[R-390] Fair Radio R-392's

[Barry Hauser]

Hi Tom, Fred list ..
> With an R-392 it's easier to get a unit in good condition because the 
> case is sealed.

That's provided it was stored closed up -- but most all are.  The one 
downside -- very strong MFP "bouquet" -- formaldehyde-y -- but you don't 
smell it when the radio is closed up.

> Most typical R-392 stories start out with the person talking about  how 
> beat up a particular radio looks, then being surprised that it  looks like 
> new inside.
>
> I've not tried to substitute a meter on a 392, so can't answer that 
> question.

I'd imagine the original meter is the same as the carrier meter in the 
R-390/R-390A, with the unusually low (17 ohm) DC coil resistence.  To get 
other meters to work reasonably well in R-390/R-390A's may involve changing 
some resistors in the IF deck as the meter is part of a bridge circuit. 
Either that, or building a little op-amp meter driver as some have done.

Gary at Fair tells me that he is selecting substitute meters that give 
reasonable deflection on strong and medium signals -- after adjustment --  
without doctoring the IF deck.  Apparently, the R-392 is more forgiving of 
substitute meters than the R-390/R-390A.  (more of an adjustment range 
available.)

Vintage-wise, I personally haven't found that much difference between 
various pedigrees and contracts of R-392's.  I've seen Collins, Stewart 
Warner, Federal, Dubrow, and "Collins remanufactured by Stewart-Warner" --  
maybe others have opinions.  He mentioned that he has some Stewart-Warners, 
but probably a mixed bag of others too.

It is true -- they're shipping the nicest ones first, but says he still has 
some of the nicer ones.  '392's are fairly easy to detail in a way that's 
authentic-looking -- e.g. touch-up paint chips with OD as per the mil 
manual.

I wouldn't wait too long if you're thinking of ordering one -- the numbers 
are limited and they seem to be flying out of the place, even at $550.  In 
addition to matching up meters, Gary tests the tubes and burns the radios in 
for about 24 hrs. before shipping.

Also, sounds like the substiture meters are the kind you can open, so you 
could download a copy of the right meter scale, print on label stock and 
apply over the existing one.

I have no pecuniary interest -- just another customer -- bought a '392 from 
Fair a long time ago and it's still my best one.  Had to call about 
something else, and digressed into this topic, which is someting that 
happens to me quite a bit ;-)

If you have any detailed questions, I suggest you call Gary there.

Barry








>
> On Jan 10, 2006, at 9:22 AM, <fwbray at mminternet.com> 
> <fwbray at mminternet.com> wrote:
>
>>    Has anyone purchased an R-392 from Fair Radio yet.  I am  considering
>> picking one up and I wonder what the general condition is.  I  assume 
>> that
>> like the 390a's that they had, the better ones will be sold first.
>>
>>   Also does the substitute meter function properly, or does it just  fill
>> the hole?  Any idea of the vintage of the lot that Fair has?
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Fred Bray
>> KE6CD
>>
>>
>>
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