Vintage Johnson Viking II CDC Civil Defense Transmitter Audio section troubleshooting + PTT Part 4

Part 4. Repair audio + update PTT system. Yes, this repair keeps evolving. Pretty much every Ham radio piece that I repair always needs more than expected. After all is done, I would expect to make $5.00 per hour. I've been into this one close to 2 weeks and still have much to do. I know several other guys in the business, they tell me the same thing. Its a labor of love, plus the challenge of keeping that 60+ year old equipment on the air. So, if your thinking of doing this for a living, think again. My days of working on the heavy transmitters is over. No more Johnson 500's, Rack mount monsters. However, I will still work on Johnson Viking II's, Rangers, Valiants and other tube Ham gear. If you have one sitting in the closet and want to get it back on the air, contact me. See: d-labelectronics.com or / dlab_electronics I also have a D-lab facebook page. I will do my best to assist you with your repair, or get it to my shop. I always give prompt estimates and updates. Hope you enjoyed this Viking series!

[@alexdeleon7135]

Well done, Terry! This 4-parter was educational, and valuable practices in safety. The way thing have been going lately, I would not be surprised if Civil Defense would be resurrected. Thanks again for posting this herculean labor. The issues were such a cascade of failures that made this tetralogy necessary. Please enjoy your weekend!

[@scottlee1211]

Nice work Hammered Ham!! Love it when you bring these back to life, what a talent! Thanks!

[@denazify]

I remember Crispy Critters! I think Post made them. "The one and only cereal that comes in the shape of animals"

[@mackfisher4487]

Nice job, keep those wounder boat anchor working.

[@Tom-W7TMD]

Awesome job Terry!

[@Mike--WA7QZR]

Thanks Terry, for these Viking II videos. I've got one on my bench that I'm resurrecting and your presentations here will be very helpful. I'll also be contacting you for some of the goodies you developed for use in your restorations when I reach that point. Thanks again.

[@vtradio]

I'm enjoying the Johnson Viking II CDC repair series. Thank you. 73 Paul AA1SU

[@hunt555fish]

Nice job Terry.By the way the PTT module and D-LAB T/R switch I purchased from you for my HT32 are working great.Ron NB3W.

[@minibikemadman]

love the series..hope to get my ranger 2 online from your videos..already hit it with HV with stock caps and no smoke..but I plan to get a cap kit of ebay and change em out.

[@d-labelectronics]

Make sure you dont buy those cardboard tube caps!

[@neutralobservation9418]

Any Heatkit rig repairs coming up?

[@cheycasters]

Coo!

[@bobblum5973]

Nice job & video, both! Just curious, Terry, about the burned up coil; what was its specs, and how hard was it to come up with an equivalent replacement?

[@tommybewick]

I love your video and everything looks great. But let's be honest, the whole thing is rebuilt. Not much as original, except maybe the wires? I mean honestly you do a great job. I'm not discounting that at all. I'm just saying not much is original. As you said, a lot of that has to come out, "Lets completely rebuild the audio section".

[@d-labelectronics]

Pretty much just caps & out of tolerance resistors. Typical for these old transmitters. Its original construction is untouched.