[R-390] SSB-Modified R-390A

[David Ross]

Dennis & the gang -

  Does this describe the LSB-USB-AM-CW mod for the R-390A?

"Mounted on a small L-bracket chassis, it consisted of circuitry
featuring a 6U8 tube with two crystals and a USB/LSB selector switch. 
The original BFO switch was removed and the new assembly installed in
it's place.  A short cable fit into an 8-pin connector added near the
front of the IF deck for power and signal output.  The front panel was
refinished, repainted and silk screened with new lettering for the
USB/LSB switch"


  This is from the February 2003 issue of Electric Radio, page 32,
article titled "Dick Walser Remembered".  Dick is apparently the fellow
who came up with this SSB mod.  The article mentions Dick's company,
Airborne Electronics and further states:

"In all, Airborne remanufactured about one thousand R-390As.  A large
number of them were shipped to radio dealers in the (Los Angeles/North
Hollywood) area.  Not all of them went to the dealers.  Todd Shipyards
purchased ten radios that were to be installed in five destroyer escorts
being built in the 1970's, and in the 1980's a mysterious Japanese
entrepreneur purchased twenty R-390A's for his well-heeled clients in
Tokyo.  Most of their rebuilt radios were shipped to well-known 3-letter
Government agencies.  Some were shipped to countries in South America. 
R-390As that were under contract to Columbia Electronics received a new
nameplate that reflected 'Columbia Electronics' as the manufacturer."


  Columbia Electronics does show up as an R-390A manufacturer on an
R-390A FAQ at:
http://www.r-390a.net/faq-manuf.htm

73
Dave Ross    N7EPI    ross@hypertools.com



"Dennis L. Wade" wrote:
> 
>         I too have what appears to be a factory or professional SSB mod.
> Its a Motorola contract tag with an EAC if deck.  Under the chassis
> is an extra module with a 6U8 and 2 (I think) crystals.  Note in the
> pics (link below) that the silk-screened panel has been changed.
> Looks factory/professional to me.
> 
> >
> > I have a Collins-made R-390A S/N 756 from the very first contract
> > (14214-PH-51).  It was modified to add SSB capability.  The BFO switch
> > was changed from the "Off-On" to "LO-UP-AM-BFO".
> >