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The Rarest of the Rare - the R-1247/GRC129 Receiver for the Apollo Space Program

Please allow time to load the 15 pictures of this beautiful MINT receiver . . . .

Read the following description of this receiver:

This R-1247/GRC-129 radio HF receiver is a high stability version of the R-390A/URR using external ultra-high-stability oscillators. It was remanufactured by Manson Labs under contract AF30 (635)30962, Part No 224-0A2,specifically for the Apollo Space Program. Doing a search on the internet we found the following information: “All the Oscillator outputs were serialized through sets of 2 DPDT relays that appeared to allow the R390A to use its own oscillators, Import external oscillator signals, or export its internal oscillators to a set of BNC jacks on the rear panel.  By all the oscillators we mean PTO,17MC xtal, and the 1st conversion xtal. These relays required external power via a small connector labeled CONTROL. The relays were Mil Spec commercial units mounted on well machined casts that fit into the OSC tube sockets on the PTO and heterodyne oscillator and the one for 17 MHz xtal plugged into the socket for crystal oven. There were 2 small dia. color coded coax cables going to each relay”  This R390A will work normally with no connections to any of the specialized connectors. As far as we can tell all the modification is there and intact. Nothing has been removed or bypassed, etc. Now for the restoration. This receiver was completely disassembled for cleaning.
From our examination it is obvious by the condition of the gear train and chassis prior to cleaning that this unit had very little use and most likely was kept in a climatically controlled environment. After the cleaning we were amazed that this unit could pass for new! If you examine the pictures carefully you will notice both terminal blocks are intact with no corners broken or cracked!  All the modules were carefully cleaned, lubricated and all switches and wafer contacts were lubed with “De-Oxit”.  All capacitors in the “IF” and “AF” decks were replaced with “Orange Drop” caps. The “AF” deck filter capacitors C-603 and C-606 were rebuilt using modern components while retaining the original look, fit and function. The front panel was chemically stripped, primed and painted with enamel paint and then baked for several hours. Then it was allowed to cure for several weeks. The lettering was re-applied using white enamel paint (no lacquer stick or white crayon here!)
All 17 knobs, both meter covers, and dial bezel were powder coated. This stuff is hard like a rock!  To go the “extra mile” the small RF connectors, antenna relay box connectors, and the silver tube shields were all polished! We didn’t stop there, also both chassis side panels were stripped, resurfaced and immersed in an Alodine solution as they were originally done. How many restorations have you seen go this far.  Noticed the “L” shaped Bristol wrench in the back, it goes with the receiver. And finally all the tubes were checked on a TV-7 military tube tester and a complete mechanical and electrical alignment was performed. Although not pictured, the RF cover, also in excellent condition will be included. One last detail for the “purist” to admire. we searched for a while and found a brand new AC connector you see on power cord.  By far this is the nicest most perfect receiver we have had the pleasure of restoring. It is truly a mint and extremely rare piece that not only is it functional but was a part of the history of our Apollo Space program. Now the pictures of this MINT receiver.

If you have never seen a brand new R390A/URR than you might not be able to appreciate just how MINT this receiver really is.  It is, in our opinion, absolutely beautiful and for those that must have the best of the best, this one is for sale to the first deserving buyer.  Packing/Shipping by Air inclluding full insurance in the USA is $ 200, Packing and Shiping by Air to most other countries would be $ 400 including full insurance and export packing.  As described this is the only one we have or have ever seen. 

The best of the best is already sold, SORRY