Lafayette KT-390 on the air

[WA2ROC]

I bought this pretty good looking Lafayette KT-390 Starflite transmitter this past week along with an even better looking Heath HG-10B VFO.  The transmitter worked OK after the meter switch was cleaned with some De-Ox-It so the meter would actually move.

I bought one of these kits new in 1962 and built it right after I got my General ticket.

For those out there not familiar with the KT-390, It was designed by Lafayette Radio to compete directly with the Heathkit DX-60 series transmitters.  

How directly, you may ask?  

Well, it has basically the same circuitry inside (90 watts AM/CW, controlled carrier modulation), but it's front panel is reversed.

And it sold for, get this, 20 CENTS less than the DX-60!  
 
I made some contacts on 7290 and got decent reports for a meager 50 watts output or so.  No hums or buzzes heard.

[N0WEK]

There is a great article on this one in the Nov and Dec issues of ER

[WA2ROC]

I have the November issue and that's a good history on it.  I'm waiting to see the December issue.

Thanks!