[Collins] "new" R388

Philip Neidlinger [email protected]
Fri, 16 May 2003 20:08:28 -0400


Here is my receiver description......

No signal corps tag on the front, but there is a small faded white stamp to
the right of the tag location that looks like an eagle.
Phones, break in switch (doesn't disable the receiver when thrown).
Headphones plugged in do not disable the receiver, although looking at the
schematic this appears to be normal. The stamp is reason enough not to
repaint the front, unless those guys can refinish without destroying it. The
front panel isn't perfect, but thats okay.

The dial appears to be somewhat stiff. The wrist gets tired after a while. I
assume all the gear train will need lubrication with white lithium grease. I
have read in places that the PTO shaft screw will need disassembly to be
lubricated and I assume that this is the major culprit for dial stiffness.

Dial runout/calibration. On the lower bands the calibrator is about 4 KC too
far to the left. On the higher bands the signal is within the bezel so you
can adjust the zero. However, it appears that the dial runout is about 1 KC
per 100 KC. So we're off about 5 KC at the band edges if you don't
recalibrate every 100 KC. Is this amount adjustable via the various
trimmers, etc., or will we need to do Bill Orr's mod?

The radio will probably need to be fully calibrated. The trick I assume is
to center the dial on each band and tweak until its dead center. I don't
think this is described in the army manual.

Also, and finally this time, can someone PLEASE resend that link for the
posting that was just up about PTO dissassembly and lubrication. I would
REALLY appreciate it greatly.

The radio works great otherwise. My 10 year old daughter has named it "Fred"
and is learning how to use it. She is studying to get her tech license.

Thanks bunches. This is one really cool radio.

PS Should I install a muffin fan in this bud box to get some cross
ventilation? It has side vents but its purely by convection that heat moves
out.

Philip Neidlinger
KA4KOE