[R-390] New to R390A

Mon, 14 Jan 2002 20:47:16 -0500

Chuck:

Never thought this would happen, but I have to disagree with your advice --
the sequence anyway.

I strongly suggest that the pilgrim make a beeline to your site right now
(no, don't stop for dinner) and be sure to check out
http://www.r390a.com/html/C-553.htm .  Then, make some checks/replacements
before powering up.

After reading your web pages a couple of years ago, I always pull the IF
deck and at least check C-553 BEFORE I power up, and replace it.  I haven't
found a shorted one yet (in about 10 units) at least that an ohmmeter would
show, but that horror story about blowing the filters one by one makes me
verrrrry edgy -- paranoid even. It's easy to find using the photos on your
web site.  I consider this step to be a "Rippel Imperative".  If one is
lucky, there may be an orange drop already there, or a yellow poly jobbie.

As a rule, I do all I can to resist the impulse to test out the radio on
arrival -- even if the seller had it powered up and running day before
yesterday.  I also pull the AF and PS modules and at least do a visual
check -- and replace that blown up tantalum while I'm at it.  Then, I use a
variac, even though it's a bit of false security if the 26Z5W's are doing
the rectifying.

Another pre-power thing -- check the tubes.  Even if the rig is supposed to
be working, tubes sometimes don't travel well and Murphy's Law requires that
one tube develop a short in transit -- not because the carton was dropped,
but due to all that vibration in the trunk of a car or on a stiffly sprung
UPS trailer going cross country.  Probably not, but, if it were so, Mr.
Murphy further postulates that the tube short will be where it can do the
most harm.  I have found a few shorted tubes.

Remember, R-390's, unlike other household appliances, DON'T say: "Do not
open.  No user servicable parts inside."  On the other hand, boldly stamped
(or silk-screened) on the lower left corner of the panel is the admonition
about reading the instructions.  If there was enough room, the URL for
Chuck's website, the Y2K manual, and Al Tirevold's FAQ site would be right
there, too.  Besides, these pre-flight checks will help you bond with your
radio. ;-)

Other than that, pilgrim, do everything Chuck says, stay out of trouble,
enjoy and ...
welcome aboard,

Barry

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck Rippel" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2002 7:13 PM
Subject: [R-390] New to R390A

> Welcome to the group.  First, go out and buy that hernia belt you always
> wanted :-)
>
> Actually, you could do a couple of things.  Call Antique Radio Supply
> and get on of their Hammond 600/8-4 ohm audio transformers.  It'll cost
> you about $17.  30-20,000 hz and rated at like 12W.  Its most excellent;
> one of Fred Hammonds personal designs.  While you are at it, buy a half
> dozen .01 and .1 Orangedrop capacitors they sell.  I like the high
> performance versions.  You'll see why in a moment.
>
> http://www.tubesandmore.com
>
> You might look around my web page:
> http://www.R390A.com
>
> Second, when the radio arrives, test it to make sure it works then, take
> the IF deck out and using the capacitors you bought above, swap out the
> ones that just about always go bad.  They are on my web site at:
>
> http://www.r390a.com/ProbCaps.html
>
> If you do nothing else, CHANGE C-553, the plate blocking cap for the
> filters.  There is a picture of it on the page noted, above.
>
> Then, sit back and enjoy the radio, learning the technology as you enjoy
> one of the finer things in the hobby.
>
> -73-
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------------
> Chuck Rippel, WA4HHG
> R390A List Co-Administrator
> Reply to: [email protected]
>
> To Learn More About R390A receivers, Visit:
> http://www.R390A.com
>
> 1968 Contract Dittmore-Friemuth R390A #38
> 1967 Contract EAC R390A #2808 w/ Sherwood SE-3 Sync.Detector
> 1967 Contract EAC "Rocket Ship" #57
>
> All in regular, daily use as premier Shortwave Broadcast DX Receivers
> Also in Amateur Vintage (AM) Communications
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