General Category > Amateur Radio
Project 775
Josh:
Why alignments are wonderful things;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MpP1K2pbSA
This vid's from the TRX Bench, a great channel for those interested in HAM radio repair.
Most sdr rigs will never need aligned, they align themselves every time you fire up the app. With analog rigs, the older the rig, the more likely it could use an alignment.
Most rigs made by Icom have a Japanese version not sold outside the home islands. In some of the youtube vids for the IC775 you will see rigs with a black display border and illuminated nomenclature, this is likely the home islands version known as the ICOM 775DX2, same as the euro or American version but with the display oppositely polarised and in some cases 100w out rather than 200w. There is or was a Japanese regulation where all HAMs were allowed on hf with 10w or perhaps more regardless of license class, they considered the low power a limitation on what damage new HAMs could do to the hf bands. When the IC751A ruled the land, Japan had a 10w qrp version for their lowest license class, everyone else got 100w versions. Most lcd displays can be changed from illuminated nomenclature and dark background to the reverse, you'd need to peruse the service manual for said display to see how.
Now back to the home islands Icom naming convention, most Icom rigs sold in the US and the eu are also sold in Japan, just with different names. For example, the IC746 Pro known around the world is the IC-7400 in Japan.
Josh:
Relays and case screws ordered and on the way, so stoked!
The kind lady at Icom Parts who took my order discussed the glorious 775 at length with me, and made mention of ebay perhaps being a source for parts Icom no longer had on hand. Must admit hadn't considered ebay as a parts source and checked them out.
Suddenly there's several 775 parts/modules on the screen! You need a pll board? Got one working pull for $100. Need at tuner unit? Got one too. The further I looked into what the seller had on hand raised my hopes greatly. Here was a top cover in very good condition for only $30 ($34 shipping), and its mate for another $30. He had several other parts modules for similar HAM rigs that made me wonder if he buys HAM rigs then vivisects them to sell off the harvest, not sure how to feel about that practice but if it gets me a new faceplate I am all for it I guess. I followed his list to the end and no joy, no face plate for me! Where did it go to? He had to have it if he has the rest of the rig.
The covers can be bead blasted and either powder coated or spray canned into niceness, not gonna shell out 30 a piece and another 34 shipped when rustoleum can do wonders for pennies.
Josh:
Follow along as the surgeon makes the first incision;
http://photos.meekfarm.us/GalleryThumbnails.aspx?gallery=4862380
Josh:
Relays and new rca jacks installed, checked settings and powered it up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VkrUG3OrPc
Bands checked, power out is good, controls seem responsive, dual watch works, all with a face only a mother could love!
Now on to the self dimming display!
Josh:
Self dimming display is no longer an issue, now on to tuner motors that seem to be frozen.
A fix for Icom tuner motors;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdY6RhNOCWg
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