75A3 Atrocity

[W4NEQ]

Well, I did it.   My immaculate 75A3 that I've had for some years but not fixed, I finally got it working.  Merrily finishing re-capping my way along, mentally celebrating my success, not really paying attention to what I'm doing, and I broke the plate lug off of the tube socket of the 6AL5 AVC rectifier.  This looks pretty grim, and I'm looking for advice from those who've been there done that.

1. Is it possible to remove and re-insert a new lug / socket pin?

2. Is there a solid state work-around for AVC?

3. Or am I going to have to replace the socket?

[Pete, WA2CWA]

If most of the solder side is broken off, you should be able to use a twin blade screwdriver to push the pin out a bit, and then use needle noise pliers to pull it out the rest of the way.  On a new tube socket, make sure the pin is flat; sometimes pins may have a tab that springs out that keeps it from pulling out when you remove a tube.

[WQ9E]

To add to what Pete said, I have found a pair of good tweezers is perfect for getting the old piece out.  They are small enough to get in where the thicker jaws of needle nose pliers won't fit.

To avoid damage to the socket during removal, cut off the old pin flush with the underside of the socket before you try to remove the old piece. 

Often you will find an unused tube pin elsewhere in the receiver that you can remove. 

I have run into this most often with loctal sockets but I have repaired a few miniature types as well.  I don't recall ever having an issue with an octal socket.  The only thing that commonly breaks on those is the tube (or plug) locator pin.

[W4NEQ]

The solder lug broke flush.  I'm hearing good news. 

So,

1. With a small slot screwdriver like a "greenie" push it up from the bottom, then grip the remains and pull from the top.

2. To extract one for re-use, do the same thing but with needlenose, and avoid crushing the pin side.

These sockets are phenolic, all I seem to have are some porcelain types.  I guess I'll go searching for an unused pin somewhere.

I will be really happy if this works.

Thanks guys.

Chris
 

[W4NEQ]

 

That was a really easy fix.   Most of my work over the years has been with high power tube stuff or solid state - just a bit of old rig restoration.  I had ugly visions of replacing that socket with all the congested parts.  Just shows the power of this forum - the collective knowledge is a great resource. 

Tnx.

Chris

 

[KA2DZT]

When I read the title I thought a 75A3 got destroyed or went to the junk heap.  Didn't know anyone could get so upset with just a broken pin on a tube socket. Been there done that, there not to difficult to pull out and replace.

Glad you were able to fix it.

Let us know if you have any other problems.

Fred

[KM1H]

Next time use SS diodes