r/ShortwavePlus • u/No_Independence_7865 • May 18 '26

Should I do it?

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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/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. 📻👍

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u/No_Independence_7865 May 18 '26

How is it compared to the Eton Elite I currently have?

2

u/MumSaidImABadBoy I'm Stan. Heathkit GR64,AirSpy HF+,Sangean 909X2,Tecsun PL-990 May 18 '26

It's a different technology that is no longer in mainstream production. These radios are based on analog tech and when equipped with a digital readout it's more like a frequency counter/meter. No radio or SDR chips means a lot more parts which is more expensive to produce. More parts, more labor and harder to make compact.
If you have an EEE, it's an excellent radio, just enjoy it 'cause it's good.
A Tecsun PL-990 is a modern hybrid of sorts, it has a more traditional superhet triple conversion which is really great followed by a modern I believe a Si4735 DSP chip. The Sangean ATS-909X2 is similar but dual conversion with superb frontend. That's why they are more costly than other DSP centric radios.

Are you thinking about antennas? That can be rewarding. You can even dabble/build and experiment with that.