DX-394 Tuning below 150 KHz!

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zz0468

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Yeah... now if I can mod my 394 for FM I can use it to hear SCA with a baseband audio tap to an FM radio. :)

Bearcat used to make an HF receiver that went down to 10 KHz, and had FM mode. It was ideal for SCA demod. I think it was the DX-1000. You may find one on eBay.
 

ka3jjz

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Do stations still do that?

Yep, I think so, although the service used to also be called SCS or Subsidiary Communications Services; if you're looking for SCS mods, someone at the Worldwide TV FM DX Association is the likely place to find it. I can't find a link for Dr. Bruce Elving's FM Atlas website, where he had several such kits available - perhaps it's gone somewhere. Anyway, that's the place to find it easily...73 Mike
 

poltergeisty

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Now for the great question: Do some "numbers stations" use sub-carrier audio??? *ques spooky music** he he.

After reading this, numbers stations would probably not use this capability. Maybe a variant of some sort I'm sure. Learning that the sensitivity is a lot lower than normal transmission, and the fact that it would have to be FM negates its purpose. Plus a spy would not be much of a spy caught with a special receiver rather than a shortwave radio. :) (I thunk that one myself. :lol: )
 
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ka3jjz

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Speaking of tweaking around with the 394, I came across this just recently;

LOWBANDER'S WEB PAGE

This gentleman puts some pretty significant time into mod'ing these radios. Does it really make a difference? I keep on seeing 394s on used lists from time to time, and wonder if a newcomer were to get one, and have the mods done, would it really be worth the time and expense?

73 Mike
 

lanbergld

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Er, all you have to do is hit "limit" and then tune down. Those other commands aren't necessary.

The DX-394 is really insensitive below 150 kHz, so a preamp is needed. May I suggest the LF Engineering L-202 LF/VLF Preamplifier? That's what I use. With a ferrite rod tuned for the low frequencies of course.


Larry Lanberg

Richmond VA
 
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