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

[Dennis L. Wade]

David and all,

	Yes...that pretty much describes it.  Thanks to Dan Arney, I'm now 
sure its indeed a product detector/fixed BFO mod.

	The history of my radio sort of fits...I bought it from a guy on the 
40 meter swap net in North Hollywood in the 87-88 time frame (pre 
Ebay thank heavens)..  Fits with that story.  However there are no 
obvious markings that would betray its history.  Should there be any? 
 Did Columbia Electronics tag their units?

	Several have asked if the mod works well, so I'll answer here.  
Sorry guys...I just can't say yet.  The radio is still in "as 
received" condition.  I've done nothing to it.  Keep this in mind 
when I say I wasn't impressed with the AGC action, and I will not be 
surprised to be troubleshooting the AGC system when I can actually 
lift the thing to the bench.

	Thank you to all who took the time to write both to the list and 
privately.  As the bones heal and I get going, I will document my 
progress and share it here.  

	By the way...if any one would like to copy that ER article from 
2/2003 and send it along (costs reimbursed), let me know.

	Also, Les Locklear's post reminded me about  Paolo Viappiani's R-
390A book.  Does anyone know if its still available?  ISBN searches 
reveal nothing so far.  Would anyone care to comment on its value 
despite being in Italian? (No Barry H., I don't kapish either :).

	Thanks....Dennis



> 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
> 
> 
> -----------------
"If you can remain calm, you just don't have all the facts"

Dennis Wade
KG6ZI
Carmichael, CA