[R-390] looking around for r390-a

[Dan Merz]

Scott,  let me relate my limited experience.  I wanted one of these for about 15
years and was delayed in my quest by buying a 392 at the urging of a very
experienced ve ham who was into military stuff.  I wasn't disappointed - it had all
the gadgetry and worked well - but the 390a still lurked in my mind - and I finally
bought one about 2 years ago - a late model EAC - I paid a little over $400 via
ebay - I know the price of a radio depends on how patient you are - hamfests around
here seemed to produce a limited number and their price didn't seem to ever hit the
$200 that I always thought I'd find one for - so I lost patience even though I
suspect there are a lot of these radios collecting dust, or leading a very
sheltered life.  I figured if it looked pretty clean and worked somewhat,  I
couldn't go too far wrong - fortunately I ended up with a very nice set that worked
very well after I replaced a mechanical coupler to the pto and pruned a winding in
that module.  There's plenty of info on this set,  and this reflector has some top
notch contributors and savy people,  once a particular problem is identified.   My
experience with radios has been that each one needs something different and even an
apparent basket case can be revived with knowledgeable effort- you'll probably pay
a big premium to get one that is guaranteed to be fed and groomed to perform to the
highest standards.  In the back of my mind,  I consider the 390a  a modern radio
compared to a lot of the radios that I have,  so I didn't have any criteria from a
collectors view of having an early one vs a late one.  Without really knowing too
much ,  I assumed that a later EAC model might have fewer things to fix as long as
it looked cosmetically good,  because the capacitors were newer and of later
design.  In hindsight,  the front tag may or may not mean much about the various
modules that are in a particular set.  In mine,  the front tag turned out to
indicate what was inside as far as manufacturer.   I have replaced only the obvious
few caps so far,  as recommended by the guru's of this domain.  I think the only
failed one I've found was the unusually physically small,  big value cap in the
cathode circuit of the audio unit,  one of those that is reported to often be
bad.   I continue to be impressed with this radio.  I must say that there is
probably no substitute for seeing a radio up close before buying it,  or second
best, buying from someone you trust and can talk to. I did quite a bit of
corresponding with the ebay seller before deciding to compete in the bidding.  I
wouldn't say he was a 390 expert but he answered my questions in an honest way.  I
would say his shipping expertise was marginal for a heavy radio, and the radio
fortunately suffered only minor bending at the rear which I straightened.   Fair
Radio is a reputable place - I have no idea what you get for your buck on their
390a sets today - if I bought one,  it would only be after talking to their rep on
the phone to get a better idea.  I think the heartbreak of  buying an older radio
is finding corrosion that you didn't expect and finding it's more than
superficial.   The widespread pride I see from 390a owners indicates to me that the
particular model or contractor may be less important than condition of the radio,
though I speak from limited experience.  I'll be interested to hear if there are
strong opinions on this subject,  good luck in your quest,  Dan.

Scott Bauer wrote:

>   Hello,
>
>   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. I am
> sure these have been asked thousands of times here but I just got on the list.
> I have seen ads from Fair Radio and was wondering if anyone can tell me
> of their experience with Fair Radio. I am also hoping to find out if there is a
> better 390-A to look for. Like one made by Amelco verses Motorola of maybe
> one made after a certain date. Or are all of them as good as another?
>   I will be looking for one within a month or so and any help will be greatly
> appreciated.
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