How to install PTT Push to talk Johnson Ranger Ham transmitter

Introducing D-Lab's new K1 push to talk module. This is my answer to the hazardous stock Johnson PTT installation method. I am developing a step by step procedure and will be offering kits in the future. I still wonder why PTT was not stock to begin with in the Ranger, as it is in the Valiant. So, here is my solution for this desired feature. If you would like one, contact me. I will have them available soon. Hope you enjoy this presentation. I love making useful gadgets. This one feel promising! Thoughts?

[@Auska64]

Thanks Terry im still running my johnson ranger great video

[@dorothydale4683]

youre a good sport Marsha

[@jordan390a]

Well, it looks like you helped me get my Ranger to operate trouble-free PTT. I found a period correct Potter & Brumfield 12Vdc DPDT relay and mounted it on the Keyer board. I took 6.3Vac from the tie strip for the panel lamp, and after it's rectified and filtered with a 1000uF 16V cap, I have just a hair less than 9Vdc, which is more than enough to drive the relay...I wonder how many hams cooked components without switching the screen line to ground...? Probably LOTS of them...! Glad you posted that...!!! When I was connecting the PTT line(relay ground) at the mic connector, I noticed that the audio cable shield was caught on the CW key line tab at the tie point on that "hidden" rear terminal strip which explains why the rig wouldn't unkey with the key up...! I don't think this rig saw too much operation because of the shorted key line...

[@n8nkqrp595]

Now that's what I call confidence in your engineering! Another most excellent video. Thank you and 73 OM

[@cuban9splat]

D-lab should also come out with instructions on how to use this with the DX-60 you mentioned. There are a lot of them out there. Great job Terry. Thanks and 73 DE K7RMJ Frank

[@d-labelectronics]

Yes Sir, I agree, will find a DX-60 and put that video together

[@rciancia]

Nice work.... safety first and you nailed it !!!! Excellent Terry

[@SuperBuzzbomb]

That mod deserves a glass of vino!

[@HI5MLE]

I congratulate you friend from the Dominican Republic, I am Marcos Lopez, and I have this team; I do not know if you can do or translate this part into Spanish since I do not speak English, or if you can make a diagram to see how the microphone is connected in the back, and the other female Plug that the ranger has to part of the microphone What is it used for, from Thank you, HI5MLE.

[@beeluv9072]

That is totally cool! Now I just need a Ranger. I just got my first classic transceiver, a Swan 350.

[@dougs184]

Looks great! I hope to buy one for my Ranger soon.

[@paultopolski6595]

Great idea Terry. If it becomes popular, sell it in kit form to keep the cost down AND increase the fun. 73, de W1SEX

[@d-labelectronics]

Yes Sir, I am sending the PCB design to a board house, will go from there

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!! Thanks for "relaying" it to us.... :-)

[@hpelisr]

I am not an operator, however it does look like a great mod. Well done.

[@bobvecchi7981]

Hi Terry. I acquired a Johnson Ranger II that is missing all the tubes and one coil is missing (L6). I am confident that I can restore the radio but I am not a ham operator and I wouldn’t have the expertise to do whatever alignments that it would need. Assuming the restoration isn’t cost prohibitive and I proceed with the project, is there an extensive alignment required? If so could I have you do it (for a fee of course)? And after all that what might the radio be worth to an operator? Thanks in advance for your advice. I love your videos and can’t tell you how much I have learned from them.

[@glennpritchard1505]

Is the K2 module still available? Glenn VA7UO

[@dorothydale4683]

how do i buy it? good job

[@NotGonnaSayFO]

Are these still available?

[@NotGonnaSayFO]

Are you still making these PTT's for the Ranger sir?

[@tdmckee-mm8wn]

Is this going to be a ham site where 50 people tune in or a tube and solid state amp site that captures the attention of thousands.

[@Echapm40]

I would like one. I have a ranger on bench today

[@superhet7281]

Excellent! Is there any need for dropping resistors when subbing diodes for the 6AX5? How about when subbing for the 5R4 HV recifier?

[@d-labelectronics]

Nope, none required, as for the 5R4, there is a solid state replacement on the market 1n1239

[@coldfinger459sub0]

I am a student learning the hobby. Correct my lack of knowledge if my statement is incorrect. A rectifier not only rectifies the voltage but because it slowly heats up their current slowly ramps up in the electrical components do not suffer a rapid thermal shock from a pulse of current hitting them like a sledgehammer. When replacing with solid-state diode‘s that feature is lost of a slow start. So as a student with my limited knowledge and I just discovered within this last year the purpose for a CL 60 thermistor , would I add one of these across the mains to limit the inrush current to compensate for the loss of the tube rectifier to extend the length of life of my electronic components by softening the blow of inrush current ?. I am learning from you and others before I attempt to build from scratch my first high-voltage tube amplifier. Keep up the great videos I’m like a sponge absorbing all the information.

[@daleburrell6273]

...there are several ways to control the inrush of current to electronic equipment- it depends on how fancy you want to be. You mentioned using a "thermistor across the mains"- but a current limiter needs to be IN SERIES WITH THE MAINS if it's gonna be effective- and having another component in SERIES with the mains, adds ANOTHER link that can disable the equipment. A lot of guitar amplifiers have a "STANDBY" switch that is used to shut off the plate voltage to the vacuum tubes- while letting the vacuum tube filaments stay energized.

[@coldfinger459sub0]

@@daleburrell6273 didn’t think about the amplifier analogy. Amplifiers have those Thermistor ( cl60) and series the resistance is high when they’re cold when you turn on the device it warms up and the resistance goes down to let for voltage through after a few seconds. I build class A amplifier.

[@daleburrell6273]

@@coldfinger459sub0 ...in the older CRT color TV sets, there was an automatic de-gaussing circuit, that used a thermistor/varistor in series with a coil that was used to automatically demagnetize the CRT when the TV was turned on- these thermistor/varistors were a source of trouble, because they wasted power, and they were subject to deterioration. Putting something like THAT in SERIES with the mains, is liable to disable the electronic equipment when the thermistor/varistor deteriorates.

[@steadfast666]

great idea

[@d-labelectronics]

Thank you Sir, I have parts on order to make a batch. 2 week lead time

[@daleburrell6273]

2:57...it will be pretty close to 150 volts-(!)

[@gbowne1]

plenty of Johnsons around so I would say go for it!

[@williamscaliarini8201]

Terry how would you install a pentode to triode switch on a 6l6 push pull guitar amp?

[@CT1JRZ]

Nice!

[@Leonfox001]

Hey there D-Lab, thanks for this quick and easy solution! How would I be able to get my paws on one of those modules for my Ranger II?

[@d-labelectronics]

Send me an e-mail

[@jordan390a]

Hi Terry..I'm just going through a Ranger myself right now. I my manual, the PTT diagram doesn't show tab 6 of SW4-A being involved in the PTT circuit. What is the purpose of switching tab 6, or is that only implemented for early Rangers without the keyer circuitry...?

[@jordan390a]

Ok Terry...Now I see where you went there....I found the Ranger II manual which adds contact 6 to the mix...Keep up the great work...!!!!

[@N4HAY]

Terry what is the current consumption of the relay? I think it is sitting on the 6.3V filament line. Does the mod load the filament transformer?

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello, The relay has a 360 ohm coil, 12vdc applied. Much less load than the 6AX5 filament

[@N4HAY]

D-lab Electronics thanks Terry and understood. Thanks for great videos. 73 Dick N4HAY

[@langhilau]

How much would you charge for one of these built or for one of the circuit boards?

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello Kevin, I have an order for a batch of boards. Two weeks before their arrival

[@dhpbear2]

I assume the other E. F. Johnson radios that featured PTT were wired in that unsafe way?

[@daveogarf]

"The Destructions"! LMAO! Almost as good as "Snozzeramus". (This project makes me want a Johnson Ranger).