RadioBanter - View Single Post - Converting R-390A To Solid State?

dave · March 11th 08, 01:07 PM posted to rec.radio.shortwave

Billy Burpelson wrote:
wrote:
Is it possible to convert an R-390A to 100% solid state?

Has anyone ever tried this? I do know there are a couple of projects
out there involving an all-solid-state replacement for the rare-as-
hens-teeth
ballast tubes, but with the increasing rarity of all hollow-state
devices,
I'm thinking about taking this on as a project.

Thoughts?

Personal opinion, but I vote a resounding "NO".

What would be the point of doing it? Why bother?

Why try and make it into something it isn't?

Do you have all the necessary lab test equipment to measure IMD and
other parameters to make sure you're not worse off than when you started?

Yes, the ballast tubes are rare -- but there are work-arounds for just
that specific issue rather than modifying the entire radio.

I'd stick with the tubes. I wouldn't pay more than $500 for one.