Fw: [R-390] New Guy

[Lee Bahr]

 Miles:
 Thanks so much for your detailed help and info.  It makes a lot of sense.
I
 will do what you say.  I did order a cap kit but will only install C553
 initially.  I will also initially rebuild the filter can caps if necessary.
 Your post will be of great help and I'll follow your procedure.  This gives
 me a plan and some insight as to many unsuspecting initial pitfalls for a
 "new guy" working on a R-390A.

 I am an experienced ham and have worked on a lot of boat anchors, so I am
 not a complete novice.  That said, I have never been inside an R-390A. I
 will go slow and cautiously.  When I rebuild a radio, I do whatever I can
to
 do it right.  I don't like cobbling up a radio and I try to duplicate
 original design and use original type parts as much as possible.  I am
aware
 of "black beauties" and the leaks in old design paper caps due to moisture
 mixing with acids in the caps old paper.  I know the pitfalls of trying to
 use old deformed electrolytics and how old carbon resistors go up in value.
 I don't like cutting corners to save a nickel but I am not willing to spend
 big bucks for terminal strips or wire that report to give "better sound and
 clarity"!  In short, I understand a lot about restoring things, but, the
 things you pointed out specific to an R-390A is of particular importance
and
 interest to me and any other "new guy" tackling his first R-390A.

 I initially was just going to reply to you direct bypassing the list, but
 now that there are other "new guys" on here, I decided my comments to you
 might be of some benefit to them as well.

 Two last comments.  1.  I ordered a cap replacement kit and front panel
 hardware package from Walter Wilson a couple of days ago and he has
informed
 me my kit is on it's way.  I think he got it out within hours of me
ordering
 it from him.  2.  I have used and have MANY of the yellow 400 and 600 volt
 caps sold by Mouser and Antique Electronic Supply.  I've used them without
 hesitation rebuilding Hallicrafters and the like type equipment.  I have
 never experienced a failure using them.  That said, for some reason, I want
 to recap my R-390, when the day comes, with orange drops.  I guess a high
 end rig ought to have high end capacitors.  Besides, bright orange with
 Teflon spaghetti around the leads looks impressive!  They look great next
to
 my Y2K-R2 manual in its impressive new 3 inch blue binder sitting on the
 desk right next to my R-390A.  (OK, maybe I can get to believe green wire
 gives better tone and bass response then yellow wire)!  Anyway, this radio,
 the orange drops, and the Y2K-R2 manual next to me make me look smarter
then
 I really am!

 Thanks again, Miles,  and to others who have given me good advice over
these
 past few days.  I'm going to sign off now and go read my Y2K-R2 book I
 downloaded the other night.  (It took a full cartridge of ink and a stack
of
 paper 3 inches tall to print it out).

 Lee Bahr, w0vt
 Houston, Tx



 From: <K2CBY@aol.com>
 To: <r-390@mailman.qth.net>
 Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 5:43 AM
 Subject: [R-390] New Guy


 "I don't plan on firing the radio up until it is recapped."
 If I were you, I'd go a little slower.