SALIENT 3 COMMUNICATIONS INC
10-K, 1999-03-19
TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS (NO RADIOTELEPHONE)
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON, D. C.  20549
__________
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)

X ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
  EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

For the Fiscal Year Ended   January 1, 1999  
 OR

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
 SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

For the transition period from  to 

Commission File No. 0-12588

 Salient 3 Communications, Inc. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 Delaware                            23-2280922 
(State or other jurisdiction        (IRS Employer
 of incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)

 P.O. Box 1498, Reading, Pennsylvania      19603 
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)

 Registrant's telephone number, including area code  (610) 856-5500 

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 Title of each class  Name of each exchange on which registered

   NONE   
    

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share 
 (Title of Class)

 Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share 
 (Title of Class)

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all 
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter 
period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) 
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
  Yes   X   No 
 

 Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant 
to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be 
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or 
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this 
Form 10-K or any amendment to this From 10-K. [X]


<PAGE>

(Dollar amounts shown in thousands except for share information)

The aggregate market value of the registrant's Class B (voting) Common 
Stock held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the NASDAQ 
National Market System closing sale price for the registrant's Class A 
(non-voting) Common Stock at January 29, 1999, was $4,444.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Class A        Class B
                                           ---------      --------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>
Number of shares of each class
of common stock outstanding as
of January 29, 1999 (including 
156,250 shares of restricted stock
and excluding 2,862,441 treasury shares):   5,614,995      507,864
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

 Salient 3 Communications, Inc. (the "registrant") is a leading 
telecommunications equipment and services company with subsidiaries that 
support public, private, and wireless network operators.  The registrant 
changed its name effective April 30, 1997 to distinguish its focus on 
telecommunications equipment and services.  Previously, the registrant 
had operated in the technical services and real estate businesses as 
well as telecommunications equipment.

 The registrant was organized as a holding company in 1984.  Prior 
to forming the holding company, the registrant was an operating company 
and owner of several subsidiaries.  The Company was originally organized 
in 1942 under its prior name, Gilbert Associates, Inc.  The holding 
company structure separates the administrative and financing activities 
of the registrant from the activities of its operating subsidiaries.

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS (amounts in 000's except per share information)

 In June, 1996 the registrant announced that its Board of Directors 
had authorized management to explore strategic options for its remaining 
subsidiaries within the Technical Services and Real Estate Segments.  
The decision was reached because of the registrant's desire to focus its 
business on telecommunications and services.  In accord with this 
decision, during the first quarter of 1997, the registrant accounted for 
its Technical Services and Real Estate Segments as discontinued 
operations.  During 1997, the registrant began to divest of the 
businesses within these segments and completed the dispositions on July 
24, 1998, when the registrant sold its Resource Consultants, Inc. (RCI) 
subsidiary to the management of RCI and an investor group for $19,317.  
The sale resulted in a $100 gain, or $.02 per share. 

 The registrant manufactures and provides telecommunications 
equipment and services to the industrial, access products and wireless 
communication markets.  The registrant's primary subsidiaries consist of  
GAI-Tronics Corporation (GTC) - Industrial Segment , XEL Communications, 
Inc. (XEL) - Access Products Segment, and SAFCO Technologies, Inc. 
(SAFCO) - Wireless Segment.

<PAGE>

INDUSTRIAL SEGMENT

 GTC, based in Reading, Pennsylvania, is principally engaged in the 
development, assembly and marketing of communication systems for 
industrial operations.  In serving such customers, GTC provides custom 
services by adapting communication systems to operate under 
extraordinary plant conditions such as excessive dust and explosive 
atmospheres.  GTC also designs emergency notification systems.  The 
Instrument Associates, Inc. (IA) division manufactures and designs land 
mobile communications systems.  DAC Ltd. (DAC), a wholly owned 
subsidiary acquired April 30, 1997, is based in Burton Upon Trent, 
England, and is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of ruggedized 
communications systems for the mining, energy and transportation 
industries in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and South Africa.  

 Effective January 3, 1998, the registrant acquired all of the 
outstanding stock of Elemec Systems, Ltd. (Elemec) for $952, including 
acquisition costs.  Elemec was merged with DAC to form GTC's European 
operations, which was renamed GAI-Tronics Limited.

 The following table sets forth sales for the past three fiscal 
years from the Industrial Segment.
<TABLE>
             1998      1997      1996
            ------    ------    ------
           <C>       <C>       <C>
           $64,033   $59,809   $53,003
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
 The approximate percentage of sales derived from the principal 
markets served during 1998 and the approximate percentage of the 
Industrial Segment's backlog as of January 1, 1999 represented by 
contracts with clients in such markets, were as follows:

                                     Percentage of     Percentage of Backlog
 Market for Products                  1998 Sales        as of January 1, 1999
 -------------------                 -------------     ----------------------
<S>                                    <C>                      <C>
 U.S. Private Industry                  57%                      42%
 Foreign Governments and
   Businesses                           37                       53
 U.S. Federal, State and Local
   Governments and Agencies              6                        5

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 GTC manufactures few of the basic components employed in its 
equipment; instead, it primarily designs and assembles its products and 
systems using standard or special components manufactured by others.  
Several sources of supply exist for such components so that the 
companies are not dependent upon any single supplier.

 GTC maintains a substantial inventory of components to satisfy its 
backlog of orders.  The communications systems business requires keeping 
a significant amount of inventory on hand because many of the orders are 
highly customized for specialized uses.  Also, some customers served 
require products within a very short time frame.  Therefore, maintaining 
an adequate level of inventory is required to satisfy its customers.

 GTC owns various patents and trademarks.  However, such patents and 
trademarks are of less significance to its operations than are 
experience and reputation.  Although GTC had sales to many customers in 
1998 and 1997, Motorola accounted for 13% of total sales in both years.  
No other customer accounted for 10% or more of such sales in 1998 and 
1997.

 A substantial part of the Industrial Segment's business is obtained 
from customers to whom it has made previous sales.  In 1998 and 1997, 
sales made to customers who had made purchases within the last four 
years accounted for approximately 94% and 78%, respectively, of total 
sales.  There is no assurance that sales to such customers will account 
for a similar percentage of total sales in the future.  Many of the 
sales are made as a result of proposals submitted in response to 
competitive bidding invitations.

 As of January 1, 1999 and January 2, 1998, GTC had backlog from 
which it had anticipated estimated future sales of approximately $11,730 
and $11,398, respectively.  It is estimated that substantially all of 
the goods reflected in the backlog at January 1, 1999 will be shipped in 
1999.  Also, the vast majority of sales generated in 1999 will be from 
orders received during the year.

 GTC competes with a number of other organizations in all of its 
product areas.  Some of these competitors have larger total sales, 
greater financial resources, larger research and development 
organizations and facilities and a more diversified range of 
telecommunications services and products.  The substantial industry 
competitors of GTC are believed to be Industroniks, Fitre, Motorola, 
Federal Signal and ATI.  Management believes that a history of quality, 
reputation, experience and service are the most important factors in 
being asked to submit bids and in purchasing decisions made by 
customers.

 GTC is continually modifying its products and attempting to further 
expand its product lines.  GTC spent $2,480, $2,237, and $2,000 during 
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, on company-sponsored product 
development.  Several professional employees within the company 
routinely engage in company-sponsored product development and 
improvement on a full-time basis.
<PAGE>
 It is critical that GTC continues to enhance functionality of 
existing products, to develop new products that address technology 
changes and to introduce these products in a timely fashion.

 On January 1, 1999, the Industrial Segment had a total of 485 
employees, of which 246 employees were professional and technical 
personnel.  In comparison, the Industrial Segment had a total of 518 
employees on January 2, 1998, of which 287 were professional and 
technical personnel.

ACCESS PRODUCTS SEGMENT

 XEL, based in Aurora, Colorado, designs and sells transmissions 
products to the access products market.  XEL's products are used by their 
customers in the telecommunications network to provide customer access 
for voice and data services.  Telephone companies' demand for products 
that provide greater transmission speed have increased as a result of 
Internet access and business needs.  The majority of XEL's core 
products do not include technology to provide for such high speed 
transmission.  As a result, XEL's sales declined 9% during 1998.  XEL is 
continuing the process of entering into new technology partnerships to 
broaden its product offerings.  The new products are expected to replace 
declining analog product sales.  XEL is currently developing its own new 
product for the access market, to be released in the third quarter of 
1999.

 The following table sets forth sales for the past three fiscal 
years from the Access Products Segment.

<TABLE>
      1998      1997       1996
     ------    ------     ------
    <C>       <C>        <C>
    $25,160   $27,568    $35,543

</TABLE>
<TABLE>

 The approximate percentage of sales derived from the principal 
markets served during 1998 and the approximate percentage of the Access 
Products Segment's backlog as of January 1, 1999 represented by 
contracts with clients in such markets, were as follows:

                               Percentage of            Percentage of Backlog
 Market for Products            1998 Sales              as of January 1, 1999
 -------------------           -------------            ---------------------
 <S>                              <C>                           <C>
 U.S. Private Industry             97%                           100%
 Foreign Governments and
   Businesses                       3                              -
 U.S. Federal, State and Local
   Governments and Agencies         -                              -

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 During 1998, XEL outsourced its manufacturing to U.S. Assemblies New 
England, Inc. in Taunton, MA.  Prior to that time XEL manufactured few 
of the basic components employed in its equipment; instead, it primarily 
designed products and systems using standard or special components manufactured 
by others.  Several sources of supply exist for such components so that 
XEL and U.S. Assemblies are not dependent upon any single supplier.

 Although XEL has outsourced the manufacturing of its products, it 
maintains a substantial inventory of finished products to satisfy its 
backlog of orders.  Over the past year, XEL has significantly reduced 
its inventory investment.  However, the access products business 
requires keeping a certain amount of inventory on hand because many 
customers require products within a very short time frame.  Therefore, 
maintaining an adequate level of inventory is required to satisfy XEL's 
customers.

 Although XEL had sales to many customers in 1998, GTE, US West and 
Ameritech accounted for 58%, 16% and 11%, respectively, of total sales.  
During 1997, GTE, Pacific Bell and US West accounted for 50%, 12% and 
11%, respectively, of total sales.  No other customer accounted for 10% 
or more of such sales in 1998 and 1997.

 Historically most of XEL's business has been obtained from 
customers to whom it has made previous sales.  In 1998 and 1997, sales 
made to customers who had made purchases within the last four years 
accounted for approximately 100% of total sales.  There is no assurance 
that sales to such customers will account for a similar percentage of 
total sales in the future.  As the Company expands its partnership 
relationships and develops its own products, it expects to expand its 
customer base beyond the customers it has sold to over the past four 
years.

 As of January 1, 1999 and January 2, 1998, XEL had backlog from 
which it had anticipated estimated future sales of approximately $3,953 
and $5,644, respectively.  It is estimated that substantially all of the 
goods reflected in the backlog at January 1, 1999 will be shipped in 
1999.  Also, the vast majority of sales generated in 1999 will be from 
orders received during the year.

 XEL competes in an industry subject to rapid technological changes.  
Some of its competitors have larger total sales, greater financial 
resources, larger research and development organizations and facilities 
and a more diversified range of telecommunications services and 
products.  Direct competitors of XEL in one or more of its markets 
include Adtran, Conklin,  Pulsecom, Teltrend, and Westell.  Management 
believes that a history of quality, reputation, experience and service 
are the most important factors in being asked to submit bids and in 
purchasing decisions made by customers.

 XEL is continually modifying its products and attempting to further 
expand its product lines.  XEL spent $477, $1,781, and $2,481 during 
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, on company-sponsored product 
development.  Several professional employees within the company 
routinely engage in company-sponsored product development and 
improvement on a full-time basis.
<PAGE>
 On January 1, 1999, the Access Products Segment had a total of 60 
employees, of which 53 employees were professional and technical 
personnel.  In comparison, the Access Products Segment had a total of 
172 employees on January 2, 1998, of which 80 were professional and 
technical personnel.  The decrease in employees was due primarily to the 
outsourcing of manufacturing at XEL during 1998.

WIRELESS SEGMENT

 SAFCO, based in Chicago, Illinois, provides products and services 
which focus on measurement analysis and predictive tools used by the 
wireless communication industry.  Historically, a significant portion of 
SAFCO's sales and operating profits have been earned in the fourth 
quarter.  The seasonality may or may not continue due to a number of 
factors, including: the timing of new product introductions by SAFCO or 
its competitors, market acceptance of SAFCO's products, the size of 
customers' capital budgets and other competitive factors.  These factors 
cause the wireless business to be inherently unpredictable and sales and 
profits may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter.  TEC 
Cellular, Inc. (TEC), purchased in the second quarter of 1997, provides 
radio frequency engineering consulting services and software 
applications to the wireless industry. TEC is based in Melbourne, 
Florida and was merged into SAFCO during 1998. 

 The following table sets forth sales for the past three fiscal 
years from the Wireless Segment.

<TABLE>
           1998         1997         1996
          ------       ------       ------
         <C>          <C>           <C>
         $30,089      $23,092       $7,913

</TABLE>

 The approximate percentage of sales derived from the principal 
markets served during 1998 and the approximate percentage of the 
Wireless Segment's backlog as of January 1, 1999 represented by 
contracts with clients in such markets, were as follows:
<TABLE>
                                   Percentage of       Percentage of Backlog
 Market for Products                1998 Sales         as of January 1, 1999
 -------------------               -------------       ---------------------
 <S>                                  <C>                       <C>
 U.S. Private Industry                 39%                       62%
 Foreign Governments and
   Businesses                          61                        38
 U.S. Federal, State and Local
   Governments and Agencies             -                         -
</TABLE>
 SAFCO manufactures few of the basic components employed in its 
equipment; instead, it primarily designs and assembles its products and 
systems using standard or special components manufactured by others.  
Several sources of supply exist for such components so that the company 
is not dependent upon any single supplier.
<PAGE>
 SAFCO attempts to maintain a minimal level of inventory of 
components to satisfy its backlog of orders.  However, the wireless 
business requires keeping a certain amount of inventory on hand because 
many of the orders are highly customized.  Also, some customers served 
require products within a very short time frame.  Therefore, maintaining 
an adequate level of inventory is required to satisfy SAFCO's customers.

 SAFCO owns various patents and trademarks.  However, such patents 
and trademarks are of less significance to the company's operations than 
are experience and reputation.

 Although SAFCO had sales to many customers in 1998, NEC - Brazil 
accounted for 12% of total sales.  During 1997, China International and 
Motorola accounted for 12% and 10%, respectively, of total sales.  No 
other customer accounted for 10% or more of such sales in 1998 and 1997.

 A part of SAFCO's business is obtained from customers to whom it 
has made previous sales.  In 1998 and 1997, sales made to customers who 
had made purchases within the last four years accounted for 
approximately 29% and 51%, respectively, of total sales.  There is no 
assurance that sales to such customers will account for a similar 
percentage of total sales in the future.  Many of the sales are made as 
a result of proposals submitted in response to competitive bidding 
invitations.

 As of January 1, 1999 and January 2, 1998, SAFCO had backlog from 
which it had anticipated estimated future sales of approximately $3,778 
and $5,574, respectively.  It is estimated that substantially all of the 
goods reflected in the backlog at January 1, 1999 will be shipped in 
1999.  Also, the vast majority of sales generated in 1999 will be from 
orders received during the year.

 SAFCO competes in an industry subject to rapid technological 
changes.  Some of its competitors have larger total sales, greater 
financial resources, larger research and development organizations and 
facilities and a more diversified range of telecommunications services 
and products.  SAFCO competes with LCC, Rohde and Schwarz, Mobile System 
International and Comarco.  Management believes that a history of 
quality, reputation, experience and service are the most important 
factors in being asked to submit bids and in purchasing decisions made 
by customers.

 SAFCO is continually modifying its products and attempting to 
further expand its product lines.  SAFCO spent $2,421, $1,516, and $61 
during 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, on company-sponsored product 
development.  Several professional employees within these companies 
routinely engage in company-sponsored product development and 
improvement on a full-time basis.

 It is critical that SAFCO continues to enhance functionality of 
existing products, to develop new products that address technology 
changes and to introduce these products in a timely fashion.  In the 
development of new or expanded product offerings, specifically within 
the wireless business, SAFCO's access to the technical design of air 
interface devices is essential to the development of wireless 
communication products.  During 1997, certain product delays within the 
Wireless Segment had a negative impact on the SAFCO's results of 
operations.
<PAGE>
 On January 1, 1999, the Wireless Segment had a total of 196 
employees, of which 169 employees were professional and technical 
personnel.  In comparison, the Wireless Segment had a total of 191 
employees on January 2, 1998, of which 159 were professional and 
technical personnel.

MISCELLANEOUS

 The registrant expects no material effect on the capital 
expenditures, earnings and competitive position of the registrant and 
its subsidiaries from its or their compliance with federal, state or 
local laws or regulations controlling the discharge of materials into 
the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the 
environment.

 A portion of the revenue of the companies is derived from customers 
or projects located outside the United States.  All foreign revenues 
were from sales to customers unaffiliated with the companies.  A summary 
of foreign revenue is stated in Note 14 to the consolidated financial 
statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report.  The countries 
providing the largest portion of foreign revenues in 1998 were the 
United Kingdom and Japan.             

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

 The physical properties owned and leased consist primarily of 
office and manufacturing space and furniture and equipment.  

 GTC's manufacturing and office facilities are located near Reading, 
Pennsylvania, and in Memphis, Tennessee.  The facility near Reading, 
Pennsylvania, which is used to design and assemble communications 
systems, is owned by GTC and consists of approximately 103,000 square 
feet and is located on a 17 acre tract of land owned by GTC.  The 
facility located in Memphis, Tennessee, which is used to design and 
assemble land mobile radio communications devices is leased by GTC and 
consists of approximately 50,000 square feet with the lease expiring in 
2000.

 GAI-Tronics Limited, located in Burton Upon Trent, United Kingdom, 
leases a manufacturing and office facility of approximately 44,000 
square feet.  The lease expires in April 2000.

 XEL owns its office and manufacturing facility located in Aurora, 
Colorado.  The entire facility is approximately 112,000 square feet.  
All of XEL's telecommunication transmission product manufacturing was 
performed there and XEL's executive and administrative functions are 
located there.  Due to the outsourcing of XEL's manufacturing operations 
in 1998, this facility will be sold and XEL will find other suitable 
space for its executive and administrative functions.

 SAFCO leases approximately 20,000 square feet of office and 
manufacturing space in Chicago, Illinois which expires in 2006.  SAFCO 
also leases approximately 20,000 square feet of office space in 
Melbourne, Florida which expires in 2008.
<PAGE>
 With the exception of the XEL facility, which is available for 
sale, the registrant and its subsidiaries believe that their existing 
facilities are suitable and adequate for their present purposes.

 The registrant and its subsidiaries own the majority of the office 
furniture and equipment used by them; however, they also lease a 
substantial amount of equipment under agreements generally for terms not 
in excess of five years.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 The registrant and its subsidiaries are involved in various 
disputes which have resulted in pending litigation arising in the 
ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of the management of the 
registrant, none of these disputes will materially affect the 
registrant's financial position or results of operations.

<PAGE>
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

 No matter required to be reported pursuant to this item was 
submitted to security holders in the fourth quarter of 1998.

ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT.

 The names, ages, positions and previous experience to the extent 
required to be presented herein of all current executive officers of the 
registrant are as follows:

 Name                      Position and Previous Experience                 Age
 
Timothy S. Cobb    Mr. Cobb has been Chairman of the Board of Directors      57
                   since July 1995.  He was Chief Executive Officer 
                   since March 1994 and President and
                   Chief Operating Officer since October 1993.
                   Mr. Cobb served as President of Gilbert/
                   Commonwealth, Inc. (former subsidiary of
                   registrant) from January 1991 to September
                   1993.  He served as President of GTC
                   (subsidiary of registrant) from October 1988 
                   to December 1990.  Upon joining 
                   the registrant, Mr. Cobb had 21 years 
                   experience in the telecommunications industry,
                   culminating with his being President of the 
                   major systems subsidiary of Ameritech in Chicago, 
                   Illinois.
Paul H. Snyder     Mr. Snyder has been Senior Vice President and             51
                   Chief Financial Officer since February 1997 and Vice
                   President and Chief Financial Officer from August 1995
                   to January 1997.  From August 1994 to July 1995, 
                   Mr. Snyder was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
                   of The Dreyfus Corporation, a subsidiary of 
                   Mellon Bank Corporation.  From 1988 through 1994, he was 
                   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of 
                   Mellon PSFS, Mellon Bank Corporation's affiliate
                   in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Thomas F. Hafer    Mr. Hafer has been Senior Vice President since February   50
                   1997 and Vice President from September 1995 to January
                   1997.  He has served as General Counsel and Corporate 
                   Secretary since February 1994.  Mr. Hafer was 
                   President of Green Hills Management Co., (former division 
                   of registrant) from September 1993 to July 1997. 

 None of the above officers has a family relationship with another 
such officer.  None of the officers was selected as a result of any 
arrangement or understanding with any other person other than directors 
of the registrant acting solely in their capacities as such.
<PAGE>
PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
        SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS.

Private Placement

 The registrant's Class A Common Stock is traded in the over-the-
counter market.  Price quotations are available through the NASDAQ 
National Market system under the symbol STCIA.  The following tabulation 
sets forth the high and low price quotations by quarter as reported by 
the NASDAQ Stock Market and cash dividends declared on each share of 
Class A and Class B Common Stock.  Prices quoted represent high and low 
closing sale prices on the NASDAQ National Market System.
<TABLE>
      
      1998            1997                                   Dividends
  High     Low     High      Low                            1998     1997
 -----    ----    -----     ----                            ----     ----
<C>     <C>      <C>      <C>         <S>                   <C>      <C>
$12.00  $11.00   $19.00   $14.00      First Quarter         $.10     $.10
 11.25    9.00    16.88    11.50      Second Quarter          --      .10
 10.00    7.75    15.63    12.25      Third Quarter           --      .10
 10.38    6.25    13.75    11.25      Fourth Quarter          --      .10

</TABLE>
 On January 28, 1998, the registrant eliminated the $.10 per share 
quarterly dividend after the March 10, 1998, payment.   The decision was based 
on a review of the registrant's growth projections and the need to fund both 
working capital and fixed asset requirements over the next few years.
          
 At January 1, 1999, the approximate number of shareholders of Class A and 
Class B common stock was 3,100 and 300, respectively
<TABLE>
<PAGE>
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.                             
                                                                          
Financial Review                                    
Salient 3 Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                                                           
Five Year Summary / Selected Financial Data                  
(000's except for share and per share information and number of employees)
                                                                                                                              
Summary of Operations:                            1998            1997          1996         1995          1994                 
                                                  ----            ----          ----         ----          ----            
<S>                                         <C>             <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>
Telecommunications Sales                    $  119,282      $  110,469     $  96,459    $  51,848     $  46,045              
                                                                                                                              
Net Loss from Continuing Operations            (17,459) (1)     (7,845) (2)   (7,928) (3)  (1,995) (4)     (628)    
                                                                                                                              
Per Share of Common Stock (Basic):                                                                                            
                                                                                                                              
Net Loss from                                                                                                                 
  Continuing Operations                          (2.83) (1)      (1.24) (2)    (1.26) (3)   (0.30) (4)    (0.09)    
                                                                                                                              
Dividends to Stockholders                         0.10            0.40          0.60         0.80          0.80                
                                                                                                                              
Basic Weighted Average                                                                                                        
  Shares Outstanding                         6,158,587       6,305,384     6,299,127    6,592,174     7,002,834   
                                                                                                                              
                                                  
Summary of Financial Position:                                                                                                
                                                                                                                              
Total Assets                                $  118,455      $  147,497    $  155,747   $  135,589    $  121,289
                                                                                                                              
Long-Term Debt                                  10,616          11,245        26,549        1,436           -                   
                                                                                                                               
Stockholders' Equity                            77,989          97,860        97,620      102,481        99,514              
                                                                                                                              
Stockholders' Equity Per Share                   12.74           15.20         15.37        16.30         14.30      
                                                                                                                              
Number of Employees                                760             905           788          686           426                 
                                                                                                                              
                             
(1)  Amount includes $18,684, or $2.99 per share, of non-recurring adjustments (See Note
9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere herein).                                                   

(2)  Amount includes $6,150, or $0.97 per share, of charges from the write-off of
purchased in-process research and development associated with the TEC Cellular, Inc.   
acquisition (See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere herein).

(3)  Amount includes $10,300, or $1.63 per share, of charges from the write-off of
purchased in-process research and development associated with the SAFCO acquisition  
(See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere herein).

(4)  Amount includes $2,500, or $0.40 per share, of charges from the write-off of
purchased in-process research and development associated with the XEL Corporation acquisition.
</TABLE>
                                                                   
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF 
        OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

(000's except for share and per share information)

In June, 1996, the Company announced that its Board of Directors 
had authorized management to explore strategic options for its 
remaining subsidiaries within the Technical Services and Real 
Estate Segments.  The decision was reached because of the 
Company's desire to focus its business on telecommunications 
equipment and services.  In accord with this decision, during the 
first quarter of 1997, the Company accounted for its Technical Services 
and Real Estate Segments as discontinued operations.  During 1997, the 
Company began the divestiture of the businesses within these 
segments and completed the dispositions during 1998.  

In order to emphasize the new direction of its business, the 
Company changed its name in April, 1997 to Salient 3 
Communications, Inc. 

Results of Operations

1998 vs. 1997

The Company reported a net loss from continuing operations of 
$17,459, or $2.83 per share for 1998, compared with a net loss of 
$7,845 or $1.24 per share for 1997.  Excluding adjustments, income 
from continuing operations was $1,225 or $0.20 per share for 1998, 
compared with a net loss of $1,695 or $0.27 per share for 1997.  
The improvement was due primarily to higher sales and improved 
gross margin for the Wireless Segment, cost reductions and 
improved gross margin by the Access Products Segment, higher sales 
by the Industrial Segment and reduced corporate interest expense.

Included in the results for 1998 were expenses of $23,089 
resulting from charges for restructuring and asset impairment 
($18,190), inventory write-downs ($4,353), and other miscellaneous 
expenses ($546).  The $23,089 charge after an income tax benefit 
of $4,225 was $18,864 or $3.02 per share during the second 
quarter.  Also included in the results was pre-tax income of $267 
resulting from reversal of the majority of a reserve for the 
retention layer on certain insurance coverages ($2,167), offset in 
part by a charge for retirement expenses associated with a former 
officer ($1,200) and provisions to strengthen certain other 
operating reserves ($700).  This resulted in income of $180, net 
of $87 income tax expense, or $.03 per share during the fourth 
quarter.
<PAGE>
The restructuring and asset impairment charges of $18,190 included 
$2,401 relating to severance and other costs of outsourcing the 
manufacturing process at XEL Communications, Inc. (XEL), as well 
as the consolidation of manufacturing of the Instrument Associates 
Division of GAI-Tronics Corporation into its Reading, Pennsylvania 
headquarters operations.  These charges also included an asset 
impairment charge of $15,789 relating to the write-down of the 
carrying value of goodwill related to XEL ($10,987 with no tax 
benefit) and the Instrument Associates Division of GAI-Tronics 
(pretax charge of $4,802).

The Company also re-evaluated its product offerings and decided to 
discontinue certain low margin product lines.  As a result, other 
expenses of the Company's business transition included inventory 
write-downs at the Company's SAFCO Technologies, Inc. and XEL 
subsidiaries and Instrument Associates Division of $4,353, which 
were included in cost of goods sold, and miscellaneous expenses of 
$546, which were included in selling, general and administration.

The reversal of the insurance reserve was triggered by the 
Company's transition to a different structure in its insurance 
coverages, reflecting both its streamlined telecommunications 
businesses and a favorable climate in the commercial insurance 
markets.  The net pre-tax impact of these adjustments was a 
reduction of selling, general and administration expenses of $267.

Included in the results for 1997 was a $6,150 or $.97 per share 
charge for purchased in-process research and development 
associated with the TEC Cellular Inc. (TEC) acquisition (See Note 
2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere 
herein).  The purchased in-process research and development had 
not yet reached technological feasibility and had no alternative 
future use as of the date of acquisition.

Sales increased 8% for the year from $110,469 in 1997 to $119,282 
in 1998.  The increase in sales was primarily due to strong sales 
from the Wireless Segment, the acquisitions in the second quarter 
of 1997, and the Elemec acquisition in the first quarter of 1998 
(See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), offset in 
part by lower sales by the Access Products Segment.
<TABLE>
The following is a breakdown of sales by segment:

      
                      1998             1997               1996 
                     ------           ------             ------
<S>                 <C>              <C>                <C>
Access Products     $25,160          $27,568            $35,543
Industrial           64,033           59,809             53,003
Wireless             30,089           23,092              7,913
                    -------          -------             ------
  Total            $119,282         $110,469            $96,459
                    =======          =======             ======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The sales by segment have been restated in connection with the 
Company's adoption of the Statement of Financial Accounting 
Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise 
and Related Information" (SFAS 131).  Sales for the land mobile 
operations division of $8,196 and $10,747 for 1997 and 1996, were 
reclassified from the Wireless Segment to the Industrial Segment.

Access Products sales declined by 9% in 1998 compared to 1997, due 
to a reduction in customer demand for analog channel units, offset 
in part by new partnership revenue.  The decision at the end of the 
first quarter of 1997 to exit the contract manufacturing business 
was also a contributing factor to the sales decline.  Industrial 
sales increased 7% in 1998 compared to 1997, primarily because of 
the Elemec acquisition and the second quarter 1997 acquisition of 
DAC Ltd., offset in part by lower sales by the Reading, 
Pennsylvania location.  Wireless sales grew 30% year-over-year due 
to the release of SAFCO Technologies' Voice Print(TM) product, 
strong sales in Latin America and the TEC acquisition in April 
1997.

Including the adjustments, the gross profit percentage decreased 
from 40% in 1997 to 39% in 1998.  Excluding the aforementioned 
adjustments, the gross profit percentage increased from 40% in 
1997 to 43% in 1998.  The Wireless Segment has a higher gross 
profit percentage than the Industrial and Access Products 
Segments.  Therefore, as a result of a higher percentage of sales 
by the Wireless Segment and significant cost reductions in the 
Access Products Segment, the Company's gross profit percentage 
increased.

Selling, General and Administration

Selling, general and administration increased 12% in 1998 compared 
to 1997. The increase in selling, general and administration 
resulted primarily from acquisitions, offset in part by cost 
reductions by the Access Products Segment.

As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administration was 
32% and 31% in 1998 and 1997, respectively.  The change stems 
primarily from the increase in the percentage of business coming 
from the Wireless Segment.  The Wireless Segment has a higher 
percentage of selling, general and administration to sales 
compared to the Industrial and Access Products Segments.  

Research and Development, Goodwill Amortization and Interest Expense

Research and development decreased 3% due to reductions at the 
Access Products Segment, partially offset by the 1997 acquisitions 
and the Elemec acquisition.

Goodwill amortization decreased 14% due to the write-off of all of 
XEL's and a portion of Instrument Associates' goodwill, offset 
partially by the second quarter 1997 acquisitions and the Elemec 
acquisition.

Interest expense declined 26% due to the proceeds from the sale of 
discontinued operations, offset in part by payments for the 
acquisitions.
<PAGE>
Provision for taxes on income

Excluding the aforementioned adjustments, the effective tax rate 
was 27% for 1998 and 38% for 1997.  The change in the effective 
tax rate was due to the utilization of higher research and 
development tax credits.

1997 vs. 1996

The Company reported a net loss from continuing operations of 
$7,845, or $1.24 per share in 1997 compared to a loss of $7,928, 
or $1.26 per share for 1996.  1997 and 1996 include a charge of 
$6,150 or $.97 per share and $10,300 or $1.63 per share, 
respectively, associated with purchased in-process research and 
development (Note 2).

Excluding these adjustments, the net loss from continuing 
operations was $1,695 or $0.27 per share for 1997, compared with 
income of $2,372 or $0.38 per share for 1996.  The loss from 
continuing operations resulted primarily from product delays 
within the Wireless Segment and reduced customer demand within the 
Access Products Segment.  Furthermore, higher interest expense and 
goodwill amortization reduced results.  Partially offsetting these 
factors was a decline in corporate overhead expenditures from 1996 
to 1997.

Sales increased 15% for the year from $96,459 in 1996 to $110,469 
in 1997.  The increase in sales was primarily due to the 1997 
acquisitions and a full year of sales from the Company's 1996 
SAFCO acquisition.  

Access Products sales declined by 22% in 1997 compared to 1996, 
due to a reduction in customer demand for analog channel units.  
This was prompted by certain re-use programs now in place at some 
Access Products customers.  Industrial sales increased 13% 
primarily from the second quarter 1997 acquisition of DAC Ltd. The 
Wireless sales grew 192% year-over-year due to the inclusion of 
TEC, acquired in April 1997, and the SAFCO acquisition, made by 
the Company in September 1996.

The gross profit percentage increased from 39% in 1996 to 40% in 
1997.  The increase in gross profit percentage is primarily due to 
higher margins realized from the acquired businesses - SAFCO and 
TEC.  Higher SAFCO and TEC margins were partially offset by lower 
margins realized within the Access Products and Industrial 
Segments.  Lower margins within the Access Products Segment 
reflect reduced sales and competitive pressures,  while the 
Industrial Segment's margins suffered from start up costs 
associated with the introduction of new products.
<PAGE>
Selling, General and Administration

Selling, general and administration increased 36% in 1997 compared 
to 1996, despite a $3,000 reduction in corporate overhead 
expenditures.  The increase in selling, general and administration 
stems primarily from the 1997 acquisitions and the full year 
impact of SAFCO, which was acquired in September 1996.  Lower 
corporate overhead resulted primarily from reduced payroll related 
and professional services expenditures.  

As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administration was 
31% and 26% in 1997 and 1996, respectively.  The change 
stems primarily from the Wireless and Access Products 
Segments.  The Wireless Segment has a higher percentage of 
selling, general and administration to sales compared to the 
Industrial and Access Products Segments.  Therefore, as a result 
of the Wireless acquisition, the percentage of selling, general, 
and administration to sales increased.  In addition, product 
delays within the Wireless Segment and reduced sales without a 
corresponding decline in expense in the Access Products Segment 
contributed to the change.

Research and Development, Goodwill Amortization and Interest Expense

Research and development, goodwill amortization and interest 
expense increased 29%, 89% and 165%, respectively, in 1997 
compared to 1996.  The increases were primarily due to the 
acquisitions.

Provision for taxes on income

Excluding the purchased in-process research and development 
charge, the benefit for taxes on the loss was an effective rate of 
38% for 1997.  Excluding the purchased in-process research and 
development charge, the provision for taxes on income was an 
effective rate of 38% for 1996.

Income from discontinued operations

On July 24, 1998, the Company completed the last of its planned 
divestitures with the sale of its Resource Consultants, Inc. (RCI) 
subsidiary to the management of RCI and an investor group for 
$19,317, substantially all in cash.  The Company reported an after 
tax gain of $100, or $.02 per share on the transaction.  Proceeds 
of the sale were used to pay down outstanding debt.

On July 31, 1997, the Company sold its real estate complex, Green 
Hills Corporate Center (GHMC), to Brandywine Realty Trust, for 
$40,000, substantially all in cash.  The sale resulted in a $7,000 
gain, net of income taxes of $5,362, or $1.11 per share.  On June 
24, 1997, the Company sold its SRA Technologies, Inc. (SRA) 
subsidiary to Dames & Moore, Inc. for $8,800 in cash.  The sale of 
SRA resulted in a $1,080 gain, net of income taxes of $583, or 
$.17 per share.  The Company reduced its debt levels with the 
sales proceeds.
<PAGE>
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working capital decreased $8,273 in 1998.  The decline in working 
capital was due to the creation of current accrued liabilities 
associated with the second quarter charge, stock repurchases, and 
the purchase of Elemec.  Amounts generated from operations, 
available cash and cash equivalents and an existing line of credit 
should provide adequate working capital through 1999.  In 
addition, the Company eliminated the $0.10 per share quarterly 
dividend after the March 10, 1998 payment.  This action provides 
additional funds to satisfy working capital requirements.  The 
Company does not expect to make any contingent payments to former 
SAFCO Corporation shareholders during 1999.

Under the terms of a loan agreement, the Company has a maximum 
working capital line of $12,000 and an acquisition line of $12,000 
with First Union National Bank that expire on June 30, 1999.  The 
Company expects to renew the lines on such date.  The agreement 
contains a number of financial and other covenants, the most 
restrictive of which requires a certain ratio of funded debt to 
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.  
The Company was in compliance with all covenants at January 1, 
1999.  The agreement also contains a provision that limits the 
working capital line to a defined borrowing base consisting of 
eligible receivables and inventory amounts.  As of January 1, 
1999, the availability under the working capital line of credit 
was $8,249, after reduction for outstanding borrowings of $1,828 
and issued letters of credit aggregating $1,923.

The Company estimates that its total capital expenditures in 1999, 
excluding acquisitions, will be approximately $4,600.  No 
restrictions on cash transfers between the Company and its 
subsidiaries exist.

Other

Continued improvement in the Company's operations is dependent 
upon successful product releases within the Wireless Segment.  
Continued lack of demand for the analog products within the Access 
Products Segment could depress results; however, the Company is 
continuing the process of entering into new technology 
partnerships which are expected to offset declining analog product 
sales.  Additionally, the Company is currently developing its own 
new product for the access market, to be released in the third 
quarter of 1999.

The currency problems with certain Asian countries and in Brazil 
have had a negative impact to their economies.  The Company 
currently sells to customers located in some of these countries 
and expects that there could be some impact from the currency 
problems on the volume or timing of products sold in those 
countries.
<PAGE>
In the second quarter of 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards 
Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, 
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" 
(SFAS 133).  The Company will adopt SFAS 133 during the first 
quarter of 2000.  SFAS 133 is not expected to have a material 
impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations, 
financial position or cash flows.

The Company recognizes the issues associated with the Year 2000 
problem.  The Company relies on information technology ("IT") 
systems to support many key operations of its business.  The 
Company believes that these systems must be made compliant to 
ensure no material business interruption.  The program to identify 
and resolve Year 2000 issues encompasses the following phases: 
risk assessment, inventory of affected technology and critical 
third party suppliers, development of project plans and monitoring 
of projects, and contingency planning.  Initial risk assessment 
and inventories of systems have been conducted and the Company has 
determined that most of its systems are Year 2000 compliant.  The 
Company's assessments and inventories are considering both IT and 
non-IT systems and equipment.

Project plans have been developed to identify the remaining 
systems/equipment that need remediation, as well as actions, 
resources needed, and timeframes to perform the remediation.  This 
entire process is a dynamic one.  Compliance assessments are 
ongoing, modifications to individual project plans are made as 
needed, and the Company's overall remediation status is monitored 
on a regular basis.

In addition to its own Year 2000 compliance, the Company believes 
that its business could potentially be adversely impacted if its 
key suppliers and customers do not achieve timely and successful 
Year 2000 compliance with their systems/equipment.  As such, the 
Company is in the process of contacting its key business partners 
to assess their Year 2000 readiness.  The Company expects its Year 
2000 compliance programs to be completed by the end of 1999.  The 
total cost of achieving Year 2000 compliance is not expected to be 
material.  All modification costs are being expensed as incurred.

On January 1, 1999, several member countries of the European Union 
established fixed conversion rates between their existing 
sovereign currencies and adopted the Euro as their new common 
legal currency.  The Company will continue to evaluate issues 
involving introduction of the Euro.  Based on current information, 
the Company does not expect that the Euro conversion will have a 
material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, 
cash flow or financial condition.
<PAGE>
This Form 10-K contains certain statements of a forward-looking 
nature relating to future events or the future financial 
performance of the Company.  Such statements are only predictions 
and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual events or 
performance may differ materially as expressed in any such forward 
looking statements.  Potential risks and uncertainties include, 
without limitation: projections regarding 1999 revenues, capital 
requirements, product diversity, operating profitability, expected 
orders from contracts, market position, expected new technology 
partnerships, revenue from new products, the effect of general 
economic conditions in the United States, Asia and Latin America, 
the impact of competitive products, services and pricing, and 
demand and market acceptance risks of current and new products and 
services; and with respect to the Telecommunications business, 
technology change, and risks of product development and 
commercialization difficulties.  Further information on factors 
that could affect the Company's future financial performance can 
be found in the Company's other filings with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission.  Words such as "estimates", "positioned", 
"yields", "should generate", "appears", "viewed", "could", "would 
position", "expected", "does not expect" and "should allow" 
indicate the presence of forward looking statements.

<PAGE>
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Management's Report on Responsibility for Financial Reporting

 The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes 
thereto are the responsibility of, and have been prepared by, management 
of the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles.  Management believes the consolidated financial statements 
reflect fairly the results of operations and financial position of the 
Company in all material respects.  The consolidated financial statements 
include certain amounts that are based upon management's best estimates 
and judgment regarding the ultimate outcome of transactions which are 
not yet complete.

 Management believes that the accounting systems and related systems 
of internal control are sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that 
assets are safeguarded, transactions are properly authorized and 
included in the accounting records, and that those records provide a 
reliable basis for preparation of the Company's consolidated financial 
statements.  Reasonable assurance is based upon the concept that the 
cost of a system of internal control must be related to the benefits 
derived.  The Company maintains an internal audit function that 
periodically assesses the effectiveness of the systems of internal 
control and makes recommendations for possible improvement.

 The Company's consolidated financial statements have been audited 
by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as stated in 
their report below.  They have been elected to perform this function by 
the stockholders of the Company.  Management has made available to 
Arthur Andersen LLP all of the Company's financial records and related 
data, as well as the minutes of stockholders' and directors' meetings.

       T. S. Cobb
       Chairman, President 
       and Chief Executive Officer

       P. H. Snyder
       Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

<PAGE>

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors, Salient 3 Communications, Inc.:

 We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of 
Salient 3 Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of January 1, 1999 
and January 2, 1998, and the related consolidated statements of 
operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three 
fiscal years in the period ended January 1, 1999.  These financial 
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 
based on our audits.

 We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted 
auditing standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform 
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes 
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made 
by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement 
presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for 
our opinion.

 In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present 
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Salient 3 
Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of January 1, 1999 and January 
2, 1998, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for 
each of the three fiscal years in the period ended January 1, 1999, in 
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Arthur Andersen LLP 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 25, 1999       
<PAGE>
<TABLE>

SALIENT 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Years 1998, 1997, and 1996
(000's except for share and per share information)


                                      1998         1997        1996
                                   -------      -------      ------
<S>                               <C>          <C>          <C>
Telecommunications sales          $119,282     $110,469     $96,459
Cost of goods sold                  72,612       66,639      59,202
                                   -------      -------      ------
Gross profit                        46,670       43,830      37,257

Selling, general and 
 administration                     38,275       34,061      25,099
Purchased in-process 
 research and development              -          6,150      16,800
Goodwill impairment and
 restructuring charge               18,190          -           -
Research and development             8,820        9,098       7,038
Goodwill amortization                1,485        1,726         915
                                   -------     --------      ------
Operating loss                     (20,100)      (7,205)    (12,595)
                                   -------     --------      ------
Interest income                        301          135         298
Interest expense                     1,336        1,805         681
                                   -------     --------      ------ 
Pre-tax loss from
 continuing operations             (21,135)      (8,875)    (12,978)
                                   -------     --------      ------
Benefit for taxes on loss           (3,676)      (1,030)     (5,050)
                                   -------     --------      ------
Net loss from continuing
 operations                        (17,459)      (7,845)     (7,928)
                                   -------     --------      ------
Income from discontinued
operations:

 Technical Services Segment
  (less applicable income
  taxes of $643, $939, and $2,197)   1,050        1,628       3,555

 Real Estate Segment
  (less applicable income
  taxes of $0, $450, and $928)          -           781       1,499

 Gains on disposals of subsidiaries 
  (less applicable income taxes of 
  $0, $5,945, and $510)                100        8,080         990
                                     -----       ------      ------   
 Net income from
  discontinued operations            1,150       10,489       6,044
                                     -----       ------       -----
Net income (loss)                 $(16,309)     $ 2,644     $(1,884) 
                                    ======        =====       =====
<PAGE>
Per share of common stock
 (Basic and diluted):

Net loss from continuing 
 operations                         $(2.83)      $(1.24)     $(1.26)

Net income from
 discontinued operations:

  Technical Services Segment          0.17         0.26        0.56

  Real Estate Segment                   -          0.12        0.24

  Disposals of subsidiaries           0.02         1.28        0.16
                                      ----         ----        ----
Net income (loss) per share         $(2.65)      $ 0.42      $(0.30)
                                      ====         ====        ====

Basic weighted average
 shares outstanding              6,158,587    6,305,384   6,299,127

NOTE:  The income (loss) per share is computed independently for each item.  
 Therefore the total net income (loss) per share may not equal the sum of 
 individual items.




The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
 financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>

SALIENT 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
For the years 1998, 1997, and 1996                              
(000's)                                                      
                                                       1998          1997          1996
                                                     ---------    ----------    ---------
Cash flows from operating activities: 
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>          <C>
Net income (loss)                                    $(16,309)     $  2,644     $ (1,884)  
 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net   
 cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
  Gain on sale of subsidiaries                           (100)      (14,025)         -                        
  Disposition of United Energy Services
   Corporation                                            -             -         (1,500)     
  Depreciation and amortization                         6,535         7,105        5,770                    
  Purchased research & development write-off               -          6,150       16,800          
  Goodwill write-off                                   15,789           -            -                        
  Reserve provisions                                    4,318           808          222                      
  Benefit from deferred income taxes                   (2,050)         (849)      (3,880)                  
  Changes in current assets and current
   liabilities, net of effects from                                     
   acquisitions and dispositions:                              
    Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue           (4,257)       (1,697)         828                      
    Inventories                                            15        (2,963)      (2,794)                  
    Other current assets                               (1,055)         (271)         605        
    Accounts payable and salaries and wages            (1,639)          581         (101)   
    Other accrued liabilities                           3,684        (3,757)      (3,827)                  
    Income taxes, currently payable                    (2,773)         (266)       1,435                    
    Estimated liability for contract losses              (385)          (56)        (232)                    
 Other, net                                               143            (8)         106                      
                                                        -----        -------      ------
 Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities   1,916        (6,604)      11,548                   
                                                        -----        -------      ------          
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Payments for acquisitions, net of cash 
  acquired                                               (952)      (19,302)     (22,162)                 
 Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries                    15,505        45,013          -                        
 Payments for property, plant and equipment            (5,631)       (8,142)      (7,766)                  
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant
  and equipment                                           -             -          1,102                    
                                                       ------        ------       ------
 Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities   8,922        17,569      (28,826)                 
                                                       ------        ------       ------
<PAGE>
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Payments of long-term debt                              (635)      (35,338)      (1,689)                  
 Borrowings (repayments) under note payable            (6,729)        8,557          -    
 Proceeds from issuance of debt                           -          19,900       14,800                   
 Issuance of treasury stock in connection
  with stock purchase plan                                546           161          341                      
 Payments to acquire treasury stock                    (3,655)         (547)        (857)  
 Cash dividends paid                                     (642)       (2,553)      (3,785)                  
 Other, net                                              (120)          352       (1,169)                  
                                                       ------        ------       ------
 Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities (11,235)       (9,468)       7,641                    
                                                       ======        ======       ======
Net increase (decrease) in cash and                                                             
 cash equivalents                                        (397)        1,497       (9,637)                  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
 of year                                                2,979         1,482       11,119                   
                                                       ------        ------       ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year             $  2,582      $  2,979     $  1,482                    
                                                       ======        ======       ======
                                                                                                  
                                                                                                  
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:                                                               
                                                                                                  
 Interest paid                                       $  1,318      $  2,405     $    586     
                                                       ======        ======       ======
 Income taxes paid, net of refunds received          $  2,086      $  7,420     $  1,030                    
                                                       ======        ======       ======
                                                                                              
                                                                                                  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
 financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SALIENT 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets January 1, 1999 and January 2, 1998
(000's except for share information)

                                               January 1,            January 2,
                                                  1999                  1998
                                               ----------            ----------
ASSETS

Current assets:
 <S>                                            <C>                   <C>    
 Cash and cash equivalents                      $   2,582             $   2,979
 Accounts receivable, net of allowance
  for doubtful accounts of $1,711 in 1998 and
  $1,680 in 1997                                   27,342                23,798
 Inventories                                       15,070                20,128
 Deferred income taxes                              5,510                 3,805
 Other current assets                               5,864                 4,013
 Net assets held for sale                             -                  16,195
                                                   ------                ------
Total current assets                               56,368                70,918
                                                   ------                ------
 Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
  Land                                              3,172                 3,172
  Buildings                                         9,773                 9,800
  Furniture and equipment                          34,299                31,149
                                                   ------                ------
                                                   47,244                44,121
  Less accumulated depreciation and
   amortization                                    23,947                20,334
                                                   ------                ------
                                                   23,297                23,787
                                                   ------                ------
 Deferred income taxes                              6,940                 7,010
 Other assets                                       3,350                 1,000
 Goodwill                                          28,500                44,782
                                                  -------               -------
Total Assets                                    $ 118,455             $ 147,497
                                                  =======               =======



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
 statements.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SALIENT 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
January 1, 1999 and January 2, 1998
(000's except for share information)

                                               January 1,             January 2,
                                                  1999                   1998
                                               ----------             ----------
LIABILITIES

Current liabilities:
 <S>                                             <C>                   <C>
 Notes payable                                   $  1,828              $  8,557
 Accounts payable                                   7,200                 7,587
 Salaries and wages                                   987                 1,437
 Income taxes, currently payable                      466                 3,384
 Estimated liability for contract losses            1,756                 1,470
 Other accrued liabilities                         12,253                 8,332
                                                   ------                ------
Total current liabilities                          24,490                30,767
                                                   ------                ------
 Long-term debt                                    10,616                11,245
 Other long-term liabilities                        4,850                 4,948
 Self-insured retention                               510                 2,677

 Commitments and contingencies                        -                     -

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 Preferred stock, nonvoting, par value
  $1 per share, 1,000,000 shares 
  authorized, 0 shares outstanding                    -                     -
 Class A common stock, nonvoting, par
  value $1 per share
  Issued:  1998, 8,477,365 shares;       
  1997, 8,404,288 shares                            8,477                 8,404  
 Class B common stock, voting, par value
  $1 per share 
  Issued and outstanding:  
  1998, 507,935 shares;
  1997, 581,012 shares                                508                   581
 Capital in excess of par value                    37,394                37,835
 Warrants outstanding                               1,665                 1,665
 Retained earnings                                 72,978                89,929
 Foreign currency translation adjustment               99                    52
 Deferred compensation-restricted stock            (1,610)               (1,368)
 Class A common stock held in treasury,
  at cost:
   1998, 2,862,370 shares; 
   1997, 2,547,390 shares                         (41,522)              (39,238)
                                                  -------               -------
                                                   77,989                97,860
                                                  -------               -------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity       $118,455              $147,497
                                                  =======               =======

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
 statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>

SALIENT 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
For the years 1998, 1997 and 1996                                   
(000's except for share information)
                                                 Common Stock
                                  -------------------------------------------
                                       Class A                   Class B
                                  -------------------       -----------------
                                   Shares      Amount       Shares     Amount   
                                  ---------    -------      -------    ------
 <S>                              <C>         <C>           <C>       <C> 
 Balances at December 29, 1995    8,532,528   $  8,532      452,772   $   453 
 Conversion from Class A to                                               
   Class B, net                     (15,716)       (15)      15,716        15 
                                  ---------      -----      -------      ----
 Balances at January 3, 1997      8,516,812   $  8,517      468,488   $   468 
 Conversion from Class A to                                            
   Class B, net                    (112,524)      (113)     112,524       113  
                                  ---------     ------      -------      ----
 Balances at January 2, 1998      8,404,288   $  8,404      581,012   $   581
 Conversion from Class B to                                           
   Class A, net                      73,077         73      (73,077)      (73) 
                                  ---------     ------      -------      ----
 Balances at January 1, 1999      8,477,365   $  8,477      507,935    $  508  
                                  =========     ======      =======      ====  
                                                                              
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
 financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SALIENT 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
For the years 1998, 1997 and 1996                                                                                                
(000's except for share information)                              
                                                                            Foreign      Deferred               Class A
                                      Capital in                            Currency     Compensation-       Treasury Stock
                                      Excess of    Warrants     Retained    Translation  Restricted      -----------------------
                                      Par Value    Outstanding  Earnings    Adjustment      Stock        Shares           Amount
                                      ---------    -----------  --------    ----------   ----------      ---------      --------
 <S>                                  <C>           <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>             <C>            <C>
 Balances at December 29, 1995        $ 38,492      $    -       $ 95,507   $   -        $   -           2,696,476      $(40,503)
 Net loss                                                          (1,884)                                        
 Cash dividends paid, $.60 per                                                                                      
   share                                                           (3,785)                                           
 Issuance of restricted stock              (86)                                            (431)           (34,500)          517
 Restricted stock amortization                                                              144                               
 Issuance of warrants                                   1,180                                                              
 Purchase of treasury stock                                                                                 69,418          (857)
 Issuance of treasury stock in                                                                                                
   connection with stock                                                                                                     
   purchase plan                          (315)                                                            (98,257)          656
                                      ---------        ------      -------  ---------    ------          ----------     --------
 Balances at January 3, 1997            38,091          1,180      89,838       -          (287)         2,633,137       (40,187)
 Net income                                                         2,644                                                
 Cash dividends paid, $.40 per                                                                                            
   share                                                           (2,553)              
 Translation adjustment                                                          52                               
 Issuance of restricted stock             (116)                                          (1,079)           (80,000)        1,195
 Restricted stock amortization                                                               (2)            
 Issuance of warrants                                     485                                                           
 Purchase of treasury stock                                                                                 41,120          (547)
 Issuance of treasury stock in                                                                                           
   connection with stock                                                                                                    
   purchase plan                          (140)                                                            (46,867)          301
                                      ---------        ------      ------   -------       ------         ----------     --------
 Balances at January 2, 1998            37,835          1,665      89,929        52      (1,368)         2,547,390       (39,238)
 Net loss                                                         (16,309)
 Cash dividends paid, $.10 per                                                                                      
   share                                                             (642)       
 Translation adjustment                                                          47     
 Issuance of restricted stock             (212)                                            (427)           (45,000)          639
 Restricted stock amortization                                                              142                       
 Restricted stock forfeitures                6                                               43              3,250           (49)
 Purchase of treasury stock                                                                                393,230        (3,655)
 Issuance of treasury stock in                                                                                          
   connection with stock                                                                                                    
   purchase plan                          (235)                                                            (36,500)          781
                                       --------       -------      ------   -------      ------          ----------     --------
 Balances at January 1, 1999          $ 37,394       $  1,665    $ 72,978   $    99     $(1,610)         2,862,370      $(41,522)
                                       ========       =======      ======   =======      ======          ==========     ========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
 statements.
                                                                       
</TABLE>
<PAGE>                                                     

SALIENT 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(000's except for share and per share information)

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION:  The Company is a leading 
telecommunications equipment and services company 
with subsidiaries that operate in the industrial, 
access products, and wireless markets.  The 
Industrial Segment develops, assembles, and markets 
communications systems for industrial operations.  
The Access Products Segment designs and markets 
voice and data transmission system products.  The 
Wireless Segment's products and services focus on 
the measurement analysis and predictive tools used 
by the wireless communication industry.

FISCAL YEAR:  The Company uses a 52-53 week fiscal 
year ending on the Friday nearest December 31.  The 
1998 and 1997 fiscal years included 52 weeks each 
and ended on January 1, 1999, and January 2, 1998, 
respectively. The 1996 fiscal year included 53 
weeks and ended on January 3, 1997.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:  The consolidated 
financial statements include the accounts of the 
Company and its subsidiaries.  All material 
intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

RECOGNITION OF REVENUE:  The Company recognizes 
revenue upon shipment of goods and accrues costs 
associated with the training and installation for 
its products upon shipment.  The Company recognizes 
revenue on contracts entered into for radio 
frequency engineering as the work is performed.  
Costs and expenses are charged to operations as 
incurred.  Losses, estimated to be sustained upon 
completion of contracts, are charged to income in 
the year such estimates are determinable.  Software 
licensing revenue is recognized proportionally over 
the contract term.  At January 1, 1999 and January 
2, 1998, the Company deferred $1,429 and $561, 
respectively, of software licensing revenue.

INSURANCE PROGRAMS:  Over the years, the Company's 
overall workers compensation and general liability 
insurance coverages have, and in some cases do, 
contain provisions for significant deductibles and 
funding on a claims paid basis.  Accruals, which 
relate primarily to workers' compensation, 
aggregate $1,602 and $2,128 at January 1, 1999, and 
January 2, 1998 respectively, and are included in 
other accrued liabilities on the consolidated 
balance sheets.
<PAGE>
INVENTORIES:  Inventories, which consist of 
material, labor and overhead, are determined on the 
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method and are stated at 
the lower of cost or market.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:  For financial 
reporting purposes, the Company provides for 
depreciation and amortization of property, plant 
and equipment, including assets under capital 
leases, on the straight-line method over the 
estimated useful lives of the various classes of 
assets.  For income tax purposes, the Company uses 
accelerated depreciation where permitted.  Useful 
lives of depreciable assets, by class, are as 
follows:

   Buildings                      40 years
   Furniture and equipment   3 to 10 years

Costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to 
expense as incurred.  Renewals and improvements are 
capitalized.  Upon retirement or other disposition 
of plant and equipment, the cost of the item and 
related accumulated depreciation are removed from 
the accounts and any gain or loss is included in 
income.

In 1998 and 1997, the Company capitalized $175 and 
$543, respectively, of costs associated with the 
development of software for external use in 
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting 
Standards No. 86 "Accounting for Cost of Computer 
Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise 
Marketed."  Costs are being amortized on a straight 
line basis over 2 to 3 years.  As of January 1, 
1999, $299 has been amortized.

GOODWILL:  Goodwill is being amortized by charges 
to operations on a straight-line basis over periods 
of 20 to 40 years, and such amortization amounted 
to $1,485 in 1998, $1,726 in 1997 and $915 in 1996.  
Accumulated amortization amounted to $6,588 at 
January 1, 1999, and $5,103 at January 2, 1998.

The Company periodically reviews goodwill to assess 
recoverability, and impairments would be recognized 
in operating results if a permanent diminution in 
value were to occur.  The Company's primary 
financial indicator for assessing recoverability of 
goodwill is whether a subsidiary is projected to 
generate sufficient income and cash flow on an 
undiscounted basis.  During 1998 the Company 
recorded a $15,789 impairment of goodwill (See Note 9).
<PAGE>
INCOME TAXES:  The Company utilizes the liability 
method of accounting for income taxes.  Under this 
method, deferred income taxes are determined based 
on the difference between the financial statement 
and tax bases of assets and liabilities using 
enacted tax rates.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT:  Expenditures relating to 
the development of new products and processes, 
including significant improvements, refinements and 
engineering support to existing products, are 
expensed as incurred.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS:  For purposes of the 
consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company 
considers all highly liquid investments with a 
maturity of three months or less at the time of 
purchase to be cash equivalents.

ESTIMATES:  The preparation of financial statements 
in conformity with generally accepted accounting 
principles requires management to make estimates 
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of 
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent 
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial 
statements.  Also, estimates are made for reported 
amounts of revenues and expenses during the 
reporting period.  The ultimate results could 
differ from those estimates.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:  In the first quarter of 
1997, the Company elected discontinued operations 
treatment for both its technical services and real 
estate segments.

The results of operations for technical services 
and the real estate segments have been classified 
as discontinued operations for all periods 
presented in the Consolidated Statements of 
Operations and Balance Sheets.  The assets and 
liabilities of the discontinued operations have 
been classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets 
as "Net assets held for sale."  Discontinued 
operations have not been segregated in the 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and, 
therefore, amounts for certain captions will not 
agree with the respective Consolidated Statements 
of Operations.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
The following is a summary of sales by discontinued 
segment:

                          1998        1997        1996
                     ---------   ---------   ---------
Sales:    
 <S>                   <C>         <C>         <C>
 Technical Services    $48,251     $69,463     $84,888
 Real Estate               -         5,026       8,767
                     ---------   ---------   ---------
                       $48,251     $74,489     $93,655
                     =========   =========   =========
</TABLE>

The Company allocated interest not specifically 
associated with any segment based upon a ratio of 
net assets.  Interest expense allocated to 
discontinued operations was not material in 1998, 
1997 and 1996.

EARNINGS PER SHARE:  Dilutive shares outstanding 
were determined on the assumption that all 
outstanding options, warrants and shares of 
restricted stock with a strike price below the 
average stock price for the period, would be 
exercised and the related shares issued. Dilutive 
shares outstanding for 1998, 1997 and 1996 were 
6,184,471, 6,393,234 and 6,308,307, respectively.  
Since these additional shares had an antidilutive 
impact on the Company's loss from continuing 
operations, the adoption of SFAS 128 had no impact 
to the Company's earnings per share calculation.

Options and warrants to purchase 1,373,505 shares 
as of January 1, 1999, at prices ranging from 
$10.38 to $18.00, were outstanding, but were not 
included in the computation of diluted earnings per 
share because the exercise price was greater than 
the average market price.

NAME CHANGE:  On April 30, 1997, the Company 
changed its name from Gilbert Associates, Inc. to 
Salient 3 Communications, Inc. as part of its 
strategy to solely focus on telecommunications.  

2. ACQUISITIONS/DISPOSITIONS:

On July 24, 1998, the Company completed the last of 
its planned divestitures with the sale of its 
Resource Consultants, Inc. (RCI) subsidiary to the 
management of RCI and an investor group for 
$19,317, substantially all in cash.  The sale price 
included a $2,750 note that is recorded in other 
assets.  The sale resulted in an after tax gain of 
$100, or $0.02 per share.  Proceeds of the sale 
were used to pay down outstanding bank debt.
<PAGE>
Effective January 3, 1998, the Company acquired all 
of the outstanding stock of Elemec Systems, Ltd. 
(Elemec) for $952, including acquisition costs.  
Elemec is part of the Company's Industrial Segment 
and was merged into its European operations - GAI-
Tronics Limited.

On July 31, 1997, the Company sold its real estate 
complex, Green Hills Corporate Center, to 
Brandywine Realty Trust for $40,000, substantially 
all in cash.  The sale resulted in a $7,000 gain, 
net of $5,362 of income taxes, or $1.11 per share.  
Proceeds were used to reduce the Company's 
outstanding debt.

On June 24, 1997, the Company sold its SRA 
Technologies, Inc. (SRA) subsidiary to Dames and 
Moore, Inc. for $8,800 in cash.  The sale of SRA 
resulted in a $1,080 gain, net of income taxes of 
$583, or $.17 per share.  Proceeds were used to 
reduce the Company's outstanding debt.

On April 21, 1997, the Company acquired all of the 
outstanding capital stock of TEC Cellular, Inc. 
(TEC) for $14,139 including acquisition costs of 
$75.   Also, the Company issued seven year warrants 
exercisable to purchase 100,000 shares of the 
Company's stock at $18 per share, which were valued 
at $485.  The acquisition was accounted for as a 
purchase and cost was assigned to the net assets 
acquired based on their fair values at the date of 
acquisition.  The acquired assets had a fair value 
of $9,607 at that date, and the Company assumed 
liabilities of $1,430, which resulted in goodwill 
of $6,447.  TEC is part of the Company's Wireless 
Segment and was merged into SAFCO Technologies, 
Inc. 
 
In conjunction with the TEC acquisition, the 
Company recorded a $6,150 after-tax charge, or $.97 
per share, for purchased research and development 
costs.  The purchased in-process research and 
development had not yet reached technological 
feasibility and the technology had no alternative 
future use as of the date of closing.

On April 30, 1997, the Company acquired all of the 
outstanding stock of DAC Ltd. (DAC) for $5,351, 
including acquisition costs.  The acquisition was 
accounted for as a purchase and cost was assigned 
to the net assets based on their fair values at the 
date of acquisition.  The acquired assets had a 
fair value of $5,006 at that date, and the Company 
assumed liabilities of $1,979, which resulted in 
goodwill of $2,324.  DAC is part of the Company's 
Industrial Segment and its European operations - 
GAI-Tronics Limited.
<PAGE>
The following unaudited consolidated pro-forma 
statements of operations for the years 1998 and 
1997 include Elemec, TEC, and DAC as if they had 
been acquired at the beginning of each of the 
respective periods:

<TABLE>
                                         1998        1997
                                        ------      ------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>
Sales                                  $119,282    $116,077
Net loss from continuing operations    $(17,459)   $ (7,570)   
Net loss from continuing operations 
  per share of common stock            $  (2.83)   $  (1.20)

</TABLE>

The pro-forma statements of operations include 
adjustments for interest expense and amortization 
of goodwill.

During the first quarter of 1997, the Company paid 
an earnout of $1,000 to the former principals of 
Instrument Associates, Inc. pursuant to the 1993 
purchase agreement.

On September 30, 1996, the Company acquired the 
assets of SAFCO Corporation's Electronic Systems 
Division (ESD). The Company paid $20,000 in cash 
plus $700 of acquisition costs, issued $10,000 in 
notes payable and issued seven year warrants 
exercisable to purchase 555,555 shares of the 
Company's stock at $18 per share.  The warrants 
were valued at $1,180.  The acquisition was 
accounted for as a purchase and cost was assigned 
to the net assets acquired based on their fair 
values at the date of acquisition.  The acquired 
assets had a fair value of $24,506 at that date, 
and the Company assumed liabilities of $3,031, 
which resulted in goodwill of $10,405.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will 
also pay SAFCO Corporation's shareholders 
additional incremental amounts through 1999 based 
upon the achievement of certain sales and operating 
income levels.  Any additional payments will 
increase goodwill.  The Company paid former 
shareholders $1,204 during the first quarter of 
1997.  

In connection with the ESD acquisition, $10,300, 
net of $6,500 income tax benefit, or $1.63 per 
share, of in-process research and development costs 
were expensed during the fourth quarter of 1996.  
The purchased in-process research and development 
had not yet reached technological feasibility and 
the technology had no alternative future use as of 
the date of closing.
<PAGE>
3. INCOME TAXES:

At January 1, 1999, a federal and state income tax 
refund of $709 was recorded in other current assets.  
Income tax benefits from continuing operations 
consist of the following:

<TABLE>
                          1998         1997        1996
                          ----         ----        ----
Current:
  <S>                 <C>          <C>         <C>
  Federal             $ (2,809)    $ (1,793)   $ (1,860)
  State and foreign        768         (328)        (50)
                      --------     --------    --------
                        (2,041)      (2,121)     (1,910)
                      --------     --------    --------
Deferred:
  Federal               (1,155)         881      (2,140)
  State                   (480)         210      (1,000)
                      --------      -------     -------
                        (1,635)       1,091      (3,140)
                      --------      -------     -------
                      $ (3,676)    $ (1,030)   $ (5,050)
                      ========      =======     =======
</TABLE>

The tax effects of temporary differences which comprise the deferred income tax 
assets and liabilities are as follows:

<TABLE>
                                         January 1, 1999     January 2, 1998
                                        -----------------   -----------------
Deferred income tax assets:
 <S>                                         <C>                 <C>
 Goodwill                                    $ 6,268             $ 4,895  
 Retirement liabilities                        1,972               1,778
 Inventory obsolescence reserves               1,507                 810
 Reserves for contract disallowances
   and bad debts                               1,244               1,166 
 Inventory                                       682                 451
 Workers' compensation reserves                  562                 671
 Deferred revenue                                559                 193
 Closure of United Energy Services Corp.         547                 527   
 Warranty reserve                                292                 231
 Self-insured retention                          199                 990
 Other                                         1,196               1,037
                                          ----------          ----------
                                              15,028              12,749
                                          ----------          ----------
<PAGE>
Deferred income tax liabilities:
 Depreciation                                  1,119                 741
 State income taxes                              694                 538
 Cash to accrual                                 106                 183
 Prepaid insurance                               187                 209
 Deferred installment sale gain                  125                 156 
 Other                                           347                 107
                                          ----------          ----------
                                               2,578               1,934
                                          ----------          ----------
 Net deferred income tax asset               $12,450             $10,815  
                                          ==========          ==========
</TABLE>

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers 
whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the 
deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred 
tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable 
income during the periods in which those temporary differences become 
deductible.  Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax 
liabilities, projected future taxable income, and 
tax planning strategies in making this assessment.  
Based upon the projections for future taxable 
income over the periods which the deferred tax 
assets are deductible, management believes it is 
more likely than not the Company will realize the 
benefit of these deductible differences at January 
1, 1999 and January 2, 1998.

A reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate 
to the effective tax rate follows:

<TABLE>

                                        1998      1997      1996
                                        ----      ----      ----

<S>                                    <C>      <C>       <C>
Federal statutory tax rate             (34.0)%  (34.0)%   (34.0)%
Purchased research and development
   write-off                              -      23.6        -
State and foreign taxes                 (0.9)    (1.0)     (5.3)
Amortization and write-off of goodwill  18.6      2.9       1.3
Research and development credit         (1.2)    (1.1)       -
Foreign sales corporation               (0.6)    (1.3)       -
Other, net                               0.7     (0.7)     (0.9)
                                        ----     ----      ----
 Effective tax rate                    (17.4)%  (11.6)%   (38.9)%
                                        ====     ====      ====
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
4. LONG-TERM DEBT:

Long-term debt consists of the following obligations:
<TABLE>
                                              January 1,            January 2, 
                                                 1999                  1998
                                              ---------             ---------
<S>                                           <C>                    <C>     
Acquisition line of credit(see below)         $                      $    -   
Note payable, interest due quarterly at 7%,
   principal due 2001                           10,000                 10,000
Mortgage obligation, $21 due monthly 
   to 2001 including interest at 8.5%              656                    849
Note payable, interest and principal due
   at maturity, with maturity date of
   1998 and interest rate of 6%                     -                     250
Capital lease obligations, with monthly
   payments not exceeding $20
   with maturity dates from 1998 to 2002 and
   interest rates ranging from 8.4% to 14.5%       282                    474
                                               -------               --------
                                                10,938                 11,573
Less current maturities                           (322)                  (328)
                                               -------                -------
                                               $10,616                $11,245
                                               =======                =======
</TABLE>

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt, 
including the capital lease obligations, are as 
follows:

 1999           $   322   
 2000               360   
 2001            10,254
 2002                 2
                -------
 Total          $10,938
                =======

In connection with the aforementioned capital 
leases and mortgage obligation, the Company has 
pledged as collateral the following:

                                  January 1, 1999
                                  ---------------
Land and building                          $5,003   
Equipment                                     611   
Less accumulated depreciation                (785)
                                          -------
                                           $4,829   
                                          =======

Long term debt recorded at January 1, 1999 
approximates fair market value.
<PAGE>
Under terms of a 1998 loan agreement with First 
Union National Bank, the Company has a working 
capital line of credit of $12,000 and an 
acquisition line of credit of $12,000.  The 
agreement requires maintenance of certain financial 
covenants, and the Company pays a commitment fee of 
one-quarter of one percent on the unused portion of 
the lines.  As of January 1, 1999, approximately 
$8,000 was available under the working capital line 
of credit based on outstanding borrowings ($1,828), 
and outstanding letters of credit.  As of January 
1, 1999, there were no borrowings under the 
acquisition line of credit.  The loan agreement 
contains a number of financial and other covenants, 
the most restrictive of which requires a certain 
ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, 
taxes, depreciation and amortization.  The 
agreement also contains a provision that limits the 
working capital line to a defined borrowing base 
consisting of eligible receivables and inventory 
amounts.  As of January 1, 1999, the borrowing base 
was in excess of $12,000.  The Company was in 
compliance with its loan covenants as of January 1, 
1999.
 
The working capital line of credit is available 
through June 30, 1999.  The Company expects to 
renew the line on such date.  At January 1, 1999 
and January 2, 1998, $1,923 and $1,464, 
respectively, was committed for stand-by letters of 
credit.

The acquisition line of credit is available through 
June 30, 1999.  Any balance outstanding at that 
time will convert to a term loan and be amortized 
in equal principal payments over the following 60 
months.

Interest charges are based, at the Company's 
option, on the bank's prime rate or a function of 
LIBOR.  The loan is collateralized by substantially 
all of the Company's tangible and intangible 
assets.

5. INVENTORIES:

Inventories consist of the following:
<TABLE>
                             January 1,       January 2,
                                1999             1998
                              ----------      ----------
<S>                            <C>             <C>
Raw materials and components   $ 9,632         $ 13,522
Work in process                  2,408            2,576
Finished goods                   6,885            6,220
Reserves                        (3,855)          (2,190)
                              --------         --------
                               $15,070          $20,128
                              ========         ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
6. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS:

Substantially all regular, full-time employees of 
the Company and its subsidiaries are participants 
in various defined contribution retirement plans.  
Employer contributions under these plans are 
generally at the discretion of the Company, based 
upon profits and employees' voluntary contributions 
to the plans.  Company contributions charged to 
operations in 1998, 1997, and 1996, totaled  
$1,442, $1,536, and $1,212, respectively.

In 1996, the Company completed arrangements with an 
insurance carrier to assume the liability for 
certain five thousand dollar postretirement death 
benefit obligations.  In early 1995, the Company 
discontinued this plan for most employees. 

The Company maintains a contributory defined 
benefit pension plan for employees of GAI-Tronics 
Limited, a second tier U.K. subsidiary.  Benefits 
are payable based on years of service and an 
employee's compensation during the last ten years 
of employment.  Contributions are intended to 
provide not only for benefits attributed to service 
to date but also for those expected to be earned in 
the future.

The following table sets forth the funded status of 
the plan and the amounts recognized in the 
financial statements as of January 1, 1999 and 
January 2, 1998 and for the year and nine months 
then ended, respectively.
<TABLE>
                                                        For the nine
                                                        months ended
                                                         January 2,
                                            1998            1998   
                                            ----            ----

<S>                                         <C>             <C>
Discount rate                               4.50%           6.50%
Salary escalation                           2.50%           4.50%
Expected return on plan assets              9.00%          10.00%

Change in Benefit Obligation:
 Benefit obligation, beginning balance   $ 4,157         $ 3,294
 Service cost                                222             116
 Interest cost                               269             170
 Participant contributions                    80              55
 Actuarial loss                            1,058             552
 Benefits paid                              (126)            (31)
 Currency translation adjustment              53               1
                                         -------         -------
 Benefit obligation, ending balance      $ 5,713         $ 4,157
                                         =======         =======
<PAGE>
Change in Plan Assets:
 Future value, beginning balance         $ 4,358         $ 3,812
 Actual return                               994             423
 Employer contribution                       159              99
 Participant contributions                    80              55
 Benefits paid                              (126)            (31)
 Currency translation adjustment              55               -
                                         -------         -------
 Future value, ending balance            $ 5,520         $ 4,358
                                         =======         =======



Funded Status                            $  (193)        $   201
Unrecognized net actuarial loss              857             387
Currency translation adjustment                3               -
                                         -------         ------- 
Prepaid benefit                          $   667         $   588
                                         =======         =======
Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost:
 Service cost                            $   222         $   116
 Interest cost                               269             170
 Expected return                            (401)           (258)
                                         -------         -------
 Net periodic pension cost               $    90         $    28
                                         =======         =======
</TABLE>
7. CAPITAL STOCK:

Except for voting privileges, shares of Class A and 
Class B common stock are identical.  Class B 
stockholders must be either directors of the 
Company, or active employees of the Company or its 
subsidiaries.  They may not sell or transfer such 
stock without having first extended an offer of 
sale to the Company.

An amendment to the Company's Certificate of 
Incorporation was approved during the second 
quarter of 1996 to reduce the number of authorized 
shares from 24,000,000 shares to 11,000,000 shares, 
10,000,000 shares of which are common stock and 
1,000,000 shares of which are preferred stock.  No 
shares of preferred stock were outstanding as of 
January 1, 1999.

In 1996, the Board of Directors adopted a Stock 
Purchase Assistance Plan.  The plan authorizes the 
Company to extend loans to officers and other key 
employees for the purpose of acquiring Company 
stock.  The loans bear market rate interest, due 
quarterly, with principal payments generally due in 
10 equal annual installments. As of January 1, 
1999, and January 2, 1998, loans aggregating $966 
and $1,218, respectively, were outstanding and are 
reflected as an element of treasury stock. 
<PAGE>
On October 30, 1996, the Board of Directors adopted 
a Shareholder Rights Plan and declared a 
distribution of one Nonvoting Common Stock Right 
for each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock 
and one Voting Common Stock Right for each 
outstanding share of Class B Common Stock to 
stockholders of record at the close of business on 
November 14, 1996 and for each share of Company 
Common Stock issued (including shares distributed 
from Treasury) by the Company thereafter and prior 
to the Distribution Date.  The threshold for 
triggering subsequent distribution of the Rights is 
ten days following the acquisition by a person of 
20% of the Company's stock.  Each Nonvoting and 
Voting Common Stock Right entitles the registered 
holder, subject to the terms of the Rights 
Agreement, to purchase from the Company one one-
thousandth of a share (a "Unit") of Series A and 
Series B, respectively, Junior Participating 
Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, at a 
Purchase Price of $60.00 per Unit, subject to 
adjustment.

8. STOCK OPTION, AWARD AND PURCHASE PLANS:

In 1997, the Shareholders of the Company increased 
the number of stock options, stock appreciation 
rights and restricted stock available under the 
1996 Long Term Incentive Plan by 600,000.  The 
maximum number of shares which may be issued under 
the Plan for all purposes is 1,100,000.  During 
1998, 257,750 stock options were granted, at fair 
market value, with terms not exceeding ten years 
and vesting over a three year period.  

As part of the Plan, 45,000 and 80,000 shares of 
restricted stock were granted during 1998 and 1997, 
respectively.  These shares vest over a three to 
ten year period, depending upon certain financial 
achievements.  The value of the shares at the time 
of issuance is recorded in stockholders' equity and 
$285 has been expensed through 1998.  As of January 
1, 1999, 156,250 restricted shares were 
outstanding.

At January 1, 1999, an aggregate of 169,200 
options, rights, and restricted shares are 
available for future grants.
In 1997, the Shareholders of the Company increased 
the number of options available under the 
Directors' Stock Option Plan by 75,000.  The 
Directors' Stock Option Plan provides for the 
granting of 125,000 stock options at an exercise 
price of 75% of market value at date of grant.  
Participating directors pre-pay the additional 25% 
of the exercise price from a portion of their 
annual retainers allocated for that purpose, as an 
alternative to cash payments of such amounts.  
During 1998, 15,780 options were granted under the 
plan.  The options are granted with a twenty year 
term.  At January 1, 1999, options to purchase 
79,820 shares are available for issue.

The 1989 Stock Option Plan provides for issuance of 
stock options to purchase an aggregate of 250,000 
shares of Class B common stock at a price not less 
than 75% of the fair market value at the date of 
grant, and with terms not exceeding ten years.  
Options to purchase 69,250 Class B shares were 
granted at fair market value during 1998, with 
terms not exceeding ten years and vesting over a 
three year period.  At January 1, 1999, options to 
purchase 15,200 shares are available for future 
grants.
<PAGE>
A summary of stock option activity related to the 
plans mentioned above and other plans under which 
the Company is no longer granting options is as 
follows:
<TABLE>
                                                      Weighted       Number of
                          Number of  Option Price   Average Price      Shares
                           Shares      Per Share      Per Share      Exercisable
                         ---------   ------------    ----------      -----------
Outstanding at
<S>                      <C>        <C>                <C>             <C>
   Dec. 29, 1995          280,924    $12.00-$26.50      $16.40          95,475
Granted                   185,500    $ 9.00-$13.25      $12.15
Exercised                     -            -               -
Expired                   (64,625)   $12.50-$26.50      $18.88
                          -------
Outstanding at
   Jan. 3, 1997           401,799    $ 9.00-$23.20      $13.42          81,000 
Granted                   518,300    $11.25-$16.00      $13.81  
Exercised                     -            -               -
Expired                   (79,000)   $11.25-$23.20      $16.94  
                          -------
Outstanding at
   Jan. 2, 1998           841,099    $ 9.00-$21.00      $13.61         150,267 
Granted                   342,780    $ 6.85-$11.25      $ 9.44 
Exercised                     -            -               -
Expired                  (129,349)   $12.00-$21.00      $14.54  
                          -------
Outstanding at
   Jan. 1, 1999         1,054,530    $ 6.85-$17.50      $12.14         157,714 
                        =========
</TABLE>

The weighted average price per share of exercisable 
options at January 1, 1999 is $13.19.  The weighted 
average option lives remaining at January 1, 1999, 
January 2, 1998 and January 3, 1997 are 
approximately 8, 9 and 6 years, respectively. 

The Company has elected to continue to follow the 
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, 
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and 
related interpretations to account for its stock 
options.
<PAGE>
The following pro forma amounts, in accordance with 
the disclosure requirements of Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting 
for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS 123), were 
determined as if the Company had accounted for its 
stock options using the fair value method as 
described in that statement:
<TABLE>
                              1998        1997         1996
                           ---------    --------      --------
<S>                        <C>          <C>           <C>
Net loss from 
 continuing operations     $(17,905)    $(8,110)      $(8,031) 

Net loss from continuing 
 operations per share of
 common stock                $(2.91)     $(1.29)       $(1.27)

</TABLE>

The fair value was estimated at the date of grant 
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with 
the following weighted average assumptions for 
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively: risk free 
interest rates of 4.5%, 6.2% and 6.3%; dividend 
yields of 0.1%, 2.9% and 3.2%; volatility factors 
of 24.4%, 19.2% and 17.7%; and average stock option 
expected life of 5.2, 5.2 and 5 years.

The weighted average fair value of stock options 
granted was $2.96, $2.90 and $2.39 per share in 
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

Under the Stock Bonus Purchase Plan, certain 
employees and directors may use up to 50% of their 
annual incentive compensation and directors fees, 
respectively, to purchase shares of common stock at 
fair market value.  Employees purchasing shares 
will receive a stock bonus as determined by the 
Board of Directors each year.  The Company may 
grant an aggregate of 200,000 shares under this 
plan.  During 1998, no shares were issued under 
this plan.  To date, 54,580 shares have been 
issued, and 145,420 shares remain available for 
future grants as of January 1, 1999.

9.  SPECIAL CHARGES:

In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company recorded 
income of $267 resulting from a reversal of the 
majority of a reserve for the retention layer on 
certain insurance coverages ($2,167), offset in 
part by a charge for retirement expenses associated 
with a former officer ($1,200) and provisions to 
strengthen certain other operating reserves ($700).  
The net $267 benefit after an income tax expense of 
$87 was $180 or $0.03 per share.  The reversal of 
the insurance reserve was triggered by the 
Company's transition to a different structure in 
its insurance coverages, reflecting both its 
streamlined telecommunications businesses and a 
favorable climate in the commercial insurance 
markets.  The net pre-tax impact of these 
adjustments was a reduction of selling, general and 
administrative expenses of $267.

In the second quarter of 1998, the Company recorded 
$23,089 as a result of charges for restructuring 
and asset impairment ($18,190), inventory write-
downs ($4,353), and other miscellaneous expenses 
($546).  The $23,089 charge after an income tax 
benefit of $4,225 was $18,864 or $3.02 per share 
for the second quarter.  The restructuring and 
asset impairment charges of $18,190 include: (a) 
$2,401 relating to severance and other costs for 
approximately 140 manufacturing employees due to 
outsourcing the manufacturing process at XEL 
Communications, Inc. (XEL), as well as the 
consolidation of manufacturing of the Instrument 
Associates Division of GAI-Tronics into its 
Reading, Pennsylvania headquarters and (b) an asset 
impairment charge of $15,789 relating to the write-
down of the carrying value of goodwill related to 
XEL ($10,987 with no tax benefit) and the 
Instrument Associates Division of GAI-Tronics 
(pretax charge of $4,802) as a result of updated 
cash flow analysis.  The Company also re-evaluated 
its product offerings and decided to discontinue 
certain low margin product lines.  As a result, 
other expenses of the transition include inventory 
write-downs at the Company's SAFCO and XEL 
subsidiaries and Instrument Associates Division of 
$4,353, which are included in cost of goods sold, 
and miscellaneous expenses of $546, which are 
included in selling, general and administration.
The following table displays a rollforward of the 
liabilities for the restructuring charge from 
January 2, 1998 to January 1, 1999.
<TABLE>
                          January 2,                             January 1,
                           1998                  Amounts            1999
Type of Cost              Balance    Additions   Utilized         Balance
- ------------              -------     --------   --------         -------

<S>                        <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>
Employee separations       $  -        $1,075      $(560)         $  515
Facility closings             -         1,185       (387)            798
Other                         -           141         -              141
                           -----        -----       -----          -----
Total                      $  -        $2,401      $(947)         $1,454
                           =====        =====       =====          =====
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
During the third quarter of 1996, the Company 
settled a claim filed by a former employee, for 
which it had reserved approximately $2,200.  The 
actual settlement was approximately $1,500.  
Accordingly, the Company reversed the remaining 
$700 reserve to income in the third quarter, 
increasing net income by $435, or $.07 per share.

10.  OPERATING LEASES:

The Company leases, as lessee, facilities, data 
processing equipment, office equipment and 
automobiles under leases expiring during the next 
ten years.  Total rental expense under operating 
lease agreements amounted to $1,800 in 1998, $1,500 
in 1997, and $1,100 in 1996.  Minimum future 
rentals under noncancelable operating leases with 
initial or remaining terms in excess of one year at 
January 1, 1999 were as follows:

 1999                     $ 1,775   
 2000                       1,175   
 2001                         920   
 2002                         659   
 2003                         506
 2004 and thereafter        1,731   
                       ----------
 Total minimum rentals    $ 6,766   
                       ==========

11. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

Letters of credit and performance bonds are issued 
by the Company during the ordinary course of 
business through major domestic banks and insurance 
companies.  The Company has outstanding letters of 
credit and performance bonds, not reflected in the 
consolidated financial statements, in the amount of 
$1,923 at January 1, 1999 and $1,464 at January 2, 
1998.

Financial instruments which potentially subject the 
Company to the concentration of credit risk, as 
defined by SFAS No. 105, consist principally of 
accounts receivable.  Concentration of credit risk 
with respect to receivables is limited, as the 
majority of the balance represents billings for 
work performed or product sold for various 
financially secure companies.

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

In July 1998, the Company sold its RCI subsidiary 
to the management of RCI and an investor group.  
Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the 
Company agreed to indemnify, defend and hold 
harmless, the buyers of RCI against certain 
litigation, claims or judgment brought or continued 
against the Company arising out of the actions or 
operations of its former RCI subsidiary.

Various other lawsuits, claims and contingent 
liabilities arise in the ordinary course of the 
Company's business.  While the ultimate disposition 
of any of these contingencies is not determinable 
at this time, management believes that there are no 
current outstanding liabilities that will 
materially affect the Company's financial position 
or results of operations.

<PAGE>
<TABLE>

13. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):

The following is a tabulation of the unaudited quarterly financial data for each
of the four quarters of the years 1998 and 1997:
                                                  QUARTER ENDED
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------
                         April 3, 1998      July 3, 1998      Oct. 2, 1998     Jan. 1, 1999
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                         <C>                <C>               <C>              <C>
Telecommunications sales    $27,975            $29,772           $28,480          $33,055   
Gross profit                 10,549              8,241            12,285           15,595   
Pre-tax income (loss) from  
  continuing operations      (2,693)           (22,780)              657            3,681   
Net income (loss) from 
  continuing operations      (1,670)           (18,672)              406            2,477   
Net income (loss) from 
  discontinued operations       398                799              (147)             - 
Gain on disposals of 
  discontinued operations        -                  -                100              - 
Net income (loss)            (1,272)           (17,873)              359            2,477   

Per share of common stock:
  Net income (loss) from 
    continuing operations    $(0.26)            $(2.99)            $0.07            $0.41    
  Net income (loss) from 
    discontinued operations    0.06               0.13             (0.03)              -        
  Gain on disposals of 
    discontinued operations      -                  -               0.02               -
                            -------            -------           -------          -------
Net income (loss) per share  $(0.20)            $(2.86)            $0.06            $0.41    
                            =======            =======           =======           ======

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                                     QUARTER ENDED
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------
                          April 4, 1997     July 4, 1997      Oct. 3, 1997      Jan. 2, 1998
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                          <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>
Telecommunications sales     $24,817           $24,560           $27,919          $33,173   
Gross profit                   9,395             8,975            10,524           14,936   
Pre-tax income (loss) from  
  continuing operations         (955)           (9,293)           (1,940)           3,313   
Net income (loss) from 
  continuing operations         (614)           (8,115)           (1,241)           2,125   
Net income from 
  discontinued operations        869               650               476              414   
Gain on disposals of 
  discontinued operations         -              1,080             7,000              - 
Net income (loss)                255            (6,385)            6,235            2,539   

Per share of common stock:
  Net income (loss) from 
    continuing operations     $(0.10)           $(1.28)           $(0.20)           $0.34    
  Net income from 
    discontinued operations     0.14              0.10              0.08             0.06    
  Gain on disposals of 
    discontinued operations       -               0.17              1.11               -     
                             -------           -------           -------          -------
Net income (loss) per share   $ 0.04            $(1.01)           $ 0.99            $0.40    
                             =======           =======           =======           ======

NOTES:
 The results of operations for the quarter ended January 1, 1999 include income 
of $180, net of income tax expense of $87, or $.03 per share, relative to the 
reversal of a reserve for the retention layer on certain insurance coverages, 
offset in part by a charge for retirement expenses associated with a former 
officer and provisions for other operating reserves.

 The results of operations for the quarter ended July 3, 1998 include a charge 
of $18,864, net of income tax benefit of $4,225, or $3.02 per share, relative to 
a charge for goodwill impairment, restructuring costs, inventory reserves and 
other miscellaneous expenses.
 
 The results of operations for the quarter ended July 4, 1997 include a charge 
of $6,150, or $0.97 per share, relative to the write-off of purchased in-
process research and development associated with the TEC transaction.

  The results of operations for the quarter ended January 3, 1997 include a 
charge of $10,300, net of income tax benefit of $6,500, or $1.63 per share, 
relative to the write-off of purchased in-process research and development 
associated with the SAFCO transaction.

 Income (loss) per share is computed independently for each of the quarters 
presented.  Therefore, the sum of the quarterly income (loss) per share does 
not equal the total computed for the year.

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
14.  SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company has three reportable segments: Industrial, Access 
Products and Wireless.  The Industrial Segment develops, assembles 
and markets communication systems for industrial operations.  
Industrial communication products are designed to operate under 
extraordinary plant conditions and provide emergency notification.  
In addition, the segment includes land mobile radio communications 
devices.  In previous years, the land mobile operations were 
reflected in the Wireless Segment.  The Access Products Segment 
designs and markets voice and data transmission system products.  
The access products provide access to telecommunications services 
and automated monitoring and maintenance of telecommunications 
network performance.  The Wireless Segment's products and services 
focus on the measurement and analysis of signal strength, data 
communications and radio frequency transmitted between the 
wireless phone and cellsites.  The Wireless Segment also provides 
radio frequency engineering design services.

Each reportable segment operates as a separate, standalone 
business unit with its own management.

The Company evaluates segment performance based on profit or loss 
from continuing operations before income tax, goodwill 
amortization and corporate overhead allocation.  Profit or loss 
from continuing operations is determined in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles described in the summary 
of significant accounting policies.  Intersegment sales are not 
significant.  Identifiable assets are those assets used in the 
operations of a reportable segment and exclude goodwill and 
deferred taxes.  General corporate assets include land, deferred 
income taxes, goodwill and other corporate assets. Depreciation 
and capital expenditures will not agree with the Statement of 
Consolidated Cash Flows because discontinued operations have not 
been segregated in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>

Information about the Company's operations by segment for the 
years 1998, 1997 and 1996 is as follows:


                                Industrial     Access Products      Wireless        Consolidated
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended January 1, 1999:
 <S>                              <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
 Telecommunications sales         $ 64,033          $25,160          $30,089           $119,282 
                                  ========          =======          =======           ======== 
 Segment profit                   $  6,011          $   325          $ 2,427           $  8,763 
                                  ========          =======          =======
 General interest expense                                                                (1,294)
 General corporate expenses                                                              (4,598)
 Goodwill amortization                                                                   (1,485)
 Goodwill impairment, restructuring and other charges                                   (23,089)
 Net insurance reserve reversal and other                                                   267
 Interest income                                                                            301 
                                                                                      ---------
 Pre-tax loss from
     continuing operations                                                             $(21,135) 
================================================================================================
 Identifiable assets              $ 34,994          $15,052          $17,947           $ 67,993 
                                  ========          =======          ======= 
 Corporate assets                                                                        21,962 
 Goodwill                                                                                28,500 
                                                                                      ---------
 Total assets, January 1, 1999                                                         $118,455 
 ==============================================================================================
 Depreciation                      $ 2,047          $ 1,066          $ 1,530
                                   =======          =======          =======
 Capital expenditures              $ 3,262          $   218          $ 2,007
                                   =======          =======          =======

Reconciliation of Other Significant Items:
Geographic Information              Revenue      Long Lived Assets
- ----------------------              --------     ------------------
United States                       $ 76,413         $ 25,010
United Kingdom                        10,527            1,096
Japan                                  5,262               -   
Brazil                                 4,996              109
China                                  2,920               99
Taiwan                                 2,285               -
Other foreign countries               16,879              333
                                    --------         --------
                                    $119,282         $ 26,647
                                    ========         ========
Revenue from Major Customers:
Revenue from a customer of the Company's Access Products Segment 
represents approximately $14,605, or 12% of the Company's 
consolidated revenue. Revenue from a customer of the Company's 
Industrial and Wireless Segments represents approximately $11,058, 
or 9% of the Company's consolidated revenue.  

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                Industrial     Access Products      Wireless        Consolidated
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended January 2, 1998:

<S>                               <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
 Telecommunications sales         $ 59,809          $27,568          $23,092           $110,469 
                                  ========          =======          =======           =========

 Segment profit (loss)            $  5,815          $(1,550)         $   580           $  4,845 
                                  ========          ========         =======
 General interest expense                                                                (1,660)
 General corporate expenses                                                              (4,319)
 Goodwill amortization                                                                   (1,726)
 Purchased in-process research and development                                           (6,150)
 Interest income                                                                            135 
                                                                                       ---------
 Pre-tax loss from
     continuing operations                                                             $ (8,875)
================================================================================================
 Identifiable assets              $ 33,986          $18,183          $17,370           $ 69,539 
                                  ========          =======          ======= 
 Net assets held for sale                                                                16,195
 Corporate assets                                                                        16,981 
 Goodwill                                                                                44,782
                                                                                       ---------
 Total assets, January 2, 1998                                                         $147,497 
================================================================================================
 Depreciation                     $  1,515          $ 1,062          $   962
                                  ========          =======          =======
 Capital expenditures             $  3,442          $ 1,169          $ 2,777
                                  ========          =======          =======

Reconciliation of Other Significant Items:
Geographic Information              Revenue      Long Lived Assets
- ----------------------              --------     ------------------
United States                       $ 76,957          $ 23,767
China                                  7,671                63
United Kingdom                         5,953               798
Brazil                                 1,895               -
Other foreign countries               17,993               159   
                                    --------          --------
                                    $110,469          $ 24,787
                                    ========          ========
Revenue from Major Customers:
Revenue from a customer of the Company's Access Products Segment 
represents approximately $13,870, or 13% of the Company's 
consolidated revenue. Revenue from a customer of the Company's 
Industrial and Wireless Segments represents approximately $10,014, 
or 9% of the Company's consolidated revenue.  
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                Industrial     Access Products      Wireless        Consolidated
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended January 3, 1997:

<S>                               <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>
 Telecommunications sales         $ 53,003          $35,543           $7,913           $ 96,459 
                                  ========          =======           ======           =========

 Segment profit                   $  7,357          $ 1,709           $3,173           $ 12,239 
                                  ========          =======          =======
 General interest expense                                                                  (541)
 General corporate expenses                                                              (7,259)
 Goodwill amortization                                                                     (915)
 Purchased in-process research and development                                          (16,800)
 Interest income                                                                            298 
                                                                                       ---------
 Pre-tax loss from
     continuing operations                                                             $(12,978)
================================================================================================
 Identifiable assets              $ 25,044          $19,964          $11,564           $ 56,572 
                                  ========          =======          ======= 
 Net assets held for sale                                                                45,996
 Corporate assets                                                                        16,586
 Goodwill                                                                                36,593
                                                                                       ---------
 Total assets, January 3, 1997                                                         $155,747
================================================================================================
 Depreciation                     $  1,007          $   996          $   133
                                   =======          =======          =======
 Capital expenditures             $  4,197          $   885          $   210
                                   =======          =======          =======

Reconciliation of Other Significant Items:
Geographic Information              Revenue      Long Lived Assets
- ----------------------              --------     -----------------
United States                       $ 77,112          $ 19,560
China                                  1,971               -   
Saudi Arabia                           1,920               -   
South Korea                            1,250               -   
Other foreign countries               14,206               224   
                                    --------          --------
                                    $ 96,459          $ 19,784
                                    ========          ========
Revenue from Major Customers:
Revenue from a customer of the Company's Access Products Segment 
represents approximately $17,254, or 18% of the Company's 
consolidated revenue. Revenue from a customer of the Company's 
Industrial and Wireless Segments represents approximately $11,398, 
or 12% of the Company's consolidated revenue.  
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 There have been no changes in or disagreements with accountants on 
accounting and financial disclosure.

PART III

 Other than portions of Item 10, which are included in Item 4A 
hereof, this part (i.e. Item 10 - Directors and Executive Officers of 
the Registrant; Item 11 - Executive Compensation; Item 12 - Security 
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management; Item 13 - Certain 
Relationships and Related Transactions) is incorporated by reference to 
the registrant's 1999 definitive proxy statement.

PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 (a) The financial statements filed herewith under Part II, 
Item 8, include the consolidated balance sheets at 
January 1, 1999 and January 2, 1998, and the consolidated 
statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash 
flows for the years 1998, 1997 and 1996 of Salient 3 
Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 (b) The registrant did not file any Form 8-K during the 
fourth quarter of 1998.
 
 (c) Exhibits.

  3.1 Amended Certificate of Incorporation of Salient 3 
Communications, Inc. as currently in effect.  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the 
Quarterly Report of the registrant on Form 10-Q 
for the period ended July 4, 1997 (File No. 0-
12588).

  3.2 Amended By-laws of Salient 3 Communications, Inc. 
as currently in effect.  Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Quarterly Report of the 
registrant on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 
4, 1997 (File No. 0-12588).

   The following Exhibits 10.1 through 10.5 are 
compensatory plans or arrangements required to be 
filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 
10-K pursuant to Item 14(c):

  10.1 Salient 3 Communications, Inc. Equity Award Plan.  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to 
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed by 
registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 (File 
No. 33-15289).

  10.2 1989 Stock Option Plan.  Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form 
S-8 filed by registrant under the Securities Act 
of 1933 (File No. 33-32288).

  10.3 Salient 3 Communications, Inc. Stock Bonus 
Purchase Plan.  Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 
filed by registrant under the Securities Act of 
1933 (File No. 33-37793).

  10.4 Salient 3 Communications, Inc. Benefit 
Equalization Plan, effective January 1, 1989.  
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) of 
Annual Report of the registrant on Form 10-K for 
the fiscal year ended January 1, 1993 (File No. 0-
12588).

  10.5 Salient 3 Communications, Inc. split dollar life 
insurance policy for a former officer of the 
registrant.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10(h) of Annual Report of the registrant on Form 
10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 1993 
(File No. 0-12588).

  10.6 Salient 3 Communications, Inc. Long Term Incentive 
Plan.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to 
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed by the 
registrant under Securities Act of 1933 (File No. 
333-55963).

  10.7 Salient 3 Communications, Inc. Directors' Stock 
Option Plan.  Incorporated by reference to  
Exhibit 4 to registration Statement on Form S-8 
filed by the registrant under Securities Act of 
1933 (File No. 333-55967).

  16 Change in independent accountants.  Incorporated 
by reference to Form 8-K filed on May 6, 1996. 

  21 A complete list of the registrant's subsidiaries.

  23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, registrant's 
independent public accountants, to the use of 
their reports on the consolidated financial 
statements and financial data schedule.

  27 Financial Data Schedule for the year ended January 1, 1999.

  99.1 Annual Report on Form 11-K, pursuant to Section 
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, of 
the Stock Purchase Program for Employees of 
Salient 3 Communications, Inc. and its 
subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1998.  
(To be filed by amendment.)

 (d) Financial Statement Schedule, as required, are filed 
herewith.

<PAGE>

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON SCHEDULE

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Salient 3 Communications, Inc.:

 We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing 
standards, the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 
10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated January 25, 1999.  Our 
audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those statements 
taken as a whole.  The schedule referred to in Item 14(d) in this Form 
10-K is the responsibility of the Company's management and is presented 
for the purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission's rules and is not part of the basic consolidated financial 
statements.  This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures 
applied in the audit of the basic consolidated financial statements and, 
in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial 
data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic 
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 25, 1999

<PAGE>

<TABLE>

SCHEDULE II.  VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

For the Years 1998, 1997 and 1996

Column A                         Column B        Column C         Column D      Column E       Column F
                                 Balance at      Additions                                     Balance at
                                 Beginning       Charged to                      Other         End of
Description                      of Period   Costs and Expenses  Deductions     Changes        Period
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

1998:


 <S>                               <C>          <C>              <C>            <C>             <C>
 Allowance for doubtful accounts   $1,680       $    300         $    (27) (A)  $     55  (F)   $1,711
                                    =====          =====            =====           (351) (C)    ===== 
                                                                                    =====
 Estimated liability for 
   contract losses                 $1,470       $    300         $     14  (B)  $      -        $1,756
                                    =====          =====            =====           =====        =====

 Inventory reserves                $2,190       $    493          $   668       $     16  (F)   $3,855
                                    =====          4,353 (E)        2,880  (E)       351  (C)    =====
                                                   =====            =====           ===== 

 Restructuring reserves            $   -        $  2,401 (E)      $   947  (E)  $      -        $1,454
                                    =====          =====            =====           =====        ===== 

1997:


 Allowance for doubtful accounts   $1,565       $     76          $   154  (A)  $    358  (D)   $1,680
                                    =====          =====            =====           (165) (C)    =====
                                                                                    ===== 

 Estimated liability for 
   contract losses                 $1,539        $    -           $    69  (B)  $      -        $1,470
                                    =====          =====            =====           =====        =====

 Inventory reserves                $1,363         $  513          $   367       $    516  (D)   $2,190
                                    =====          =====            =====            165  (C)    =====
                                                                                    ===== 
<PAGE>
1996:

 Allowance for doubtful accounts   $1,876         $  103          $   414  (A)  $      -        $1,565
                                    =====          =====            =====           =====        =====
 Estimated liability for 
   contract losses                 $1,911         $   -           $   372  (B)  $      -        $1,539
                                    =====          =====            =====           =====        =====

 Inventory reserves                $  936         $  376          $   249       $    300  (C)   $1,363
                                    =====          =====            =====           =====        =====


 (A)  Uncollectible accounts written off.
 (B)  Contract losses realized.
 (C)  Reclassification of reserves. 
 (D)  Acquisition of DAC and TEC.
 (E)  Second quarter 1998 non-recurring charge.
 (F)  Acquisition of Elemec.

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused 
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, 
thereunto duly authorized this 19th day of March, 1999.

     SALIENT 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
     
     By  /s/T. S. Cobb     
            T. S. Cobb
            Chairman, President and Chief
            Executive Officer

 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on 
the dates indicated.

   Signature                    Title                           Date
        

                         Chairman, President and Chief 
                         Executive Officer 
                         (Principal Executive  
  /s/T. S. Cobb          Officer) and Director               March 19, 1999
- --------------
    T. S. Cobb

     
                         Senior Vice President and Chief
                         Financial Officer 
                         (Principal Financial
                         and Accounting Officer)
  /s/P. H. Snyder        and Director                        March 19, 1999
- -----------------
     P. H. Snyder


  /s/J. W. Boyer, Jr.    Director                            March 19, 1999
- --------------------
     J. W. Boyer, Jr.


  /s/D. E. Lyons         Director                            March 19, 1999
- ----------------
     D. E. Lyons


  /s/D. K. Wilson, Jr.   Director                            March 19, 1999
- ---------------------
     D. K. Wilson, Jr.


  /s/R. E. LaBlanc       Director                            March 19, 1999
- ------------------
     R. E. LaBlanc
<PAGE>

  /s/D. E. Foster        Director                            March 19, 1999
- -----------------
     D. E. Foster


  /s/D. F. Strigl        Director                            March 19, 1999
- -----------------
     D. F. Strigl

<PAGE>

<EX-21>
EXHIBIT 21
SUBSIDIARIES
 The following list includes all significant subsidiaries of 
the registrant and their state or jurisdiction of incorporation.  
The registrant owns 100% of the outstanding voting stock of all of 
the subsidiaries listed.  The consolidated financial statements 
include the registrant and all subsidiaries.  Except as noted 
below, none of the subsidiaries does business under a trade name 
different from its corporate name.

                                              State or
                                          Jurisdiction in
                                               which
 Name of Subsidiary                         Incorporated
 ------------------                       ---------------
GAI-Tronics Corporation *                     Delaware
XEL Communications, Inc.                      Colorado
SAFCO Technologies, Inc.                      Illinois

* GAI-Tronics Corporation, in addition to doing business under 
its corporate name, does business under the Instrument 
Associates, Inc. (IA) trade name and GAI-Tronics Limited.

<PAGE>    
<EX-23>
EXHIBIT 23.1


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Salient 3 Communications, Inc.:

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the 
incorporation of our reports included in this Form 10-K, into the 
Company's previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 
(File Nos. 333-55963, 333-55967, 33-55139, 33-11693, 33-15289, 33-
32288, 33-37792, 33-37793, 33-37795, 33-43113, 33-44939 and 33-
71242). 

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 19, 1999


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               JAN-01-1999
<CASH>                                         2582000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                 29053000
<ALLOWANCES>                                   1711000
<INVENTORY>                                   15070000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              56368000
<PP&E>                                        47244000
<DEPRECIATION>                                23947000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               118455000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                         24490000
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       8985000
<OTHER-SE>                                    69004000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 118455000
<SALES>                                      119282000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             119583000
<CGS>                                         72612000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 72612000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                              66770000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             1336000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             (21135000)
<INCOME-TAX>                                 (3676000)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         (17459000)
<DISCONTINUED>                               (1150000)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                (16309000)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (2.65)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (2.65)
        

</TABLE>


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