[Milsurplus] R-390

[C.Whitaker]

de  WB2CPN
Having spent some time with the Air Force communications people
long before and after the R-390's and SP-600's became available
via the DRMO's, military surplus was sold to the local wholesalers.
My experience was mostly in Japan, Okinawa, and Alaska. 
A few BC-779's were available, and I among other Air Force active
duty hams bought one.  It was common for the new owner to mark
the equipment so that it would not look like the original.  Chrome
plated IF cans and front panels were common because that service
was available locally in Japan.   I modified SP-600's to include a
Product Detector for SSB.  Some had vernier tuning knobs put
on the front.  Most of these receivers had very scroungy front panels.
A good cleaner didn't make it look any better.
Now, a caveat,  I've seen all these receivers in a Black Panel
configuration.  The US State Department and their FBIS procured
them that way, and certain TSC applications did the same.  This
was a way to clearly indicate that the receiver was NOT military
equipment if found in some place where our people were not
supposed to be.  Air America, the sneaky airline in Nam, used
some black panels in their radio stations.
EOT   (End of Trivia)
73  Clete