[Sandy G]

Part of the incredible "marvel" of the R-390A is that they are 1/2 mechanical, 1/2 electronic. They have a geartrain/transmission that has made grown men cry...And prolly would make ME cry, too, if it ever got out of whack on mine. Fortunately, you rarely have to mess w/that...Despite their complexities, the electronics are arrainged on "modules" that make it relatively easy to diagnose & troubleshoot a sick one. It is rumored that the Gov't has bunches of them stashed in the event of WW3, because it was felt that EMP damage could render solid state receivers inoperable. The R-390A came on board in 1954, & was considered "classified" for several years after that. They were in production more or less constantly til the late '60s-early '70s, the last "build" being the 1984-85 "mistake". Nevertheless, if you want something electronic that is really, truly considered "World-class", get yrself an R-390A. A good repairable specimen will set you back about $600-750, figure another $500 or so to have it brought back to tip-top shape. But then you will have something that more than likely, yr grandchildren's grandchildren will still be using.