last matchbox pr0n picture before sealing it up

[N3DRB The Derb]

showing the tappable input link coil. (the one that worked betta than ef johnsons.) 

other pic: showing soldered joint on HV johnson coupling cracking and falling apart. Solution: 300W Weller gun and reflow that female doggie.

[W1AEX]

That's a nice clean looking input link. It seems to be screaming "Feed me and let me STRAP!"

I've seen the same kind of coupling failures with some of my stuff, usually due to a slight mis-alignment somewhere that stresses it as it turns. As you said, a little solder, and it's good to go for another 20 years.

Rob W1AEX

[N3DRB The Derb]

it's both strappable and tappable across the entire coil. for 75 2 turns is the bomb, but later when I put 160 in it, I'll need those extra 2 turns. I have a plan to where I'll be able to select both added C and L with the main bandswitch, using a extra ceramic wafer switch in back on a HV shaft coupler.

I should take a quick pic of that too - I 'll need some tight TPI Air Dux I can hang off both ends of the factory coil at 90 degree angles.

I'll add both C and L ......later. Right now I need a "it's done" fix.

I'm starting to go quite mad  not having the first station finished and done after a year.