyAntaw Yes, Scott is a great guy and thanks for stopping by.
Hi, do you have to turn off the music due to some TH-cam restriction? Was a good check on audio output on shortwave which is helpful to compare. Thanks
Yes.
Is it ok to hook up a dipole or any antenna to the realistic ?
Yes and it will improve reception greatly.
Hi Tom I'm not sure what the outcome of the comparison is. I need you advise on which one would be the better choice and why. Thank you in advance
The 750 is by far the better one but the price has gone out of site. Over $325 most places for a new one. Mine was $235 when I got it.
Tom, good video. I had a old RS DX-160 and it was ok but the DX-302 was far better
when I compared the two. There's been a lot of improved technology in receivers
since the DX-302 and the Grundig 750 was brought out. The worse thing about the
DX-302 would be a few readout segments could go out on the rig otherwise it was a
good receiver in it's day.
Dennis Petersen Thanks for your comments.
Tom
Radio shack Dx, 302 tuning gear you can go to a hobby store to get the tuning gear ware they sell cars to billed and bots plains to billed
Hi Tom, I really like your videos. Have you seen the Eton/Grundig satellite 750 Ultimate?
And what do you think about it.
Thanks, Allan
I have seen it listed but I didn't see anything different than the 750.
Yeah, I'm not sure I could get my ham hocks in those tight spaces!
I just don't have the patience anymore.
That frequency should be 9.365 as broadcast stations use 5K increments, so I think your Realistic MIGHT be slightly out of tune.
Most likely it is. Thanks for your comments.
Could a 3D printed gear fix this issue?
For sure if it was the right material that is extra strong.
@@hamrad88 I don't own a DX-302, but have seen some on ebay in need of repair.
@@buckeye43210 They are a interesting radio but the reception is nothing compared to newer radios.
@@hamrad88 Thank you. I'm leaning towards the SDR route at this time.
@@buckeye43210 If you are computer savvy, SDR is the way to go. Have a great day.
Hello. Shot in the dark here. My SO is interested in playing around with SW radio. I know nothing about the subject and have no time in which to research/educate myself. I have a GRUNDIG Yacht Boy 300 Vintage Portable Radio With Shortwave Germany 1980s and a Radio Shack Short Wave Travel Radio 2000125 Receiver AM FM SW in my cart as potential Christmas gifts. I do not want to ask my SO any questions that might give the gift away. Can anyone help me decide if one is considerably better than the other? Both are within $10 of each other, under $100, and my SO is not a pro of any kind. Just looking for a cool vintage toy to mess around with. TIA!
HeyTom, it looks like most of the test was with the Grundig was on frequency at 9395 and the realistic was off at 9394. Was that a fair comparison?
They neither display the exact frequency.
@@hamrad88 I just bought a 302 on ebay. In the pics, it looks brand new. Can't wait to get it! "73" Dave
Super. Unfortunately, mine has a cracked gear in the tuning control.
@@hamrad88 I believe that is a common problem with this radio. I read somewhere that people had found a metal replacement gear at a hobby shop for rc cars.
Yes, one of my subscribers suggest that.
On the DX-302 you N E E D to Adjust/Peak the Outer RING on the Mhz Tuning Dial.....It Makes a Huge Tuning Improvement !! .....How do you Not Know This !!
Tom, The S-meter on these Realistic DX models are a bit lazy. I have a DX-300 that I need to have a pretty strong signal for it to even move.
Thanks for the information and have a great day.
The "newest" DX 302 was built in 1982; your radio was 33-37 yrs old when you posted this, its now 35-39 yrs old. I watched this video, and I was struck by the poor audio quality of the DX 302. A "same speaker" comparison would help. Maybe because it stuck in "narrow" filter mode. Its also a bit deaf compared to the 750; something you noticed. The old Realistic radios were never top of the line; the closest they came to decent portable SW receivers was when they re-branded Sangean receivers in the late 80's early 90's. Interesting to watch these 302 vids, a lot of people like these radios - or the idea of them. I think a Yaesu FRG-7 is probably the only vintage receiver from this era to warrant the prices being asked on eBAY.
Thanks for your comments.
Hi, Tom, please may you make a video about a radio shack dx 392 vs a tecsun pl 600? please!
Dean Denton Sorry I do not have a PL-600.
Tom
Ok... Maybe a 660? You dont have to
Dean Denton I could do the 392 vs 660. I will put it on the list of upcoming shows. Thanks for the suggestion.
Tom
Thanks! BTW you are the no 1 channel!
Dean Denton Thanks but not sure what you mean.
Tom
Why can't you play a little music?
Robert Carlson It is considered a copyright violation.
your a little paranoid on the music part of your video