[Milsurplus] Hacked-Up BC-342 Question

[Ray Fantini]

6SK7 was used in the BC-348Q and in many of the conversion articles of the time it was recommended that the two 6SK7 tubes in the RF amplifiers can be switched out for 6AC7 that was supposed to improve the front end of the radio. 6AC7 and 6SK7 are wired the same so no changes are necessary.
If it's a really hacked 342 maybe you should consider building a "Ham" version of the receiver, incorporate all the CQ modifications and keep it as a example of what Hams were using in the fifties and sixties. That's what I did with a old BC-348 that I got that was hacked and using that set for copying AM on 40, 80 and 160 is always good. That radio gets used for listening on 3.885 and 7.29 a lot.
When I am on the air operating on 1.885 or 7.290 AM will use better radios but for just listening to what's going on when doing something else the BC-348 works great.
RF

-----Original Message-----
From: milsurplus-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:milsurplus-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Connor
Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2012 6:31 PM
To: Military Surplus Mail List
Subject: [Milsurplus] Hacked-Up BC-342 Question

I just started working on a very hacked-up BC-342 that was stashed away in my basement. The cosmetics are a nightmare.
 
On first inspection, I see that the 1st RF tube, which is supposed to be an 6K7 (VT-86), is actually a 6SH7. The grid cap is missing and the former grid-cap lead is apparently wired to the underside of the tube socket. 
 
Is anyone familiar with this mod? Does a 6SH7 make sense in this application? If not, what non grid-cap tube makes sense? If the prior owner simply wanted to use a non grid-cap tube, wouldn't the 6SK7 make more sense?
 
As always, thanks for your advice.
 
 
 
                                       Joe Connor ______________________________________________________________
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