Mike once exspainder the neutralization process to me because I was curious and asked him. It's definitely not something that I will be doing. I'm just going to pack it up and send it out. No matter what the issue he will repair it and send it back. It's not something that's irrevocable, That I know. I'm not that concerned although I would still like to know if II could use the transmitter without the tube being neutralized. I did read the neutralization procedure and surprisingly understood how to test the transceiver in order to know if the final needs to be neutralized or not. If it's not oscillating without keying the mic (and no antenna) it doesn't need to be neutralized. According to the manual the 6BQ5 doesn't always necessarily need to be neutralized. It also mentions that if certain factory settings were changed that it would most likely need neutralization. If I read it correctly of course. STM. Thanks 4 taking the time to help me out. My electric is currently out and the generator is running. It's a 9000 watt generator and takes care of just about three-quarters of the house. So we do have cable, light, and Heat. The three Essentials in my opinion. The issue with the sonar is secondary to this Nor'easter, and the power outages. I will probably bubble wrap, styrofoam, and box up the radio by Monday. I know In the end the radio will be working as it was or possibly even better. Whatever it is that took a dump may have been on its way out for a while, and causing less-than-stellar operating conditions (audio.) I do want to thank everyone who replied to my posting. If you live in the Northeast please be safe out there .it's brutal in NJ. I know my friend stm is probably going through a similar situation at the moment. I I hope that your electric is working and if not I hope your generator is firing on all cylinders. Godspeed.The manual says that neutralization may be necessary if V11 oscillates with no drive applied and the antenna disconnected. I don't know if there is an easy way to tell if it is oscillating. Part of the neutralizing procedure is with the unit keyed up. These are the only clues from the manual about wanting to swap the tube and try it.