[R-390] looking around for r390-a

[Scott Bauer]

  Hi Norman,

  Thank you so very much for the input. I was hoping to hear nice things
about Fair Radio and I will buy from them if nothing comes up local. Guess
I better hurry up and get one before they are gone though.
  Luckily I do have access to a nice signal generator and have pretty good
skills but have done very little work on tube gear. It is never too late to
learn.
  Thanks again for the very nice input.

  73, Scott W3CV

At 08:25 PM 6/28/2002 -0400, you wrote:
>Hi, Scott,
>
>There are R-390A's and there are R-390A's.  Not so much the different
>makes, but the condition of the set you contemplate owning.  All makes
>of new or repaired sets were supposed to measure up to standard before
>shipment.  Bear in mind that, as a modular built rig, most don't have
>their original modules much less name tag.
>
>Take stock of a couple of things-- your skills and your budget.  A radio
>needing TLC costs less than a pristine one.  Although you might get
>lucky and find a cherry unit cheap!
>
>Fair Radio are nice to deal with.  Even if you have problems with a
>"used, repairable" unit, they'll try to make good.  Their pile is
>getting smaller with no more in prospect.  eBay is another source, but
>it would be helpful if you have a buddy on this list to help assess pics
>and ask the right questions.
>
>R-390A's are not showing up at hamfests with much regularity nowadays
>and chances of finding one on the curb in your subdivision are
>practically nil.  (Hey, the latter happened once to Ed Z!)
>
>So, do you like hands on work such as fixing up or homebrewing?  Willing
>to learn?  Tube stuff is lots of fun to work on compared to solid state
>stuff.  Parts are still available one way or another.  Download the Y2K
>manual (free) from the R-390A website.  If you have the basic alignment
>gear (signal generator and a meter), access to a tube tester, you could
>become as avid as any maven on this list.
>
>Go for it.  Do a biopsy on your wallet, then throw caution to the winds!
>
>73 de Norman KG4SWM
>
>
>Scott Bauer wrote:
> >
> > My name is Scott Bauer, W3CV from Odenton, MD. I have been dreaming
> > of an R390-A for years and decided it was time to ask a question or 2.