[R-390] Sad Story

[Guido Santacana]

Someone recently said that there was not much activity here. Well, here's a story for your entertainment. Since 1979 there was always at least one R390A in my shack. In fact, the first one came from Fair with original maintenance manual and twinax connector. From then on I amassed no less than 7 of these receivers, 3 R390URRs and 4 R390As with one R392 and one R388. Even a 75A4 landed here for free. Most of the R390s came from older hams who had obtained them as surplus from the big local army, airforce and navy bases that unfortunately are no more except for one. I repaired and re-aligned each and every one of them.One solitary EAC R390A was loaned to a good SWL friend who promised to take good care of it and give it back when he did not want it anymore. In 2001-2002 health issues forced the sale of a lot of my collection. Nothing was sold on e-bay. I used the lists. Just a couple of R390s went for a trade before that. At the end I always thought that I had my "spare" in my friend's shack. When things went back to normal, I decided to get that R390A back. Well, I found that my friend divorced and his XYL disposed of his shack in the dump including a top of the line modern receiver. Trying to get at least some $$ for the set was useless so this ended the possible presence of this venerable receiver in the shack. In this 100 x 35 mile island I doubt that another one may be found. So now I wait to see what comes up at a reasonable cost because as that guy used to say on TV "prices are insane!" I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!

Best 73s
Guido KP4FAR
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