[R-390] Is anyone selling R-390A Cap kits?

[Cecil Acuff]

Don wrote:
>
> Note that paper caps had significant leakage resistance when they
> were new -- often in the several hundred kOhm range (i.e., leakage
> currents of as much as hundreds of uA with 500 V across them).  If
> the leakage resistance has not decreased significantly from that
> level, they are still in "as-installed" condition with respect to
> leakage.  One could argue that it is theoretically better to replace
> them with modern parts that have much less leakage -- but that is not
> necessary.  Leakage in the hundreds of uA per cap was normal from the
> day the radios were made, and leakage at that level today does NOT
> indicate the decline or immanent failure of the cap.  The vast
> majority have not changed since they were installed, and will not
> change over the next 60+ years.

Well maybe the caps in the R-390A were crap when new...I don't know.  We 
can't go back and test any of them as they were when manufactured so none of 
us really know for sure.  What I do know is that the Vitamin Q caps in the 
R-390/URR do not fail the same leakage testing as the caps in the R-390A and 
they are even older.

Either school of thought is fine.  I believe you will be back in the radio 
that has not had the old paper caps replaced more often that not...but 
that's part of the "Charm" of these old rigs anyway...right...:-)

Bottom line is have fun.  That's what it's all about.


Cecil