[Boatanchors] R-390A

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

True enough Bob, but I also have to agree that they are indeed
surrounded by a lot of hype. Not related to performance mind you, more
the awe and perceived collector value of a piece of military gear made
in the tens of thousands. They aren't even remotely close to 'rare',
even those in pristine shape with meters, covers, and so on. The nicer
ones just aren't as plentiful as the junkyard dogs, a.k.a.
'blue/yellow stripers' and such. The 'Rocketship' civilian models are
the most coveted, despite being the same exact radio aside from the
tag design. I won't even get into the 'black panel/black agency
premium' BS.

Much of this surrounds the internet culture. Folks like Gary, myself,
and many others who have enjoyed this stuff for decades understand
that ebay prices aren't really the end-all, be-all. The hype has
certainly followed online trends, same as it did for the AR-88,
SX-115, SX-88 and others.

But it's tough to beat the R-390 family for performance. Just look at
how long it's taken them to develop a PLL rig with a noise floor to
match it. There's a real reason why serious listeners still prefer
them to newer designs with more 'features'

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ

On 7/17/07, rbethman <rbethman at comcast.net> wrote:
> Geez Todd - You mean they *really* do work on something other than AM
> and 75mtrs? <BG>
>
> Based upon a list member's experience of 25 years worth, that's *all*
> they are good for.  I guess your experience and *mine* is much like >>
> most << others!  The 0.1, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16Kc selectivity knob along
> with the BFO, RF gain and the like always seemed to make it work CW and
> SSB for me also.
>
> Bob - N0DGN
>
> >
> > Congrats on the good find, Gary. Yet another "they're out there"
> > story. We should write a book. Two years ago I picked one up just like
> > it for $200. Unfortunately it has a cracked clamp, and I scratched the
> > panel a bit trying to remove an old label.
> >
> > Great radios, one of the best IMO. Quiet, sensitive, selective,
> > stable. Does AM/CW/RTTY excellent as-is, SSB pretty well or you can
> > add a simple mod to make it work even better if you're into duckspeak.
> >
> > Just don't plan on tuning around with it a lot. Use your SP-600 for
> > cruising, the A for listening or pulling out the weak ones. The audio
> > isn't bad, but you can pull it off the diode load terminals on back
> > and drive a hi-fi amp into a big speaker if you really want to rock
> > the house.
> >
> > Just got back from Tampa, so I'll get things rolling on the mod iron.
> > Still hoping to make the trip up, not sure if time will cooperate.
> >
> > ~ Todd,  KA1KAQ
>
>