[Johnson] Viking II versus DX 100

[John King]

Interesting....everyone has an opinion. My experience
with DX 100s and Viking IIs goes back 47years, to
1958.

I have used them both and worked hundreds of hams
using both.

I actually own a DX 100, a DX 100B, a Viking II, and a
Viking I. I own six Heath Apaches, two Viking Valiants
and a Viking Ranger. I also own a Viking Desk
Kilowatt. I say all that to let you know that I have
no preference as to "name brand" and no prejudice as
to "name brand" of transmitters.

The preference went back to "poor" hams versus hams
who were financially able to buy a Johnson
transmitter. Johnson was higher priced and a good
transmitter. The DX 100 was widely referred to as the
"Benton Harbor Kilowatt" on the bands. The reason was
that it would OUT-TALK other transmitters in the same
power class and even some higher powered transmitters.
It was, in fact, to transmitters, what the Drake 2 B
was to receivers. It was much much more transmitter
for the dollar than the others.

Facts are that the Viking II has always been short on
audio power where the DX 100 had more than ample
audio. The heath transmitters have much more iron in
them than comparable Johnsons. Put them on the scales
and you will see that the Heath transmitters outweigh
the Johnson Viking IIs.

Both brands are good and the quality of individual
components such as caps might be better in the Vikings
but dollar for dollar my vote goes to the Heath. 

I also own Collins, Henry, Amp Supply, Gonset, Drake
and Heath 2KW linear amplifiers. Dollar for Dollar,
day after day of use, I find the heath SB 220, 221,
and 200 that I own to be the best for price, power and
reliability as well as ease of repair and maintenance.
Of course they aren't Alphas but they didn't cost what
the others cost. Just my opinion based on 30 years of
hands on use of my linear amplifiers. 

Now, be gentle guys......flames can be dangerous. 73,
John, K5PGW  

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