[R-390] Interesting Radio

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Wed, Apr 20, 2016 at 2:27 PM, Nick England <navy.radio at gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> On Wed, Apr 20, 2016 at 11:10 AM, Todd, KA1KAQ <ka1kaq at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Fowler foul up was the last instance I'm aware of where the R-390A is
>> documented in a gov't spec of any kind.
>>
> =====================================
>
> I've pulled a batch of hi-res photos off the National Archives showing the
> FFG-7 series of frigates under construction.
> http://www.navy-radio.com/ships/ffg7.htm
>
> Nice shots of M28 TTY gear, R-1051 rcvrs, etc in their native habitat.
> And a good ole R-390A installed in each ship 1980-87
> See for instance
> http://www.navy-radio.com/ships/ffg7/ffg43-06808.jpeg
>
> These were not the 1984 Fowler units, but evidently ones refurbed or
> pulled from stock (or somewhere) and installed in ships under construction
> as late as 1987.
> They are shown in the 1988 FFG-7 class Radio Communications System manual.
>


That's right too, Nick - I'd forgotten those or somehow thought it was part
of a rebuild/refit. They were actually new boats.

The Fowlers were supposed to be new radios built from scratch. But since
tooling had long since been scrapped, they ended up being a cross between
marginal craftsmanship in creating some parts and rebuilt sub assemblies
from a company on Long Island whose name escapes me now. Many of us bought
tube shields and other parts from them when they wanted to liquidate their
stock years ago. The late Barry Hauser bought out their remaining stock as
I recall.

As Les said, the government has had piles of these things tucked away in
dark corners so it would've been a no-brainer to do it right. Sounds like
this is what they did on the FFG-7 contract, at least. I recall getting
those photos from you a couple years back and being amazed.

~ Todd/KAQ