[R-390] Re: Various R390 issues

[email protected] [email protected]
Sun, 6 Oct 2002 09:41:39 EDT


Dave,  I agree with all of Bill's (AB6MT) comments and would add a few...:


> 1. I have seen many of you write up the use of Orange Drop caps to replace
> the Vitamin Q, etc., paper stuff.  

I would replace just the black (brown) beauties and the dc blocking cap for 
the mechanical filters.  Like Bill, I also have had excellent luck with the 
vitamin Q caps.  3 Radios, no failures.  Like my Dad always told me (and I 
never listened), "If it isn't broken don't fix it".  Be careful on the new 
radial lead caps, as some of them (body of the cap) are easily damaged with a 
soldering iron.

> 
> 2. I have a case of sticking meters.  They are original equipment.  I have
> read that the original meters have radioactive material in them.  

I have openned these kind of meters (radioactive) twice.  After thinking it 
over, I never will again.  I can't say how big the health risk (cancer) is, 
but is it really worth the $50 you're saving?

> 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?

Look for signs of leakage or residue around the gasket at the base of the 
plug in cap.  If it is clean there, the cap is probably good.  On the plug in 
assembly, I did one of my radios this way.  Works well.  Be carefull that you 
get plug-ins that will sit square to the chassis.  Most relay shells do not.  
To Bill's point, you could just wire them to an octal plug or old tube base 
and shink wrap (or not) the assembly!

One other health note.  On radios of this vintage, I don't like openning 
anything with oil in it (PCBs).


Have fun. 73
Harry  KG5LO
Saline MI


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