[R-390] For Sale: R-390A in Cabinet w/SSB Mod.

[Jim DiMauro]

Hi All:

I have a Collins-made R-390A S/N 756 from the very first contract
(14214-PH-51).  I also have the military cabinet to go with it.

The radio was modified to add SSB capability.  The BFO switch was
changed from "Off-On" to "LO-UP-AM-BFO" and the dial lock was removed
and replaced with a "VFO Vernier" control.  The mod was very nicely done and
works well, with screened lettering on the front panel, and there are no
immediately obvious circuit additions from looking at the top of the
chassis.  I don't know exactly what type of mod was done, but it's certainly
not a typical hack job normally assosciated with military radio conversions
by amateurs.  You can search the list archives for a thread I started on the
subject of the SSB conversion back in July 2003.

Electrically the radio works very well.  There are two issues, however.
First, the on/off switch doesn't work; it's stuck in the "ON" position, so
you have to unplug the radio to shut it off.  Second, the radio operates
well on all bands, but the xtal calibrator won't calibrate the radio on the
80 Meter band: the calibrate signal is outside the mechanical travel limits
when the "Zero Adj" knob is locked.  Calibration is fine on 40 Meters.  I'm
not sure about the calibrate adjustment on the other bands; I used this
radio only on 80 and 40.  I never tried to align the radio, because it
worked well enough for me when I got it.  I replaced the "seven deadly caps"
as a preventative measure.  I also added a cap and a resistor to the diode
load output for use with an external audio amp.  The stock audio stages work
fine, though.

Mechanically and cosmetically the radio is in very good shape.  The chassis
is dirty, but it doesn't affect the operation.  Also, I've never cleaned or
lubed the gear train; it works smoothly and I never got around to doing it.
It probably needs cleaning and adjustment because often when you lock the
Zero Adj knob, the clutch doesn't release and you have to fiddle with it to
calibrate the radio.

The radio doesn't have the top or bottom covers.  The cabinet has no dents
or damage, but it's been around the block a few times and could use a new
paint job.

Here are links to photos of the radio without the cabinet; I'll take photos
of the cabinet tomorrow and post them as well.

http://webusers.warwick.net/~u1016524/r390afront.JPG

http://webusers.warwick.net/~u1016524/r390atop.JPG

http://webusers.warwick.net/~u1016524/r390abottom.JPG

http://webusers.warwick.net/~u1016524/r390arear.JPG

http://webusers.warwick.net/~u1016524/r390assbadapt.JPG


I'm open to offers.

Thanx & 73,
Jim
WA2MER