[R-390] OT: Other Radios You Like

[Robert Nickels]

Barry wrote:
>
> Could someone take a look at the 51J-4 advertised here and perhaps 
> answer a question for me?
>
> http://tinyurl.com/yuqs6c
>
> The faceplate doesn't appear to have any lettering for the bandwidth 
> position.  Could this be a 51J-4 with a 51J-3 faceplate (or are there 
> other differences that would make this improbable)?
>
>
Barry, I first thought this was a 51J3 or R-388 to which the 354A-1 
mechanical filter conversion kit has been added. (You can download the 
354A-1 manual from teh www.collinsradio.org website).   As far as I've 
been able to tell, the two receivers are identical except that the J4 
has the mechanical filter module installed at the factory, and of course 
the nameplate, which sure looks legit on the pic of this one.   
Inspection of the wiring to the mechanical filter module may give you 
some clues.

But you may be correct in thinking the front panel has been replaced 
with one from an R-388.

Collins supplied a water-slide decal with the conversion kit and that's 
what was used on the one I have.  It looks fine at a distance but when 
you look up close, you can see it's not the same as the rest of the 
lettering.  So given there is no silk screen or decal, it's a pretty 
sure bet the panel on this one has been replaced at some point, as they 
are mechanically identical.  Also, the lever used to select the 
mechanical filter is not like any I've seen, but this could have been a 
repair job.   

It shouldn't make any difference in how the receiver operates, just 
boils down to what you are after.   Price is good, so far...

73, Bob W9RAN