GME UHF Transmit fix! Output module replacement!

This fix may be of value to some here on Exploroz with GME UHF products, now or in the future. I've had a GME 3420 an older 40 channel model for a few years with no problems till recently I was having trouble talking to others still in sight of me. I found the fibreglass antenna outer tubing loose, when i removed it to see if it could be glued back on, I found the brass inner antenna broken. I bought a new Antenna, complete with lead and plug to avoid any dramas but the radio would only transmit a 100 metres or so with what seemed to be a very low output. The output module obviously failed when i was using the radio with the antenna damaged. I Googled the problem and came up with this fix. I repaired mine today and its working fine again. This fix will be applicable to many GME radios fitted with this output module and or same layout. The output module, located on the rear of the radio behind a small aluminium serial plate fails for a few different reasons, overheating due to its fragile nature (so others say), when an antenna fails or the radio is transmitted without an antenna, these are well known reasons for failure. The new output module is available from a South Australian company called Mini Kits Australia, the module number is Mitsubishi RA07N4452M 7W 9.6V 440-520Mhz, and along with a small tube of Heat Transfer Paste for a few dollars, the total cost is less than $40 delivered to your door. You only need to remove the serial number plate at the rear of the radio on the alloy chassis, the two small Philips screws and the top cover with four small Philips screws.There is no need to remove the circuit board. Its a very small soldering job, four small legs, so if you are not handy with a soldering iron and a de-soldering tool, i'm sure your local computer or electronics guy could fix it on the spot for a small cost, it would take only 10 minutes start to finish. Obviously you will need to check the module part number before you purchase the new one. This fix may at some stage save you sending your radio back to GME for the probably $100 plus fix plus postage both ways if you dont live close to a GME service centre. Michael