The AM Forum

I have an early version of the Ranger in the Black/Grey cabinet. I need a schematic to note the microphone hookup. I presently do not have any documentation for it. Does anyone have an electronic copy of this rig ?

Stephanie WX3K

I moved the post here since "Wanted" is author only posting.

Early version - no keyer mod - see attached

Thanks Pete !  Hmmm....I have the 2 pin mic jack along with a 1/4 inch jack. Is this the keyer mod you are referring to ?

There are two versions of the Black/Grey Ranger (the Ranger II being a third that looks a little different). The first version did not have the timed-sequence keying, negative bias, and PTT. The "second" Ranger I had the keying and the bias. Many have the PTT relay mod in them by now. For example mine is the early-early version but has PTT. Which version do you have? Anyway, manuals with schematics are freely downloaded from the bama (Boat Anchors Manual Archive) site.

Good luck and have fun - I just got my Ranger going, fun rig.

73, Mark

Johnson's "keyer mod" added two tubes (V13 & V14), components, aluminum bracket, and wiring. The manufacturing change, added to all later Ranger's (Ranger II is a different animal), provided timed-sequence keying and bias. Looking at the picture, the bracket with the two additional tubes is mounted to the right of the VFO enclosure above the rotary switch.

Ah ! Yes, I have the keyer mod. Thanks for pointing that out to me Pete ! I noticed something odd about the modulation transformer....See attached picture. It looks like someone replaced the modulation xfmr. Is this a mod ?

Looks like they were replacing the transformer alright. Here's mine for comparison (taken while I was bringing it back to life).

73, Mark

Looks like the previous owner(s) made some type modulation mod. Note: the modulation tubes in the Ranger are 1614's which are metal tubes. And, unless the picture is deceiving me, it looks like the leads from the side mounted transformer are going through a hole in the VFO compartment.

Since you have the "upgraded" Ranger with the additional tubes, see the attached schematic.

The wiring from the mod xfmr loops up and back down into the chassi right in front of the 2 6L6's ! I didnt realize this was that modified. I hope it works well. What type of microphone is well suited for this rig ? I have a D104 which I planned to try with this rig. Well, I am shuffling stuff in my basement and setting up a new shack because I dont have room for any of the vintage gear in my other shack. I am going to set this Ranger along with some other gear soon.

A D-104 would be an excellent match with the Ranger.

73, Mark