RETRO RECEIVER #2 - HITACHI KH-3800W

RETRO RECEIVER REVIEW # 2

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HITACHI KH-3800W

by Craig Seager VK2HBT


 Now here’s something different; a solid state “boat anchor” from a manufacturer usually only associated with mainstream consumer electronics.  

 Who would have thought that Japan’s Hitachi Corporation could boast credentials in the desktop communications receiver category?  It was certainly news to me, though predictably Hitachi produced several analogue portable sets in the 1970s that had one or more shortwave bands, in common with its major competitors such as Sony, Panasonic, Sanyo and Toshiba.  What’s more, the company managed to produce a model that performs rather well, if regarded in the context of the era in which it was made.  In fact, in appearance and behaviour, the KH-3800W is not unlike its contemporary, the Panasonic DR48. 

The astute reader will deduce from that parallel that the KH-3800W was released in the late 1970s; 1978 to be precise, during the shortwave (“BCL”) craze in Japan.  The Japanese version (without the “W” at the end of the model number) was almost identical except for the FM band coverage (76-90 MHz there).  Clearly, though, the 3800W is little-known outside of its home country, and researching this piece involved extensive use of Google Translate, due to the dearth of more accessible information.  When that strategy pretty much failed as well, there was no other solution other than to open one up and take a look inside!

 The Hitachi 3800W is based on a superhet design, covering mediumwave, FM and shortwave in three bands.  The shortwave range is double-conversion (intermediate frequencies at 2 MHz and 455 kHz), whilst FM and mediumwave are single conversion.   

 The receiver boasts two-speed tuning (the main tuning knob is pushed inwards for “fast” operation), and a cool blue fluorescent counter displays frequency on all bands.  There are extensive clock functions as well; including a sleep mode, though time and frequency cannot be displayed at the same time. A panel of push-button switches is utilised to display time in several major cities.  

 There is considerable emphasis on audio quality, which is provided via a 2W amplifier section, feeding a 12cm speaker, and there are separate bass and treble controls. SSB reception is provided via a tuneable BFO arrangement, which is compromised significantly by inherent drift.  

 There is a rotary RF gain control, and when fully clockwise, the 3800 is pretty lively on the shortwave ranges, even using only its in-built whip antenna. A second whip is provided for FM, and there is an external, movable ferrite rod at the rear for mediumwave, in addition to the standard screw terminals for external antenna connection.

 Phono jacks are provided for headphones, external speaker and record-out.  An illuminated analogue S-meter also resides on the front panel, and there is also a standby switch, which when engaged, prompts the scrolling marquee message on the counter/clock display “I Hope Success”.  How quaint!

Multi-voltage mains operation is preferred, but if unavailable, the set will run for 20 hours on …wait for it … no less than 10 “D” cell batteries!

 The circuitry of the 3800 sits on four circuit boards, and includes a semiconductor compliment of 6 I.C.’s, 28 transistors and 15 diodes.  No doubt the counter display (with adjustable brightness) was a big selling point, being rather new technology at the time.  Its circuitry is extensive and very much "of the time". General serviceability is quite good, with reasonably accessible discrete components sitting on boards that can be easily removed.

 Make no mistake, this is a hefty radio (240H x 440W x 300D mm), and 8kg.  To lift it safely, one needs to use the two handles on the front.  Build quality is very good, with all front panel knobs brushed black aluminium. 

 Overall performance is quite good for the era, but won’t satisfy today’s discerning DXer; the two bandwidths are quite broad, and like the Panasonic offerings of the same period, images appear 4 MHz from the fundamental frequency (2 x 1st I.F). For general program listening, however, it is ideal – so long as the user is prepared to adjust the frequency every so often to compensate for drift (which improves significantly after warm-up).

 Intending purchasers, if lucky enough to find one of these, should first check that the display is working.  Other than that, proceed without fear!  Knife switches are problematic and may need some contact spray due to oxidation over time, and rotary pots are likely to be scratchy.  Just the standard stuff, really, typical of a 35+ year old radio.  Mine commenced its residency in very dubious fashion, with no audio at all and the frequency display jumping around like crazy. Immediate thoughts were a faulty microcomputer/display I.C., but it turned out to be just a dodgy on/off switch.   

 All in all, not a top line DX machine, but something relatively uncommon, and nice to own. A plum, in fact!

(This article first appeared in the December 2008 issue of the Australian DX News)

Thanks to Craig for making our acquaintance with this rare radio!


Missed the other Retro Reviews? Check them all out by clicking below:

Retro Receiver Review # 1 - The DANSK RX4000

Retro Receiver Review # 2 - The HITACHI KH-3800W
  
Retro Receiver Review # 3 - The SCHAUB LORENZ ITT TOURING T104A RECEIVER

Retro Receiver Review # 4 - The RACAL RA6790/GM

Retro Receiver Review # 5 - The REALISTIC (RADIO SHACK) DX160

Retro Receiver Review # 6 - The KENWOOD QR 666

Retro Receiver Review # 7 - The RODHE & SCHWARZ EK890

Retro Receiver Review # 8 - The YAESU FR101S

Retro Receiver Review # 9 - The SELENA VEGA B206

Retro Receiver Review # 10 - The DRAKE SPR-4


Retro Receiver Review # 11 - The NATIONAL RF-5000

Retro Receiver Review # 12 - The YAESU FRG-100 

Retro Receiver Review # 13 - The MARC NR-82 F1

Retro Receiver Review # 14 - The MURPHY B40

Retro Receiver Review # 15 - The STROMBERG CARLSON AWP-8













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© Rob Wagner, Mount Evelyn DX Report, and contributors 2012-2023

Comments

  1. Old Film GuyNovember 7, 2015 at 1:42 AM

    Another great spotlight on an intriguing radio. While unlikely I will find one around my local neighborhood, I will be keeping an eye out for one on the off chance lady luck smiles my way!
    Thanks for another interesting article!
    Robert AK3Q

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rob WagnerNovember 7, 2015 at 11:18 AM

      Glad you liked the article, Robert. I'll pass on your comments to Craig. best 73, Rob

      Delete
  2. UnknownSeptember 3, 2019 at 2:01 PM

    Got one off of eBay in 1997. Think I paid less than $40 for it but the shipping cost more than the radio. Drifted like a sailboat so I only kept it a few months and then sold it again on eBay at a profit. Sure wish I had it back considering how rare it is.

    ReplyDelete

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