[R-390] Collins ARR-41/R-648 HELP????

Glenn Scott wa4aos at aol.com
Sat Dec 12 17:22:16 EST 2015


Hi Group,


I have followed this list for a number of years and have heard little mention of the R-648 receiver. There is a R-648 list but I hear almost no discussion there either.
Not sure how many 648's were built but I own one and have repaired several others for clients. It's actually a pretty decent receiver also built by Collins as an COLLINS ARR-41/R-648 RECEIVER. I see them on epay from time to time and they generally sell for somewhere between $350 for fair examples, operation UNKNOWN to well over $900 for good examples promised to WORK!


It covers 190 – 550 Kc and 2 – 25 Mc skipping the AM broadcast band and was designed for aircraft utility with an aluminum frame to reduce weight. It uses a similar counter display used on the 390, 390A's Veeder counter, and others but a little different. 


Scroll down this page for a pic.
http://www.mrca.ar88.net/photo_gallery/2002_meet_pix/meet_pix.html


I believe all of these were built with dynamotor supplies but many were converted to DC operation once Hams started to get them from the surplus market.


My understanding is the R648 was to replace the aging BC 348's but still being a tube unit when Solid State receivers were becoming more readily available. the R648 was a day late and probably MANY dollars short.


I am sure this is a NON-OFF TOPIC receiver question/discussion but was wondering if there are others who also use this receiver? As the TV commercial from the 80's, I think, said, "TRY IT YOU MIGHT LIKE IT."


Anyone have an idea on how many were built? Any additional historical info will be GREATLY appreciated. I had asked the group about 2 years ago if there was interest in manuals since I have an EXCELLENT copy with legible schematics and supplemental notes but only heard back form 4 or 5 people; not enough to justify the cost of having a batch printed.
Again, any HISTORICAL info will be GREATLY appreciated.


73,
Glenn WA4AOS
DSM Labs
www.dsmlabs.com


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