DX 250
Texas Star DX 250 – DX350 HDV CW Transmitter To AMP Conversion
- Unsolder the wire from the small key jack on the rear panel.
- Locate the two standing capacitors (15pf and 33pf) near the relay and RF choke. Unsolder and remove the wire from the tops of the capacitors. Separate and remove the 33pf capacitor leaving the 15pf in place.Resolder the standing end of the 15pf capacitor to the adjacent pad on the board. This pad also connects to a wire from the rear panel S0239 connector (Radio).
- Remove the standing 33 ohm resistor (ora-ora-blk) and wire located directly behind the relay. This resistor connects a RF choke back to the oscillator board.
NOTE: Some units may only have a wire without a 33 ohm resistor soldered to this point. In that case remove the wire. - Unsolder and remove the wire from the oscillator board connected to the ferrite transformar wire. This connection also has a standing capacitor connected to the transformer wire. Remove the capacitor and solder the loose transformer wire to ground.
NOTE: Newer 250/350V models have a large yellow capacitor connected to the oscillator board, and grounding the transformer wire is no longer necessary. In this case simply unsolder and remove the large yellow capacitor (marked 2200K) connected to the oscillator board. - Locate the white block resistor and RF choke behind the meter. Unsolder and remove the 10 ohm resistor (brown-blk-blk) from the top of the 30K resistor (ora-blk-ora) beside the RF choke.
- Unsolder the wire from the outer terminal of the blue pot. Resolder this wire to the opposite and inner terminal on the blue pot. The outer terminal should now be left empty.
- Locate the wire soldered to Pin 1 of the Power switch (red lens). Unsolder the grounded end of this wire, and resolder it to the short trace hole protruding out from under the AM push switch (green lens). This trace runs along behind the AM switch and connects to pin 2 of the switch .
- Unsolder and remove the oscillator board if desired.
WARNING! This modification will void all Warranty and is a violation of FCC rules for Class D CB use in the U.S.A. Information provided here is for educational purposes only! The user assumes all responsibilities. This information is not provided by, or affiliated in any way with the manufacturer of the products.
Texas Star DX-250 Videos
Amplify Your Signal with the Texas Star DX250 Black Widow CW Transmitter
For CB operators and amateur radio enthusiasts chasing crystal-clear signals and long-distance DX contacts, the Texas Star DX250 Black Widow CW Transmitter is the ultimate tool to dominate the airwaves. Combining rugged reliability, versatile performance, and legendary Texas Star quality, this compact powerhouse is designed to elevate your communication game—whether you’re operating from a mobile rig or a home base. Let’s explore why the DX250 Black Widow is a must-have for serious operators.
Unleash Your Signal Strength
The Texas Star DX250 Black Widow delivers up to 175-300 watts PEP output, making it a standout choice for both AM and SSB operations. Powered by two high-performance 2SC2290 transistors, this transmitter ensures clean, robust signals that cut through the noise, earning you compliments from fellow operators. With a frequency range of 3.8-30 MHz, it’s optimized for the 10-meter band and can be pre-converted for seamless 11-meter (CB) use, catering to CB operators right out of the box.
Whether you’re connecting with local CB buddies or chasing DX on the amateur bands, the DX250 Black Widow gives you the power to be heard loud and clear. Its variable power control (available on HDV models) lets you fine-tune output to match your setup, ensuring optimal performance without overdriving your system.
Built for Versatility and Ease of Use
The DX250 Black Widow is engineered for both mobile and base station applications, making it a favorite among truckers, off-roaders, and home operators alike. Its compact design fits seamlessly into tight spaces, while the rugged construction ensures it can handle the demands of long operating sessions. Pair it with a reliable power supply (13.6V at 20 amps recommended) for home use, or connect it directly to your vehicle’s battery with #10 or larger wire for mobile setups.
The front panel is user-friendly, featuring intuitive controls for power (red), receive preamp (white), AM (orange), and SSB (yellow) modes. The built-in relative output meter provides a quick reference for monitoring performance, while the four-stage power settings let you dial in the perfect output for AM operation:
- Both orange and yellow buttons IN for the lowest output.
- Yellow only IN for the next level.
- Orange only IN for the third highest.
- Both OUT for maximum power.
For SSB, simply engage the yellow button for optimal performance. The 10 dB receive preamp boosts weak signals, making even faint transmissions copiable in noisy environments—a game-changer for DX hunters.
Clean, Reliable Performance
Unlike some amplifiers that sacrifice signal quality for raw power, the Texas Star DX250 Black Widow is designed to operate in Class AB1, delivering clean, linear amplification with minimal distortion. While harmonic filtering isn’t standard (a low-pass filter is recommended for extra cleanliness), the DX250 is praised for being one of the cleaner CB transistor amps available, especially when driven within its 4-watt maximum input limit.
Real-world users report 80-90 watts dead key and 150 watts swing on AM, with around 150 watts on SSB when driven with 3-4 watts dead key and 8-15 watts PEP from the radio. These numbers make it a reliable workhorse for both casual chats and competitive DXing.
Why CB and Amateur Operators Love the DX250 Black Widow
- Trusted Brand Legacy: Texas Star has a decades-long reputation for building durable, high-quality amplifiers that stand the test of time.
- Compact and Mobile-Friendly: Perfect for truckers and mobile CB operators, the DX250 fits easily into vehicles.
- Preamp Power: The built-in preamp enhances receive performance, pulling in distant signals.
- Affordable Performance: Priced at $150-$200 used or $250-$300 new, the DX250 offers unmatched value.
- Community Approved: Operators on forums like WorldwideDX praise its ease of use and durability.
Important Considerations for Legal Operation
The Texas Star DX250 Black Widow is sold as a CW transmitter for industrial, scientific, medical, or export use only. Operating it on the Citizens Band (11 meters) or Amateur Radio Services in the United States without proper modifications or licensing is a violation of FCC regulations. For amateur radio use on the 10-meter band, an amateur radio license is required. Always ensure your unit is properly converted for CB use (if applicable) and paired with a regulated power supply to avoid damage. Check with your retailer for warranty details and conversion status before purchasing.
Modifications to convert the DX250 from a CW transmitter to an RF amplifier are for educational purposes only and may void warranties or violate FCC rules. Consult a qualified technician and verify local regulations before operating.
Join the Texas Star Legacy
Whether you’re a CB operator looking to boost your mobile rig’s reach or an amateur radio enthusiast chasing rare DX contacts, the Texas Star DX250 Black Widow CW Transmitter delivers the power, clarity, and reliability you need to stand out on the airwaves. Its blend of compact design, versatile operation, and clean performance makes it a favorite among operators who demand the best.
Ready to amplify your signal? Order your Texas Star DX250 Black Widow today from trusted retailers like Copper Electronics, CB Radio Supply, or Trucks CB Sales, and experience the thrill of being heard loud and clear. Dominate the bands with Texas Star—because your signal deserves to shine!
