The Johnson Viking I transmitter is the predecessor of the Johnson Viking II. The Johnson Viking II was probably the best HF transmitter for AM and CW ever made. It covers nearly all frequencies from 1.8 MC to 30 MC continuously. Like the Viking II, the Viking I employs WW2 surplus parts and is built like a brick outhouse. Like the Viking II, it sounds terrible with the stock audio. The audio circuitry of the two rigs is nearly identical, so you can use the mods I do on the Viking II for the Viking I.

The RF deck in the Viking I uses the 4D32 which is actually a good tube, but once the surplus market drys up, you will not be able to get one for any price. The Viking I cabinet and circuitry does not have the extensive TVI reduction contained in the Viking II. You may think with the changes to digital TV and the trend to fewer TV antennas, you do not need this. However, I have found that it is wise to keep a clean signal and a low pass filter in line to avoid interference to FM reception.