[Boatanchors] Valiant SSB

[Dave Maples]

All: I have a Valiant II with the SSB adapter from Johnson.  It's a
crystal-type SSB converter.

The Valiant supplies VFO output from the output of the buffer stage to the
SSB converter.  The SSB converter multiplies it as required, heterodynes it
with the 9 MHz SSB signal, and then heterodynes it back.

The Valiant and SSB adapter are kinda clunky when switching back and forth
from AM to SSB.  The antenna relay has to be moved from the AM transmitter
to the SSB adapter when going back and forth, as does the mike connector.

While I was using mine (I've stored it for a while) I thought seriously
about modifying the transmit-receive controls in the AM transmitter to use
bias to shut off the two modulator tubes in AM, as is done with the RF chain
for all modes, and then leave the HV B+ on all the time (mine has the real
SS 866A replacements).  I could then use the SSB adapter to control the
transmitter for both SSB and AM.  Take the mike signal out of the SSB
adapter audio chain for AM modulation when needed, and eliminate the need to
switch all the signals back and forth.  I still may do it--I can't see any
reason why biasing the mod tubes off is any worse than dropping HV B+ in AM.
This would also allow me to use the VOX system in the SSB adapter for
semi-breakin on CW by keying a sidetone into the VOX system.  Thoughts,
anyone?