[R-390] R-389 adventure

Wed Mar 17 00:09:46 EDT 2010

Greeting to all on the list.

I have another exceptional radio to share in photos with the group.
This time it's a 1954 Collins R-389... the VLF (15KHz - 1500KHz)
version of the R-390.  Everything is original including the paint,
with the exception of the knobs.  The only parts replaced were two
broken fuse holders and the almost always defective CR-801 bridge
rectifier in the power supply.

Here is an index of the photos at:  www.wa3key.com/r389

  01 - Front panel parts
  02 - Frame w/o front panel
  03-07 - Frame
  08-21 - RF deck
  22-23 - RF amplifier sub-chassis
  24-27 - IF deck
  28-31 - Audio deck
  32-33 - PTO
  34-36 - Power Supply
  37-38 - Motor rectifier module
  39 - RF deck cover
  40 - Main tuning knob parts
  41-42 Radio w/front panel dropped
  43-48 Radio w/o tube shields
  49-52 Radio w/IERC tube shields
  53-54 - Radio w/RF deck cover
  55 - Nameplate

I just finished the radio last weekend and it performs like a champ.
Special thanks to Don Reaves for his encouragement and sharing his
knowledge of the beast.  Enjoy the photos.

73 de Norm - WA3KEY
norm at wa3key.com