A NEW PAGE!

Greetings to you all. This is the beginning of a new blog for me. I decided to do a picture log of the re-work of my recently acquired Collins Radio R-390A Serial Number 3981. I will update and add information to this page as often as my schedule allows. The first series of pictures is what the radio looks like at the moment--as received. I brought it up slowly on the variac and discovered that it actually works quite well. It appears to be all original and without modification. Even looks like an original 2-wire line cord. I am missing the internal rack cover but am trying to find out if the previous owner just left it off by mistake.

Since the geartrain was quite clean, I decided to go the route of seperating it from the RF electronics chassis and solvent cleaning it without dis-assembly. I will see if I am happy with the input torque to turn after cleaning and lubrication. I don't have any comparison and can't seem to find any quantitative data on input torque measured. I can just barely turn the Kc change with a finger in the knob if I push down on my finger pretty hard. With the assembly out of the radio and without the Veeder-Root unit, it is smooth and much easier to turn. I'm going to attempt to build an adapter for use with my mini-torque wrench to see if I can get any actual improvement. Right now it would be a real chore to "tune around" a band.

As received, the Mc change function was VERY difficult to operate and varied after one or two segments . This turned out to be the front panel bushing alignment and it turns quite nicely now.

I have a batch of caps coming from Just Radios in Ontario and will be re-capping all the usual suspects. I'm working on the filter cans this morning.

I am debating about how to clean and re-Alodine some of the aluminum parts. Stay tuned on this.

My overall approach to this project is to become acquainted with the radio, parts and information availability, and techniques. Certainly the Y2K materials and the on-line resources are incredible.

THis radio will never be a museum piece, but I would like to make it a fully functional unit, as close to original condition and finish as possible. I won't be polishing the cans, or chroming the brackets as some do.

I also don't mind the apparent wear that shows that the radio is a working veteran--I will, therefore, probably not do anything to the front panel except a good clean and polish. I will re-finish the knobs.

So stay tuned..I always appreciate comments and directions.

KU8L