Bremi Brl 200

[Equalizer]

I have a set of these old clunkers that I inherited, issue is there's a blue electrolytic capacitor that has blown (literally) on the back of the PCB looks like its across the relay coil area.
Now is that just a 'natural' failure or something else that could of caused it?
Is that capacitor ncessary to use the amp (is it for the SSB delay?)
The amp lights up and the valves both glow.

Any thoughts and should I risk TX'ing into it (at lowish power)
I'm running it through a mains current limiting choke at present just to be safe(r).

[ANDREWB]

The small cap is for the SSB relay delay, caps just die anyway. Start with a 470mF and try the delay time, larger gives a longer time, use a 50v rated cap.
Put a "snubber" diode across the relay coil as well, to protect the switching transistor.
Try powering up thru a 100w lightbulb as a current limiter

https://elektrotanya.com/bremi_brl200_s ... nload.html diagram here

[Equalizer]

The small cap is for the SSB relay delay, caps just die anyway. Start with a 470mF and try the delay time, larger gives a longer time, use a 50v rated cap.
Put a "snubber" diode across the relay coil as well, to protect the switching transistor.
Try powering up thru a 100w lightbulb as a current limiter

https://elektrotanya.com/bremi_brl200_s ... nload.html diagram here

Cheers, seemed odd the cap was blown to bits..... cant see how.
Should be ok to test without that cap I assume - on fm.......

[Equalizer]

OK tested with all the safeguards in place and no relay activation but both valves looking ready for action.
Maybe a switching transistor?
I think the main vertical board with relay on needs to come out next.......

[ANDREWB]

Almost any old NPN will do the switching, as it's Italian made just change everything for better quality components