[Johnson] "Johnson Viking II C-C" Modulator...EUREKA!!!

[Eddy Swynar]

Hi Guys,

My sincerest of thanks to all who took the time & effort to reply to me
directly re. the modulator section of my recently-acquired Viking II C-C
"...taking off". There were a LOT of neat little hints & kinks brought to my
attention which may not have been directly related to the problem I had on
hand, but they are all certainly worth retaining AND incorporating
(especially the idea about separate primary fuses for all the different
transformers)...again, thanks!

I am VERY happy to report that the audio section has at last been TAMED! The
culprit(s)...? Two seemingly innocuous 22 ohm resistors, one in each of the
plate leads of the 807's, i.e. R33 & R34 in the "stock" Viking II, & R128 &
R129 in the "C-C" version.

The manual refers to these resistors as parasitic suppressors: at first
blush, I "...assumed" (LESSION #1: NEVER assume anything!) that these two
were located INSIDE the sleeve of the plate leads, that holds the two
together---similar to the resistor placed within the shield brade of the mic
lead in my old Ranger 1.

Wrong. I could not locate either resisor, above or below the chassis
surface. I must say, I was surprised I missed this detail the first time
around, & quite honestly, I had never heard of parasitic suppressors in
modulators---RF amplifiers & RF drivers, yes, but never modulators.

Anyway, a trip to the junque box yielded a pair of 22 ohm carbon resistors,
which I soldered directly to the plate caps. I fired-up the rig, seriously
doubting the benefit of these, when VOILA! The AF gain was cranked-up, I
spoke into the mic, & nothing took off on me! I monitored myself on the
SB-301, & it sure didn't sound distorted like before.

I certainly am relieved! Now I can concentrate on cosmetically fixing up the
appearance of the enclosure---sure could use a new paint job! (typical, I
guess).

Thanks again, guys, for all your encouragement---I sure hope to get this guy
on the air shortly...!

~73~ Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ