Re: FTV901R Transverter mod for FT980
hi Fred,
Thank you so much for your kindness. I am in the electronics business and I can print my own PCBs if required, and I can work from a schematic. So no problems handling whatever you can throw my way.
Please let me know when the documents are in the files section and I will download them and set to making the necessary PCB and cable.
Thanks again.
Alan G1BDU
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Re: FTV901R Transverter mod for FT980
Alan,
I have a modified FTV-901R as well as the cable and mod instruction sheet.
The ALC Board in the transverter is replaced by one which takes a different drive level and there are changes (rewiring) to the interface connector. You'll need to source the required 28-pin Hirose plug if you wish to make the cable yourself; I've bought these from Mouser and Digikey.
I'm in the process of building a new shack and all of my manuals are in boxes. As soon as I get a chance to dig out my FT-980 folder I'll have a look at the sheet and see it there's a schematic for the required board. If not I'll reverse-engineer the one in my transverter (as I have a "stock" one to compare it to) and post it to our Files section.
73 - Fred, N8YX
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FTV901R Transverter mod for FT980
hi guys,
I have bought this transverter to use with my FT980 and I have seen mention in this group that there is a mod that can be done to it to make it work with the FT980 but my enquiries qith Yaesu UK have proved unsuccessful. They no longer offer this mod and have no knowledge of the details of it. They assure me that there is nothing either on paper or digitally to help them reproduce the mod.
So I am now asking the assembled brains here if anyone might know what the mod involves and if so, please pass this information on to me if you are able.
In addition to this I will need to buy or make the necessary cable to connect the two units so the TX/RX switching operates properly, so any help with that would be appreciated.
Thanks for looking and I hope to hear from you soon.
Regards
Alan G1BDU
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I forgot: the base for the FLLs in the FT-980 is actually 10Hz, not 1Hz. So ... and 80Hz error would be 2^3 (= 8) * 10Hz. Could be a coincidence ... but maybe check out the drive and diode on the 3rd bit of PD2 (the VCO FLL setting)?
Just a thought ...
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-Mat Breton, N8TW
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Thank you. I guess I’ll have to put on my engineering hat and dig deeper.?
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On Aug 3, 2022, at 6:52 PM, Mat Breton N8TW <i.m.n8tw@...> wrote:
?The FT-980 clock structure is very elegant (w/ error canceling technique
s and such not) ... but also complicated. Fortunately you've identified some clues:
1. Happens in SSB (USB & LSB) but not CW/AM/FM. May or may not happen in FSK. Frequency is lower in both USB & LSB.
2. Happens in transmit & receive, but in the same direction
3. Offset is about 80Hz (between 2^6 and 2^7 in binary) Hz
Nothing jumps out right away based on the above clues:
a. The 30MHz ref oscillator would affect both receive & transmit ... but it affects all modes (not just SSB).
b. The BFO oscillator would affect would affect CW as well as SSB (and also FSK)
c. The width oscillator self-cancels error theoretically
d. The CW sidetone oscillator is only used in receive (not transmit) .. and AFSK
e. The FM modulator osciillator is only used in FM transmit
f. X4001 is used separately in rec and xmit, but error is supposed to cancel as it is fed also in the VCO chain.
I'm wondering if it isn't a xtal or oscillator, and is instead a digital FLL in the VCO. If you are losing one of the digital lines from the uC to Q4014 (DET/DIV), maybe this would account for the shift. But why just SSB? This theory is still not a clear match to the clues I'm afraid.
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-Mat Breton, N8TW
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The FT-980 clock structure is very elegant (w/ error canceling technique
s and such not) ... but also complicated. Fortunately you've identified some clues:
1. Happens in SSB (USB & LSB) but not CW/AM/FM. May or may not happen in FSK. Frequency is lower in both USB & LSB.
2. Happens in transmit & receive, but in the same direction
3. Offset is about 80Hz (between 2^6 and 2^7 in binary) Hz
Nothing jumps out right away based on the above clues:
a. The 30MHz ref oscillator would affect both receive & transmit ... but it affects all modes (not just SSB).
b. The BFO oscillator would affect would affect CW as well as SSB (and also FSK)
c. The width oscillator self-cancels error theoretically
d. The CW sidetone oscillator is only used in receive (not transmit) .. and AFSK
e. The FM modulator osciillator is only used in FM transmit
f. X4001 is used separately in rec and xmit, but error is supposed to cancel as it is fed also in the VCO chain.
I'm wondering if it isn't a xtal or oscillator, and is instead a digital FLL in the VCO. If you are losing one of the digital lines from the uC to Q4014 (DET/DIV), maybe this would account for the shift. But why just SSB? This theory is still not a clear match to the clues I'm afraid.
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-Mat Breton, N8TW
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I am curious if there is an adjustment to correct the issue described below.
In CW or AM, according to my frequency counter, my carrier is the same frequency as the frequency display. However, in USB and LSB I must tune my FT-980 to 80 cycles higher than the frequency of a station I am talking to in order for said station to sound right and in order for me to sound right to someone who knows my voice. This is on any amateur band.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can render.
WA5UEK
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Re: Replacement trimmer for TC4001 (PLL/VCO Unit)
Note: My 30MHz reference had drifted so much over the years (courtesy of the attached heater I'm sure) that I couldn't pull it into range with the existing trimmer. I ended up changing the trimmer and pulling capacitors to different values, and now I should have enough "play" for a lot more years. The xtal continues to drift at about 10Hz year, but that is workable.
VCO: I have a feeling that it may not be the capacitors. Do you have any cold spray and/or a hair dryer? Any chance you can localize the issue to one physical area?
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-Mat Breton, N8TW
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Re: Replacement trimmer for TC4001 (PLL/VCO Unit)
This gets better.
I pulled the rig out of line, put it on my bench (in a cooler environment) and the next day I had a go at adjusting the 30MHz reference and VCO trimmers.
Exactly, perfectly on frequency. And stays that way as long as the rig doesn't get hot. FWIW, there's an auxiliary fan (a Drake FA-7) on my operating table, set to blow on the PSU area of the rear panel. Evidently, this isn't enough to keep the rig cool...so I switched to Plan B and ordered a prototype accessory fan plate (which I described in another thread).
Once I have the extra fans installed I'll see how hot the rig runs when back in its original position. The heat can't be good for it, so I figured I'd address the matter before looking into changing VCO caps.
73 - Fred, N8YX
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Re: Replacement trimmer for TC4001 (PLL/VCO Unit)
Mat,
?
I replaced the trimmer with a nice ceramic one that Paul W6XA found in my first 980.? Problems with the trimmer and the vcv is well documented in the 1983 and 1984 Fox Tango newsletter.? I guess Yaesu corrected that after 1984 as my other 980's did not have the problem.? Still you need to check the sound of upper sideband and lower sideband to make sure they sound the same.? My first trimmer fell apart as I tried to adjust it.
?
Good you found a trimmer that was a good replacement.
?
73 Dave K4JRB.
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-----Original Message----- From: < [email protected]> Sent: Mar 23, 2022 9:30 PM To: < [email protected]> Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-980] Replacement trimmer for TC4001 (PLL/VCO Unit)
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I purchased an assortment of NOS Russian trimmer caps at Dayton.? A good quality ceramic trimmer *should* be NP0 :) I was lucky, and I found one that dropped in any worked perfectly. The range was "close enough". Note: It may be possible that it is one of the other parallel-(C07)/Series-(C08) capacitors that has drifted. If you worried, you can always replace all with your own set of offsetting capacitors :) -- -Mat Breton, N8TW
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Re: Replacement trimmer for TC4001 (PLL/VCO Unit)
I purchased an assortment of NOS Russian trimmer caps at Dayton.? A good quality ceramic trimmer *should* be NP0 :) I was lucky, and I found one that dropped in any worked perfectly. The range was "close enough".
Note: It may be possible that it is one of the other parallel-(C07)/Series-(C08) capacitors that has drifted. If you worried, you can always replace all with your own set of offsetting capacitors :)
--
-Mat Breton, N8TW
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Replacement trimmer for TC4001 (PLL/VCO Unit)
Anyone know where to source these parts in both the correct capacitance range and temperature coefficient?
Over Christmas break I repaired several PLL/VCO Units whose OEM trimmers had become intermittent. After initial adjustment, my 20-40-75M '980 has primarily been used on 40-75 (LSB) and when I went to USB last night the VCO wouldn't lock.
No amount of adjustment will bring the oscillator into lock range for USB/CW, although LSB works fine. This leads me to believe that the part has drifted in value and/or is of the wrong temperature coefficient for this use.
FWIW, the replacements were obtained from Surplus Sales and look to be a high-quality component.
73 - Fred, N8YX
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I fixed the problem of not resetting the receiver by switching the? center wire to the tx terminal from the rx terminal. (on the FRB-1).?
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The story about the FRB-1 relay box is that Carlos TI2CF/TI4CF kept having troubles with CW on the early FT-980 and Yaesu built to fix the problem even though the 980 has a switch on the rear panel thar switched from semi break in to full break in cw..?
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73 Dave K4JRB? ?
-----Original Message----- From: < [email protected]> Sent: Mar 6, 2022 3:57 PM To: < [email protected]> Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-980] FRB-1 relay problems
?
Three! Very lucky ... I've never even seen one at a hamfest.
I had a similar problem, but the problem was an RF ground that I made worse when my new and neater cabling apparently lowered the ground impedance from the Amp through to the FT-980 enough that the small TR relay would hang inside the FT-980. If I unplugged either the Henry from the interface box, or the interface box from the FT-980, the hang-up would "reset".?
Does it only occur when you transmit some power (CW, RTTY, Speaking with USB), and will it not occur if you key up with no signal?
I looked at the FRB-1 schematic (in the files section), but I can't tell if the loop is possible. Can you check to see if the relay "common" is isolated from the FT-980 side ground?
Just my thoughts ...
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-Mat Breton, N8TW
?
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Have you tried multiple FRB-1s and determined if the problem persists across them?
I think I have 4 or 5 of the things around here, in addition to a couple of control cables for Dunestar bandpass filters...FL-7000 or FC-757AT interfacing...and a modified FTV-901R. They're somewhat a moot point if running with the Yaesu amp or ATU, and I'll probably modify the transverter connection cable at some point so I can use an FRB-1 to control any amplifiers I want to use with that setup. I may end up modifying one of the FRB-1s itself to accommodate 3 separate key lines.
The connectors used by Yaesu for the FT-980 end of things are Hirose/Sumicon 1300 series. Mouser carries them. The series was also used on Uniden/Tempo, Kenwood, JRC, Onkyo and numerous other electronic products of the late 70s/early 80s time frame, and I occasionally buy spares to have on hand.
Another (somewhat hard to find) relay box is for the FT-301. I have a couple of those, as well as a couple complete -301 stations. They're somewhat rudimentary in terms of features but they do work well and tend to stay working. One of these days I'm going to convert their WWV positions to full 10MHz transceive and rearrange the 11-10M band layout to include 12M.
73 - Fred, N8YX
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Re: Yaesu FIF-232 Available at Cost
Mat,
?
I found the FIF-232 for the FT-980 lacking.? I sold my copy to a ham with a FT-1000MP where it worked as advertised.? Tjhe first FIF was for apple in the 1980's.
Dave K4JRB
-----Original Message----- From: < [email protected]> Sent: Mar 7, 2022 11:57 AM To: < [email protected]> Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-980] Yaesu FIF-232 Available at Cost
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Shipped to James! I am glad it will go to someone with an FT-980 ... and James might help us with the Hamlib and CAT efforts! -- -Mat Breton, N8TW
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Re: Yaesu FIF-232 Available at Cost
Shipped to James! I am glad it will go to someone with an FT-980 ... and James might help us with the Hamlib and CAT efforts!
--
-Mat Breton, N8TW
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Mat,
?
Cutting the receiver off happens so far on SSB and have no tried CW or RTTY.? AM set up for CW will tyry that today.? I did not make any changes to the ground system and both the amp and 980 are on the same ground.? All I did was fix the end of the cable to the amp as the center wire had broken off after I moved the equipment around. Transmit worked OK.? I had to cut off TX at the amp to reset.? I was working YB and JA stations on my 49 meter beam and thank goodness I? could still hear them? Even though the 3-500ZG's in the amp are instant on I don't wan to damage them so I stopped after a dozen contacts,
?
I ill follow what you said and see if I can track it down,
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I have three FRB=1's but only one cable from the top f the box to the 28 pin connector to the 980.? The DIN plug can be found but the 2pin was made especially for Yeasu so hard to find, U havd a second FRB-1 with the rare cable but its not in the box and am looking. for it.? I recall one can use ACC-1 to key the amp and that connector is much easier to find. FRB-1's show up on EBAY from time to time sans the cable to the rare 28.
?
Since I have used the FT-980 since 1983 I have had the opportunity to find the relay boxes.?
?
73 Dave K4JRB
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. -----Original Message-----
From: <[email protected]>
Sent: Mar 6, 2022 3:57 PM
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-980] FRB-1 relay problems
?
Three! Very lucky ... I've never even seen one at a hamfest.
I had a similar problem, but the problem was an RF ground that I made worse when my new and neater cabling apparently lowered the ground impedance from the Amp through to the FT-980 enough that the small TR relay would hang inside the FT-980. If I unplugged either the Henry from the interface box, or the interface box from the FT-980, the hang-up would "reset".?
Does it only occur when you transmit some power (CW, RTTY, Speaking with USB), and will it not occur if you key up with no signal?
I looked at the FRB-1 schematic (in the files section), but I can't tell if the loop is possible. Can you check to see if the relay "common" is isolated from the FT-980 side ground?
Just my thoughts ...
--
-Mat Breton, N8TW
?
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Three! Very lucky ... I've never even seen one at a hamfest.
I had a similar problem, but the problem was an RF ground that I made worse when my new and neater cabling apparently lowered the ground impedance from the Amp through to the FT-980 enough that the small TR relay would hang inside the FT-980. If I unplugged either the Henry from the interface box, or the interface box from the FT-980, the hang-up would "reset".?
Does it only occur when you transmit some power (CW, RTTY, Speaking with USB), and will it not occur if you key up with no signal?
I looked at the FRB-1 schematic (in the files section), but I can't tell if the loop is possible. Can you check to see if the relay "common" is isolated from the FT-980 side ground?
Just my thoughts ...
--
-Mat Breton, N8TW
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Gang,
?
I use the FRB-1 relay box to key my amp.? I recently redid the cable to the amp at the FRB-1.? It keys the amp but for some reason?I transmit once and the amp does not fully bring the receiver back. Just? switching off the transmit switch on the amp brings back the receive.
?
I have the shield to the common?on?the relay box and the center wire to the terminal rx as it was before.
?
Any ideas on the problem?? ?I have 3 FRB-1 boxes.
?
73 Dave K4JRB?
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Re: Yaesu FIF-232 Available at Cost
Hi James,
I sent an email to you ...
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-Mat Breton, N8TW
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bigalfromwigan G1BDU
Mat Breton N8TW