BUYING USED SHORTWAVE RECEIVERS: Practical advice for DXers.
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| Realistic DX-160 |
BUYING USED SHORTWAVE RECEIVERS:Practical Advice for DXers
Over the past decade, the Mount Evelyn DX Report has published numerous Retro Receiver Reviews, examining classic shortwave and communications receivers from earlier decades. Most of these have been written by long-time friend Craig Seager VK2HBT, with a few extra from myself (Rob VK3BVW).
Radios such as the Sony ICF-2010, Yaesu FRG-7, Drake R8 series, and other well-known designs still appear regularly on the second-hand market and continue to attract interest from DXers and radio enthusiasts. These receivers are no longer manufactured, yet they remain capable performers. Buying one second-hand can be an excellent way to experience classic radio engineering while expanding a listening station at relatively modest cost.
However, vintage electronics require careful evaluation. Age, wear, storage conditions, and previous modifications can all affect performance. This article summarises practical advice for non-technical shortwave listeners and DXers considering the purchase of a used shortwave receiver and highlights some pitfalls to avoid. At the end of this post is a DOWNLOAD link to a PDF that summarises it all into a handy one-page checklist.
Choosing the Right Type of Receiver
The first step is deciding what type of receiver suits your listening interests. For casual listening to international broadcasters, a portable shortwave receiver may be sufficient. However, DXers who want to chase rarer (harder-to-hear) broadcasters, or explore amateur bands, utility stations, or digital signals, should strongly consider receivers with single-sideband (SSB) capability.
Communications receivers designed for more serious monitoring typically offer:
- Narrower filters for crowded bands
- Greater frequency stability
- External antenna connections
- Improved dynamic range
Examples of classic receivers often encountered on the used market include models from Sony, Drake, Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, and Lowe Electronics.
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| Drake SPR-4 - a legendary receiver in its day. |
Research the Model First
Before committing to a purchase, spend some time researching the receiver model. Vintage radios vary widely in performance and reliability. Some models earned strong reputations and remain sought after by collectors, while others were known for design limitations or reliability issues.
Useful sources of information include:
- Radio hobbyist websites and blogs
- Vintage receiver databases
- Online discussion groups
- Archived magazine reviews
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of a particular model can prevent costly surprises later.
Inspect the Physical Condition
The external condition of a receiver often reflects how it has been treated over the years. Look for signs such as:
- Cracked cabinets or bent metal panels
- Missing knobs or switches
- Damage around antenna connectors
- Evidence of moisture exposure
Portable receivers deserve special attention in the battery compartment. Leakage from old batteries can cause serious corrosion damage.
A clean, well-preserved receiver is generally a safer purchase than one showing heavy wear.
Incidentally, beware of equipment that has lived in a smoker's radio shack. Like dust, smoke isn't good for electronics! It can create a tacky film over components and leads, causing electrical conductivity issues and faulty behaviour in switches, contacts, potentiometers, and variable capacitors. While not a "deal-breaker", purchase of equipment from a smoker's radio shack will possibly require a "deep-clean" with high-concentration Isopropyl Alcohol and lots of patience!
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| The Kenwood R-5000 was a wonderful rig, but these days, many suffer from the well-known "key bounce" faults. |
Test Controls and Switches
Mechanical controls are frequent points of failure in older equipment.
When examining a radio:
- Rotate the tuning knob slowly across the band
- Operate all switches and mode selectors
- Adjust volume and tone controls
Scratchy audio or intermittent operation could simply indicate dirty contacts, but severe problems could mean worn components.
Band switches, which carry RF signals across multiple circuits, are especially prone to contact oxidation.
Check Frequency Stability
Frequency stability becomes particularly important when listening to SSB or narrowband signals. Tune to a stable reference station such as a time signal or a strong broadcast station. Allow the receiver to warm up for ten minutes and observe whether the frequency remains steady. Some drift is normal in older analog receivers, but excessive instability can make listening difficult.
Evaluate Sensitivity
Sensitivity describes the receiver's ability to detect weak signals. A healthy receiver should easily pick up multiple stations across the shortwave bands when connected to a modest antenna. If reception is limited to only the strongest signals, the receiver may require alignment or may have deteriorating components.
Assess Selectivity
Selectivity determines how well the receiver separates stations that are close together in frequency. Many communications receivers include several filter bandwidths, for example:
- Wide filters for broadcast listening
- Narrow filters for amateur band signals
- Very narrow filters for Morse code reception
Switching between these filters should noticeably reduce interference from nearby stations.
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| A lot is going on inside the Yaesu FRG-7! But clean working units can still be found. |
Watch for Modifications
Some vintage receivers have been modified by previous owners. Occasionally, these modifications improve performance, but poorly executed changes can introduce reliability issues. Common modifications may include:
- Added audio filters
- Expanded frequency coverage
- Changes to the power supply
Unless the modification is well documented and professionally executed, the original factory configuration is usually preferable.
Check Antenna Connections
Good antenna connections are essential for effective DXing.
Inspect:
- External antenna connectors
- Telescopic antennas on portable sets
- Antenna selector switches
A damaged antenna jack or broken telescopic whip can significantly reduce performance.
Listen to the Audio Carefully
Audio quality can reveal a lot about the internal condition of a receiver. While listening to a station, note whether the audio is:
- Clear and stable
- Free from excessive hum
- Free from distortion
Power supply hum often indicates ageing electrolytic capacitors, which are common maintenance items in vintage equipment.
Common Vintage Receiver Problems
Older receivers frequently develop similar faults after decades of use. Typical issues include:
- Electrolytic capacitor ageing - These components gradually dry out or bulge, causing hum, distortion, or unstable operation.
- Dirty switches and controls - Oxidised contacts may cause noisy audio or intermittent operation.
- Frequency synthesiser issues - Early PLL circuits occasionally develop stability problems due to ageing components.
- Dial mechanism wear - String-driven tuning systems in some receivers can slip or break.
- Battery leakage damage - Portable receivers stored with batteries installed often suffer corrosion in the battery compartment.
- Previous repair attempts - Poor soldering or improvised repairs can sometimes create additional faults.
While most of these problems can be repaired, they should be considered when evaluating price and restoration effort.
Buy from Knowledgeable Sellers
Where possible, buy from sources familiar with radio equipment.
Options include:
- Amateur radio swap meets
- Vintage radio dealers
- Experienced collectors
- Online marketplaces with detailed listings
When buying remotely, ask for clear photographs and a detailed description of the receiver’s condition. If an unknown online seller says, "It turns on, but I don't know if it works", it's probably best to walk away!
Safety Note: High Voltages in Valve Receivers
When dealing with vintage valve (tube) receivers, it is essential to understand that these sets operate with potentially lethal internal voltages. High-voltage power supply rails in valve equipment can exceed several hundred volts, and these voltages may remain present even after the receiver has been switched off due to charged capacitors.
Unlike solid-state equipment, valve receivers require much greater caution during inspection or service. Unless you are experienced in working with high-voltage electronics, it is strongly recommended that any internal repairs or restoration work be carried out by a qualified technician familiar with vintage radio equipment. Attempting repairs without the necessary knowledge and precautions can result in serious injury or worse.
In addition to high internal voltages, many vintage receivers present potential hazards related to mains power design and earthing. Older equipment—particularly imported models—may use two-wire power connections, non-polarised plugs, or chassis designs where parts of the circuit are directly connected to the mains supply. In some cases, the chassis itself may become “live” under fault conditions.
Before operating a newly acquired receiver, it is advisable to check the condition of the power cord, plug, and internal mains components. As with valve equipment, if you are uncertain about mains safety, inspection and any necessary upgrades should be carried out by a technician experienced in vintage radio equipment.
Note: Some countries have different regulations and requirements regarding the earthing of equipment and the connection of equipment earths to ground. Much of what we read comes from the USA, but those procedures may not apply in your country. If importing a used receiver from overseas, some research may be needed before connecting it to the power socket.
Manage Expectations
Vintage receivers represent the technology of their era.
Even highly regarded radios from the 1970s and 1980s may not match the performance of modern DSP receivers in every respect. Nevertheless, many classic radios remain excellent performers and offer a distinctive listening experience.
For many DXers, the appeal of these radios lies not only in performance but also in their craftsmanship and historical significance.
👉👉 Quick Inspection Checklist for Used Receivers 👈👈
When examining a receiver at a hamfest or personal inspection, a quick checklist can be useful to have on hand. I have prepared the following downloadable PDF, which summarises everything you have read above. (No need to sign up or log in to Box.com - Just hit the Download icon)
Final Thoughts
Buying a used shortwave receiver can be a rewarding way to experience classic radio design and extend a DXing station without the cost of new equipment. By researching models, carefully inspecting condition, and understanding common vintage issues, radio enthusiasts can find receivers that still provide many years of enjoyable listening.
The Retro Receiver Reviews on the Mount Evelyn DX Report demonstrate that many classic radios remain capable performers today — provided they are chosen carefully.
73 and wishing you good DX,
Rob Wagner VK3BVW
Check out all the Retro Receiver Reviews published so far 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
CLICK HERE for VK3BVW Live Stream (Clublog)
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© Rob Wagner, Mount Evelyn DX Report, and contributors 2012-2026
I picked up a Realistic DX150A back in 1972 on a student's budget and and also because it was readily accessible. As I recall, it had a built-in speaker but I used headphones most of the time anyway. I made extensive use of the band spread scale at the bottom, and even paired it with my Heathkit DX60B when I first got my amateur license in 1974. Imagine that for a combo! Sure it had its shortcomings but I did pretty well with it for several years. I always had it hooked up to a good outdoor long wire antenna. Also used a donated (by a local "Elmer" ham) Hallicrafters S-52, and a Panasonic RF-3100 portable (1983). Later receivers were the Drake R8 and SW-8 port-a-top.
ReplyDeleteThere were plenty of good receiver brands to choose from in the 70s, 80s, and even the 90s. There were some duds, too! But the “dud” situation hasn’t changed… there are still some stinkers out in the markets today.
DeleteOne of the main issues with the used market is the outrageous prices some sellers charge for so-called “vintage” receivers, based on the belief that anything old must be worth paying top dollar for! It is wise to shop around the market before shelling out good coin.
Hi Rob. A very nice write-up. My FRG 7 experience was much like yours - not quite as advertised. Cleaned up, recapped, case repainted (black)some of the mods done etc. Still a bit to do, but working. Have been gifted a second one which is a current project - worked well after contact cleaner applied to switches etc. Highly recommend the green/red lock LED mod as well as changing the bulbs to warm white. Just a fun receiver to use, reminding me of the old mantle radios I used as a teenager - guess it is the analogue circuitry and the relatively wide bandwidth. Enjoy your blog and check regularly. Regards, John S.
ReplyDeleteG'day, John. Thanks for the advice on the FRG-7. Such an interesting design and a fun rig to operate. Possibly a bit of excessive turning, though! hehehe. All the best, mate. Rob VK3BVW
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