Codan 9350 ATU with IC-718 or TS-480S

[VK4KL]

Need assistance/advice from the brain trust on this forum.

I have just acquired a Codan 9350 Auto Tuner and was wondering if this tuner can be used with either an IC-718 or a TS-480SAT.

Adrian

[VK3BA]

G'day Adrian,

In regards to your IC-718, you should be fine as I suspect the ATU port functions the same as many other Icom rigs with ATU ports.

But, you're best to put one of Owen's VK1OD / VK2OMD Icom-Codan interfaces in between the IC-718 and the 9350, as Owen's interface correctly interfaces the 9350 to the Icom ATU port and it all works very well. Whilst I haven't checked up lately, but if you want a fully built, programmed and tested VK1OD Icom-Codan interface, get onto Mark VK4KZK (Kyle Communications) and see if he still has these available. It usually comes with some instructions on how to wire it up to your 9350 (using the Codan ATU cable) and to your Icom rig. I aquired one from Mark a few years ago and it worked very well between my IC-706IIG & 9350. You just use the tuning button on the front of your Icom rig as per normal (or config your rig to use an external ATU if yours has an internal one) and you're on your way.

There was a similar question about this on the VK-Codan email list last year, I think...

Cheers,

[VK4KL]

Nik
Thanks for the reply. I will look at a commercial interface cable as a last resort. I was hoping for a DIY solution as I have just spent all of my ham budget money on the antenna.

Adrian

[VK6LD]

Hi Adrian,

I used this circuit for my Codan 9350 on my IC706.

http://www.qsl.net/vk3cat/MDRC/Links/7069350.pdf

Experimenting with the value of the capacitor changes the tuning key up time, but I found the 9350 does tune quite quickly.

Cheers,

Rob...
VK6LD

[VK4KL]

Rob
thanks for the info. I have a question about the 12v from the radio is it capable of supplying the current required by the 9350?
I am waiting on delivery of the data plug for the 9350 hopefully today or tomorrow

Adrian

[VK4EA]

yes

Sent from my SM-T805 using Tapatalk

[VK4KL]

I know what I'll be doing this afternoon. Plug for the 9350 arrived this morning. All I got to do now is work out how the parts go together

Adrian

[VK6AKT]

You may find these useful
Cheers Ken

[VK4KL]

Ken thanks for the info.

Adrian

[VK4KL]

I have wired up the Codan 9350 to my IC718 and it works but I need some advice from anyone that as used the tuner.
A couple of questions
1. Each time I change bands the 9350 activates is this normal for these? Only reason for this question is my LDG (yes I know a different beast) I have press tune each time I change bands.
2. The ATU is noisy it can be heard from 30 feet away. Normal?

Adrian

[VK6LD]

Hi Adrian,

My experience is only with the IC706, but from memory there is an item in the SET Menu (also called the Hidden Menu) called A-TUNE STRT and another called PTT-TUNE. If your 718 has these, try experimenting with them. Also on the 706, the auto tune start button has a bright red LED and dim red LED stage, pressing it momentarily switches the auto tune function on or off and holding it down for a couple of seconds initiates a tune cycle. I'd imagine the 718 has a similar setup to the 706 if comparing the manuals.

With regards to noise, mine is mounted in the roof of my house and I can hear it tuning down in the house. When I had it on he car it wasn't noticeable when driving, but I could hear it when stationery. I'd only worry if it wasn't tuning.

Cheers,

Rob...
VK6LD

[VK4KL]

Hi Adrian,

My experience is only with the IC706, but from memory there is an item in the SET Menu (also called the Hidden Menu) called A-TUNE STRT and another called PTT-TUNE. If your 718 has these, try experimenting with them. Also on the 706, the auto tune start button has a bright red LED and dim red LED stage, pressing it momentarily switches the auto tune function on or off and holding it down for a couple of seconds initiates a tune cycle. I'd imagine the 718 has a similar setup to the 706 if comparing the manuals.

With regards to noise, mine is mounted in the roof of my house and I can hear it tuning down in the house. When I had it on he car it wasn't noticeable when driving, but I could hear it when stationery. I'd only worry if it wasn't tuning.

Cheers,

Rob...
VK6LD

Thanks Rob
the ATU works fairly well with the 500mm radiator on the ATU. Cannot tune 160 or 80 with it but cant really expect it too. I will experiment with the settings on the IC718 later today but I am getting used to changing bands and it auto tunes without my input.
How do you find the antenna? Is it worthwhile installing on the roof? Was considering putting it in the middle of my 6X9 shed.

Adrian

[VK6LD]

Hi Adrian,

I just had a quick read of the IC718 manual and the auto tune function looks very similar to the IC706. Refer to pages 28 & 46 of the manual. I remember also having similar issues with my 9350 when I first installed it.

A momentary push of the Tuner button will switch it off or on and pressing it for 2 seconds starts a tune cycle. In the SET Menu it looks like you need to select PTT TUNE to off if you only wish it to tune when you press the Tune button. If set to On it is supposed to be completely automatic.

With regards to whip length, I have a 1.5 - 1.6M whip on my 9350 and can tune 80M, but not 160M. With a 2.6M whip I can tune 160M, but bands above 40M really suffer in performance. My 9350 is on the roof of my holiday shack QTH so it isn't my main HF antenna. I get a bit of noise on HF compared to my home QTH and the place is on a small block, so not much room for wire dipoles running over the place, plus we also rent the place out.

The main purpose for the station is remote VHF/UHF operation to work across the Great Australian Bight, HF is a backup for my main home station and local contacts when I'm staying there.

Good luck with getting yours going!

Cheers,

Rob...
VK6LD

[VK4KL]

Thanks for the feedback. The antenna works well but I need to obtain the stainless whip for it to work properly. Comparison between dipole on 40 and the short antenna on the atu is 3s points. I took the short whip off and using a set of vice grips and a 2.5 meter length of wire and it will now tune 80 meters within a few seconds and about 2s points better than the short whip. Not very scientific but it works. I obtained the codan atu thinking I might go mobile but plans changed

Adrian

[VK3BQ]

You can get them here. http://www.bushcomm-online.com/~bushcom ... 29-52.html


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[VK2BZE]

I have made up a little box with a couple of switches and an indicator LED ans is independent from the radio. It is simple to use and can run on any radio.

Mick VK2BZE mickh2@exemail.com.au