[Johnson] Ranger question

[Harry Vaught, KT4AE]

This morning I caught the tail end of a QSO between a couple of W3's who 
were talking about Rangers.

They were discussing adding a separate ground connection between the VFO 
compartment and the front panel of Rangers.  They were talking like this 
was common knowledge and one of the things that everyone did to every 
Ranger along with replacing R3.  I've been on this reflector for a 
number of years and don't remember seeing this one mentioned.

I came in too late to hear the whole story and couldn't hear one of the 
guys very well, but it had something to do with RF feedback on 40 meters 
and the fact that you were dealing with the fundamental frequency of the 
VFO, rather than a harmonic as on 80 meters.

I have a problem on 80 (and only 80) where I get an oscillation or 
feedback when the audio is turned up past about 3.  I wondered if this 
might be related.  Is anyone familiar with this extra ground strap and 
the reasons for its use?

Harry, KT4AE
Maryville, Tennessee