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Author Topic: Replace/Fix phenolic insulator on tuning shaft of Viking Ranger 1  (Read 315 times)

ND9B

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I'm working on a Johnson Viking Ranger 1. I just discovered that the VFO is oscillating but not tuning. The phenolic insulator on the tuning shaft is broken, so the VFO tuning capacitor is not moving. Otherwise, the transmitter is functioning fine. Is a replacement part available anywhere? Can the old one be fixed? Any work arounds?  (And yes, the Chernobyl resistor has been changed.) 

Bob ND9B
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W9GB

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Re: Replace/Fix phenolic insulator on tuning shaft of Viking Ranger 1
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2022, 04:42:06 PM »

Abbatron (H.H.Smith) #120 makes a Shaft Coupler, for 1/4” shafts.
https://www.abbatron.com/uploads/pdf/SD-120.pdf

Keystone Electronics (New Hyde Park, NY) sells a Variety of Assembly Hardware used in Radios & Electronics since World War 2

Shaft Coupler, Nickel plated Brass, 1/4” : #1453
https://www.keyelco.com/product.cfm/product_id/1592
Allied Electronics, Digi-Key carry these parts
==
WARNING: METRIC (6mm) shaft couplers are prevalent outside North America.  Aluminum, Brass, and Steel are more common than Composites, Plastics, or Nylon.
=
Small Parts, Inc., joined the Amazon family in 2005 and continues to sell more than 10,000 items branded as SmallParts that maintain the same high quality standards. You'll find Small Parts products in tubing, fasteners, raw materials, and more.
Since Amazon bought Small Parts, Inc. (Florida) in 2005.
you should be able to find a suitable replacement by Searching Amazon.

COMPONENT SUPPLY COMPANY (Sparta, TN and Fort Meade, FL)
has filled the Market Niche, formerly served by Small Parts 20 years ago.
https://componentsupplycompany.com/
« Last Edit: April 23, 2022, 05:02:14 PM by W9GB »
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K4PF

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Re: Replace/Fix phenolic insulator on tuning shaft of Viking Ranger 1
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2022, 06:54:28 PM »

Hi,

There was a guy on eBay selling replacement Ranger insulated spacers using PC board material (about two or 3 years ago, I recall).  I bought one at the time and was pleased with the quality.

It should be possible to make a replacement using the phenolic boards with 0.1 inch hole spacing sold for prototyping.
Use a heavy shear to cut along the hole pattern, and drill holes to mount to the metal ends of the original shaft coupler.

73
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K4PF

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Re: Replace/Fix phenolic insulator on tuning shaft of Viking Ranger 1
« Reply #3 on: April 24, 2022, 08:15:04 AM »


Perhaps a plastic guitar pick might serve as the basis for a replacement.

73
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W9GB

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Re: Replace/Fix phenolic insulator on tuning shaft of Viking Ranger 1
« Reply #4 on: April 24, 2022, 11:05:42 AM »

Ameritron / MFJ sells replacement parts for their Antenna Tuners.
You can CHECK to see IF they still use Insulated Shaft Couplers.
==
EF Johnson Ranger Restoration Notes
by Greg Latta, AA8V
https://www.frostburg.edu/personal/latta/ee/ranger/restoration/restoration.html

Greg created a YouTube video (45 minutes, late 2021)
https://youtu.be/Mx4mum2Yvy0
==
DELRIN (DuPont trademark) or Acetyl Tube or Rod could be used.
Tube would only require Drill and Tap for two (2) set screws.
Rod would require Drill Press, and permit smaller O.D.


Delrin® tube (acetal homopolymer) 0.250” (1/4”) I.D., 0.50” (1/2”) O.D.
https://www.professionalplastics.com/DELRINTUBES
« Last Edit: April 24, 2022, 11:16:37 AM by W9GB »
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N4MQ

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Re: Replace/Fix phenolic insulator on tuning shaft of Viking Ranger 1
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2022, 04:51:28 AM »

On my ranger I used a piece of a credit card and small screws/nuts to make a replacement.  Its worked for 4+ years.

My Johnson 500s have a 3/16" diameter shafting and I found a nice replacement in my STUFF, can not find any like it on line though.  The shaft does not need to be dielectrically isolated so most any flex shaft should be useful.  Enjoy Woody
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KC1OMA

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Re: Replace/Fix phenolic insulator on tuning shaft of Viking Ranger 1
« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2022, 07:58:39 AM »

I had a 6n2 on my bench recently, and noticed what looks like three of those types of shaft insulators in it. However, one  side is 1/4 " and the other is 3/16. I would think one could drill out the 3/16 side to work. Using a 1/4" reamer would be less exciting than a drill. Maybe in steps with 7/32 reamer. Just figure out a way to secure it in a vice. Just an idea. I see the 6n2's often for little money, and you would get three of couplings.

73
KC1OMA
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K6BSU

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Re: Replace/Fix phenolic insulator on tuning shaft of Viking Ranger 1
« Reply #7 on: May 26, 2022, 08:18:39 AM »

If the shaft coupling is rigid, and needs to be insulated, you could try this:  I needed a 1/4" insulated shaft so I found a 1/4" dia fiberglass arrow shaft.  To make it more rigid I filled it with JB  Weld.  Just don't poke a hole in the arrow shaft because JB Weld is somewhat conductive!
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