[R-390] R-390 restoration and modifications

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

"Paul H. Anderson" wrote:

> Folks have written strongly negative postings about modifying R-390's,
> especially with solid state changes to the tube circuits.
>
> I think it is a shame to come down hard on people who want to modify them
> or have done so in the past.

<snip>

Paul -

I don't think I came down hard with my remarks, just stated the obvious (to
me). I'm not against modifications if they improve or extend the life of a
piece of gear, I'm just not in agreement with chopping, drilling, and
otherwise irreverisbly changing a piece of historic gear regardless of how
plentiful it may be now. Just take a look at ARC 5 gear - I'm still trying to
obtain a few items needed to complete a full station, but the stuff isn't
around. At least, not in the condition or numbers it was 20 years ago, and
surely not the price. I'd bet they made more of them than R-390s, too.

There is no argument with me about someone's freedom to do with their property
as they see fit - I support that completely. I may not agree with it, I may
tell them that they shouldn't and explain why, but I'd never say 'no, you
cannot'. That is up to the person paying the bill. I fail to see the need or
even desire to do such a thing, but it's not written anywhere that I need to
understand or approve.

Personally, I'm glad the guy decided to keep it and enjoy it, since he went
through all of the work to change it into something it wasn't meant to be.
Only he can have a true appreciation for the time, thought, and labor
involved. Seems fitting that he should enjoy the fruits of his labors. I found
it ironic that the description mentioned buying it as a conversation piece or
for parts, which combined with the pictures of the work seemed accurate to me.
After modifying your Mustang, would you consider it worthy of being a
conversation piece or parts source? If so, why would you do it in the first
place? It just seemed like the missing words at the end of his statement might
have been ...'because after what I did to it, that's about all it's good for.'
Again, I'm glad he decided to keep it.

Lest anyone think I have no appreciation of the arguments involved, I once
modified a clean BC-455-B to work from 115VAC. Drilled holes, rewired
circuits, etc. Never gave it much of a thought since the things were
*everywhere* for a dollar, maybe $5 NIB back in the late 70s/early 80s. The
good thing to come from it wasn't any well-honed skills in the field of
converting vintage gear, but rather an appreciation for the radio and design
as it existed, as well as the desire I still have to find, restore, preserve
and enjoy these and other old rigs today. The '455 sits on the desk in my
office at home, tuned to WBCQ or whatever else I may come across during a free
moment. If I tried to sell it, I'd be lucky to get $5. To me, it is priceless
not only as a nostalgic artifact, but for the lessons it taught me. They were
just very different lessons than one might expect.

You're right, though - I've seen some interesting contradictions on here,
especially recently. A post condemning someone for trying to improve on
Collins' design, followed later with comments about their converted Jaguar, or
complaints about someone listing items for sale with high prices, after the
same poster had complained that people were too cheap when it came to the
prices of his items. We probably all have our own personal conflicting views,
no doubt part of being human.

Perhaps the question is....with the R-390 series being as good as it is, why
would you want to try to make it into something it isn't? Other than the
obvious 'because I want to and can' arguments, I mean. Maybe this was indeed a
pristine example 10 years ago, who is to know or decide? If you think it's
okay to do so, then it's okay for R-389s, too - why not convert them to
general coverage or solid state? Now THAT would be a challenge.

Wait a minute...I'll bet this radio was in great shape and this all came about
because of a bad ballast tube! That's it, I've had it! Gimme the Sawzall!!!

73, Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ