[Johnson] EFJ Ranger progress, pt 3

[kwylow zinjanthropus]

Yesterday, I had some time to "kill" while I was concurrently on CQ (charge of quarters, not a call for a QSO) duty. Finally did the install of the PTT relay. In fact, I had to remove the old front panel and loosen the function switch from it's mount in order to do the operation. 

First order was to remove the old bezel. This piece needs painting and screening badly. I took that off and took out Dee Almquist' jewel and installed the old parts (freq dial and jewel lamps). Looks spectacular! Of course, I had to clean off the parts and spiff them up prior to reinstallation. The internal gasket material (that blocks extra light) from going outside the bezel literally disentergrated. A call to a local OSH (hardware) store and 3 bucks later, I had some weatherstripping to replace that gasket. 

Second was installing the new PTT relay. After taking the keyer chassis off of the three posts, I installed the PTT relay. Simple bolt on existing holes (no drilling required). I like that! I also tapped the 300 vdc from the 300 volt line just below the chassis near the bottom of the function switch. I believe that the manual called out for the very spot where the tap was supposed to be made anyways. Back to the top of the keyer circuit board: I ended up putting a 15k/25k divider from the 300 vdc source to ground and took the relay supply voltage on the top of the 15k resistor (which the other side is grounded). It supplies pretty near the 110 vdc needed to key the relay. Also, the extra third contact on the relay keys the green PTT lamp. 

Finally, I took out the old front panel and removed the grounding braid. It will be reused in the new Dee Almquist front panel. 

Needless to say, I'm pretty excited about all of this. With the "new" powdercoated cabinet and front panel, it will be great to have this like new Ranger II gracing my shack and doing Angel Music.

Cal, N6KYR.  



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