[R-390] Re: R-390 digest, Vol 1 #723 - 12 msgs

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

Glenn Little WB4UIV wrote:

> The tubes are soldered into modules that plug in. The modules contain 
> the tube, the bypass, biasing and coupling components. This makes it 
> relatively easy to maintain, if you have spares. The actuating arms 
> that go from the RF modules break easily. The receiver is so unstable 
> that a fully insulated tuning wand inserted into the area where the 
> straps from the tuning capacitor to the RF modules causes the radio to 
> shift frequency. The projection dial is rather interesting and novel. 
> I have worked on a few and own a few. They are real cheap (in the free 
> to $100.00 range). The higher price is for one new in the box. Most 
> hamfests that I go to have one there priced at $75.00 and it goes back 
> with the owner. The radio requires a special cable or the back plate 
> removed from your radio to maintain it. 

Reminds me of the URC-32/KWT-6. Separate sub assemblies with plug in 
modules. A major PITA to deal with if you're trying to trobuleshoot and 
don't have spare modules. With the spares, you can not only swap them 
out for testing, you can also leave the spares in place while you 
service the corrupted module. A sort of 'rotating spares' arrangement.

No experience here with the SRR-series of receivers, but the URC-32 is 
indeed a wonderful radio to use with the following caveats: if it's 
working properly and if you don't have to service it.

For the military it wasn't likely an issue with the multitudes of spares 
they keep.

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ