View Single Post
  #2   Report Post  
Old March 21st 07, 01:31 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.boatanchors
wb5kcm wb5kcm is offline
external usenet poster
 
First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Jan 2007
Posts: 47
Default Johnson Ranger problem

On Mar 19, 1:59 pm, "wb5kcm" wrote:
After my Ranger is on for a short period of time, I am noticing that
the final plate current starts creeping up slowly and will continue to
climb if I do not power off the transmitter. I have the PTT mod in
there where it grounds the screen through the 5K resistor. It does
this in any mode position until I switch off the power. I believe that
the 6146 maybe self oscillating? I do notice that the screen voltage
(pin 3) increases along with the plate current even though it is
grounded through the 5K resistor. Possibly it needs neutralizing or I
have a bad 6146? Any ideas will be most appreciated. 73, Randy, WB5KCM


I have found some info about the Ranger having rivited tube sockets
not making a good chassis ground connection. This can cause symptoms
like I am having. It seems the problem only occurs after the 6146 gets
heated up well. There is some possibility that the clamper tube (6AQ5)
may cause this also if it is not functioning correctly. I notice that
when this starts, I can put the VFO/Crystal switch in the "Zero"
position and the final current will drop to a low level. Any other
position it will continue to climb until I turn off the power.