[R-390] R-390XX Registry/Lists

[Les Locklear]

There is a need for clarification on the multiple posts telling us how many R-390, R-390A's, etc. One owns.

Back in the fall of 1994 Tom Marcotte N5OFF, Walter Chambers K5OP (silent key) and myself were attempting to get an accurate idea of how many R-390/URR and R-390A/URR receivers had been manufactured and the contract/order numbers. Tom figured we would start collecting the above information along with serial numbers and we would be able to get a WAG (wild ass guess) and by using the highest after a few years we would have a SWAG (scientific wild ass guess). One example being the 1967 EAC contract, the highest serial number reported (thus far) is 10717. So, we can reasonably say that at least that many were produced on that last large contract.

I know Tom has the master list buried somewhere, and he'll post it soon. I have one dated October 24, 2002 from Tom, but I'm not sure if he has something more recent.

Also included were spare parts contract numbers and high serial numbers on those spare parts modules.

There is also a list for the 51J series (R-388's) included as well as Cabinets for the R-39XX series.

Just to stir the pot a bit, it is believed that there were 54,338 R-390A's produced using the high serial number reported method.

Another note, the Collins Contract 14214-PH-51-93 was a "cover all" contract for virtually everything IE: R-389, R-390 etc.

I cannot find my notes regarding the R-390/URR production numbers, but seem to remember it 16,000 plus.

So, post your contract/order numbers (same thing, the government used different wording at times) along with the serial number. We realize that the serial number and the nomenclature probably isn't the one that was originally on the receiver. But the number is relevant.

Thanks,

Les Locklear