[Johnson] Johnson Viking II CD version

Fri Sep 24 14:35:22 EDT 2004

Dear Allen: Thank you very much for your kind words of wisdom. I think you
answered most of my questions but the substitution of the cadmium plating for
the copper plating has me puzzled. I wonder if the F.C.D.A. was concerned
about chassis corrosion in areas of high humidity? Also, I wonder why Johnson
did not include push to talk on all Viking II models? For what it is worth, I
do know that the R.L. Drake Co. changed from copper plating to cadmium
plating with the introduction of their "C" line about 1973. A Drake dealer
told me this change was made because the cadmium resists corrosion and
oxidation far better than copper and on their TR series transceivers they
were experiencing severe corrosion on units that were used mobile. This was
caused by cigarette ash combined with moisture attacking the copper plating
on the chassis. The cadmium was not susceptible to this type of corrosion.
-73- Sherrill W. k4own. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Alan Gray [mailto:agray at voicenet.com] 
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2004 1:13 PM
To: Sherrill Watkins
Subject: RE: [Johnson] Johnson Viking II CD version

Sherrill,

Actually, I doubt that there really are any differences in frequency coverage
between the Viking II and the IICD- both have roller inductor tank circuits
and other continuously tuneable circuits so they both should provide general
coverage over the same frequency range. In fact, the straight Viking II is a
favorite among pirate broadcasters because it can be used in various
shortwave bands outside the ham bands without modification.

FCDA requirements had to be met in order for gear to be on the list of
Federal Civil Defense Adminstration (the agency in charge of civil defense
that was started in 1951 in response to the Soviet's first atomic explosion
and the Korean War- the cold war equivalent of the current Homeland Security
Dept, although not a cabinet level agency) approved gear...Gear had to be on
the list of approved by FCDA in order to qualify for federal CD funding to
local and state governments (). All the major manufacturers had gear that was
on the FCDA approved list...we also had a National NC-183D that was on the
list that we used with the Viking II.  Just about all of our VHF was Gonset
("Gooney" boxes and the like), and that too, was on the list. Originally, the
Gonset gear all came painted in CD yellow- a bilious mustard yellow. Later
on, they came painted in the same off white color as the Gonset gear that was
sold to the general public (I still have a bunch of that gear, some with CD
property stickers still on it, that I bought later on at auctions, including
a G-28, G-50 and various 6 & 2 meter Communicators.

As for how many were made- a bunch but were probably included in the overall
number for Viking II's published in Electric Radio and other magazines
devoted to vintage radio. As I recall, my Viking II has a mike jack on the
front and don't believe it had a copper plated chassis? Have to check when I
get home.

73,

Alan, W3BV

-----Original Message-----
From: johnson-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:johnson-bouhttp://zip4.usps.com/zip4/[email protected]]
On Behalf Of Sherrill Watkins
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2004 11:17 AM
To: agray at voicenet.com
Cc: Johnson at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Johnson] Johnson Viking II CD version

Allen: Thank you very much for your comments. Last night I found an old
document I forgot I had that describes a little about the Viking II and the
CDC model. It briefly describes the "CDC" model and states there are several
differences, as follows: 1. The CDC model has full transmit coverage from 1.7
to 32 mhz. There are no gaps between 160 and 80 and 80 and 40 meters like the
standard Viking II.
(Note: however, the standard Viking II will cover 160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 17,
15, 12 and 10 meters without any modification! I don't think many people are
aware of that?) 2. Has a push to talk mic connector on the front panel. 3.
Chassis is cadmium plated in lieu of copper plating. I wonder what that was
all about?? 4. Meets the "F.C.D.A. requirements"; whatever that means?? 5.
"C.D.C." means "Civil Defence Certified". 6. Described by Johnson as a "High
Quality" unit; whatever that means?? 7. The info. also states that the Viking
IICDC qualifies for "matching funds for purchase". I wonder how many CDC
models were made??
-73- Sherrill W. k4own.

-----Original Message-----
From: Alan Gray [mailto:agray at voicenet.com]
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2004 10:16 AM
To: Sherrill Watkins
Subject: RE: [Johnson] Johnson Viking II CD version

Sherrill,

Bascially, there is no difference between the Viking II and the Viking IICD,
other than perhaps the decals and color (most came with the "CD" emblem; some
came painted  in different color schemes. When I used one at our local CD
headquarters in the late 50's and early 60's, our Viking II only had the
familiar round "CD" emblem affixed but otherwise was identical to the stock
Viking II (we used it on the state-wide 75M phone net, and the county-wide
10M nets). The Viking 122 VFO will work fine with it, as well as most other
commercially available vfo's with the correct output frequency. Never used
one on either 12 or 30 meters but the manual (which I don't have handy at the
moment) should give the transmitter's frequency range.

73,

Alan, W3BV

"Self-interest is a fire which first consumes others and then self"- Ancient
Proverb

-----Original Message-----
From: johnson-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:johnson-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Sherrill Watkins
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2004 9:52 AM
To: Johnson at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Johnson] Johnson Viking II CD version

Gentlemen: If my questions have bbeen discussed before, I apologize, but has
any information been written describing just exactly what the difference is
between the Viking II and the Viking IICD version?? Does the Viking IICD
model cover 160 meters? Can the Viking II or the CD version be used without
modification on 30 and 17 meters? Where does one obtain a suitable VFO to
operate the transmitter on those bands or should crystals be used? I will
really appreciate all comments received and kindly thank everyone in advance
for their assistance and advise. -73- Sherrill W. k4own.

 "The common good was the claim and justification of every tyranny ever
established over men. Every major horror of history was committed in the name
of altruistic motive... Actors change, but the course of the tragedy remains
the same." - Ayn Rand 1943 "Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work,
so most people don't recognize them." - Ann Landers

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