[R-390] Variacs & original spec...

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

Scott, Barry (Clyde B) wrote:

>So, what you're saying is if Art had intended for radios to have VARIACS
>installed in them, he would have included it in the design of the R390[A],
>right?  :)
>
>Barry(III) - N4BUQ
>(who has a VARIAC but doesn't usually run his R390A on it because his line
>voltage isn't all that far out of spec...)
>
>
>
>Plug 'em in and either they smoke or they don't.............we dont need no 
>steenkin' variacs.
>
>Les
>
Geez, I leave for a while and you guys are trying to re-invent the wheel 
again. I tell ya! Where's my paddle? Les is right!

Someone please quote for me the information from the R-390 manuals as to 
the power *input* specs for these receivers. Isn't it something like 
110-125 VAC? And if so, wouldn't that seem to imply that the designers 
were indeed bright enough to build into the equipment a margin of safety 
to account for variations in line voltage? I think it's Hank who is fond 
of the saying "trying to separate the fly shite from the pepper". This 
would appear to be one of those situations, Hank!

I s'pose if you've got nothing better to do, you can delude yourself 
into believing you need to build something or otherwise 'improve' these 
fine receivers to account for some perceived shortcoming. Hey - if it 
feels good, do it. Sorta like the 'need' to call an R-390 a 'nonA'? (-:

Meantime I'd offer the following: I'm sure that the voltage levels are 
indeed excessively high in some areas (meaning higher than 125vac), but 
not here. Mine runs right around 117 most of the time. If I were me (!) 
and the voltage in my area ran over 125 regularly, I'd be talking with 
the power company to address the problem. Your R-390 should be the least 
of your worries if this is the case - the toaster and microwave will be 
doing the Rhumba across the counter tops!

Thanks to Prof. Locklear for pointing out to me some years back the 
simplicity of addressing this in the SP-600 by changing the tap on the 
transformer(built-in feature 'by design'). I had drifting problems and 
was *sure* there were a ton of components out of spec. I tend to do that 
though, check for a fried transformer when the radio no-workie before 
looking for a blown fuse. Just smack me.

Glad to see this is all I missed. Would've felt slighted if the 
radioactive meter or black gooey cap innards threads had come back 
around while I was away. Been back for a week now, after a cross-country 
trip to reteive a nice old 1400 lb. Collins BC transmitter, just finally 
catching up. Now you can see why I have trouble finding time for things 
like fixing those broken gear clamps.

73 de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ

BTW, Roy Morgan used to bring up a very valid point about VARIAC use - 
bad idea long term unless you plan on welding the dial into place or 
wiring it for constant voltage. Only takes one sneeze, one errant bump, 
small earthquake, diabolical pet, etc to move the power setting up to 
meltdown point. Hey, if you're worried about what 120V will do to it, 
try to imagine 150 or...*gasp* 240VAC!   *sizzle*