[R-390] Z503 replacemnt

[Perry Sandeen]

List,

Wrote: I believe that these were "overbuilt" or "over-engineered" for a *REAL* reason.

Remember that these were designed to be a cost reduction version of the R-390/URR. As such, they had tight specifications to engineer to.

I would suspect that there would be *some* degradation of the circuitry *IF* replaced with a good PI-wound 455Kc IF transformer that did NOT have the same shielding.

However, *WE* are NOT radio intercept operators that are trying to operate and get the results needed, such as those in Operation Boresight.

Hi Bob,

I have no argument that Z503 could have been made the way it was for very good reasons that we know nothing about.

And that a “homebrew” replacement may not be nearly as good as the original.

But if we can’t buy a replacement, were stuck with an IF module that now is only good for parts.

Thus arises the question of how to make a workable, albeit, lower performance substitute.

If you know of a source of new or used Z503 units at a somewhat reasonable price I’d be delighted to purchase two spares rather than make a homebrew unit. Making a homebrew unit would be my very last choice.

Regards,

Perrier