[Boatanchors] WAS Johnson Pacemaker NOW Phasing type SSB

[WQ9E at btsnetworks.net]

The phasing rigs are pretty easy to align today since most hams own good selectable sideband receivers with good filters.  Using the scopes and audio generators available to most hams when this gear was new could make adjustment somewhat difficult since distortion, hum, poor carrier suppression, RF into the audio section, etc. could produce fairly similar displays and if the gear and test setup had multiple maladies the ham was in for a real "treat".  With a good selectable sideband receiver these are easy to set up by ear.

I have a bunch of different phasing rigs (CE 10,20,200; Hallicrafters HT-37, Gonset GSB-100, Heathkit SB-10, Johnson Pacemaker) and I use a Tektronix spectrum analyzer plug-in for my scope which makes adjustment fast and easy but using a receiver is just about as fast in most cases.

These phasing rigs can really sound good when properly adjusted.  The GSB-100 has a crystal notch filter which does a great job with additional carrier suppression and it requires less touch-up of the balance controls during warm-up.  I am surprised others didn't borrow that idea.

I believe the most common transformer failure mode for the HT-32 and HT-37 is the 5 volt rectifier winding shorting to the core from the HV DC impressed upon it.  I switched to SS rectifiers in my HT-32, 32B, and HT-37 and I will do the same with my HT-30 when it makes it on the bench later this year.

Rodger WQ9E


-------- Original Message --------
> From: rbethman <rbethman at comcast.net>
> Sent: Saturday, January 04, 2014 5:59 PM
> To: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] WAS Johnson Pacemaker NOW Phasing type SSB
> 
> LIST:
> 
> IMHO The Halli HT-37 with a pair of 6146s was a significant addition to 
> Amateur Radio.
> 
> The only problem with any of the phasing type of SSB has always 
> alignment as they age.
> 
> I'd like to find another one.  I enjoyed it better than the HT-32.
> 
> The caveat being that both of them use the same transformer, and both 
> have had issues.
> 
> I've got one HT-32 and it IS one with a GOOD transformer.
> 
> Bob - N0DGN
> 
> 
> On 1/4/2014 2:32 PM, Roger Stein wrote:
> > Phasing type SSB with a single 6146.
> >
> > 73, Roger
> > K7SJ/VE1
> >
> >
> > On Sat, Jan 4, 2014 at 2:06 PM, Ken Simpson, W8EK <kenw8ek at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> >> E F Johnson Viking "Pacemaker" Transmitter For Sale:
> >>
> >> For all practical purposes, the Viking Pacemaker is a
> >> Valiant with SSB.  It is an SSB/AM/CW transmitter
> >> covering 80 thru 10 meters, with internal VFO and
> >> internal power supply.  It has 6146 finals.
> >>
> >> The Pacemaker was the first single sideband transmitter
> >> built by the E.F. Johnson company. It was manufactured
> >> for only a two year time span, from 1956 to 1958.
> >> In 1956, it cost $495.
> >>
> >> It is 11 1/2 inches high by 21 wide by 16 1/2 deep (same
> >> size as the Valiant), and weighs 61 pounds.
> >>
> >> A picture can be seen at
> >> http://radiopics.com/EFJohnson/Transmitters/EFJohnson_Viking%20Pacemaker.
> >> htm
> >>
> >> This particular unit came from a silent key who I am sure
> >> had not fired it up for years.  It will need to be brought
> >> up slow on a variac, and probably will need caps replaced.
> >>
> >> Cosmetically it looks very good for a 55 year old rig.
> >>
> >> Paper work is included for $150, with pickup in the Ocala,
> >> Florida area, just off of I-75.  This is just too heavy
> >> and too difficult to ship.
> >>
> >> Thanks.
> >>
> >> 73,
> >>
> >> Ken, W8EK
> >>
> >> Ken Simpson
> >> E-mail to W8EK at FLHam.net or W8EK at arrl.net
> >> Voice Phone  (352) 732-8400
> >>
> 
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