[R-390] IF module C553

[Tim Shoppa]

> I have a two R390a's. One is a EAC 67 vintage. I was checking
> the IF module for "Black Beauties". The C553 is a silver
> hermetically sealed cap made by West. Are
> these risky to be left in place??

I don't think any manufacturer ever put a black beauty in for C553.

Your Westcap is spec-wise just the same as the Sprague hermetic cans that I've seen in other IF strips, and should be replaced with a new high-quality conservatively-rated cap.  I like the orange drops but physically much smaller polyester caps ought to be fine too.

> The other R390a is an original Collins single fuse model. I'm
> going to install the separate B+ fuses but the question is
> does this effect the value of the radio? I was thinking of
> putting the fuses on a bracket 
> inside the radio as opposed to drilling holes in the rear panel.

Usability and safety-wise, the fuses are a way good idea.  Without it a tube arc/short can take out some chokes and, worst case, start a fire. But they'll reduce the rarity of a completely-non-modded radio.

It'd be interesting to know this history of this radio.  Most of the ones in military use got modded to three fuses when they went through the depot many decades ago.  But maybe this was a MARS or non-military (embassy, contractor equipment, ?) unit from the get-go?

Tim.