[Milsurplus] Refinishing front panels

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

Robert Nickels wrote:

> Speaking of AR-88s, has anyone come up with a good replacement for the
> often-missing S meter?
>
> 73, Bob W9RAN

Bob and group -

My understanding is that the meter wasn't standard equipment until the CR88
model, perhaps later in the AR88 models as well? Seems they were shipped
with a blank window in place with the model name painted over that nice
yellow plastic goop. During WWII meters were a prized commodity, so they
shipped them this way but many added S-meters at a later date. My LF model
had a large, square bakelite meter like a Simpson in it, with a Hammarlund
dial. Installation is very clean and professional looking, but the original
blanking panel was still attached to the panel too, just held by one screw
and swung out of the way. On the R-320(SC-88) this panel is still in place
with a small opening cut into it and a small S-meter the size of an R-390
meter attached in the back, again very professionally. Only the CR91A seems
to have a factory-installed meter in it. I don't have a manual for it, so I
can't get an exact part number or manufacturer, but I'd be glad to look
inside and see what I can find for numbers and info on the bezel itself.

Another thing I seem to recall is that the meter had a panel in front of it
and cast a shadow on this panel, so you didn't actually look directly at the
needle but its shadow instead. Also think the meters worked in reverse?
Maybe I dreamed it all...  (o:

Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ