Modifications

Yaesu G-800DXA Volts Out Trimpot Replacement

June 18, 2020 by admin

A Yaesu G-800DXA rotator is being used for azimuth satellite tracking being driven from SatPC32 via a K3NG rotator controller interface.… Read more...

Amateur Radio Modifications

IC-410PRO Mic Connector AF output

March 21, 2020 by admin

An Icom IC-410PRO UHF transceiver is being interfaced to a Clear-Com intercom system via a TW-47.

I/O required between the IC-410PRO via it’s 8-pin RJ45 connector and the TW-47 are:

• Ground
• PTT
• Mic Ground
• Mic
• AF Out

In line with the dumbing down of society , there is no mention of microphone pin outs in either the IC-410PRO Basic Manual or the “Advanced” Manual, so attention turned to a compatible microphone, the Icom SM-26 for further information.… Read more...

Amateur Radio Modifications

Fixing a Diamond X-500 2/70 antenna

January 8, 2018 by admin

My 20 year old Diamond X-500 2/70 antenna stopped working earlier this year.
Not wanting to muck around, I simply ordered a new X-700 from Strictly Ham the following day.… Read more...

Amateur Radio Modifications Test Equipment

Weller WTCPT soldering iron switch mod

October 14, 2016 by admin

This simple modification replaces the standard rocker switch with an illuminated type rocker switch that is a drop-in replacement.

One annoying thing about the Weller WTCPT soldering iron is, there is no in-your-face indication it’s on, and it’s easy to inadvertently leave it on.… Read more...

Amateur Radio Microwaves Modifications Video

5/16″ SMA Spanner Mods

April 20, 2016 by admin

Doug, VK4OE, shows us some handy modifications to a 5/16″ combination spanner to make it more user friendly when dealing with SMA connectors in tight spaces.… Read more...

Amateur Radio Modifications

FT-7800R Programming Lead (CI-V adapter lead)

January 21, 2014 by admin

Yaesu FT-7800R This article also applies to: Yaesu FT-7800, FT-7900, FT-8100, FT-8800, and FT-8900

Having just recently acquired a pair of Yaesu FT-7800R VHF/UHF Twinband transceivers, a programming cable was now needed.… Read more...

Amateur Radio Modifications Test Equipment

HP-5315 Ext 10 MHz Ref Mod

October 17, 2013 by admin

I was recently considering the purchase of one these 2.7 GHz frequency counters, available from Jaycar and other suppliers.

Although 2.7 GHz capability is very appealing, a primary requirement was to have the ability to lock it to the shack 10 MHz Master Reference, a Trimble Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Oscillator (GPSDO).… Read more...

Amateur Radio Modifications

JPS ANC-4 Fix

August 31, 2013 by admin

These things sure don’t like high SWR, as smoke came out of mine once!

I finally realised I was transmitting on 28MHz into my 50MHz yagi… Ooops!!!… Read more...

Amateur Radio Modifications

FT-50R Battery Drain mod

August 31, 2013 by admin

ft50small The FT-50R will drain it’s battery rather quickly, even if the transceiver is turned “off”.

This mod will reduce the “off” current drain of the transceiver.… Read more...

Amateur Radio FT-817 Modifications

FT-817 +12V ACCessory Connector mod

August 22, 2013 by admin

This describes how to modify a Yaesu FT-817, so that the +12V appearing on the accessory connector switches on and off with the radio.… Read more...

10 GHz Amateur Radio Microwaves Modifications

Kuhne G3 Ext Lock LED mod

August 17, 2013 by admin

Kuhne provide a PLL Lock status LED on the PLL board of their G3 transverter modules.

This LED is inside the module, which is great when the lids are off on the shack bench, but of limited value when out in a real operational environment.… Read more...