DX-390 SW Radio Went Deaf

[Madwolf7]

Hi there,

I am looking for someone that could repair my Radio Shack DX-390 SW Radio. The Radio got a static discharge so I can't receive AM & SW
Broadcasts or is very weak. It looks like an easy fix if you have the soldering tools and such to get a bad Transistor out of my radio and bring
the radio back to life. I always loved the DX-390 SW Radio that has a BFO tuner to bring in SSB Communications. I live about 30 minutes East
of Akron Ohio in Portage County. For Facebook Communication check SingingTimberwolf or leave IM

I haven't used Radio Reference in a very long time and I thought I would throw this Thread out there to see if my radio could get fixed.

Thanks!

Phil Brocco

 

[Boombox]

A service manual is available online, i think. That should help.

REALISTIC DX-390 SERVICE MANUAL Pdf Download | ManualsLib

I have read accounts where guys replaced the zapped RF transistors on their 390's, so it's doable. It's the RF transistor, which is probably located not too far from the antenna connectors on the PCB. For some reason, the 390, 440, and 392 never had protection diodes included in the antenna and RF amp circuits.

When you get your 390 fixed, wire some back to back diodes from the antenna solder pad on the PCB, putting the diodes between it and the negative battery terminal, and it will prevent most static discharges. I soldered two diodes together, back to back, and then ran hookup wire to the antenna terminal, and another bit of hookup wire to the negative battery terminal, and surrounded the diodes (and exposed wire parts) with shipping tape to keep the exposed wire from shorting out.

I was lucky, I never zapped my DX-390, but I have read enough accounts where guys did.

And if you find someone who can fix the radio, it should be easy enough for them to do, and they could add the protection diodes, too.

DX-390s are great radios. I used to use mine all the time before the sunspots dived a few years ago.

 

[Madwolf7]

Thanks Boombox for replying. I am hoping someone may be able to help me put a new Transistor in the board that my radio
went deaf. If anyone sees this post I live close to Akron Ohio in Portage County that may be able to help me out. I may also
check a vocation school if they have an Electronics Department. I know can be an easy fix if having the proper tools.

 

[KN4EHX]

Thanks Boombox for replying. I am hoping someone may be able to help me put a new Transistor in the board that my radio
went deaf. If anyone sees this post I live close to Akron Ohio in Portage County that may be able to help me out. I may also
check a vocation school if they have an Electronics Department. I know can be an easy fix if having the proper tools.

Post on the Ohio forum and you’ll probably get more response. Find the ham clubs they usually have some builder groups. Likely they’ll direct you the the god of all things wireless who probably left their QC stamp in your radio - happened to a guy I know.