Modification to the VITE VT-111 DSP Radio (Dirt-Cheap DSP)

By Paul S. in CT for Y-Group ultralightdx July 1, 2016

As an introduction, this set is one of two radios available at eBay for

under US$15. Upon first usage, the AM band was plagued by internal noise, so
much that the set seemed hardly worthwhile. UltraLightDX member Ryan popped
open the case, and nosed around inside. As he suspected, the AM ferrite bar
was positioned too close to the internal circuitry. The credit for this mod
belongs to Ryan, this is just a step-by-step of whats involved. The results
are as "night and day" as it gets, turning this cheap radio into a good ULRX
set at a minimal price. As a benefit, one can use a Tuned Passive Loop with
some improvement. The standard 9" loops available do make a difference, but
a larger 12-15" loop would be a better solution. Nonetheless, without a loop,
and using this mod, the VT-111 will definately out-perform any dirt-cheap set
under say US$25 that RX's AM/FM/SW.

Turn OFF the set and use the switch.

Remove the batteries.

With a 3mm "+" screwdriver, remove the 4 BLACK case screws. DO NOT remove the
chrome screw that holds the FM antenna in place! One of the case screw is
right under the FM antenna in the upper-right corner. Extend the FM antenna
away from the set and remove this black screw.

The radio will come apart, but is held together by the FM antenna wire
(YELLOW) that IS fragile. Have a pencil-type soldering iron handy JIC.

Note that the AM ferrite antenna is mounted to the case-back.

With a modelling knife separate case from AM antenna.
My set had 4-5" excess antenna wire, this will help with separation.

Have a look at the case tabs, and mark a centrally located position to
"notch" the front and back casing. This will feed the antenna out of the case.
I had a Dremel tool with diamond end-mill about 2mm dia. Just right. Use a low
speed. A nice pair of "U" channels is what you want. A triangle file can be
used if no motor-tool is available (remember to notch both front and back).

If you can, manipulate the AM antenna wires away from other internal wiring.
Feed the wire out of case through the notch.

Fit the case together again, being careful to keep the AM antenna wires thru
the notch. Replace the 4 case screws, then reinstall batteries.

Using the kickstand, one can extend the AM antenna away from the set. Rotating
it rather than the set now tunes the station directionally. You might GENTLY
pull a bit of wire thru the notch if needed: if tight, loosen the case.

Considering the cheap price, this mod is well worth the time. The result
is a radio that receives AM much better than other cheap sets... and it sounds
pretty good at price. Considering that a Loop has an effect, the "soft-mute"
function is very likely disabled/not available.

One last tidbit. If you like it at $13-$15 you can get 5 for under $60.
Radio groups can get in on the fun!