[R-390] Polished front panel R-390A

[John Flood]

Hi Chris,

I've known Ted for many years now.  His shop is just 10 min. from my house.  
Over the past few years, he has taking on learning everything he can about the 
R-390A.  I think I'm guilty to some extent of getting him hooked on them. There 
is no doubt that when he sells one of his units on epay there is loads of 
RadioMart type hype in the description!  I've teased him to no end about that 
but the capitalist in me says fair play to him if it gets him some extra $$$. 
Depending on what he starts with there ends up between 40 and 80 manhours in 
each one, hence his not quitting his day job.  He's hoping to streamline his 
work with the experiance he has gathered.  I will say this I have never felt a 
smoother tuning geartrain than the ones he has done and have had the chance to 
try out a Rick Mish rebuild (not sure how much time Rick spent on mechanical 
stuff vs electrical in that one) and Teds are equal to or better than that one 
(Note, that is based on only one of Ricks rebuilds and It was a few years after 
rebuild so throw in as many other disclaimers you want here!)  I'm going to 
bring my R-725 over there for him to do his majic to the gear train.  He didn't 
confirm it but I think he had the polished panel idea from stripping down a 
panel to repaint and during the cleaning and surface prep he said 'What If?... 
and started polishing.  I like the look of them as well and may try it if i ever 
come across a unit with a front panel that looks so bad I'd want to refinish 
it.  However, I'm usually happy with ugly but working.  I'm not sure about the 
cam alingment claims so can't comment on those.  One thing seems certain, his 
feedback from buyers looks good.  Could this be the Audiophile mentality here 
that if I spend a bunch of money it's going to be great?  I tend to doubt it in 
this case.  In summary, He is no Miltronics by any means based on quantity of 
rebuilds but it seems he coming up with his own tricks of the trade.  I've been 
pushing him a bit on taking in radios for rebuilds and he seems just about at 
the comfort level to take that on.  But I understand some of the reservations he 
has as would most people such as 'If I really screw up something on something i 
own, thats not so bad but if it's someone elses unit?...'  I got him hooked and 
he's now well byond my skillset but then again his kids are grown and time is 
something he has that I do not.  


Hows that for a rambling reply?!?  I must say I have no monentary interest in 
his work but have refered him to an ocaisional radio or parts that need new 
homes.  So here is hope that he'll give me a good deal on my "transmission 
overhaul" but just in case I'll bring a bottle of "solvent" with me! YMMV

John Flood
KB1FQG
978-979-2807


 


----- Original Message ----
> From: Chris Kepus <ckepus at comcast.net>
> To: r-390 at mailman.qth.net
> Sent: Thu, July 14, 2011 2:08:47 PM
> Subject: [R-390] Polished front panel R-390A
> 
> For those of you who can look at a R-390A with a polished front panel and
> not have a seizure, please check out ePay 280708350502. I don't remember
> this guy's work being discussed here but I coulda missed it.  (monitoring
> and learning from list members since 2003)
> 
> I have quoted part of the seller's answer to a question because he mentions
> some reference or procedure with which I am not familiar and have not heard
> about on this list or anywhere else.
> 
> " .... I really should write up the stuff I have discovered, which maybe you
> also used in the service -- such as using not only 7 +000 to align the cams,
> but also 3+000 and 15+000; how to use the variac to find weak tubes and off
> spec resistors, etc etc. Will be experimenting with Ray Osterwald's Zener
> AGC mod next.(ER #150, 11/'01) After the gears, slug racks, shafts, and
> slugs are properly cleaned, aligned, adjusted and lubed, the carpal issues
> totally go away. Then deburring the brass Veeder Root drive gear and
> adjusting the split gear springs smooths it out so zero beating can be done
> quickly. I'll bring one to Nearfest so you can feel the difference. The
> going rate at Ebay over the past year has averaged $1400 and change. After
> parts and a week's work, not enough to quit my day job."
> 
> What is he specifically referring to:? "7 +000 to align the cams, but also
> 3+000 and 15+000"??  Yes, I know I could ask him directly and probably will,
> but he obviously thinks it's pretty cool and I value this list's objective
> opinions very highly.
> 
> Also, since many of you live in the NE, have any of you ever gotten up close
> and personal with one of K1QAR's polished panel R-390A's? ...I kinda like
> it...but being a modified car guy, I like polished aluminum. ;-) Does it
> tune as smoothly as claimed?
> 
> TIA for any and all comments.
> 73,
> Chris
> W7JPG
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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