[R-390] R390 (non-A) broken tuning slug - FIxed!

[Norman Ryan]

Hi, Kev,

One way to retrieve and hold rack springs is to take paper clips and bend them into the form of a lower case "h."  Put a hook at the lower end of the right side leg of the "h" so that it allows one to snag the spring.  


Use the upper side of the left leg as a handle for manipulating the tool.  With it you can unhook a spring and hook the tool onto something like the frame, thus freeing your hands so that you can lift the slug rack out.  Make at least two of these "h" hooks.


With the "h" hook it's a simple matter to re-engage the spring onto the slug rack when you have it back in place.  Keep tension on the spring so that its lower end doesn't slip off the chassis -- otherwise it's a pain to re-engage.

Have fun,
Norman, KG4SWM




>________________________________
> From: Kevin McGrath <kj_mcgrath at yahoo.com>
>To: Don Heywood <wc4g at knology.net>; "r-390 at mailman.qth.net" <r-390 at mailman.qth.net> 
>Sent: Sunday, July 7, 2013 5:46 PM
>Subject: [R-390] R390 (non-A) broken tuning slug - FIxed!
> 
>
>
>
>Thanks again to all who responded. The slug has been repaired and the 16-31 MC bands are working again.
>
>
> I used dental pick to lift the springs offthe rack, and removed the rack. Happily the slug was not stuck and it fell right out unexpectedly as soon as the rig was a bit over vertical. The slug bounced off the workbench but I caught it in one hand before it hit the concrete floor, with the other hand balancing this 85lb boat anchor. Didn't drop either one.
>
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>The slug had parted cleanly just below the spring. I used superglue to put it back together and burnished the edges lightly with a jewelers file to make sure it moved easily once back in the coil. There was a bit of trouble getting the springs back on -- and almost did drop one back down the hole. A piece of dental floss tied around the upper end of the spring saved the day.  (I dread having to remove the RF unit and thus getting into the mechanical aspects of the gear train. But I suppose that will come in time).
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>At any rate, the R390 is all back together an the 16-31 MC bands are working again.
>
>This list is a phenomenal resource. I went back and read two years of the archives and most of the 'pearls'. No way I could have tackled bringing my R390 and R390A back to life without the combined wisdom, hint and kinks of this group.
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>Thanks, 
>
>Kev
>