[R-390] Out from the shadows ...

[Mike Castellana]

How do you do fellas',
Mike from Mass here... Recently had the good fortune
to find a squeaky clean R-390A of my own. It has an
Imperial tag (ser. no. 440) yet everything else on the
rig is labeled EAC. (I don't really know where to look
for serial nos. on modules) As I mentioned radio is
very clean; Engraved front panel is beautiful as is
gear train. All WPM shields and covers present.

After careful visual inspection of radio combined w/
impression radio was taken care of, I double checked
fuses and decided to fire it up. I was relieved when I
heard the sounds of the airwaves bursting forth into
my room. One of the first things I noticed was a
fairly obvious hum and vibration from the power
transformer (? largest transformer underneath) I
pulled both rectifier tubes and radios output tubes
but this problem persisted. Before I shut it down I
took it up and down the bands; radio seemed sensative
everywhere. All functions seemed to be working too.
After shutting rig down I pulled both electrolytics
... they both have seepage.

I've since received the Field and Depot Maintenance
Manual which is fascinating but mostly over my head.
I've browsed the Y2K manual (but haven't downloaded
yet), read every post to the 390 net in the archives
(probably twice:), and spent many many hours checking
out what's available on the net.  I've also been
comparing what I've been learning, with the rig itself
on the bench... it's been a blast and is really
starting to make sense.

Since I'm mostly sure there's nothing tremendously
wrong w/ radio my plan of action is to do the absolute
minimum to the rig that'll get it up and running and
safely. This includes (here's where I'd really
appreciate opinions) visual inspection underneath
modules, replacing electrolytics, and replacing two
nasties in IF module. I'll also be putting a three
prong power cord on radio and lubricating gear train. 

If it isn't obvious enough to y'all I'm very new to
this stuff, the only similar project I've tackled has
been to completely recap an HRO-60 (mission very much
accomplished... I love that National) The only test
gear I own is a multimeter. I'd love some advice re-
hum from transformer. If after I finish my small list
of "do's" and hum is still present what's next?

Oh yeah ... I'm awaiting a recap kit and bristol
wrench kit ...

Please pardon such a long post. I wanted to say hello
and let everyone know where I was at and that another
of these fine radios had found it's way into some
caring hands.

Best regards,
Mike


		
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