[Johnson] Ranger Final

[Glen Zook]

Actually the tube is a 6AQ5!  I have run into bad 6AQ5
tubes in several different Johnson transmitters.  They
may still be good for their actual design function,
the audio output tube in a receiver.  But, for either
r.f. (like in the Viking II) or as a clamp tube they
can definitely be cantankerous.

60 watts is a bit much for long term work.  I assume
that you have a new 6146 tube.  Cut the power back to
between 45 and 50 watts on 80 meters and about 35
watts on 10 meters and the operator at the other end
won't know the difference.  Run a little less carrier
output on AM.  However, your 6146 will last several
times as long.

Also, do NOT run more than 2.5 mA of grid current. 
Even 2.0 mA is plenty of drive for the 6146.  The
Ranger manual cautions against running too much grid
current but still sets too high of a maximum level. 
The grid in the 6146 is "kinda" fragile and you can
damage it by running excessinve grid current for too
long.  I usually run all of my 6146 transmitters at
between 1.75 mA and 2.0 mA per tube.  The output power
does not "drop off" at those levels and the tubes are
much "happier".

Glen, K9STH

--- Wayne Light <hwlight at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

I adjusted the slider and increased the screen current
AND replaced the 6AQ6. It works perfectly now. Tunes
smooth, sounds good and I get about 60 watts into the
antenna (I think that should be about right for a Ranger).

Glen, K9STH

Web sites

http://home.comcast.net/~k9sth
http://home.comcast.net/~zcomco


		
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