Welcome, Herb.
This is definitely the right place, as Al said.
The problem is this: I the late forties, fifties, and early sixties, the surplus house were selling NOS and used BC-348s at very attractive prices. All an enterprising ham had to do was
rip out that silly dynamotor and cobble an AC supply in its place, the mounting plate made and ideal chassis. (Keep in mind that in the forties and early fifties, finding a source of 24VDC at several amperes was difficult). The surplus conversion manuals from those days were rife with poorly conceived hack, modifications, and downright destruction. It is understandable, given the fact that there was little technical information released by the government, and little to no understanding as to how much of the equipment was employed.
The 24V dynamotors became doorstops and some even modified them and used the as motors.
Bottom line is there are far more BC-348s than dynamotors, and sadly the ones that remain are very tired. That being said, there are plenty of people now in dispersal mode, so you will probably persevere.
You might even find a nice dynamotor attached to a nicer BC-348!
As a final rant (most people are probably tired of hearing this) - Most of the surplus radios available after WWII were very well designed, and work best without all the old time “Ham Hacks”. The BC-348 is somewhat broad
For today’s conditions, but that was intentional for ease in tuning under fire. The IF coupling can be reduced, thereby tightening up the response. This is very well documented and does not require any surgery other than adjustments.
There is lots of knowledge in the heads of the folks on this group feel free to pry it loose!, I might suggest you also join the ARC-5 group, and the Collins Collectors Association reflector (you need not be a member).
VY 73,
Scott V. Johnson W7SVJ/AFA6SJ
Sunburst Engineering
5111 E. Sharon Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
M (480) 550-2358
scottjohnson1@ cox.net
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Al Klase
Sent: Sunday, April 16, 2023 09:20
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MRCA] BC-348
Hello Herb,
Your request is perfectly "0n topic" here. We currently have more that 300 subscribers.
If you don't find what you're looking for, you might explore some of the other lists on https://mailman.qth.net/
Might I suggest "ARC5," "Boatanchors," and "Milsurplus."
Al - N3FRQ - MRCA Email Admin.
On 4/16/2023 8:55 AM, Herb Mooney wrote: