[R-390] R-390A mounting position

[Scott, Barry (Clyde B)]

I machined a set of nylon rails that bolt onto the bottom edge of each side
panel (using the holes where the bottom cover normally attaches).  These
rails make up the difference between the bottom edge of the front panel and
the side panels.  The radio (R390A in this case) is supported all along each
side panel and sits flat inside the table-top cabinet.  I could tilt it back
with very little additional stress on the radio.  Of course, slug racks,
lube, etc., have to be accounted for, but the frame itself would be
supported just fine in my case.

I agree that when the radio is on the table top, the controls do not face
the operator as well as I'd like and have thought of tilting mine a bit for
that very same reason.  Too many other projects...

Barry(III) - N4BUQ

> 
> Hi
> 
> Physically doing an inclined mount on a 390 may be harder than it 
> looks. The radio really is not set up to hang by it's face plate. If 
> you take a look at the "standard" cabinets they go to great 
> lengths to 
> support the radio along the bottom edge of the frame. In 
> order to keep 
> things right you would need to support both the back of the radio and 
> the bottom of the radio. Not easy ....
> 
> That of course assumes we are talking about a 45 degree tip back. If 
> you are tipping it 45 degrees forward then things are even more 
> difficult.
> 
> I have a couple of R-390's that I would not trust running at a 45 
> degree angle. The springs on the slug racks do not have enough "pull" 
> to keep everything running smoothly when the racks are at a 
> significant 
> angle. They tend to hang up rather than follow the magic cams. You 
> probably could re-spring the radio with stiffer springs but then the 
> tuning knobs would be even harder to turn.  Since the radio stays at 
> the tune point due to friction you could get things a bit crazy this 
> way ....
> 
> Bottom line - you would need a pretty good mount  *and* a maybe one 
> radio in four to make it work like a R-390 should.
> 
> 	Take Care!
> 
> 		Bob Camp
> 		KB8TQ