Johnson Messenger 323A Channel 19 Crystal

[secret squirrel]

I finally got a local tech to take a interest in trying to fix a Johnson Messenger 323A I had purchased on E-bay. I was previously told it was off frequency and needed TX/TX crystals replaced. The update is that all the crystals are good expect the channel 19 crystal. He is trying to find a replacement. I looked it up and Channel 19 uses a 33.0450 Mhz crystal. My question is most 23 channels CBs use similar type of crystals. Should I be able to just pick up a 33.045 Mhz crystal from Ken's Electronics. He's already went through his parts radios and is trying to locate a 33.045 Mhz crystal in the Pittsburgh area. I just looks at the manual on www.cbtricks.com it says 33.0450 HC25/U for the crystal.

 

[455monte]

I may have an entire johnson radio i would sell you cheap.
I will have to verify its a 323a and then hook up and see if it will get a radio check on channel 19 and go from there

 

[nomadradio]

When a car gets old enough, the dealer runs out of the parts for it eventually. And forever. Later on, the aftermarket sources also dry up one by one.

The junkyard becomes the only place to find what you need if it gets old enough.

The crystals in a 23-channel radio are just sufficiently unique and expensive to duplicate that you'll probably only find this part that way. Getting a crystal custom-made has become extravagantly expensive. Making sure that it gets cut so it runs at the right frequency in a particular radio is not a sure thing. If it's off frequency, you can't send it back for a refund.

Kinda like driving an old english sports car. You need a coupla parts junkers in the back yard to keep it on the road.

73

 

[secret squirrel]

Thanks for the responses. I thought the best thing would be look for a parts radio. I was pleased to find a local tech that would take the time to look at the radio and does decent work. It’s not practical to attempt the restoration other than the conversation piece. I appreciate the old radios. Just like I thing the Meat Loaf, Bat out of Hell sounds best on the original 8-Track.

 

[nomadradio]

Bat out of Hell sounds best on the original 8-Track.

Never mind what you'd have to pay to hear it blaring out of one.

73

 

[secret squirrel]

I really need to learn how to solder. I know it’s just practice and time. I was taught to build and repair PCs by a friend that would build PCs back when they were considered a hobbiest item. I always enjoyed taking something that seen better days and making it live again and see someone appreciate that item. I like the technology from yesterday. Probably because it’s all linked to memory. The Meat Loaf 8-track thing comes from my recall of my older brother sticking the stereo speakers in the window when he washed cars on Sundays. I guess happy memories are what leads me to pick up my Uncle Ray’s Savage side by side 12 ga. When it’s in the gun cabinet next to a perfectly good 11-87.