[Milsurplus] BC-474 versions

[David Stinson]

-----Original Message-----
>From: Meir-WF2U <wf2u at ws19ops.com>
>Subject: [Milsurplus] BC-474 versions

>I picked up a very clean BC-474 with its case at the Charlotte hamfest
>today.  The interesting thing about it is that it's the early, 2 panel model

Congrats, Meir.  Excellent find.
It is indeed the scare early model-
was it supposed to go to Sweden or the Swiss?
I don't remember.  Very desireable set.
I'm jealous ;-).  Steve Finnelli is 
the expert on this set.
I've worked several states with a barefoot 474.
If you decide to operate it, I can give you
some tips.  
#1: there is an electrolytic
cap across the receiver B+ buss, connected
after the T/R switch contacts.  When you switch
from RX to TX, this cap discharges.  When you 
switch back to RX, the charging surge will spark
at the switch contact
and, over time, eat up the contact on the TR switch.
Just disconnect the cap; it's not needed and you'll 
save your switch.
#2:  You'll need a good external freq standard.
#3:  If you use an external antenna tuner to attenuate
any bad juju, you can double in the final and 
work 40 meters no problem.  
The 474 is definately a "four handed" rig,
but fun.
73 Dave S.