[R-390] OT: Other Radios You Like

[Chris Kepus]

Hi Barry,

Thanks for throwing out a question that has some likeness to throwing out
raw meat to a pack of hungry wolves...:-0  I am sure you will get a lot of
ideas and opinions.

I am fortunate to have a SP-600JX-17, 51J-4, and R-390A next to one another
in a rack and can listen to them simultaneously.  I also have a NC-183D,
SX-100 and GPR-90 that can be heated up and enjoy very much.  

My favorite band spanner when I am in a hurry to assess the bands is the
SP-600.  One can cruise a lot of frequencies real quickly.  It has nice
audio for SWLing.  Tuning in SSB and CW are possible...made easier with the
variable BFO tuning because the SSB-CW tuning rate is too fast with just the
main tuning knob.  If you really want to make QSOs (as opposed to just
copying random CW from time to time) you will not like the SP-600 for that
activity.  It's not impossible, just too fast for my taste.  Mine is stock,
very stable, and could benefit from a product detector.  The crystal filter
is actually fairly selective but then when trying to tune with the main
dial, it becomes increasingly difficult.  The only time I used the SP
actively for QSOs was when I had a BC-453 Q-5er attached.  That was quite a
versatile receiving package and worked extremely well....especially if you
liked twiddling knobs.

To cut to the chase, the receivers on my short list are the R-390A and the
51J-4.  I go back and forth between them because, to me, each has their
advantages over the other.  They both do it all (AM, CW, SSB, etc.) and with
some simple modifications, they do it remarkably well.  I think the R-390A
has the potential to be the winner simply because if one is not afraid of
doing some mods, its performance can be enhanced to the point of
"spectacular" in all respects.  Although I am not an electrical engineer or
a former electronic tech (and therefore lack their technical knowledge and
practical experience) I do believe that the R-390A is a great choice.  As I
continue to pare down my toys it also seems to have the edge when it comes
to ease of repair (my opinion strictly from reading and listening).  

A dark horse also in the running is my Drake R4-C.  I now have a FS-4 for
continuous coverage.  It was my receiver of choice for SSB and CW back in
the late 70's, early 80s.  But it is another Rx that can really play in the
major leagues with some popular modifications.  I don't think it meets the
Boatanchor criterion, however. :-)

Good luck.  It's a hunt that you'll enjoy immensely.

Chris
W7JPG







-----Original Message-----
From: r-390-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:r-390-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Barry
Sent: Friday, February 22, 2008 11:43 AM
To: r-390 at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [R-390] OT: Other Radios You Like

I've been thinking of getting another BA and was wondering if you guys have
any recommendations with regards to a 75A-4, R-388(51J-3), 51J-4, or an
SP-600.  I'd really like to be able to have general coverage (hence making
the 75A-4 not a good choice) and was wondering how these radios stack up
against each other.  Things like filtering, general "sounds good", etc.,
would be appreciated.  I'd probably want to do some CW work with it so the
provision of a CW-width filter is a big consideration; however, I want it
sound good on SWL-ing activities too.

Also, if you know where any of these radios might be for sale (besides
eBay), I'd appreciate that too.

Thanks,

Barry - N4BUQ 
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