[R-390] 3tf7

[Bob Camp]

Hi

A total of three failures out of less than 15 radios.

1) Radio I got on the e place and it came with a resistor where the 
3TF7 used to be.
2) Hamfest acquisition. It was working when bought and was dead when I 
got it home.
3) Fair radio was the source. It arrived with a dead ballast tube. I 
have stood there and watched Fair check out R-390's. I am *very* sure 
it did not leave Lima with a dead ballast tube. Just for the record 
there was no problem getting the part replaced.

Obviously I did not see the first one fail. I can only draw the 
conclusion that it failed. Maybe that one does not count. The other two 
have an obvious common element. The R390 got bounced all over New 
England with a used ballast tube in it. I suspect that is not a real 
good thing to do to a 20 or 30 year old ballast tube.

To your point. I have never seen one fail in a radio that was operating 
normally. Assuming they survive transport they seem to be fairly 
reliable.

	Take Care!

		Bob Camp
		KB8TQ

On Sep 24, 2004, at 9:24 PM, Dan Arney wrote:

> Let us get down to the nitty gritty. I have over 40 R-39XX and have 
> never had a 3TF7 failure. I have heard of "VERY" few failures .
> How many TECHS out there that really worked on the units can verify 
> that this is a real.
> HOW ABOUT SOME PROOF IN THE PUDDING AS THE OLD SAYING GOES.
> Some people hype this to sell upgrades and mods.
> As Nolan Said he had some running 24/7 for over 7 years with no 
> failures.
> WHO IS TOOTING WHOSE HORN.
> I have sold over 100 NIBOS 3TF7's and nobody has ordered one other than
> as a spare or some bought several maybe to speculate on later.
>
> It is amazing that these fine units worked all over the world in had 
> to various power conditions without the use of variacs, inrush 
> limiters and with and with out black tube shields, in racks and racks 
> and running 24/7.
> If you do not get the point then call ET in one of his calls home.
>
> HOW MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE CAN TRULY VERIFY A 3TF7 FAILURE.
>
> as i slide off of my soap box and my .002 worth.
> 73
> Hank
> KN6DI
>
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