I finally was able to obtain a Dow-Key and this is Exactly my next project. I had no idea about the details, so your timing is perfect! My beautifully restored Ranger II will be happy to be back on the air. Also, Thanks for your lead to Chuck, K1TLI, at Johnson Radio Resto... he went out of his way to help me and I can't be happier with his service.
Nice Terry. A tip for you. When cleaning the burs around the hole like you drilled in the crystal can, I just use a bigger drill bit to ream out the hole so it becomes nice and smooth. I usually turn the drill by hand. Sometimes I will use a electric drill.
Great tip. You could add a strain relief knot inside the case to prevent stress on the wires from breaking loose if accidentally puled to hard. Just a thought.
I'm thinking that there are a couple of things I might add to this project. Maybe a big knot in the wire for strain relief. You gotta know folks are gonna yank on the wires to unhook it. And/or adding a squirt of silicone sealer inside the crystal housing. Maybe through a hole pre-drilled in the side before assembly. Keep those wires from ever going anywhere.
Would also suggest taking a small disposable syringe and mixing some epoxy, and injecting it via that grommet, and leave to cure with the pins down, so as to provide extra insulation. The epoxy will also provide strain relief, though not on the grommet but inside the case. No needle required, just the tip through the grommet to get into the case, and thin epoxy.
11:30 - I'm SURE someone has plugged a crystal into that socket and got a rather unpleasant surprise! Some of E.F. Johnson's design-features mystify me -- this along with the Viking's 200 volts on the mic connector!
That's a good idea. I was surprised he didn't tie a knot in the wires to keep them from pulling out of the case. I probably would have done something questionable, like fill the cover full of silicone.
