Friday, July 16, 2021

Using a regular battery in Tecsun PL-330

Tecsun PL-330 radio uses a Nokia BL-5C battery, which is no longer produced by Nokia. I modified my PL-330 to use a 523450 battery which is almost the same size as a BL-5C. The only tool needed is a screwdriver. No soldering is required. Here are the steps.

1) Remove the four screws and the front and back covers.

2) Remove the screws on the back PCB and pull it off slowly. You will disconnect the 14 pin connectors between the two PCBs. But be careful not to damage the wires connecting the two PCB or antennas.

3) You will see two connectors. Detach the KP1 connector (circled in red below).

4) Remove the tiny battery daughter board from the middle plastic frame. It has no screws, just use some force.

 

5) Put the new battery in the bay and pull its connector through the opening.


6) Connect the new battery to the KP1 connector on the back PCB. Thank Tecsun for using a standard JST-PH connector.

7) Reinstall the back PCB and the screws.

8) Replace the front and back covers and the four long screws. 

This is how it looks like when done. Enjoy!