E.F. Johnson Messenger 250 50th Golden Anniversary CB Radio

Disclaimer: I'm not responsible for any of the microphone wiring information being incorrect nor am I responsible for any errors you might make while trying to wire a microphone to your radio. Use this information purely at your own risk.
Warning!!!! IIRC this radio uses voltage at the microphone jack for switching. It's imperative you wire it correctly. Don't plug and unplug the microphone from the radio when it's powered on like I did in the video (don't be dumb like me in other words LOL). If you don't line the pins up correctly while plugging the connector in with the radio running you could get shocked.
These radios require a 6 wire high impedance type microphone.
1- Audio
2- Switching
3- RX
4- RX Ground
5- TX
6- Shield (goes to the strain relief that connects to the plug casing, might not be marked with a number nor have a typical solder point, depends on the particular connector.)
Typical 6 wire Astatic wiring code:
1- White
2- Blue
3- Black
4- Yellow
5- Red
6- Shield (or solder to cord strain relief)
Typical 6 wire Turner wiring code:
1- White
2- Red
3- Black
4- Yellow
5- Blue
6- Shield (or solder to cord strain relief)

[@262NagantRadios]

Thank you Ernie. I said it was going to be a quick video but I still rambled on over six minutes. LOL 73's Paul

[@butterbean4195]

love these radios, this was my first (base) radio i got back in 1968 or 70 had a grey +3 desk mike on it and always got awesome reports. I found one on ebay in 2011 for $25.00 and it cleaned up great even waxed the case out. im hanging on to this on.It just sits there and I fire it up now and then just to have a flash back. Thanks for the review.

[@262NagantRadios]

You welcome. I'm fond of many of the Johnson base radios. Especially the large meters types like these and the Messenger 223. 73's Paul

[@262NagantRadios]

You are quite welcome my friend. I really like these 250's as well and all the other Johnson large meter base station radios. As far as I know I only need the Messenger 124M to have one example of each large meter base. Never set out to collect them. It just happened. Your brown and gold matching desk microphone seem to be becoming more difficult to find. Plus prices are up on them as well when found. Many of their Ham rigs are works of art IMHO. More Johnson CB vids to come. 73's Paul

[@262NagantRadios]

Staying cool is a priority these day. It's going to be around 105 degrees here again today. Looks like most of the country is stuck in this horrible air mass. I'm very fond of the 223's. Sorry to hear lighting got yours. I still use mine with some regularity. 73's Paul

[@m0ogy]

I just love this radio, mine is really Mint, but sadly cost three times more than the $60 I paid for it to get over the pond and through UK Customs. I have the matching brown and gold Johnson desk microphone (thanks to Paul I have the plugs too). They must of made lots of them back in 1973 I think. E.J Johnson also made some superb Ham rigs too.Thanks for the video (and mention) Paul my Friend....73 Dave.

[@karlporath8904]

THANK YOU I've been looking for the Johnson pinouts for a couple of weeks. What you have appears to be the same as what I partially figured out. I have a Johnson Messenger 40 1979? vintage that I want to put into rotation in my big truck but the original mic is so small I can hardly hold onto it.

[@262NagantRadios]

Thank you Ian. I haven't verified the voltage is present in the RX mode but I do remember getting a spark from the plug on mine a while back when I lined it up incorrectly. Then I read a post by a forum member telling someone about voltage switching used on these guys. Most of us are aware that many tube radios have voltage at the mic jack but many, including myself, forget that some solid states have voltage at the jack as well. Not as much of course but something to be aware of. 73's Paul

[@262NagantRadios]

It does seem they made these in huge numbers. It's the base model I encounter the most from the Johnson CB line. When it comes to their mobile radios the Messenger 123's seem to be the most common. Especially the 123A version. 73's Paul

[@1OFGODSOWN]

I just picked up one of these TODAY NEW OLD STOCK in the ORIGINAL box.The hand microphone was still in the envelope & all documentation,12 volt wire with fuse holder was also still sealed in the plastic bag.Put on a dummy load & she's transmitting about 3 1/2 watts carrier & swinging to about 8 watts PEP with the hand held microphone.I put the TURNER CS-1 on mine & it brings it to life as well.Cost me NOTHING so it's a keeper. {:>)

[@radiobigman47]

man i never forget my 223 o well i guess the bolt of lightning liked it more 73's and try to stay cool

[@stevemccoy8138]

Howdy, I enjoyed your video, I have 2 of the 250s niether work, would like to fix them. Thank You 😎

[@TheZeke1974]

Mine has an external speaker jack... I think mine is a later version..

[@262NagantRadios]

Yeah it's sad they charge so much for items imported from North America. Then there's the high shipping cost as well. God I hate to think what the shipping would be on one of the Johnson Viking transmitters from here to your side of the Atlantic.

[@m0ogy]

I would love a nice 124 , but the import duty kills them as you know.....as for aa E.F Johnson Ham radio , I would love one of those........be cool on 20 meters DX .

[@7125Mhz]

I've got this same exact radio.

[@m0ogy]

Yes it would be expensive