[R-390] Identifying Collins 390a

[Cecil Acuff]

Well the "Collins" radio's may not have had the MFP coating applied when new 
but many acquired the coating after delivery at some point.

Folks are way too hung up on the "Collins" built radios which are the oldest 
of the entire series and I have not personally seen nor heard from this 
group that they are any better built radio's than the others.  The fact that 
they seem to bring more at auction is a false economy....but one that will 
continue to be exploited I'm sure.  There is no basis for it.  As mentioned 
the 67 contract EAC is not only the newest of the series that is commonly 
available but also has incorporated some more modern touches in it's 
manufacture that does add value.  One of the ugliest radio's to pass through 
my shop was a 67 EAC and one of the cleanest is my 56 Motorola. (all Mot. 
modules)  I am going through a Stewart Warner (all SW modules) that is an 
SJC survivor and it is amazing how well it held up to the weather and how it 
has cleaned up.  So don't feel like a second rate citizen if you own either 
one of those two makes of the 390A series.  They are great radio's too!

Cecil...

WB5VCE


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Miller" <jmiller1706 at cfl.rr.com>
To: "R-390A Receiver List" <r-390 at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, April 11, 2005 2:21 AM
Subject: Fw: [R-390] Identifying Collins 390a


> Thanks Randy for your info.  I am forwarding to the list for info.
>
> Well it looks like I managed to buy (several years ago) what was 
> advertised as a Collins 390a on e-Rip, but somewhere along the way it lost 
> its original front panel, either during depot work or later restoration. 
> The chassis is definitely Collins (by your criteria) as well as the 
> modules, except for the IF which is Motorola (a nice performer however). A 
> word of caution to the wise: before buying an advertised "Collins" 390a, 
> first assume that it is not....check the criteria Randy lists below, 
> eyball it.  A word to sellers: if you falsely advertise a radio as 
> Collins, using fake tags, non-Collins replacement modules/panels, etc., do 
> us all a favor and go crawl under a rock.  Thanks....
>
> Jim N4BE
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: R390rcvr at aol.com
> To: JMILLER1706 at cfl.rr.com
> Sent: Monday, April 11, 2005 12:10 AM
> Subject: Re: [R-390] Identifying Collins 390a
>
>
> Good evening:
>
> I am sure you have heard this from others, but I have a particular 
> interest in the production variations various models over the years.
>
> Most of the radios went through the military depot process, where parts 
> were often liberally interchanged. The tag often has no relationship to 
> the rest of the radio. So, absolutely don't rely on that. Plus, there are 
> duplicate tags out there, which truly have no relationship to actual 
> manufacture of the radio.
>
> In regard to the Collins. All were silk screened. (Not true for the 
> original R-390 however).
> The first contract, 14214-PH-51 had the "long tag", 3" long. The second 
> and third Collins contracts had a 2.5" tag. All the contracts (Collins) 
> had a single fuse. They all had tool holders on the back panel.  The 6 
> used on the Collins was different from all the other mfg. The top tends to 
> point up towards 1:00, it doesn't curl around at all. This is true on the 
> front panel and the modules.
>
> Collins used very light colored alondying (sp?) as opposed to many other 
> mfgs, which was much more yellow. No MFP used on Collins.
>
> I can tell some of modules mfg. by seeing a detailed picture, in the 
> radio, but not all. It is pretty tough unless you are willing to pull the 
> module. The power supply of course is marked on the shelf, but the others 
> are harder to see. In some cases you can read the crystal osciallator deck 
> mfg. while still in the radio.
>
> Hope this helps. There is a  lot to learn about these wonderful radios. 
> The important thing is, they can all play very well, whether depot dog or 
> pristine.
>
> Many people prefer the last EAC contract, newest, possibly the least wear. 
> I tend to go by the individual radio, re: wear , etc. Don't particularly 
> like Motorolas or Stewart Warners.
>
> Ask if I can answer any more questions
>
> Randy Stout
>
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