[Milsurplus] Germanium to silicon

[Frank]

Bob Camp wrote:
> Hi
> 
> The R-392 is probably at the head of the list of "most
> converted radio" when it comes to putting solid state
> devices into tube sockets. I have seen a number of these
> radios. Solid state conversion does result in more audio
> output power, other than that the performance of the
> radio does not improve at all with solid state.
> Considering that the 392 is far from an optimum tube
> design that's really saying something.
> 

Well, all you are saying is that a solid state 'add-on' 
improves the audio output.  It probably does.

I have added audio solid state amps to my Drake R4Cs and the 
results have been good.  But I would never try to fool with 
the basic receiver design.  It remains all tube.

Those tube designers knew what they were doing.  At least 
most of them.  For someone to try and hack up those designs 
with solid state 'equivalents' is criminal.  At least as far 
as I can see.  Leave the trusted circuits alone.  If you 
don't trust them, then do a redesign using solid state as a 
new basis.

I would think there are lots of new solid state designs that 
could run rings around the capability of a 392 but then they 
are not a 392.

Let the old stuff perform as it was intended.  If you need 
more performance, then upgrade to better equipment.

I know that a few mods might make a difference.  I would 
like nothing better than to be able to take a good tube 
design and convert to modern standards, but unless you are 
an expert at equipment design, your chances of making that 
happen are slim and none. Besides, the 'experts' would never 
attempt such butchering of a perfectly adequate piece of 
equipment.

I am not opposed to making mods or trying to improve on a 
good thing, but some of the mods I see do not provide 
significant improvements.  Most just provide another way of 
doing the same function and don't really turn a mediocre 
piece of equipment into the superlative realm.

I am sure others might have different viewpoints.  Mine is 
that if it works, don't fix it. Trying to use fets to 
replace tubes in a proven tube design is counter productive 
in my view.

Regards,
Frank Kamp