[R-390] Tell me about Single Sideband Converters

[Kenneth]

This should be an interesting thread.  In all of the years I have been on
this list I do not remember an in depth discussion of these hollowstate Side
band adapters. I only have experience with my Eldico SBA-1. I would like to
learn about the other such units manufactured. 

The CV-591A/URR is a Collins made unit.  As you know most anything Collins
puts a premium on the price working or not.  The only unit I can comment on
is the Eldico Electronics SBA-1 adapter I have.  The bottom line is works
great it makes the tuning of SSB on an R390A just like any modern rig.  I am
sure the engineering on the Collins adapter might be better; I have not been
able to do an A-B comparison. Being able to tune a side band phone round
table without having to ride herd of the RF gain is really nice. The SBA-1
has a 4 watt audio amp, a noise blanker, which isn't as good as the one on
the R390A which really is no surprise, a notch filter, and a AVC setting
fast/slow, as well as the usual controls for audio volume, mode, IF gain,
standby/receive. On the back panel there are connections for AVC, muting,
speaker connections For 4 and 600 ohms, and IF signal inputs for hi and low
impedance. 

>From a boatanchor pilot mind set I like these units because they where a
contemporary hollowstate solution to the SSB deficiencies of the R390A.
As I have reported the when you place the SBA-1 on top of the R390A the
controls on the SBA-1 match the flow of the controls on radio.

                       Ken de W7ITC