Thread: DX-160
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Old May 1st 06, 12:50 PM posted to rec.radio.shortwave
D Peter Maus
 
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Default DX-160

Lisa Simpson wrote:
Just "won" a DX-160 off ebay and am wondering if anyone has an electronic
version of the owner's manual they'd care to post or point me at for
download?




The owner's/user's manual for DX-160 is about the most basic. It
goes more into the SW bandplan and what to listen for than it does
actual operation of the radio. Except things like, antenna trim--which
for anyone with experience with that kind of function...as in your
DX-30x...is a no-brainer--the radio is operated intuitively, without any
particular skillset required.

The only real advantage to having an owner's manual is the
schematic. But since GRE revised the radio between the design and
production, and a number of times thereafter, the schematic is no more
than a 'typical' and may not reflect actual circuitry in the cabinet.
The schematic is little more than a guide.

There are some modifications you may wish to consider to the audio
circuitry of DX-160, since the audio is shaped, with most of the lower
spectra removed. These mods include replacing audio path ceramic caps
with films, and increasing the values of the coupling caps, and one
feedback cap on the AF amp. Makes a big difference in the quality of the
audio through a decent sized speaker.

Slowing down the AGC a bit will also make a huge difference. As it
is from the factory, it's way too fast. Like the Zenith T/0, the DX-160
AGC is way too fast, and way too deep, in order to make the radio seem
more sensitive than it really is.

One member here, some years ago, hot rodded DX-160 into his primary
DX receiver, with filters, circuitry mods, digital readout, new battery
and tires, and turned a casual receiver into something quite the
performer.

All that said, it's a fun radio for casual listening. With the same
feel and handling as the entry and mid level Hallicrafters'. If you like
DX-302, you'll enjoy DX-160.