[R-390] R-391/URR (MOD) - Direction Finder Set AN/FRA-44 --- Receiving Set AN/FLR-7

[Don Reaves W5OR]

Clay, after some thought about your question, this is what I would do.

First, document what you know about the unit.  Apparently you've made
good progress and have assembled stories and references to its origins
and history.  Thanks for sharing that information.  

Secondly, I would take pictures of the current configuration, with extra
detail of the changes from the stock configuration, and preserve those
pictures along with the other documentation you've found.  Its fairly
simple to save web pages, documents and digital pictures to CD.  Maybe
even convince a list member who has a 390 page to include some of that
on his site.  

Third, restore the unit back to its original 'as shipped from Collins'
condition.  You should be able to find spare IF decks and whatever else
you might need since there is so much in common with the R390.  The R391
is a fine performing radio, and your stated goal of having an AM and SWL
everyday working receiver is certainly reasonable and attainable.  There
are several members on the list who have R-391s so help is at hand.   

By doing 1 and 2 above, you've documented and preserved a bit of
history, however esoteric it might be, and by doing 3 you've put the
receiver back to work.  Otherwise, with a countermeasures type bandwidth
it isn't much fun to listen to.

Don



> keep the original one for some future owner.  What's the 
> group consensus?
> Is this a receiver that only a hardcore collector could 
> really appreciate,
> or is it of general interest to the members of this list?  
> Comments anyone?
> My long term interest is to own a nicely cared for, and well 
> functioning
> R-390/391 that would be used on a daily basis.
> 
> Clay
>