• You can now help support WorldwideDX when you shop on Amazon at no additional cost to you! Simply follow this Shop on Amazon link first and a portion of any purchase is sent to WorldwideDX to help with site costs.
  • A Winner has been chosen for the 2026 July 4th Retevis RA89R Giveaway! Click Here to see who won!

Any Info on Lafayette HE-43C?

Justin B.

Active Member
Oct 15, 2024
81
44
28
71
Hi, Y'all! I have a Lafayette he-43C inbound and I really can't find much on the web about it. Was this an export model made for a specific market? I bought it because it's a somewhat unusual design (crystal transmit and a Rx VFO) and it looks cool!

73,

Justin B.
 


circa 1965...
 
It reminds me of an old Lafayette HE-45 6 meter radio. This is the schematic I found. I have a feeling the general layout is similar. Tube compliment etc….
 

Attachments


circa 1965...
That site, and https://la-planete-cibi-fr.forumactif.org/t4578-lafayette-he-43c-base are the only mentions I've found... Must be a rare bird...
 
circa 1965...
Wow! That makes it as old as me, which means it must be a museum piece LOL!

Seriously though, I would imagine it will need ALL the caps replaced, as there will be both very old electrolytics in there as well as those old school wax caps that break down with age........
Check the wiring too as the insulation often decomposes leaving bare wires exposed that can short out etc.
I wonder if it even has a circuit board or if it is the old point to point wiring?

Sounds like a cool old radio!
 
  • Like
Reactions: AudioShockwav
Wow! That makes it as old as me, which means it must be a museum piece LOL!

Seriously though, I would imagine it will need ALL the caps replaced, as there will be both very old electrolytics in there as well as those old school wax caps that break down with age........
Check the wiring too as the insulation often decomposes leaving bare wires exposed that can short out etc.
I wonder if it even has a circuit board or if it is the old point to point wiring?

Sounds like a cool old radio!
Well, I got 10 years on it! It is on it's way and should be here next week some time and I will open it up and see what's what. I just ordered a manual from manualman so I won't be going in entirely blind!

73,
Justin B.
 

circa 1965...
That site, and https://la-planete-cibi-fr.forumactif.org/t4578-lafayette-he-43c-base are the only mentions I've found... Must be a rare bird
 
I finished re-capping the radio, tested all tubes and cleaned tube and crystal sockets. Radio seems to work great and puts out about 5 watts dead-key. I will now attempt to turn it into a 40 channel radio by way of an Arduino and a couple of si5351 modules. ;-)

This is what it looks like after a cleanup - not too bad for a 60 year old radio!
 

Attachments

  • Front 1.jpg
    Front 1.jpg
    181 KB · Views: 8
  • Recap.jpg
    Recap.jpg
    291.4 KB · Views: 8


I think NOMAD may have some suggestions on doing this.

I always wanted to do a JOHNSON Blackface on 10m AM :cool: :LOL:
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: AudioShockwav


I think NOMAD may have some suggestions on doing this.

I always wanted to do a JOHNSON Blackface on 10m AM :cool: :LOL:
Back in the day my first "mobile" rig was a Johnson "White-Face" with, I think, 2 channels. I've been eyeballing a few of them on FleaBay...

Justin B.
 

dxChat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
  • @ BJ radionut:
    Scheduled for Jul 4, 2026 Saturday Live Streams:
    To celebrate the 250th birthday of our great nation. We are giving away not just one, but multiple antennas! The Grand prize is the CaHR-Tenna Hydra Antenna, along with several other antenna prizes that will be announced throughout the giveaway. Whether you're a new ham, portable operator, POTA activator, or an experienced HF operator, this is your chance to upgrade your station. Prizes Include: HRA Hydra Antenna (Grand Prize) Additional antennas from HRA More prizes may be added during the giveaway!
  • @ BJ radionut:
  • @ BJ radionut:
    CQ Worldwide VHF SSB/CW Contest: 1400Z, Jul 4 to 1400Z, Jul 5