[R-390] Status

[Bob kb8tq]

Hi

Yup, that’s one HEAVY cabinet. :) :)

I think the 390A “wins” in the market due to the mechanical filters. They have a “cool factor” that pushes the radio ahead. Having worked on both. The 390A is a bit easier to do some things on. Not a massive issue, but still something that makes it a bit more popular. 

Oddly enough, I’m down to one 390 not an A as well. 

Bob

> On Feb 24, 2026, at 11:20 PM, Cecil acuff <chacuff at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello group.
> 
> Been a while since I have posted. Health issues…
> 
> I have gotten rid of all my R-390A receivers and parts.  As I did with the R1051’s when I stopped working on those during the pandemic.  Along with a bunch of cats and dogs….hallicrafters mostly…some to friends some to scrap…yep it’s sad!
> 
> I have retained one Collin’s R-390 for my personal use along with a few spares!
> 
> I consider the R-390 to be superior to the “A” model.  Not prone to capacitor failures,  not prone to mechanical filter failures.  Audio is warm.  But strangely they usually sell for less than the “A”….”one of life’s great mysteries sir”(Top Gun Maverick)
> 
> Also…to address a recent post…if you take a few pictures, complete disassembly of the RF deck is easy and cleaning makes it silky smooth.  I prefer 30wt Mobile 1 synthetic for lube and mineral spirits for cleaning.
> 
> The green gear is not necessary to line all this back up…old wives tale.
> 
> It’s intuitive.  
> 
> My only R-390 variant will be the non cost reduced original…in an original aluminum cabinet (they made a steel riveted one.)  Can you say heavy….Bob Camp.  along side a Racal RA-17 in its cabinet, (steel) an SP-600 with some mods the military installed…like IF gain on dial lock. (not yet restored) and a nice R&S EK-07.  Can you say really heavy! and maybe a Hammarlund HQ-180….or maybe not…haven’t decided yet. I have two.
> 
> I’m selling:
> 
> Hammarlund HQ-180 (maybe both) fully restored.
> National NC-183D with speaker (mods) fully restored.
> 
> Focus going forward will be top end solid state radios that I can actually still lift.
> 
> Ten-Tec RX-340
> Perseus
> JRC NRD 515 with memory unit and hand held remote, speaker
> AOR 7030+ (phenomenal receiver)
> Plessey 2280
> Icom 7300
> 
> 
> Will be selling:
> 
> Lowe HF-225 Europa
> Realistic DX-150 (restored)
> HealthKit GRC ?? Don’t remember (restored)
> 
> Last two re-living a childhood dream. (Still looking for an original radio shack P-box SWL receiver).  My first receiver (1972) remember HCJB…Voice of the Andes…. radio Moscow,  BBC.  Amazing on a P-box kit. (regen).  I was 16 years old.
> 
> Parkinson’s is a mean boss.  Can’t do what I used to do so clearing out so the wife doesn’t have to.
> 
> Have finished restoring a Heath DX-60/HG-10/HR-10 with mods. Plan to put it on the air on CW for fun.
> Completely un-kitted the HR-10 and reassembled with modern parts after refinishing the stripped chassis and several mods to improve its performance.  It was pitiful in stock form.  Will use on the air for a while and sell it when the fun runs out.
> 
> I never got the pleasure of building one from kit form.
> 
> 
> Currently fixing to list my Yaesu FT-1000D with all accessories except an external speaker (easy to find) Collector quality.  Blue display/filter indicating it was a sold in Japan model.  Probably brought home by one of our military men. Has International crystal (I think) roofing filter.  Complete alignment recently…One of the finest HF transceivers ever made.  I wouldn’t sell it if I didn’t need to downsize.(still trying to find a way to keep it)
> 
> Keeping my Icom IC-7800/Acom 2000A combo and letting the yaesu go. Alternative is to let my license go and sell all of it.  
> 
> I sure do miss the list of 20 years ago and some of the crazy stuff…kielbasa, dead horses, coon ass humor, fine fellows from NY city we so miss, ex-military members who served and shared (Roger). Fair Radio….national bureau of standards….wally….and so many others.  Not even sure who runs the list now.  20-25 years goes by pretty quick.
> 
> I’ll probably sign off the list once I get my 390 up to spec.  Few bad silver micas won’t allow me to peak alignment….and slide off into the sunset….as my mind slides with me.
> 
> Yall keep them going…their worth it!
> 
> Cecil Acuff
> K5DL
> Gulfport MS
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> Sent from my iPad
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