[Milsurplus] Bc-348 volume control

[John Kidd]

Hi Bob,

I have had 100% success using a "Scope" soldering iron. This is an 
Australian iron that uses a carbon element to heat
the copper tip. Powered by a 3 volt transformer at plenty of amps. I 
take the barrel off the iron and put the carbon onto the
setscrew, provide a return circuit and hold it on for 30-60 seconds 
while the carbon glows.

You could achieve the same by using the carbon rod from an AAA cell, 
which will fit into the setscrew hole.
Make it long enough just to reach the setscrew and to enable an 
electrical connection. Rig up a high current low voltage source.

This works particularly well on bakelite knobs as the heat does not 
damage them in the time that it takes. The method also
overcomes screws that have been loctited.

73's John Kidd VK3FPRC


At 11:19 PM 12/10/2010, BOB wrote:
>I belive the AVC-MVC pot on my BC-348 has gone south. I tried to 
>remove the knob with an allen wrench but the set screw wont budge. I 
>know from experience that I have pushed the wrench to the limit of 
>where either the wrench will twist, the wrench will strip, or more 
>likely the set screw allen socket will strip out. In that event I 
>probably could drill the set screw out from the bottom of the set 
>but I only want to do that as a last resort. Does anyone have any suggestions?
>73