[R-390] My next restoration project--EAC 390A

[Bob Weiss]

I came across that site, as well. FWIW, my unit is s/n 137.

I had an unexpected day off work, and was able to pick the unit up 
today.  Just finished wrestling it out of the truck and onto the bench 
for a quick inspection.

I pulled all the modules except for the RF deck and the PTO.  All the 
modules are EAC, with the government contract/order number crudely 
blacked out using sharpie marker or something similar.

Here are the serial numbers of the modules, as requested:

AF module-- s/n 4809
PS module-- s/n 0044
IF module-- s/n 8886
Xtal Osc module-- s/n 9499

Unit is complete, but I resisted the temptation to try powering it up 
until I can at least replace C553, clip out the GFCI-tripping line 
filter, and check the electrolytics for shorts. The tubes in the unit 
are a motley mix of JAN types and Hammarlund branded civilian tubes 
(made by RCA). Interestingly, the Hammarlund types installed aren't 
exactly what SHOULD be in the set, with 6AU6s in place of many of the 
5749/6BA6s and one of the 6AK6s.  A Hammarlund 6BZ6 is used where the 
6DC6 RF amp should be. The 3TF7 is actually present, and has 
continuity.  PS is still hollow state, with a really nasty blackened 
pair of 26Z5Ws in it.

This unit has a style of antenna relay I haven't seen before, which is 
much smaller than the usual one, but appears to be original. The twinax 
input connector has been smashed, so I may be replacing the antenna 
relay assembly if it can't be repaired.

Geartrain seems to work pretty smoothly, and cams seem to line up nicely 
at 7+000 as they should.  Previous owner must have smoked like a 
chimney, as the whole unit is covered with a fine nicotine haze, and 
smells like an ashtray. nothing that simple green and elbow grease won't 
handle.

Will likely be a few weeks before I can really dig into this beast, as I 
have a few other projects going on at the moment.  But it looks like a 
nice, complete unit to start from, from one of the more unusual 
production runs. Glad to see that the nametag is in great shape, as I 
haven't seen reproductions for the "rocketship" tags anywhere online.

73,
Bob Weiss N2IXK


On 6/27/2018 2:23 PM, Barry wrote:
> Not understanding that.  Looks like only 151 Rocket Ships were made.
>
> Is there a similar list for the R390?
>
> Thanks,
> Barry - N4BUQ
>
>   
>> Found this site
>> http://www.virhistory.com/navy/rcvrs/r390a-manuf.htm
>>
>> over 10,000 made under this contract ID
>>
>> Jim
>>
>> There was an article (IMSMC) in Electric Radio about the EAC red bank
>> units. all had to meet same specs.
>> I worked on one for a friend worked just as well as the other
>> contracts..may be less of them because 1. sold to civilians ( not cheap)
>> and 2. did not make scads of them.
>> Renée