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

[B. Smith]

But on second thought the resistance of the relay would cause a voltage 
drop on the filaments - so much for that "brain fart".

On 5/25/2026 8:53 PM, B. Smith via MRCA wrote:
> 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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>
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