[R-390] Various R390 issues

[Dave and Sharon Maples]

Hello all, and thanks in advance for the help!  I have some more questions
on the R390A:

1. I have seen many of you write up the use of Orange Drop caps to replace
the Vitamin Q, etc., paper stuff.  These caps have radial leads.  In the
Allied catalog is a vendor called ASC which offers axial-lead 400V
metallized polypropylene caps with full temp rating at 105 degrees C.  Any
reason why I couldn't use these as alternatives to the Orange Drops?  A 0.1
mfd 400 V cap is 0.328 diameter x 0.813 length...would seem like a pretty
good fit, but before I fall off the table and run down that path I was
wondering what the rest of you thought.

2. I have a case of sticking meters.  They are original equipment.  I have
read that the original meters have radioactive material in them.  Is it a
coating on the needle to make it read in the dark, or ???  Is it possible to
disassemble the meters to correct the sticking?  Any other suggestions here?

3. Other than cosmetics, is there any particular reason why I should rebuild
the large electrolytics?  I am considering building an assembly to plug in
in place of the caps, but it won't be a pair of round cylinders (so there
will be a bit more room to work).  Comments or suggestions here?

4. What kind of connectors are used on the coax cables between modules?
Looks like an anemic BNC (grin).  Reason I ask is that the insulation has
cracked on a couple of the coax cables going to the IF assembly, and I see
some repair work in the future (sigh).

Thanks again for the help and advice.  It's a wonderful receiver, and works
great with my
Valiant II.

Dave Maples, WB4FUR