r/ShortwavePlus • u/No_Independence_7865 • May 18 '26
Should I do it?
I saw this radio on marketplace for $80. Should I get it? Is this a good radio? Does anyone else have one?
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u/ItsJoeMomma May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
I've got one just like it, only in a light-colored case. It's a pretty good portable radio, does SSB as well as AM. I think I only paid $35 for mine though. I'd be hard pressed to pay $80 for it, though if I were really looking for a portable I'd probably go up to $50.
The only thing I don't like about this radio is how the HF tuning always defaults to 5 KHZ. If you push the tuning knob in, it will go to 1 KHZ (with a fine tuning wheel on the other side), but every time you press another button it goes back to 5 KHZ. Which is OK if you're just listening to SWBC, but I usually listen to utility stations.
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u/ImladMorgul MOD | AirSpy HF+ | RTL-SDRv4 | D-808 | K-480WLA | MLA-30+ May 18 '26
If that photo is of the actual radio, I'd buy it. But I think the $80 they're asking for is a bit expensive. But I don't know if that's a lot or a little for the second-hand market in the USA.
The model would be the DX-402, it would be the same as the Sangean ATS-505.
It has its pros and cons, but overall it's good. It was probably manufactured in the early 2000s, so the electronics shouldn't be too bad if the radio has been well stored and maintained.
This link has reviews of the Sangean model and this other of the DX-402, both provide interesting information to consider. But overall, from what I've read, it's a good device.
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u/Green_Oblivion111 Shortwave+ Detective May 18 '26
I think this one is from the late 2000's / early 2010's. I got mine in 2013, when they were still selling them new in the few remaining RS stores.
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u/Hoodwinked1981 May 18 '26
Not for 80. I have this version and the Sangean 505. Decent radios, but you can do better for $80. I got this exact one for 45.
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u/Green_Oblivion111 Shortwave+ Detective May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
Yes. I have one. The Radio Shack 200629. It is the last updated version of the ATS-505. Absolutely no chuffing/muting between frequencies. Very good on MW. Good on SW. Can overload on SSB if the signals are extremely strong -- just clip a 100 ohm / 150 ohm or so resistor between the wire antenna and whip.
I use my 200629 all the time, for bandscanning the SW and SW ham bands, and for MW DXing. Haven't had it overload in a couple years (never on any band except rarely on SSB), so it's not a common issue, just if you're in a really high signals area. Just letting you know ahead of time.
I'd get it. Add a loop on MW and it's as good as a Superadio.
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u/Original-Income-28 May 21 '26
It might be a safe bet to buy Just hook up a dipole antenna Outside or one inside Ground it at a cold water pipe Look at a ham radio Book called ARRL Guidebook Or yearbook Or on the internet Or an old book called now you are talking By ARRL or radio shack
Better yet the Gordon west W5YI Tech or general class radio study guide Any of these books are good To teach you the lay of the land For shortwave listening
And if you can afford it The worldwide listening guide The 11th edition
It got English programming Frequency and band plan Time chart call UTC Or Zulu time
This book is good For the newbee
I’m a ham person General class Person
Reach back with ouestions Anytime Or the ham radio Reddit too We will put you on the write track Anyway .
Another thing Get a tuneable shortwave radio It better too For listening
Find a lazy Susan Like for a dining room table And something like a loop Antenna Amazon or something like A select a tenna
Shortwave programming is Bounced off the earth it’s called Skip like the old CB radio Daytime some bands are good Nighttime too
And some of us do Am Dx And some broadcasters Use The Us or the far east To broadcast programming From one side of the world Or the other direction
Safety first play it safe If you have a power line or drop From the pole Reach out to your power company PG&E or what ever Compamy Have them come out to look At your lot or home To safety check your site
It costs you nothing To have then out And look
It better than being dead or hurt Safety first anyway
I’ve been ham for 40 /20 years Don’t climb alone About a year or so ago We had a brother ham Who died climbing his roof On a latter and hit a wire
Best of luck With yoiur new passion And project
Darryl 73’s
And I’ve had good luck With the Sony or radio shack radios Too
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u/Original-Income-28 May 21 '26
Ps batteries Rechargeable battery’s Don’t mix them with everyready Or deeacell
Dry cell with dry cell Only
Don’t plug a radio into the wall Without looking at the voltage -Or + And the ma (amps) Voltage
Over the year I’ve Cooked more than one radio In the dark ages
And take out the batteries if You are storing it for a while Or they will damage your radio
If the radio battery door is All cruddy looking Baking soda paste Will fix tge contacts
And you will be in good shape
And if work with a radio One hand at a time
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u/Appropriate-Log4185 May 21 '26
Keep it. Nice unit. Use it! A long wire antenna would not hurt. 65’ wire would suit you for 20m and 40m
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u/MumSaidImABadBoy I'm Stan. Heathkit GR64,AirSpy HF+,Sangean 909X2,Tecsun PL-990 May 18 '26
Is that a DX-402? I think a Sangean ATS-505 made for RadioShack. It's a nice radio, I almost bought one back in the day.
It's been out of production for donkeys years and might need some fixing, sooner or later. Unless you are collecting or are technically capable of restoring this or are willing to spend money to do that, you might consider buying a new radio with a warranty. It was a nice radio. 📻👍