[R-390] in rush current limiters

[DJED1@aol.com]

You can pay a lot or do it another way.  Speaking of the current regulator- I 
replaced my dead 3TF7 with a resistor 20 years ago -didn't know where to get 
a replacement..  I cut off the tube top, wound enough nichrome wire on the 
tube envelope to get the correct voltage drop, and fastended the nichrome to 
the tube elements.  Cost= 0, and still going strong.  Unless you've got 
widely varying supply voltages, you'll never see the difference.  I suggest 
you spend the $50 on a 3TF7 and put it away for when you want to sell the 
radio- "L@@K- R-390A with RARE! ballast tube".
Ed