[R-390] Any help for a beginner?

[KC8OPP Roger S.]

Ronnie,

Well, for what it is worth, I will add my 2 cents
worth here.  FIRST.......if it's not
broken........Don't fix it!!!  Your first goal should
be to get the radio operating, maybe not 100% but at
least usable for some local AM or shortwave listening.
 This will get you familiar with the rig and let you
enjoy it as you learn its operations.

Start with the power supply, all other modules need
it.  Repair any obvious damaged and burnt components
then verify proper voltages and currents.

Second, work on the audio section.  This is the human
interface section, it all ends up here for the
operator to enjoy.  Again only fix what is necessary
to get it operating, there will be time later to
enhance and buff.  At this stage even a good cleaning
can wait, but removing large clumps and cleaning all
sockets and connector pins is good.

Third, the IF deck.  Same as the audio, get it working
for the short term.  You may uncover problems at this
stage and these should be fixed as you go.  A complete
re-cap is a good thing, but only after the rig is
working.

Now you decide what is next, the PTO or crystal
oscillator.  Both are needed by the RF deck which will
be the last sub-chassis to work on.  Follow the manual
and search the web for help.

When you have the radio working it is time for the
cosmetics and enhancements and these can be done as
you see fit.  I think that having an ugly working
radio is much better than having a pretty non-working
one.

Good luck.  You have a large project ahead, but one
that can be accomplished and be very rewarding in the
end.

This order is my opinion, others may disagree but this
works for my R-390's (non A).  YMMV!  Currently I have
2 in the rack for day-to-day operation and one on the
bench going through the above repair order.  I just
noticed you have R-390A's, but this order should work
for you.

It sounds like you have more than one, if so keep one
for seed.  Something will come up and having one
complete to see where a part goes or a harness routes
to is a good thing.

Have fun, work carefully, and save the cosmetics for
last.

73's
Roger
KC8OPP


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