Many a good post on this radio model got lost from the forum change-over. I also see that before I could reply, I had to re-register, wait for email confirm/activation too - sheesh!
My radio does near 30w PEP as well. The Team Tricom 444 and Intek/Multicom 3230 are similar Euro version radios without the wx band. They employ FM modulation though. Tha Midland 79-290 is one radio that you shouldn't be hacking by ALC/AMC trace cuts, component removal, and hacks. You'll ruin it... it works pretty good out of the box. Some basic info. can be derived from the schematics seen
here. Granted the diagrams are not of the FCC/US model, but a good part of it appears to be usable.
Pros:
- nice cast heatsink for a rear panel
- SMT componentry is reliable (and difficult to service!)
- easy to mod for channel expansion - no panel hacking/switches necessary
- LCD freq./band readout also works on expanded freqs as well
- theft deterrent by removing the front control panel
- dual finals -- should have thermal paste applied to them
Cons:
- signal strength meter - not that accurate
- image rejection is ok, just that
- would be nice to have a switchable NB/ANL
- no talkback circuitry
- stock mic ruins the radio's performance- dump it for a good N.C. type - no power mic needed