[Johnson] GB> E.F. Johnson VIKING II "C-C" Transmitter

Diane Swynar [email protected]
Thu, 27 Mar 2003 18:18:05 -0500 (EST)


Hi All,

I just acquired a very nice-looking Viking II rig---the "CC" version
(which I believe indicates the continuous coverage civil defense
variant). What a neat rig this is!

I do have a couple of questions for you Viking II aficianados, however,
specifically:

(1) What was the actual cabinet COLOR of the rig? (the top, rear, and
sides)---was it black wrinkle finish, or that famous Johnson maroon red?
(mine looks to be a little of both, actually!). Also, was that big
honkin' bottom plate ever painted, or did they all come "naturelle" plain
copper finish...?

(2) Mine is great on CW, but on AM there's an inordinate amount of what
sounds like acoustal squeal coming out of the thing---even out of the
microphone (a non-amplified D-104). I can't "tame" that modulator cathode
current thing either (it's either almost zero, or off-scale), & yes, the
resistor is OK. AND---when I remove one of the 807 modulator tubes, the
mod cathode current swings in healthy manner, & I get modulation, too
(albeit not the best quality with just a single tube in a p-p circuit).
Does this sound like a mod transformer breaking down? It sure does to
me...sigh!

Otherwise, again, what a SUPER rig! I use a homebrewed little 12AU7A VFO
with it on tests, all the way up to 14-MHz! It needs more output, though,
& I'm thinking of building that 6AU6/6AG7 outboard vfo "booster" as seen
in the Johnson 122 manual on BAMA...anyone ever try that trick...?

Looking forward to any & all feedback...thanks!

~73~ Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ