[R-390] Preproduction R-390

Tue, 29 Oct 2002 19:28:21 -0500

But when the R-390's went thru the depot, didn't they just pull the tag 
off the panel? Then when a radio rebuild was finished they pulled a tag 
out of the bin and slapped it on the panel? So except for finding the 
specifications of the original order (as to whether it called for silk 
screened or engraved panel) there is no way of knowing what panel came 
with what order. My old Imperial tagged R-390A was engraved and had all 
kinds of modules in it, not one of which I could identify as being an 
Imperial module. Played fine.

Unless someone took possession of an R-390/390A direct from the factory 
and it has never been out of their sight, I don't think anyone can truly 
say they have an "original" radio with all "original" modules and the 
tag that matches.

Richard Loken wrote:

> 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] **
> 
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