[R-390] first SWL receiver

[Albert Morris]

My first radio & (which lead to) my first SW Radio was a KnightKit I got for
Christmas in 1965.  It was a crystal radio kit and even reading and (I think
understanding) how it worked I was hooked, took my Christmas tip money from
my paper route and purchased the KnightKit Space Spanner.  After building
that radio I spent many an hour listening to stations like the BBC, HCJB,
Radio Canada and of course Radio Havana (it was hard to not hear it back
then) as well as many other wonderous stations around the globe and on he AM
band.  I next graduated to an S-38D which had gone through a flood but after
washing in clean water and cleaning the controls worked good if not great.
Those two radios saw me in to Ham Radio in 1969 which lead me in 1971 to my
first and only R-390.  It was a basket case looking much like it had been
dropped on one end from at least the top of an 8 foot rack.  Doner radios
were hard to come by in those days (as were most R-390s) but one was located
for the main chassis and spider frame (which was cracked in 3 places).  That
was an experience but what a thrill to hear that radio come alive.  I have
had many other military radios (I wish I had held onto the BC-610 I once had
though) come through my life and now also have a BC-348 and R-390A.  The
wonder and magic of radio has never left me after nearly half a century.

73 all Al WB8FEQ