Radio Shack Dx-390 Owners Manual Jun 2026

Located on the right-hand side, used for fine-tuning frequencies or scrolling through channels.

The manual is notable for its clear, step-by-step instructions and diagrams, making the radio's advanced features accessible even to beginners.

: This is arguably the most common issue. A static discharge can destroy the sensitive Q1 front-end FET (Field-Effect Transistor) [originally a 2SK152], rendering the radio "deaf" on HF.

Use the rotary tuning knob on the right side. A slide switch below the knob allows you to choose between FAST (9/10 kHz steps for AM), FINE (1 kHz steps), and LOCK to prevent accidental changes. radio shack dx-390 owners manual

Example for Shortwave: Press FREQ -> 6 -> 0 -> 2 -> 0 -> ENTER (for 6.020 MHz).

Radio Shack Realistic DX-390 (Catalog No. 20-214) is a PLL synthesized world-band receiver, also known as a rebadged Sangean ATS-818

6V DC adapter or 4 "D" cell batteries (plus 2 "AA" batteries for the clock/memory backup). Located on the right-hand side, used for fine-tuning

SW (Shortwave): 1.711 MHz – 29.999 MHz (continuous coverage)

Direct keypad entry, manual rotary tuning, auto-scan, and memory recall. Memory Slots: 45 total programmable presets. Power Requirements:

The DX-390 is highly praised for its ability to copy amateur (ham) radio operators, marine broadcasts, and military utility transmissions using SSB. Tune to the target frequency. Slide the switch to SSB . A static discharge can destroy the sensitive Q1

: The radio uses a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) synthesizer for precise tuning. You can tune stations in three primary ways:

Check that the "D" batteries are fresh and inserted with correct polarity. If using an adapter, confirm it outputs 6V DC center-negative.

Controls the sensitivity of the internal receiver amplifier. Keep this at maximum for weak signals, and slide it down if a powerful local station is overloading the audio.

Radio Shack/Realistic DX-390/Sangean ATS-818 - radiojayallen

The single most important piece of documentation for your DX-390 is the owner's manual. It contains all the specifics for operating the receiver's more complex features, including programming memories, setting alarms, and understanding the display indicators.