[Hallicrafters] Re: S-38E BFO

[Bill Gerhold]

Mark,

Thanks for the schematic tip and you are correct.  As you said, the ground
symbols are not the same.  As you surmised, I did not take notice of this
crucial difference.

Therefore, stepping back a little, the connection that was confusing me is
actually correct and agrees with the schematic.

The "S-38 Guy", site does not address the "Non-Gimmick" S-38E's better known
as the MKII version, which does not use a gimmick cap for BFO operation.
All his S-38E's use the gimmick cap.  The MKII uses a 15k pot mounted on the
back of the receiver connected between the screen grid and the cathode
circuit.  I do not understand the circuit operation exactly.

However, you have now placed me on a new track here since my juggling of the
ground symbols, led me to connect at least (2) components to chassis ground
instead of circuit ground!  This is getting interesting but, I am starting
to realize that some of my original puzzlement about component connections
and locations were valid.  Now it all seems to make sense.  Thinking back, I
don't believe I ever had to worry about the symbol difference between
circuit and chassis ground probably since these S-38E's are the 1st
transformerless receiver I ever worked on.  Live and learn.  Got to get out
the solder wick and move some parts.

There is a very good schematic of the MKII on the BAMA site.  It is a
stand-alone file, just the schematic.  If anyone wants to look at the BFO
circuit on the MKII it is there.

K2WH