<<Converting an R-390 to solid-state makes sense.>> Surely it would be better to buy a solid state radio than to modify an R-390. This reminds me of the guys who used to put small block Chevy engines in their Jaguar XK-E's. To gain some added reliability, they made an abortion out of the most beautiful car ever made, when they could have just bought a Corvette. 73, Steve W2ZR