[Boatanchors] JOHNSON RANGER

[Bill and Liz]

Three years ago I did a number of mods to my Ranger, many of them as
described by Phil Salas, AD5X and some as suggested by WA1HLR.  Yes, with 
solid-state rectifiers the B+ voltages are somewhat higher, but not to the
point where they cause problems.  My HI B+ runs around 695V and the LO 
around 335, both unloaded.  I did not place a resistor in the low B+ feed to
drop the voltage but I did change a couple of screen resistors to compensate
for the higher voltage.

At full output the B+ values are 640 and 290.  This has resulted in higher
power output if I want it; I now have an easy 48-50 watts out at around 110
ma and the transformer runs a lot cooler.

I also did some VFO mods which make it settle down much faster.  Moving the 
dropping resistor outside the cage and changing its value experimentally
with a variable resistor did the trick.  Tube change to a 6AH6 is very
desireable....I have done this in a few 6AU6 VFOs with great results.

I also changed from 1614 modulator tubes to 6550s as the latter handle the
higher B+ much more safely.  Apart from the greater voltage headroom there
is no difference in modulation, except now there is more of it available.

Other changes: antenna changeover jack and power supply for an external 6V 
Dow Key relay, a phono jack from the PTT line to control a linear and, of 
course, a 3-wire U-ground line cord and chassis-mounted fuse holder for
safety.  You might also want to add an X-Y cap across the AC input.

On-air reports have been very good and my Ranger is a much better performer 
than when it was first built. Heat inside a radio is a great killer-ask all 
those who have blown the power transformer in their Rangers!

Bill VE3NH