[Milsurplus] SCR-288/BC-474

[David Stinson]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Nicholas Hopper" <mec1945 at webband.com>
Subject: Re: [Milsurplus] SCR-288/BC-474


> For all those that are helping me out, instead of emailing out 
> pictures of
> the radio, I created a temporary web page off of my website.
> http://www.vcorpsag44.com/radio.htm


Good Morning.  I had to work late last night and just got up, so
getting ready to go do it all over again ;-).

That is one nice, clean 474.
Photos look excellent, and the great news is it appears the rig
has not been hammified; the 6C4 mod does not appear to
have been done.   And you still have the original receiver
audio output transformer, which is good news.
If you never connect the minus (-) side of your
90-volt supply to ground, hooking it only to its designated
supply pin, it will serve you well.  I've replaced them in
three of these and finding a substitute that will fit in that
little place is a chore.

I should never give advice before coffee and without the rig
I'm talking about in front of me, because that was the wrong
capacitor- I "disremembered" where it was.  The square thing
is actually the modulation transformer, so if you took a wire loose,
please put it back... my most humble apoligies.
Let me get out the proper manuals when I get home so I don't
lead you astray again.

This radio is an excellent candidate for returning to operation,
and you can certainly get it done.  But I won't kid you-
it's an advanced project for a beginner.
If you have someone locally you trust and feel is competent,
you might consider enlisting their aid.  And, like owning and
driving a WWII jeep or a Model "T" Ford, operating an
SCR-288 takes some patience and practice.
But then, if it was easy everyone would do it and it wouldn't
be so cool  ;-)  And you have the bag for the generator-
that makes *me* jealous!  Any of the bags for 288
are the rarest of rare birds.

To get started, before I head back to work-
The first steps, just as they would be if working on an old car,
are "inspect, clean and lube."
Do you have an electronic parts supply house nearby,
something like Frys or a local storefront?
You'll need a chemical wash that removes crud from switch
contacts and other controls.  A good product is called
"De-Ox-It D5"   It comes in a black, white and red spray can.
It ain't cheap but it works good.  You'll also need some
"3-N-1 Oil" (stop cringing, Mike! It works OK ;-).
And, if you can find it, one of those "spot oilers" similar to this:
http://static2.promopeddler.com/prodbigimgs/5560000/5562845.jpg
If you can't find one of those, a toothpick can work.

The photos you provided will make a great way to point
to the places we need to work.
Do you own a multimeter?  Had any experiance in using one?
Don't be bothered if you haven't; nobody here was born
knowing any of this stuff.  Someone had to show them.

Off to work.  Maybe I'll get home at a decent hour this time.

73 DE Dave AB5S