Hello I have a BC-342-N I am going to begin repairing, Im new to all this and yes I know this will be a huge project but I figure its worth a shot. That being said the unit at this does not seem to power up, which leads me to the RA-20 power supply. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement, or is this unit repairable? Also I am going to be replacing the capacitors in the unit and I am going to be using Mouser DME6S47K-F, any other parts do you feel that I should look to replace? Thanks!

I am no expert on these, but I have begun to restore one that has been extensively modified. Mine is missing the RA-20 and had an external power supply. I have some nice links to modifications that were commonly done to these, and you can get the manual from the BAMA site. I will look for some of the links and post them.

Also there is a Youtube series on recapping this radio that will give you a good idea of what is involved in the recap.

As far as the RA-20 I would first check to make sure the transformers are working, and then check the output from the rectifier tube. The voltages are listed on the schematic in the manual. Some of the guys here will know a lot more than I, still learning a lot.

http://bama.edebris.com/manuals/military/bc312n/

http://www.w7ekb.com/glowbugs/Military/SurpConv.html

You will find the Surplus Conversion manual number 3, page 63 has info to home brew a power supply if the RA-20 is not working, also some of the common modifications that were done, it may help supplement the manual if it has been modified.

Good luck, I will be keeping an eye on this thread!

I would recommend re-stuffing that capacitor-keep the original look

You will have to decide what to do about the AC inlet connector that is ungrounded

Amphenol made a grounded version

To find it on Ebay type in Amphenol 125. There are two of them , one with the housing and the other without


On YouTube there is a video on how to replace the capacitors that have that 'silver disease' either use BC 342 or BC 312 for search term

What do you mean when you say that the receiver won't power up? Do you mean that nothing lights up (i.e., tubes or dial lights) or that it doesn't play? The term "doesn't power up" can be pretty vague.

As N6DLH suggested, download the manual (TM 11-850).

The first things I would do are: (1) test the 5W4 rectifier; (2) replace the two 8mfd/450V filter caps (C89 and C90); (3) check the 2A fuse (F-3). Once you're sure the rectifier, fuse and filter caps are good, you can test voltages to see if the power supply is working. The schematic gives you the voltages at the various pins on the terminal strip inside the power supply. While power transformers and chokes do go bad, the BC-342 series is well-built and rugged so don't write off the power supply too quickly.


Joe Connor

What I mean by no power, is nothing no humming lights absolutely nothing

Instrument fixer,
Is this the one you are speaking of?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amphenol-15A-12 ... _500wt_689

Joe,
What do I replace the two 8mfd/450V filter caps (C89 and C90) with? What would be a viable replacement? I am replacing the capacitors with these Mouser DME6S47K-F. Let me know


Thanks!

You can use 10 mfd/450V electrolytics. Mouser has them, as does Radio Daze and Antique Electric Supply.

Joe Connor

"""""""""""""""Instrument fixer,
Is this the one you are speaking of?""""""""""""""""

BINGO!!

Now there is another one without the metal shell but cheaper
Maybe you can use the old metal shell and use the new insert

I just hate hacking up old military radios
IF you have that 'ugly' snout on the front but the connector got replaced with something else [octal tube socket] there is someone selling these sockets on Ebay

Plug in either BC 312 or BC 342 and I am sur eit will come up

Instrument fixer,
This is the correct one without the shield right?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amphenol-160-11 ... 51845d664a

Joe,
You wouldnt know the Mouser part number would you?

""""""""""""""""Instrument fixer,
This is the correct one without the shield right?"""""""""""""""""""

Bingo!

I would get one of these and see if you cannot swap the inserts out

Here's the Mouser part no: 647-TVX2W100MCD

Joe Connor

See link
These folks just might have a dual section capacitor with same style mounting
They give dimensions and also the OEM number and the vendor name - just Google for more info

http://www.surplussales.com/Capacitors/ ... ction.html

Instrument Fixer,
Im assuming you mean to replace the above mouser electrolytics with these, any particular reason? Also would you happen to have a part number?

""""""""""""""Instrument Fixer,
Im assuming you mean to replace the above mouser electrolytics with these, any particular reason? Also would you happen to have a part number?""""""""""""


Just my preference
I like the original look
But if you were willing to 'restuff' the present capacitor OK
But then it is YOUR radio

I just give options

For part number
I am too lazy to go to my garage and check out the dimensions of the original capacitors then look for a likely replacement then go Google the OEM and check out that part number to make sure the mounting hole fits and if Surplus Sales does not have it then maybe the OEM does have what will fit but at $$

Whew! OK restuffing the can is cheaper and easier