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Author Topic: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter  (Read 695 times)

N4MQ

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Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« on: December 31, 2021, 07:11:25 AM »

TO fill out my line of johnson equipment, Id like to get a 500.  I have restored my Ranger, thunderbolt, 6 n 2 thunderbolt, a viking 2, valiant, and an invader 2000.  My email is on qrz, thanks Woody, N4MQ
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W9FIB

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #1 on: December 31, 2021, 03:12:47 PM »

Was a fun transmitter till the plate transformer failed. And before Dahl, were hard to find.
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73, Stan
Travelling the world one signal at a time.

KE0ZU

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #2 on: January 01, 2022, 04:39:34 AM »

An impressive looking transmitter.   I got one about a year ago after a couple years of wanting one.   Its just now getting ready to go on the air.  Been interesting and fun to work on.   



Next on the bench for restore will be my Invader 2000.
« Last Edit: January 01, 2022, 05:01:21 AM by KE0ZU »
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Regards, Mike
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W3SLK

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #3 on: January 01, 2022, 06:49:04 AM »

I love the transmitter, however its only problem is it doesn't cover 160M like its contemporaries, like the Globe King 500.
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N8FVJ

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #4 on: January 01, 2022, 07:39:22 AM »

Very rare and expensive. My friend Ron has a mint Johnson 500 for sale, but wants $2500. Reply to me and I will give you his phone number.
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N4MQ

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #5 on: January 01, 2022, 08:04:01 AM »

I added a coil cap and russian vacuum relay to my thunderbolt so I can operate 160 meters. Adding a switch wafer to the band switch, allowed me to switch on 160m by selecting the resistive input band position. Works great and front panel looks stock. 
Also I added external relays and 30 amp dc power supplies to drive the 4-400 to 7 volts during xmit to get full emission out of older tubes.  The filaments are soft started - ramping up to 5 volts in a couple of seconds and 7 volts key down.  The Hv is also switched on with transmit and the bleeders 250 w standby power is eliminated
n8fvj thanks to you also..  Fun stuff. W :D :D d y
« Last Edit: January 01, 2022, 08:14:35 AM by N4MQ »
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W3SLK

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #6 on: January 02, 2022, 06:35:45 AM »

N4MQ said:
Quote
I added a coil cap and russian vacuum relay to my thunderbolt so I can operate 160 meters. Adding a switch wafer to the band switch, allowed me to switch on 160m by selecting the resistive input band position. Works great and front panel looks stock.
Also I added external relays and 30 amp dc power supplies to drive the 4-400 to 7 volts during xmit to get full emission out of older tubes.  The filaments are soft started - ramping up to 5 volts in a couple of seconds and 7 volts key down.  The Hv is also switched on with transmit and the bleeders 250 w standby power is eliminated
n8fvj thanks to you also..  Fun stuff. W :D :D d y
Excellent, if you have time I would like to see how you did the addition of 160M to it. My email is good in QRZ. I may get one if the opportunity presents itself so the big question is does the VFO suffer from the same 'Chernobyl resistor' that is found in the Ranger I?
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KE0ZU

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #7 on: January 02, 2022, 07:03:20 AM »

$2500 is about the going price for a nice one with a strong 4-400.
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Regards, Mike
https://mikeharrison.smugmug.com/
Pics and bold print are usually links.

KM1H

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #8 on: January 04, 2022, 05:30:47 PM »

You picked a good receiver to go with it. The Chinese 4-400A has been reliable in commercial service.
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N8FVJ

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #9 on: January 07, 2022, 04:09:32 AM »

No contact from poster, apparently does not want to pay $2500. Good luck!
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N4MQ

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #10 on: January 07, 2022, 05:33:17 AM »

n8fvj, I looked you up on qrz but did not find your email, as I wanted to contact you off line.  I had one contact with an 500 owner in Arizona that wanted pickup only, and that is not possible to drive 4400 miles.  Shipping is needed.

My email is on qrz, so you can contact me, thanks Woody
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KB2WIG

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #11 on: January 07, 2022, 09:54:43 AM »

 
" ...  big question is does the VFO suffer from the same 'Chernobyl resistor' that is found in the Ranger I?  "

From the online BAMA manual;  R106, 18 K, 2 Watts.

https://bama.edebris.com/download/johnson/vik500/vik500.pdf

klc
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N8FVJ

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #12 on: January 07, 2022, 11:07:28 AM »

n8fvj, I looked you up on qrz but did not find your email, as I wanted to contact you off line.  I had one contact with an 500 owner in Arizona that wanted pickup only, and that is not possible to drive 4400 miles.  Shipping is needed.

My email is on qrz, so you can contact me, thanks Woody

My email is jamesbenedict01@hotmail.com. I will email Ron Hattner's phone number.
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N4MQ

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #13 on: January 07, 2022, 01:32:20 PM »

OUTSTANDING, I  appreciate your support in this quest. 73 Woody  :D ;D :)
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N4MQ

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Re: Looking for a Johnson 500 transmitter
« Reply #14 on: January 08, 2022, 02:59:12 PM »

Jim; n8fvj, I spoke with Ron today, seems he purchased the 500 for 2500 and has interest in keeping it at this time.  Thanks for the lead, 73 Woody
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