[R-390] Update: EAC R-390 factory modification that incorporatesUSB/CW/LSB

[TChirhart]

The R-390A that I mentioned in previous emails back on June 4th has followed
me home.  I have photos of the unit but it does not appear to be the
modified Mexican military version.  An engraved panel has been added that
covers the BFO Pitch and BFO switch and is 2 inches wide, X 4 inches tall.
The markings for the plate that cover the Pitch control show "UPPER  BFO
LOWER" and the Switch shows AM  CW/SSB.

I do note that on the nomenclature plate, after the serial number 182X that
the letter "A" has been stamped next to the SN and appears to have been
added later.  The SN on the rear of the chassis does not match the
nomenclature plate.  The rear number is 31XX and since the zero adjust knob
and dial lock knobs have the marker lines I would say it has been to the
Depot at one time or another.  I have not fired it up but did test it prior
to getting it.  The previous owner used a light zip cord taken from a clock
radio to power it up. Other than missing the top cover it is intact.  

The PTO is a Cosmos, the other modules are EAC and the previous owner pulled
the filter caps and have replacements taped in their place.  I'll have to
find a pair of caps and do it right.  (Does someone on the reflector sell
remanufactured cap kits or rebuilt caps?)

Does anyone on the reflector know of an aftermarket plate as described above
that was marketed in the past?  It really looks commercially manufactured
and not the work that would come out of a trophy shop. 

This unit is of the same contract that is mentioned in the email excerpt I
received below but is not the same mod.  I would like to see a front panel
photo of one of these 390's for comparison.

Quote:
In November, 1998, Mike, KC8CU reported finding a R-390A where the BFO
control had been replaced by a 4-position switch marked LSB-USB-AM-CW. A 6U8
product detector circuit had been added behind the new mode switch.  This
specimen appeared to have been based on a modified 1967 EAC unit from
contract DAAB-05-67-CO15 (CO155) by Columbia Electronics, Inc. of North
Hollywood, CA.  Columbia Electronics' owner confirmed that they had indeed
modified 30 R-390A receivers for SSB for the "Mexican Military".
Unquote

Once I put on a proper power cord I'll fire it up and check it out.  I'll
try to post some photos when I get a website up and running, but if anyone
knows of an area where you can post photos for no cost I'll upload them. 

73
Tom K4NCG