[R-390] R390 from Newbie

[Jerry Stern]

Hi Group,
 
Just got a R-390 that was working OK by history and restored by Don
Heywood a few years ago. 
 
I am just getting around to begin to use it and have found some things
not working right. Would appreciate a 'starting' point in helping me
know where to start looking besides the usual tube tapping/replacing
that I am familiar. 

Here's what I am finding first the basic issues:

1) receiver sensitivity not anywhere as good as my (unrestored) EAC
390A.

2) antenna trim seems to have very small effect in peaking any signal

3) only small movements in the carrier meter in response to tuning
signal and/or antenna trim knob.  Tthe carrier meter is not the original
one but a Simpson, white face, model 182, 1 mA but was reported to be
working FB previously.

4) all signals much louder when function switch moved from AGC to
Calibrate

5) Calibrate tone Ok on all 100Kc spots but compared to my 390A very low
output so when bandwidth switch down to 2, or 1 cannot hear it anymore

6) Line Level Vu meter appears to be working OK per basic testing in the
manual.

I am using a balanced antenna adapter to a 20m tuned antenna and I am
using 14mhz signal strength comparisons as I switch the antenna adapter
between the 390A and 390 so I am comparing what should be same signal
strengths between the R390 and 390A (and the adpater seats deeply and
solidly). 

Any starting point or tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

73 Jerry

K1JOS