[Johnson] Johnson Valiant Problems ( Tubes )
richard
ramnaz at peoplepc.com
Thu Jul 2 15:51:20 EDT 2015
I just bought from Radio Shack there Digital Multimeter and it was there nice one the True RMS. 42 Range as to the Heathkit one I do have a manual for it and it works just fine and has nice needle movement and is real close to being with the Radio Shack one..
I could not find the kit manual for the Valiant on e-bay so I will have to look around for a copy..
I do want to get my hands on one...
Thanks Again..
-----Original Message-----
>From: Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com>
>Sent: Jul 2, 2015 12:36 PM
>To: richard <ramnaz at peoplepc.com>
>Subject: Re: Johnson Valiant Problems ( Tubes )
>
> I am not familiar with the Heathkit signal generator. If you
>don't have a plain vanilla VOM you can get a decent one at Radio Shack
>or Harbor Freight. It does not have to fancy. There are manuals at
>BAMA free but many are not very well scanned. However, its always
>worth looking. Google can help but I've found stuff that Google does
>not spot.
> I will look at what the heathkit stuff is and write later.
>
>On 7/2/2015 12:15 PM, richard wrote:
>> Hello Richard .
>> I have a Heathkit Monitor Scope that I just picked up & today I got the manual in the mail.. I have a Heathkit VTVM- Model V-6 & I have a Heathkit IG-102 Signal Generator which I do think was the wrong one for Ham Radio work as I see no Freq for 10 to 160 meters on it.. And I do have a nice freq counter.. Have a Heathkit Signal Tracer -- And I will throw in 2-D-104 to be on some sort of safe side Hi Hi. Maybe between you and Evan I might get some place as you both are helping me more than you think.
>> But Richard that is what I have on this side.. The tube glow as of the dark blue you brought up ..
>>
>>
>> ..........................
>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com>
>>> Sent: Jul 2, 2015 11:54 AM
>>> To: johnson at mailman.qth.net
>>> Subject: Re: [Johnson] Done For Tonight & for awhile
>>>
>>> Richard, what measurement instruments do you have available? I
>>> didn't mean to desert you but others were jumping in and I wanted to
>>> wait. I am now confused about what has happened to the transmitter.
>>> My usual procedure with anything is to check the power supply first.
>>> As far as rectifiers go the 866s will work fine provided you understand
>>> that mercury tubes need a warm up and should be kept as nearly vertical
>>> as possible. The gas rectifiers don't care and are a better choice
>>> unless you like watching the mercury tubes glowing with the signal.
>>> Someone else addressed the glowing output tubes but I will
>>> reiterate: two kinds of glow, the first is a dark blue glow that
>>> appears to be on the inside surface of the tube envelope. This is
>>> caused by high energy electrons hitting the glass and is normal in many
>>> tubes with high voltage on the plates. The second kind of glow is a
>>> pale blue or purplish one that appears inside the tube elements. It
>>> resembles the glow from VR tubes or mercury rectifiers. This is due to
>>> gas in the tube and means the tube is shot. The gas can come from the
>>> tube being overloaded enough to heat up some of the elements or can be
>> >from a leak in the envelope. In either case the tube is no good and
>>> should be discarded.
>>> I think the transmitter will probably function with two final
>>> tubes since they are in series. However you need to watch the drive
>>> levels. This can be useful for trouble shooting until you can get
>>> replacement tubes.
>>> Further advice depends on what the symptoms are and what you have
>>> available to measure things.
>>>
>>> On 7/2/2015 11:24 AM, richard wrote:
>>>> Thanks Evan.
>>>> So far you are the only one to keep answering me back as I am getting reply's but no one sticking in there with me.. I am watching out in what I am doing with this transmitter but who would know it would shock you threw the Microphone plug when I have had many radios over the years & never had that happen but now I know & have put black tape on the plug but even doing that I have been turning it on & Off in needed.. What would be great is to find someone in my area that know way more than I to give me some help but I don't what few Hams I do know don't give one thing about building or working on anything and the one man I know that can fix about anything wants $100.00 an hr so I am trying to get help & learn outside that $100.00 an hr but if need be I will take it to him but some things are just an easy fix & so I felt I might find some things out on here Plus I want to learn as much as I can & over the years I have fixed some things that were easy fix's .. OK you said th
>>> at
>>>> it might be a shorted tube in that area. Well is it True that if I take the tubes out to check them and change any of them then I will have to re-do the VFO as I did check all the tubes but the 5-6146 & I found 2 bad ones & put good ones back in & the VFO was way off & I had to go threw the VFO Calibration to get it back on track But either way with the 2--6146 doing as they did last night I think I should get the tube tester back out & go threw them. I thought this transmitter was petty stock by as I see different pictures of the Valiant I see that some things have been removed and have read why they were removed.. Anyway what are your thought on things?? Also on the Rf plate choke if a tube or TUBE's were going bad would that cause them to heat up as I am sure that is what I noticed last night just before I shut it down.
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message------
>>>>> From: Evan Rolek <k9sqg at aol.com>
>>>>> Sent: Jul 2, 2015 10:45 AM
>>>>> To: ramnaz at peoplepc.com
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Johnson] Done For Tonight & for awhile
>>>>>
>>>>> Richard,
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> First order of business is safety, if you're not familiar with working with high voltage, best to consult or work with an expert.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Yes, that Johnson design is poor in that it puts 110 volts on the mic cord. Best to have the transmitter off when connecting/disconnecting the microphone, due to the design that can put 110 volts on the mic case etc.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I believe that stack of coils you're referring to is the RF plate choke. Sounds like there is a problem in that area like a shorted tube or something. Looks like there is some diagnostic work still needed to find the failed component(s).
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 73,
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Evan
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: richard <ramnaz at peoplepc.com>
>>>>> To: johnson Valiant Help <Johnson at mailman.qth.net>
>>>>> Sent: Thu, Jul 2, 2015 12:21 pm
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Johnson] Done For Tonight & for awhile
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks Evan.
>>>>> The VFO turns nice & easy but I did get a shock when I unplugged
>>>>> the microphone plug last night & I noticed that if I don't push the plug in fast
>>>>> & just go slow it will key up the transmitter tell it is in all the way..
>>>>> ONE
>>>>> other thing .. near the back by the 3 -6146 tubes there is a stack of pink
>>>>> colored coils next to R-13 and that stack of coils I think were just about to
>>>>> get hot as I saw some kind of trace of smoke starting to come from them when I
>>>>> noticed the 6146 tube getting real blue but I shut it down pretty fast but I
>>>>> did see the stack of coils wanting to start to smoke . So I am not sure as to
>>>>> turning it back on and seeing if it does it again but right now I am just
>>>>> leaving well enough alone tell I get more input as to what to check for on the
>>>>> tube getting a blue dancing flame inside & then another time a different tube
>>>>> got yellow /blue and both times I cought it right away & shut
>>>>> down..
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: Evan Rolek <k9sqg at aol.com>
>>>>>> Sent:
>>>>> Jul 2, 2015 8:56 AM
>>>>>> To: ramnaz at peoplepc.com,
>>>>> Johnson at mailman.qth.net
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Johnson] Done For Tonight & for
>>>>> awhile
>>>>>> VFO coupler failure manifests itself in several possible ways. Lack
>>>>> of VFO frequency change, sticky operation, "grinding" sound when rotating the
>>>>> VFO knob, etc.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The only way I could envision the coupler causing
>>>>> "tube flashing" is if the coupler broke and prevented frequency change, and then
>>>>> one switched bands, "moved" the VFO frequency in-band when in fact the frequency
>>>>> wasn't actually changed, and then an attempt to tune up in a severely out of
>>>>> resonance condition causing excessive peak voltages in the output network.
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 73,
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Evan, K9SQG
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original
>>>>> Message-----
>>>>>> From: richard <ramnaz at peoplepc.com>
>>>>>> To: johnson Valiant Help
>>>>> <Johnson at mailman.qth.net>
>>>>>> Sent: Thu, Jul 2, 2015 11:35 am
>>>>>> Subject: Re:
>>>>> [Johnson] Done For Tonight & for awhile
>>>>>> Hello Roger.
>>>>>> Can't thank you
>>>>> enough for the reply.
>>>>>> If my problem is with the
>>>>>> Coupler how would I know as
>>>>> I have moved the transmitter around a lot on it's
>>>>>> side many times and then
>>>>> back sitting right side up .. I do have a new coupler
>>>>>> coming as I saw on e-bay
>>>>> a guy was making them and he talked about how they
>>>>>> break easy so I bought
>>>>> one...Is there a test to check the coupler and would that
>>>>>> cause the tubes to
>>>>> do as they are. I will try to see how to get to it as I can
>>>>>> take the side
>>>>> panel off the VFO Box & Look and then I will get back to you with
>>>>>> what I find
>>>>> but I am waiting for the new one to come..
>>>>>> Thanks Again Roger.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Richard
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ..................
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>> From:
>>>>> Rodger
>>>>>> Singley <WQ9E at btsnetworks.net>
>>>>>>> Sent: Jul 2, 2015 5:53
>>>>> AM
>>>>>>> To:
>>>>>> ramnaz at peoplepc.com, Johnson at mailman.qth.net
>>>>>>> Subject: re:
>>>>> [Johnson] Done For
>>>>>> Tonight & for awhile
>>>>>>> Richard,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The
>>>>> Valiant/SX-101 is a nice vintage
>>>>>> setup and it is what I used as a novice when
>>>>> I got my license in 1975 and
>>>>>> recreating this setup in 1994 is what gave me my
>>>>> start in collecting and
>>>>>> restoring vintage gear. I am currently traveling and I
>>>>> just saw your list
>>>>>> postings. When I return home I will send you a short
>>>>> document of hints I have
>>>>>> put together for the Valiant, I own 2 Valiant
>>>>> transmitters and a Valiant II and
>>>>>> have repaired several for friends; I also
>>>>> own most of the other vintage models
>>>>> >from Johnson so I have spent a fair
>>>>> amount of time inside them :) But one
>>>>>> caution before you go further is there
>>>>> is an insulating coupler used in the VFO
>>>>>> drive which is easily damaged and
>>>>> this usually happens when the Valiant is
>>>>>> turned upside down (with the case
>>>>> off) and the front panel flexes which will
>>>>>> break the coupler. It fortunately
>>>>> can be repaired fairly easily but it is
>>>>>> unique with different input and output
>>>>> shaft sizes so it is best not to break it
>>>>>> in the first place. The safe
>>>>>> st
>>>>> approach is to loosen the set screws in this
>>>>>> coupler before flipping the
>>>>> transmitter over, this allows it to slide on its
>>>>>> shaft rather than trying to
>>>>> hold the panel in place.
>>>>>>> I am reading email and
>>>>>> keeping up with the
>>>>> online class I am teaching via a little Asus transformer PC
>>>>>> which is very
>>>>> portable but not great for reading a lot of text so I haven't
>>>>>> closely read all
>>>>> of the postings but if you aren't sure the bias filter
>>>>>> capacitors have been
>>>>> replaced these should be done immediately. Bias supply
>>>>>> issues will cause a
>>>>> number of faults and some can be very damaging to other
>>>>>> components. If
>>>>> replacing bias filter capacitors be careful with capacitor
>>>>>> polarity since the
>>>>> bias supply capacitors are installed with the positive
>>>>>> terminal connected to
>>>>> ground-opposite of the more common negative to ground
>>>>>> orientation.
>>>>>>> More
>>>>> to follow along with an email attachment of Valiant
>>>>>> repair and operational
>>>>> tips once I return home to IL shortly. I am currently in
>>>>>> the soggy Smoky
>>>>> Mountains which isn't great for hiking and 12 miles away there
>>>>>> is a big
>>>>> evacuation because of a CSX train derailment with toxic gas leaking.
>>>>>
>>>>>> Apparently CSX couldn't wait until the 4th to start
>>>>> their
>>>>>> explosions.
>>>>>>> Rodger WQ9E
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> -------- Original Message
>>>>> --------
>>>>>>>> From:
>>>>>> richard <ramnaz at peoplepc.com>
>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, July
>>>>> 02, 2015 4:39 AM
>>>>>>>> To:
>>>>>> Johnson at mailman.qth.net
>>>>>>>> Subject: [Johnson] Done
>>>>> For Tonight & for awhile
>>>>>>>> Well as I said in my last note I was going
>>>>> to check the Bias & then check
>>>>>> it out on 40 meters and so I tuned up my
>>>>> antenna for 40 got the Valiant tuned up
>>>>>> and was doing some 123s and 1 of the
>>>>> 3--6146 started to get yellow / green and
>>>>>> so I shut it off and will wait for
>>>>> the man I bought it from to return from his
>>>>>> trip and then let him look at it
>>>>> and I wonder if anyone looked him up on QRZ his
>>>>>> call is NE7X Tom and he has a
>>>>> nice big set up he built. Well anyway I will call
>>>>>> it a night or morning as it
>>>>> is 2:30 am and there is nothing I can do with the
>>>>>> Transmitter doing as it
>>>>> is.
>>>>>>>> Maybe I will be back sometime with other
>>>>>> questions who knows..
>>>>>>>>
>>>>> 73
>>>>>>>> Richard--- AKA--- KB7FDF--- FDF= Far
>>>>>> Distant Friend Just what all
>>>>> Hams Are..
>>>>>>>> Richard
>>>>> Morris
>>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>> Johnson
>>>>>> mailing list
>>>>>>>> Home:
>>>>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/johnson
>>>>> Help:
>>>>>> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>>>>> Post:
>>>>> mailto:Johnson at mailman.qth.net
>>>>>> Message delivered to
>>>>> wq9e at btsnetworks.net
>>>>>>>> This list hosted by:
>>>>>> http://www.qsl.net
>>>>> Please help support this email list:
>>>>>> http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Richard
>>>>>> Morris
>>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>>> Johnson
>>>>>> mailing
>>>>> list
>>>>>> Home:
>>>>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/johnson
>>>>>> Help:
>>>>>> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>>> Post:
>>>>> mailto:Johnson at mailman.qth.net
>>>>>> Message
>>>>>> delivered to k9sqg at aol.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>> This
>>>>> list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>>>> Please
>>>>>> help support this email list:
>>>>> http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>> Richard
>>>>> Morris
>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>> Johnson
>>>>> mailing list
>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/johnson
>>>>> Help:
>>>>> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>> Post: mailto:Johnson at mailman.qth.net
>>>>> Message
>>>>> delivered to k9sqg at aol.com
>>>>>
>>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>>> Please
>>>>> help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> Richard Morris
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> Johnson mailing list
>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/johnson
>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>> Post: mailto:Johnson at mailman.qth.net
>>>> Message delivered to 1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
>>>>
>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>
>>> --
>>> Richard Knoppow
>>> 1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
>>> WB6KBL
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Johnson mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/johnson
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:Johnson at mailman.qth.net
>>> Message delivered to ramnaz at peoplepc.com
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>> Richard Morris
>>
>
>--
>Richard Knoppow
>1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
>WB6KBL
>
>
Richard Morris
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