[R-390] Preproduction R-390

Richard Loken [email protected]
Tue, 29 Oct 2002 12:36:21 -0700 (MST)


On Tue, 29 Oct 2002, Danny Lunstrum wrote:

> This is my first message to the group.  I have been a subscriber and have
> been reading messages for some time.  I went to a hamfest last Sunday and
> bought what I thought was an ordinary R-390 (non-A) receiver.  The only thing
> that was out of the ordinary was the serial number- "PP-2".  When I got home
> with the unit I noticed a poorly stenciled notice on the side.  I cannot make
> out every word in it, but it sounds like this is a "Preproduction" R-390". 
> Here is the what is stenciled on the side except for the few words that are
> illegible.  "This equipment was tested as a preproduction sample by the
> Signal Corps Engineering Laboratories.  It is ??  ???? intact without
> alteration or improvement of any kind for use by the Signal Corps ???? by
> ???."  The question marks indicate words I cannot make out.  The order number
> is 14214-PH-51-93 and was manufactured by Collins Radio Company.  The ballast
> tube, V-512, is marked 2HTF11B and is missing.  The front panel lettering is
> punched, not silkscreened.  The power supply has a nomenclature tag with the
> serial number PP-7 stamped on it. 

Sure looks the l@@k rare preproduction approval sample alright.

I have an R390 Serial Number 2459 from Order Number 14214-PH-51-93 which has
an engraved panel so the engraved part is not unusual.  I think this was the
first order and they made a heck of a lot of them.  Did all orders require
pre-production samples do you suppose?  Or only the first one?
---
   Richard Loken VE6BSV, Systems Programmer - VMS  
   Athabasca University
   Athabasca, Alberta Canada
   ** [email protected] **