Fw: [Johnson] Viking II audio (Mutch to do about Nothing)

[Lee Bahr]

First off, let me say I have nothing against anyone modifying a radio, not
even a Viking II.  I have modified radios myself. I am beginning to have
problems with a modified radio.  That said, I don't think modifying a radio
should be done in every case.  If you want to modify a radio and experiment
fine.  It's your radio and have fun doing what makes you happy.

I was on the air back in the 50s and talked to 100s of hams that used a
Viking II.  Yes, the audio was not HI-FI and in most cases you can not tell
85% modulation from 100% modulation.   There is something to say about using
a classic rig as it was from the factory.  Changing things does not give you
the experience of using the radio as it was designed by the manufacturer.
The Viking II was a very popular transmitter and 1000s of hams used them
everyday as they were from the factory.  I personally like the sound of a
stock Viking II.  Does it sound HI-Fi?  NO it does not.  Does it sound good?
To me it does. It sounds like a Viking II.   Guys that restore model T's
don't put modern radios in their vehicles but enjoy the cars for what they
were and not for what they can turn them into.  I now consider a restoration
complete when it sounds like it did coming out of the factory.

So my point is, I have begun to realize, I want my radios stock to
experience the radio for what it was and not for what I could make it
become.  I am no longer interested in most MODS. (Modification is sometimes
necessary to replace worn out unobtainable exact replacement parts).  For
me, the thrill is in restoration and in experiencing the past by enjoying
the radio as it was designed by the original manufacturer.  If the radio
drifts, so be it!  Hams of the past dealt with it, and so can I.  I want to
experience what they experienced.  When I want a drift free radio contact,
I'll drag out my boring rice box.  For me, modifying a radio cheats me out
of some of the thrill you get using a radio from the past.

Sometimes I feel new hams reading about mods think and feel they must modify
a radio as it is no good without a mod  In most cases, I find this not to be
true. I'm beginning to think a modified radio is no good.  It's all about
how you look at things.

Lee Bahr, w0vt
Houston