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

[odyslim at comcast.net]

 The first thing I would do would be to return that re-cap kit.
There are only 2 or 3 caps in that radio that will ever need to
 be changed. If anybody tells you otherwise, he is a fool.

 If you don't feel like rebuilding the electrolytics, you can
send your old ones to DH distributors and he will rebuild
them for you for $28.00 each. They will have a different 
can but will work perfectly. 1-888-604-0050. He also
sells an FP type that is a really good fit for $14.50 .Very minor soldering necessary for the FP

 Before you run the radio one moment longer, pull the 
audio deck and replace c609. That is an absolute must.
Don't use an orange drop. they don't fit well. You can go
to radioshack and buy a 10uf radial electrolytic that will
work just fine. If you want to be picky, call Mouser and 
order P/n 75-te1303.3, an 8uf 50 volt aluminum electrolytic.
The previous owner may have already replaced c609. If
it is bell shaped and possibly corroded, it is the original.

 There are mixed feelings about the re-cap issue. Others
will tell you something different. Notice paragraph one
of this note. 

 I would go for the out of spec resistors if anything.

 My flame suit and is on and delete button lubed up :-))  

Scott W3CV
-------------- Original message -------------- 

> 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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