FWIW I have an R-388 with a TreeTop SSB detector I installed - great pairing.
The TreeTop SSB detector completely changed the R-388's ability to receive
SSB.. It is now one of my favorite receivers to use.
I wouldn't mind picking up a few more TreeTop SSB detectors for my R-390A's if
anyone out there has one they never got around to installing. Currently I'm
using an Icom R-70 receiver tuned to 455khz connected to the IF output jack on
the back of the R390A. The combo not only provides good SSB reception, but
also adds all the features of the R-70: passband tuning, notch filter, etc.
Kind of fun!
- Steve W7SJT
"Always look for a positive solution then Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome"- U.S.
Marine Corp
"There are no rules here!...We're trying to accomplish something!!"- Thomas
Edison
"Someone may be born with more talent than you, but there is no excuse for them
to work harder than you."- Anonymous
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you
think!"- Winnie the Pooh
On Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 01:46:10 PM MDT, Jacques Fortin
<[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Jim,
Yes, this should have been the Bill Orr PD mod.
As we are there, VE3TOU (Treetops Circuits) made a plug-in PD for it (well,
kind of) see attached.
About trying different tube types on a R-388 PD, I never do it, despite I have
one Collins R-388 but it is still to be restored.
73, Jacques, VE2JFE in Montreal
Jacques
Good catch.
I have a 51J-3 aka R-388 that also had the 6BE6 Product Detector mod installed.
It must have been inspired by the Bill Orr Ham Radio magazine article. I
agree that it doesn't work very well. I removed the mod but haven't decided on
what to do. Either make it work better in SSB or return it to original
condition. I think that there are several pentagrid tubes that have the same
pinout as the 6BE6 but are less noisy with higher gain. Has anyone tried the
6BY6, 6CS6, 5915 or 7036 in place of the 6BE6?
Jim
Logic: Method used to arrive at the wrong conclusion, with confidence. Murphy
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