[Johnson] JV II Signs of life (death?)

[Rich Soennichsen]

After cleaning and recapping a brought up my JV II slowly on a variac.
 (I have zero experience wit hthis rig)  All was well on the low
voltage side.  I followed the setup instructions for 40m and all
seemed normal, until I threw the plate voltage switch.  A pleasant hum
for about 15 seconds.  Then a Not-So-Pleasant hum and puff of smoke
from somewhere, I threw the switch and all was quiet.
After screwing up my courage I threw the switch and this time watched
the tube side, no smoke this time but after a few seconds the same
terrible noise and the VR9 (5R4) and one of the 6146 (V7) tubes were
putting on a light show of purple light.  Of course I only let this go
on for a second or two.

I hope this rings some bells.

73

Rich