[MRCA] [MMRCG] Your thoughts on acquiring a BC-611 today

[B. Smith]

Use a small telephone "Line Sense Relay" or "Off Hook" relay in the 
filament circuit to turn on the HV supply.
Z



On 5/25/2026 6:55 PM, Robert Nickels via MRCA wrote:
> On 5/25/2026 1:13 PM, J Mcvey via groups.io wrote:
>> I think the power supply is the biggest problem with the BC611.
>
> Easily addressed using modern DC-DC boost converter technology.  A 
> "Nixie power supply" that sells on eBay for $10 will produce the 
> current and voltage required by the BC-611 while operating from 6VDC 
> and typically run 85% efficiency or better.   I made a 3D printed 
> housing with a power switch which along with a standard battery holder 
> for four AA cells fit into a simple U-shaped thin aluminum frame along 
> with 3D printed endpieces that make contact with the radio battery 
> contacts.  Others have 3D printed the whole works but to use a 
> standard battery holder the walls need to be kept thin in order for it 
> to slide into the BC-611.
>
> The antenna-actuated switch will still turn the filaments on/off as 
> always but since the battery-substitute has internal batteries I just 
> pop it out and turn it on when needed.   For the filaments you need 
> just one D cell, and a 50 cartridge case (field expedient, per the 
> manual).  Or equivalent ;-)
>
> 73, Bob W9RAN
>
> PS:   Many of these batteries were made by Burgess Battery Co. here in 
> Freeeport IL and during the war, in satellite plants in eight towns in 
> NW IL and SW WI.   This watercolor painting that is displayed in the 
> Silver Creek Museum was done in 1943 and was found in the Freeport 
> headquarters before the buildings were demolished.  There's some 
> damage but it refers to Burgess batteries as the "Powerheart for 
> bazookas and walkie-talkies":
>
>
>
>
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