[R-390] Re: some thoughts on restoration
W. Li
[email protected]
Fri, 09 Aug 2002 21:28:20 -0700
Gang:
Very insightful thoughts on restoration from Nolan Lee circa 1998 thanks
to Dallas' archival memory! Having restored mil-spec equipment on and
off since the 50's (those were the days...) there is nothing more
frustrating than physical cleanup of neglected or tropicalized gear....
or worst yet, gear that had been "customized" by a prior owner. However,
the reality is simply that obtaining clean R-390A's is almost impossible
for casual shoppers. You have to look long and hard, and be patient.
Personally, I have had the best luck at the smaller hamfests in my area.
That said, the best plug and play samples available today are from Rick
M. and Chuck R. today... expensive but worth every penny if you consider
the hours of labor and experience behind each of them. Read Nolan's
labor of love if you really want to restore your A back to what it was
(appeared on May 22, 1999 on this list).
There was a brief period when ATC was selling unused half-built decks, a
real bargain as I recall. The Xtal deck came with ALL the rocks,
something none of us will see again!
IMHO speaking practically, I believe that each of us should aim for, at
a minimum, one clean working model (a 1967 EAC if you are real lucky)
and another working one for spares. Obviously, we can all dream of
multiple receivers nicely mounted in a rack, with a CV-591 to boot...
like a few members of this list have.
I agree that this remarkable receiver represents the pinnacle of
mid-50's technology, not only in electrical-mechanical design, but in
sheer durability. Such quality is largely and sadly missing in today's
gear.
For those of us obsessed with solid-state, I recommend looking at the
TenTec 1254 kit for $200 (no, I am not employed by them). It would make
a nice "companion" but in no way has the history and the respect that a
fully and accurately restored R-390 series has.
Without a doubt, the most valuable asset for us is the Y2K manual....
many thanks for all who worked so long in that marvelous document.
W. Li