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Brew Viking Relay Connector
The
problem: You can't find a suitable connector to fit the crystal socket (part
J4, relay jack) used for the antenna relay on the Viking Series Transmitters.
Why Viking chose this particular connector for supplying switched 110 VAC
to the antenna relay is beyond me.
The solution is to use an HC6 crystal holder. The HC 6 has a pin spacing of .486 inches and a pin diameter is .050.
You do not need a giant soldering iron or a torch to remove the metal case.
Heat the case and pull the pins and the crystal free.
Cut the crystal free and straighten out the wires connected to the pins.
I use teflon wire purchased at a hamfest and if you do not have any wire strippers by now, purchase a set, it will save a lot of frustration with your projects.
Connect your wires to the original crystal support wires.
The orginal wires are very strong and connections made on them will give
you additional spacing from the metal case.
Since the relay unit uses 110 VAC, I double insulate with heat shrink. Shown is a hot air gun which makes the job of shrinking a lot easier.
Choose a slightly larger heat shrink for the second layer of insulation.
Drill a quarter in hole in the top of the case.
Use the drill to put a twist on the wires.
A final wrap of insulation is made. This also provides a "strain relief" for the teflon wiring.
Feed the wire through the hole and install another piece of heat shrink. Solder the case.
The finished product.