[R-390] First time R-390 Owner

[Barry]

Of course the filter-killer cap doesn't exist in the R390 but I don't think there are any others like it either. For the most part, the caps in the R390 were the high quality VitaminQ caps, etc., and those have held up very well. I think there may be that one wet tantalum (in the audio/PS module(?) ) that may have leaked due to the fluid eating away the aluminum casing. I think that happened in mine. 

Maybe others can chime in on this, though, as I might not be thinking of everything. 

73, 
Barry - N4BUQ 

> Hey Barry,

> I have not yet - I wanted to check in and make sure there aren't any components
> that should be changed before a test, like the filter killer cap in the A
> model.

> Adam

> On Tue, Aug 12, 2025 at 11:46 AM Barry < [ mailto:n4buq at knology.net |
> n4buq at knology.net ] > wrote:

>> Hi Adam,

>> While I only have a sample size of one R390, I think you may find the components
>> in these are much more likely to still be good and there may not be that many
>> "replace on sight" components as might be in other radios.

>> Have you powered it up to see how it behaves?

>> 73,
>> Barry - N4BUQ

>> > Hey guys,

>> > Long time lurker here. You fellas helped me through my R-390A restoration
>> > (which just got back from Bill Riches for his finishing touches). This
>> > weekend I purchased an R-390, and another R-390A. Both them are are pretty
>> > pristine - faces are great, extremely clean inside. The R390A has some
>> > weirds to the IF deck and Audio deck, which I haven't figured out....the
>> > R390 looks untouched.

>> > I am not very smart with electronics - I'm a young man, and typically
>> > restore old Philcos, Zeniths, etc as a hobby. Replacing caps and resistors
>> > I can do. Everything else confuses me, but I am trying to learn, especially
>> > since I've got a growing collection of communication receivers.

>> > Supposedly, the R390 went to Rick Mish around 2004 - I think the owner
>> > might be confused with the R-390A, as it's cleaner than new inside. The
>> > R390 looks untouched. I am sad that there doesn't seem to be as many
>> > articles, etc for the non-A...I do some original TM's on the way.

>> > In order to test thing, what are the bare minimum caps/resistors to
>> > replace? I haven't torn it down yet - I see a 10uF can behind the front
>> > cover, and what looks like an oil filled cap near the P/S. Hopefully
>> > nothing under the RF deck needs to be looked at, as that seems like a bear
>> > compared to the R390A.


>> > Thanks for any help, or advice. I really appreciate it!

>> > Adam K2AAM
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