10 meter AM - From a Johnson Messenger Two?

[gerry_w1id]

A DDS VFO is the way to go nowadays: very stable & very small compared to free-running variable oscillators. A synthesized radio is the preferred type radio for 10M modification because one crystal change can give you more frequency options and is usually more easily adapted to VFO operation. I just finished putting together one of the N3ZI DDS units he sells on ebay as well as his web site and it works quite well. I don't have any specific use for it at this time because I just bought it for experimentation. I also have the N4YG general coverage DDS which I intend to assemble & package for use with my vintage transmitters. I'm even thinking of putting one in a Heathkit HG-10B enclosure but I'm deviating from the subject matter. As far as the Johnson modulation quality, I don't know the limits of the system in the Messengers but it is excellent communications quality audio. The best way to adjust those rigs is by observing the modulation envelope on a scope while driving the audio stage with a low-level audio source. It's possible to adjust the transmitter without a scope but it's not something I would personally look forward to or even attempt.