Build A Power Supply - With Junk Box Parts! [The BC-348 Series.]

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

To learn electronics in a very different and effective way, and gain access to Mr Carlson's personal designs and inventions, visit the Mr Carlson's Lab Patreon page here: www.patreon.com/MrCarlsonsLab

[@XPFTP]

plex glass cover. or acrylic. would look real good and protect anyone around them.

[@ThejasonJaw5442]

Enjoyed the video

[@jennaorlowski9228]

It would be cool if you would show what the things sound like before the repair and after to see the difference in how it reacts and how that effects the sound.

[@edwardsiclari9235]

I watched the whole video in one sitting. I didn't start to eat breakfast until it finished. I learned my electronics in the 60's. It so good to see that old parts and vacuum tubes still serve a purpose today. Although my theory has become somewhat rusty this is a wonderful refresher and tutorial. It was great as to how you built the power supply section by section and explained each part in detail, showing component selection and target voltage and current measurements. I'm amazed that you were able to pick out parts from an era gone by. While components may be old, they are still functional and serve a purpose to this day. The fact that you can get such fine regulation with old vacuum tubes is a testament to that. I'm a long time ham. But as I age (73), I have to keep refreshing my memory by watching your videos and reading circuit theory online and books on the subject. I can't wait until you put everything together on a chassis. From watching your videos I know how you never do anything shotty or half way especially from watching your antique restorations. I'm amazed at how you bring them back to life, looking like new and probably working better than new. Keep up the good work. God bless you. Ed, KA2AHE

[@teri530]

Double ditto...just missing an old analog VOM....licensed in 61.... Teri. K7RBT

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks for your kind comment Ed!

[@hadibq]

That's an awesome treat, Paul. Thanks so much. Can't wait to sit back and enjoy the next 2h of modification goodness 😊

[@dicko-200]

breakfast is the most important meal of the day

[@captainnemo247]

Reminds me at nearly 78 years of age of what I attempted as a radio enthusiast in my teens with much less success. Exploding caps spring to mind before I could afford a multi- meter. A wonderful video.

[@carlubambi5541]

Thank you for what you are doing. It's beautiful to watch old equipment come back to life and live again

[@hadibq]

This channel is so underrated compared to the quality of the content and the amount of knowledge involved ❤ but hey, I guess it's fits exactly the distribution curve of smartness on the planet 😅

[@ET_Don]

Mr. C. is absolutely correct. I used to prototype for engineers and I can tell you from personal experience that it was quite common for the engineer to start a sentence with "Let's try .....!"

[@McTroyd]

Mr. C builds a radio power supply. The rest of us are unknowingly partaking of a college-level applied lecture in electronics fundamentals. This is what KZbin was built for. 👍 Two hours of video brings many, many thoughts, but chief among them: -If we're going for a cool-looking power supply, perhaps consider sneaking a neon lamp behind the 5R4, so it also glows as brightly as its contemporaries. We could use LEDs on that 5v or 6v winding, but we're keeping this old-school, correct? If we need an excuse for the neon to be functional, perhaps it could also help clamp that initial voltage surge. -Any cool-looking power supply needs a current meter next to the jewel light, right? We gotta know how much power that speaker is (or those headphones are) pulling. 😁 -If this radio is as hackable as you say it is, this viewer wouldn't mind a detour from the Restoration Series to see some nifty things a surplus BC-348 could do. Probably easier for you to do while it's already on the bench. Or, if such a detour causes an outcry, we could revisit this later. Thanks Paul!

[@ShawnWrona]

My favorite day of the week is any day Mr Carlson drops a new video!

[@tennesseered586]

Wow! A university level electronics lab from 1947. The most efficient learning occurs when theory is combined with practice. This was almost as good as doing it myself. The added pearls of knowledge in the commentary filled in the gaps. First rate, Paul. You're the Elmer I never had.

[@rogerrobinson5123]

Yes! Open chassis. And an old Incandescent pilot lamp. Don’t even have an LED anywhere near it. Great job!

[@Rs500ybd]

I Do Not Know any other Radio Ham whom Goes as far in depth as Mr C This Puts Mr C at the Top Of The Tree... Legend ... 💯💫🙏

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thank You for your kind feedback!

[@JCWise-sf9ww]

I liked how you went step by step at putting together a power supply with vintage parts. Can't hardly wait to see the power supply installed in radio.

[@dark_phoenix6669]

Thanks for this video. I Not only learn something but also this made my „cloudy“ day so much better. Your soothing way to talk in your videos is soooo great

[@njgriebel]

Wow another video! Spoiling us! Thank you very much for the video! I'm gonna enjoy watching it this morning. Have a great day Mr. Carlson!

[@MrMersh-ts7jl]

I have probably watched or listen to (at work) most of your videos more than once. This one is exceptional. I think it's one of your best yet

[@aliens1192]

This is simply AMAZING! Lovely regards (and a small coffee) from Germany! ❤

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Slugg-O]

I am absolutely fascinated by anything old; old wood, old cars, old trucks, and old electronics. I guess it's the analog experience of how knowledge, skill, and craftsmanship, come together like art that make it interesting. Digital - not so much. It's 1's and 0's and it either works or it doesn't. These videos are incredible. Thank You!

[@ate508]

Thanks!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thank You!

[@hestheMaster]

One of your best videos ever Paul! You need to do more with riveting great content like this. Steve from IL

[@rsdandy]

Love the working in real time. Couldn't take my eyes off for the full 2 hrs. Thanks!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

You're welcome!

[@Ammoniummetavanadate]

I absolutely love the aesthetic consideration, it is really important to evoke that feeling of perfection that comes from a functional design that looks good too.

[@alanblumenstock7863]

Really enjoyed the non edited, realtime video Paul. I'd love to see more of these videos of this style.

[@green_camping]

Mr Carlson building a power supply - Just best thing that youtube can deliver around the world! 😊 I am salvaging different electronics as a past time and to stop valuable components from being milled to dust. Now a good learning video for step 2

[@kristyskirt9015]

What super project Mr. Carlson. The Receiver your restoring is a True treasure being in the Air War during WW2 and in the famous B 17 Bomber. I do thank you for showing respect and care to this artifact from WW2. So nice to see people who have skills and respect to past workers of their gifted labor. I vote for the part two video of this somber and treasured restoration. Best wishes to you and family and friends Mr. Carlson Kristy

[@davido.hamilton3254]

Thank-you Mr. Carlson for your fabulous videos.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

You are very welcome, and Thank You!

[@unclefrogy743]

thank you for showing so many of the details of the work. There are always things that are never covered in books or forums or even courses that can be learned by watching a master at work. it is what apprenticeship is all about.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

You're very welcome!

[@deadeye8843]

I really like the sound of that open chassis design. It gets my vote.

[@geraldrapp8339]

Mr. Carlson hi I really enjoy your expertise. I probably enjoy it more than most. I was born in 1937 at age 14 I started building power supplies and repair and radios that my dad would bring home. Charge a dollar labor plus parts and those days tubes were around $1.20 wholesale I would charge $2.40 retail. I am also a ham radio operator since 1966. I build and design lots of different things . The reason I am telling you this there were many of us that worked on radios and those days. I still enjoy the hobby today and many of the things you work on are extremely interesting. So keep up the good work you are one of a kind. Jerry

[@russtuff]

I just found (and am really enjoying) your channel. Been a ham for years but just recently started thinking about tinkering. I picked up a copy of the ARRL handbook (1945) to start learning about old tech and projects. What a time to be alive.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

In google, type in "Radio Craft Magazine"

[@russtuff]

@@MrCarlsonsLab will do, thanks for the tip!

[@anandarochisha]

Yes Mr.Carlson. Hot rodding a BC-348 would be righteous. Thank-you.

[@saintmichael2931]

Another fabulous video - brought back memories of my radio technician days back in the 60’s.

[@georgejohnson1498]

I am amazed at the speed you did this, and getting such a precise approach to the target values! I am never going to make anything like this myself, though in other ways I am handy. I made a beautifully functional sofa bed for a home converted camper van that used to be a mini-bus on Thursday, entirely out of reclaimed wood. The only new material was a pair of clips to hold it extended or folded in, and a considerable number of wood screws! Total cost of new parts was less than UK£10. I really enjoy watching the work of not just a craftsman as much as an artist! I hope you do not mind writing that. Best wishes from George

[@peterwooldridge7285]

Let's go with the open chassis 😂 Enjoyed this video immensely, even although I ain't got a clue what you are talking about...Thanks so much❤

[@hadibq]

that was a fantastic video. I can't wait for the next one when things will be put in the box 😊 a time well spent indeed. TY Paul

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Bradleyscience]

Paul, it is delightful to have you take us through this process, even for those of us who have an excellent background, and bring back so many great memories. Your skills, insight and presentations are truly delightful. All the best and 73.. Cheers

[@lionlover1986]

I really really enjoyed this video Paul. It was nice to hear you go through your thought process and design process in real time. It really felt like I was hanging out in the lab with you!

[@vicmiller7191]

That was a fantastic little video. I can't beleave how much I have forgot every time I watch one of your videos. I learned radio troubleshooting in the Mid 70's in the USAF as a Radio repairman. I have kept up the hobby as a user but not so much as a repairman for about 20 plus years. So this brings back all those wonderful memories of those fun times and smells. I almost wish I lived down the street from you just to hang out and pick your brain and maybe tickle a few of those old tubes again, I am a HAM operator and because of you I am starting to gather older test gear again to start digging into that wonderful hobby of building and tinkering. Thansk Again. Vic de KE8JWE

[@terrym1065]

My mind exploding with so much information being absorbed... What a great video, many questions were answered here with many more to be answered in the future episode I'm sure, much appreciated Mr C. The way things were compared to the way they are...wow. The number one channel for everything electronics, no question. Thanks Mr C. 73s

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thank You for your kind comment Terry!

[@DavePKW]

This was great! I watched it from start to finish. I have been a Ham for over 50 years. I am going to retire real soon, so I am looking forward to playing with circuits again. I really enjoy seeing how you do things. It reminds me of a mentor I had when I was young. I look forward to the rest of the project as well as the product detector build. Thank you and keep up the great work. 73.

[@TeslaTales59]

Mr. C, you did a great job of "live" experimenting, building, troubleshooting and design. Keeping everything period correct is the best way! Great work and channel sir.

[@felixcosty]

Thanks for the video. For me this is one of your best videos to date,

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Happy to hear that!

[@faxcapper]

A+ video, Paul. This BC-348 series might end up being legendary. 🙂

[@Glork4224]

Please don’t hide the power supply tubes. This is what I love , building from scratch. Thanks Mr. C.

[@mlentsch]

Thanks, Carlson. Everyone else in the house is watching 2010's T.V. show reruns. I'm surrounded by rubes. Thanks, Carlson.

[@hmbpnz]

Easy there, bud.

[@mlentsch]

@@hmbpnz Whoa! Calm down!

[@gwesco]

type Back in the late 60's, I built a very similar power supply for a ham operator for his AM transmitter. Some of the tubes were the metal tube type as you could still get a lot of military surplus rather cheaply. I started learning vacuum tube electronics when I was about 11. Built and repaired a lot of tube gear. Even had an FCC 1st Class license for a number of years. Ended up getting into IT and after I retired from that, I taught computer science classes at the local college for 10 years. Your channel brings back a lot of memories.

[@r0addoctor]

Yes, Paul, it would be great to see this project through. Love what you do!!

[@Brookshobbyshop]

I wish I possessed 1/10 your ability to simultaneously work and explain in real time the way you did here ! This is one of the most FUN & INFORMATIVE videos of yours I've seen. It's actually the best I've seen on this topic across youtube. Exceptionally well done sir ! Keep'em coming 😃

[@danielconant749]

Very nice Paul. Finally something I could understand. I learned a lot from this. Will be waiting for the actual build. Dan

[@febobartoli]

Amazing! This was a real Masterclass how to put together a power supply with vacuum tube rectification, I learned something today! Thanks for taking the time to make this great video!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Glad you liked it!

[@steelcity321pb6]

Thoroughly enjoyed viewing this video Paul. Looking forward to Part 2 of this power supply construction project.

[@vtradio]

My dad built an external power supply for his Signal Corps BC-312-M as a teenager, back in the 40's. He let me listen to it as a teen myself. One day, the power supply failed, and I never heard that radio again. Now, I have a few BC-348s, some with issues. One is recapped and has a home brew external power supply. That one is having audio issues. I find your series very helpful. 73 Paul AA1SU

[@TubeRadioRepairRestoration]

Great video Paul! I now understand bleeder resistors across capacitors. I am a patron and I will look into your electronic learning course. Thanks again.... your a genius!

[@njgriebel]

That arrangement for the chassis sounds beautiful. Looking forward to seeing it finished!

[@leonardpeters3266]

As usual, there is really no need to even say it. But I'm going to anyway. This is extremely superior content. Nice work.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Leonard!

[@jonathanreedpike]

You prove Mr. Berra correct, you sure can learn a lot by watching. Please continue with series like this. Also meters to gawk at in the PS build, maybe lifted from other radios of the same vintage.

[@glenncarr2121]

Hey there Paul , It is wonderful to see you again ! Your video content is perfection , this is one of your very best ! I love your open chassis design idea for this build ! Keep up the great video's and we will keep watching and learning ! You sir are a legend ! 😊😊

[@Dawwwg]

All I can say is, I can't wait till the next video. It's amazing to see it come alive step by step !

[@4nk8r]

Love the off the seat of your pants , and in Mr. C fashion nailed it 😊 looking forward to seeing the completion . Another great learning video !

[@richardgoebel226]

I look forward the construction with all of your tips and pitfalls to avoid. Open chassis has my vote!

[@W1RMD]

Loose tubes on the bench, classic! I love this build and yes go with the everything on the top of the chassis design. I love the tube choice. Can't wait to see it completed.

[@189625]

I cant wait to see the final build!! Thankx for sharing the build with us!!

[@rleeAZ]

Excellent, thanks for taking us thru this design process. Idea for the final build: An appropriately sized rheostat subbed in for one of the power resistors would allow fine adjustment of the output.

[@Splungers]

Thanks Mr. Carlson!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

You are very welcome

[@PlanetaryThoughts9861]

The only change I would make to your power supply layout is that I would put a cage over it to keep my cats from climbing on it and touching the hot tubes. I liked guessing along with the parts picking and was surprised how close I got to the actual values. I don't consider myself to be very smart, I'm just a peasant who has been tinkering for 52 years and learnt many things the hard way! Never try to wipe off a CRT to get a better look at the numbers. I was replacing a picture tube in grandma's tv when I was 15. I heard the little "tick" then things got a bit fuzzy for a few seconds.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Yes, a damp cloth around the anode will set you up for a really hard lesson! Thanks for sharing your story.

[@kd5byb]

Open chassis please! VR tubes deserve to be seen!

[@adamjacobs8606]

Let me grab some random parts out of some boxes and off the floor. Oh look exactly what I was trying to do! Mr. Carlsons knowledge is amazing

[@chroboe]

Agree it would look so much better on an open chassis. Looking forward to the next video. Thanks for sharing this process with us!

[@scottmorgan5370]

In the early days of HAM radio, operators very soon began building stuff the way you are here. I recall seeing a home built chassis that used a cake pan for the metal. They were going through a depression at that time and had to use what they could afford. I'm sure yours will look awesome, and be just what you're looking for, however my taste would be to make it look authentic the way you would have seen it sitting on a bench in the shack way back in the day. Very well done and interesting video Paul. It's well worth the money spent to keep you rolling, not to mention that I learn a lot from the patreon stuff you feed us. Well done my friend.

[@christopherchinyet7377]

Mr Carlson love this video. I also have a bc348 which needs some love so I'm loving your indepth restoration. Can't wait to see the power supply build.

[@kenmore01]

There was something oddly comforting watching and listening to this video on a Sunday afternoon while I was doing just the opposite: laying out a switch mode power supply for a soldering iron using Solidworks. Mine is taking longer but a significant part of the layout went by while you made this. Thanks for the company!

[@Greg-et2dp]

Mrister Carlsons lab this is interesting Build a power supply with Junk Box parts this awesome my friend

[@johnopalko5223]

That was great, Paul. It brought back many fond memories of fiddling around with vacuum tubes as a kid. Solid state is nice but it just doesn't have the same panache. Definitely build it open chassis. Tubes deserve to be seen.

[@parochial2356]

100:38: Paul, you hit it on the head here: "This is true old Ham Operator style. This is the way it was done." I wax reminiscent. The Way We Were - sung by Barbra Streisand. "Memories of the way it used to be. Can it be that it was all so simple then? Or has time rewritten every line?"

[@richardbrobeck2384]

Mr Carlson thank you for posting another great video !

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

My pleasure!

[@robertburrows6612]

Excellent video. You won't go wrong. Follow Mr Carlson

[@lgroves336]

New lab looks awwsome

[@GastonGalibois]

These vintage components look so great, I just hope you will put them in evidence. If the final result looks like the tube amplifier you built a few years ago, I look forward to see the final result. What an great demonstration of how to build a tube power supply, the voltage regulator is the part that I was not familiar with. Always learn a lot from your videos.

[@brianatbtacprod1989]

This was tons of fun to watch, and try to guess what you were going to use, before you said what you were going to use. I I love the idea of the open chassis, the only other option might be is a box with lots of small holes or mesh at the top, again so you can see the tubes. As far as the colors, gloss black on the transformers maybe to a point where they could reflect the light from the tubes, and either the same gloss black on the chassis, or highly polished chassis, again to reflect the light from the tubes. The jewel indicator sounds good too, as long as it isn't too bright and overpowers the tubes. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

[@til2003]

Awesome Video. Great Project. Very interesting! Thank you very much!

[@Nirky]

Nice to see the build process! Quick question: you measured the filter reactor inductance, but how did you know it could handle the current in your circuit?

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Just a simple core size observation. That core would easily indicate 100mA "or more" handling ability.

[@ACockburn1967]

Thanks Paul, this was absolutely fascinating!

[@c185pilot3]

Brilliant video....your knowledge is broader than anyone I have been associated with including at university.

[@jeffemiller1470]

Just awesome knowledge you share!! This really is another world. Thanks Paul

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

My pleasure!

[@rádiosantigos1958]

The rectifier on one extreme side of the chassis and the two regulators in series after it. The two transformers on the other side with the main one on the extreme side opposite to the rectifier. What a video. Lots of tips.

[@hammermekanik]

You have me digging for parts now, sure hope I can find some nice transformers. I don't think mine has been rewired for 6 volt filaments, i guess I will have to figure that one out. Thank you so much, cant wait to have the old 348 working again!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

It's a super common mod for the 348's, you can find it by searching the net very easily.

[@nathkrupa3463]

Great build Mr Carlson sir you are awesome engineer thanks for the sharing this video sir 😊❤❤❤ I really enjoyed the show 😊

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thank you kindly!

[@JCWise-sf9ww]

Paul very nice to show people how build a Vintage Power Supply from junk box parts. Can't wait to see P.S. Assembled in radio or in an external chassis.

[@EsotericArctos]

I would definitely be interested in seeing further modifcations of this receiver. It sounds like it would be a lot of fun.

[@MrDoneboy]

Another excellent video, Paul. I loved the way that you used trial and only small, slightly different value resistors, to get the results that were needed!

[@geraldhaggard1018]

I did something similar to this for a audio amp I'd built, had to take the inductor out due to it causing a worble noise at around 11 htz coming from the supply! Figured the core had gone into saturation mode. Placing a resistor in place fixed it. Took a while to understand this problem. Amp is very quite. Found this interesting watching you test your supply. I try to catch your videos when they come out. All very interesting.

[@mistermac56]

Super cool to see voltage regulation using vacuum tubes! Cannot wait to see the finished power supply!

[@AZJack]

Great build, let’s keep the tubes glowing in plain sight!

[@gertlungmaskin1210]

This is an absolutely interesting and wonderful tutorial, Paul. Please make more of them 🙂

[@winky32174]

Your chassis idea sounds great!

[@michaelwolak3098]

Mr Carlson one word can describe this video is Brilliant really enjoyed this

[@AnnaVannieuwenhuyse]

Hey! Around 1:44:00 you're checking out the voltage variability on the multimeter, and mention it being 20 to 30 mV. Is that correct? I may be reading the meter incorrectly, or this may have been an oopsie. Did you mean 200 to 300 mV?

[@fredfabris7187]

I didn’t see your comment until I made mine. But I believe you’re correct.

[@pglick123]

This was a lot of fun! Thanks.

[@IanMcleod911]

Outstanding video. I especially liked the test lead hook ups - done that myself many times and always thought I was being a bit of a hack doing it. Turns out, I'm not!! Thanks for the content. Keep up the great work

[@rjy8960]

Thanks Paul - I really enjoyed watching this from beginning to end. I used to go to a radio society back in the early 80's as a kid and had some exposure to valve electronics at the time - although very little since then (actually zero) - this was really interesting, thanks! When the motorcycle went past I thought it was passing on a road close to my office / shack :) I had to do a slight rewind because your comment about it being loud took me aback :) 73 de M0SNR

[@IntegerOfDoom]

Two hours long?! Let's go!

[@bundylovess]

Awsome stuff mr Carlson big thumbs up