[R-390] Re-R390 Putting a Cap on Caps

[Cecil Acuff]

I'll add to what George said by saying don't pay a lot of attention to the 
tag on the front of the radio.  It in most cases don't mean a whole lot 
because when you get home with it you will most likely find a "who's who" of 
manufacturers names on the modules.  They usually came out of the Mil Depot 
that way after being overhauled.

I certainly wouldn't pay more just because it had a certain tag on the 
front.  Except in the case where you may find a 67 EAC with all EAC modules 
for example.  But verify the modules to be EAC if you can.  That would be 
one case where it might be worth more money.  Try to get one with original 
meters if you can...don't worry too much about top and bottom covers....if 
their in place OK but don't pass on a radio that's missing them.  If it has 
covers pull them and look around before committing to the purchase.

Know the difference between an R-390A and a R-390/URR there both good 
radio's but some folks aren't sure how to identify each in the wild.  Look 
for the antenna trimmer control location.  Top center is an "A".

I've done business with Fair Radio and they are good folks.  Most of the 
radios they have had for the last few years are from the Blue Stripe pile of 
St. Julian's Creek.  They are more of a challenge than just your average 
surplus 390A just be aware of that.

And as George said Welcome to the list.

Cecil Acuff

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "ks1u" <ks1u at prodigy.net>
To: "KU4YP" <ku4yp at verizon.net>; "J.Byers" <face1941 at iprimus.com.au>
Cc: <R-390 at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2005 8:43 AM
Subject: Re: [R-390] Re-R390 Putting a Cap on Caps


> Mike:
>     Hello and welcome to the list.  I have dealt with Fair Radio and they 
> really are good guys, I have never had anything but good luck with them. 
> However, I have always used them for parts and not the whole radio.  Since 
> you have been thinking about this for a year or so, I wouldn't discount 
> finding one "in the wild".  Buying from a commercial source is a lot like 
> going to the fish market for dinner versus getting one from a swap meet or 
> local auction.  Going on the hunt, armed with patience and knowledge is 
> probably the least expensive way to get one.  There are also guys on the 
> list who could probably help you out as well.
>     If you do start hitting the swap meets and auctions, I wouldn't walk 
> away from a basket case if the price was right, most of us have parts and 
> sub chassis filed away in our basements and garages.  Since these sub 
> chassis can be easily swapped out, my philosophy has always been, you can 
> never have enough replacement parts or tubes.  I have for instance about 
> 40 complete sets of NOS tubes for the R-390A.  I keep a list with me when 
> I go to swap meets and when the price is right I grab them even if I don't 
> need them.
> QRZ.com lists your address as Bartow, FLwhich, means the Orlando Hamfest 
> is coming up and you'll almost certainly see one or more R390's / R390A's 
> there.  There's also a nice hamfest in Stuart as well as a few other 
> places within a few hours drive.  Personally I like to get there early and 
> stay late, you'd be surprised how the prices drop on some of these heavy 
> radios when it's time to pack them up.  I particularly like my chances of 
> a good deal when the XYL is helping pack up these radios as the show is 
> breaking down and the crowds have dwindled.   Anyhow, the best deals are 
> those radios which are complete, dirty and not working.  There is enough 
> expertise on the list and through numerous websites that getting a 
> complete, non working 390 to play is really quite reasonable a project. 
> Let us know how you make out.
>
> George
>
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