I agree the IC7000 is no more sensitive to voltage than any other radio I've tested. If you're having problems then it's most likely in your power wiring. ?By the way, Icom?got screwed by a vendor who provided substandard fuse holders. Quite often simply cleaning the fuses will fix the problem temporarily. The real solution is to replace the fuse holders. Also If your cable run is more than 4 feet I usually recommend running four 8 AWG power wires. Two for the positive and two for negative lead. I splice them down at the fuse holder pigtails?which I replaced with ATM fuses. The other?thing to watch out for is cheap Chinese?fuses. Make sure you are using true high quality ATC fuses. many Chinese manufacturers?label?ATO fuses as ATC. Even Bussman is starting to ship cheap Chinese fuses under their brand name so be careful ?You're better off sticking with good fuses from reputable vendors such as NTE, ?In a pinch, you can find really high-quality fuses at a good Marine chandlery but expect to pay more. I use my IC7000 portable all the time and have no problem maintaining 100 watts output off a 100 amp hour AGM battery. I usually?get two good day's calling?CQ off a 100 amp hour AGM battery On my last camping trip, I logged over 350 phone contacts in two days off a 100 amp hour AGM battery on a single charge. Towards the end of the second day, I was still managing 90-95 watts. Of course, my camping setup has taken IR2 squared losses into account in the design. Since the IC7000 has a remote head I've built special battery boxes which house the battery in one compartment and the radio body mounted in a custom built quick?release bracket in the second compartment.?
?The power leads are 8awg and are just 15 inches long. The battery feeds several large capacitors which prevent voltage drops on voice peaks. I have two such battery boxes. I also have a small generator and a 40 amp 3 stage marine battery charger to charge one of the battery boxes while I operate off the second one.
The battery charger will recharge an 80 percent depleted 100 amp hour AGM battery?in about 2.5 - 3 ?hours so basically, I can operate for 4 days before I need to charge a battery. In practice, if I plan on being?active on battery power for more than two days I will only take the batteries down to about 50 percent before swapping and charging.?
?The batteries weigh close to 70 pounds each so the battery boxes are self-powered?with large electric motor driven wheels and an old electric RC car remote control. I used to fly?remote control helicopters so this was a fun easy project to build. I'm lazy and have back problems as such I have no intention of man handling?70-pound batteries. I'm thinking about adding telemetry and a camera to the boxes so I can drive them back to the truck or charging location from the operating position. The motors are very strong and easily able to climb motorcycle ramps into the back of my truck.?
?Since I've built the original battery boxes I've acquired two more identical 100 amp hour AGM's. So I'm thinking about building new boxes to accommodate two batteries each. I've also acquired a second 40 amp charger so I might mount them permanently to the battery boxes.?
?The chargers I use are the original Statpower Trucharge 40's. these were made for Statpower by Astron, ?they are Astron SBC-40's, I also have two Astron SBC20's and two of their 10 amp chargers. If you can find one of of the Statpoower 10 amp chargers similar to the SBC10s grab it they are excellent and worth every?penny they are super quiet and produce almost zero RFI. Statpower has since been bought by Xantrex?and their new chargers are built in China and are the very epitome of junk. ?
?I've discovered it's much easier to operate the IC700 from a picnic?bench when the remote head is removed from the body. I have several styles of cell phone car mounts which I use to mount the IC7000 remote head. My favorite?has a very large spring clamp on the bottom?and a flexible?gooseneck which allows me to angle the remote head for easy access. ?I used to build aquariums so I have skills with plexiglass fabrication So I have also built several stands for the remote head which incorporates a speaker and a remote 7-inch display along with the IC7000 remote head angled to be easily seen while sitting on a table, there's also a detachable sun shield. At some point, if there's enough interest I might start offering these for sale.
The bottom line is if you are operating on battery power keep the battery leads as short as possible and use the largest wire and best fuses and fuse holders you can find.
Of course, the other option is to use a 24 volt DC to DC converter to provide a stable 13,8 volts, the problem here is that I haven't found a single DC to Dc converter or for that matter switching power supply that didn't produce RFI.
Now you might not notice this RFI at your home QTH considering that most residential areas don't have a low enough ambient RF noise floor to see it. For you appliance operators what this means, if you have a constant S5 noise floor you'll never see the S3 RF hash from your inverter, DC to DC converter or switching power supply. That all changes the moment you go camping someplace with a low noise floor. ? ?
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Re: [IC-7000] New IC7000 owner .
I have my 7K in a Zero Alloy Go bag with 30 amp switch mode PSU, 3x 7Ah LA Batteries, AT7000 tuner, Fuses, Handy Talkie and Handy charger with spare battery and 7inch monitor, works great. Tom VK4DDG
Sent from Mail<> for Windows 10
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Re: [IC-7000] Re: Front panel troubleshooting
Thanks Steve. We are down to the dreaded Logic Board on this one. The CPU is running and making system clock but none of the other clock outputs are doing anything. At the moment I have nothing in the screen and nothing into or out of the encoder. Wish I had an extension cable so I could get to the bottom of the logic board while it is running. I have seen more difficult from a serviceability standpoint but not many!
Warren - WA8TOD
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On Sep 8, 2017, at 4:13 PM, w3ahl@... [ic7000] < ic7000@...> wrote:
?
There are several errors in the schematics and you just found another one. I traced the PCB artwork in the Service Manual and the signal that is labeled GND is actually an audio return "ground" for the AFO audio output. ?It goes to the speaker jack on the right edge of the Display unit. ?
So it appears that the only DC ground is indeed the YGND, which isn't a very good design. ?But I'm sure there's a reason they had to make a compromise.
As to your display symptom, I haven't had to work on a unit that had that problem. ?If you have an external monitor that will take an NTSC signal, then plug it into the rear video output jack. ?If you get a picture, then the video signal from the main unit is good and the problem is probably in the display head. ?If you don't get a picture on the external monitor, then there is a problem with video encoder or LCD control circuits on the Logic board.
Steve, W3AHL ---In ic7000@..., wrote : I am working on a "hangar queen" IC-7000 with multiple problems. I am wondering if others who have been deep inside the 7K have noted this issue: While the Service Manual a connection of both YGND and GND to the board foil on the Display Board, there is no such connection in my unit. The ground return for the entire front panel is via the shield on the video cable. There is no ground continuity between the Main Unit and the Display Unit unless the video cable is connected. One result of this is the unit cannot be turned on without the video cable plugged into the Main Unit. This is perhaps a fault in my unit but I have painstakingly traced the lands on both sides of the Display Unit and I find no connection between the two grounds as indicated on the schematic. Is this a known issue/feature or is this perhaps a symptom of my problem(s). Problems at the moment are a display that remains in black, intermittently displaying unlocked video. Warren Allgyer - WA8TOD
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Re: [IC-7000] New IC7000 owner .
You have excessive voltage drop under load, probably due to the notoriously poor design of the DC cable fuse holders that Icom used. ?You need to measure the voltage at pins 3-4 of the TUNER port while transmitting at full power (preferably into a dummy load). ?Compare the no load voltage to the full load voltage (or as full as you can get after the voltage drop). ?If it is more than about 500 millivolts, you have DC wiring problems.
I can get at least 90 watts TX power output down to 12.0 VDC as measured at pins 3-4 of the TUNER port (which just shows the voltage seen inside the radio after all connectors, fuses, wiring, etc.). ?The power out doesn't drop to 50 watts until about 11.2 VDC (40-45 watts on 160 & 80M) at the radio, under load.
The 7K is no more sensitive to low voltage that comparable mobile HF radios from other manufacturers, once you correct the fuse holder problem and any other DC wiring issues.
Replace the Icom fuse holders with a heavy duty, weatherproof ATC 30-amp automotive fuse holder with #10 AWG pigtails. ?Use new 30 amp fuses, also. ?Insert the fuse into the holder, then pull it out. ? The fuse holder contact should leave a scratch on the fuse's blade contact. ?That is how ATC fuse contacts are supposed to act. ?
Notice that the Icom fuse holders leave no scratch, don't break through the oxide layer and don't form a gas-tight connection. ?Instead the oxide layer's resistance results in a voltage drop and heating of the fuse blade, which causes more oxide to build up, further increasing the voltage drop. ?And eventually the power drops to 50% of what it should be, then later the radio resets when you try to transmit, because there is a voltage detector chip that issues a reset signal to the CPU around 10.7 VDC inside the radio. ?
This has been a problem for the past 11 years.
Using a voltage booster really doesn't solve the more serious problem that a constantly varying voltage under load creates -- intermodulation distortion of the transmitted signal, resulting in spurious emissions on either side of you signal. ?The voltage booster just results in more powerful spurs across the band.
?I also recommend using #8 AWG power cable from the battery to the radio mounting location. ?Beware that some of the red/black zip cord sold at ham fests is really speaker cable and cheaper because it has less copper than implied by the markings and thus has greater voltage drop under load.
i've been operating mobile since 2006 and have never needed a voltage booster for either of my 7K's. ?But if the engine isn't running, I don't usually run at 100 watts. ?Dial it back to 70-80 watts. ?No one will know the difference, but your signal will be a little cleaner.
Steve, W3AHL
---In ic7000@..., <jkramer@...> wrote : I also have three of them, two are installed in mobiles. One thing about them is that they like to have? a good voltage supply or else power output drops remarkably. With my igniition turned off, and just? getting 12.8 volts from the battery, I only get 50 % power output. But when I start the vehicle and the alternator supplies 14.2 volts to the battery, my output jumps up to 100 %
Only way to fix this, if you are worried about the loss of 3 db when parked, is to install one of the voltage? boosters that MFJ and others sell. It maintains a steady 14 volts output when the supply from the battery? is less than this.
73 John
A great rig I own three they are so nice with the color screen and composite output looks great on the truck external screen. ? Yes get the programming software / cable and you will love your radio even more! ?
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Re: Front panel troubleshooting
There are several errors in the schematics and you just found another one. I traced the PCB artwork in the Service Manual and the signal that is labeled GND is actually an audio return "ground" for the AFO audio output. ?It goes to the speaker jack on the right edge of the Display unit. ?
So it appears that the only DC ground is indeed the YGND, which isn't a very good design. ?But I'm sure there's a reason they had to make a compromise.
As to your display symptom, I haven't had to work on a unit that had that problem. ?If you have an external monitor that will take an NTSC signal, then plug it into the rear video output jack. ?If you get a picture, then the video signal from the main unit is good and the problem is probably in the display head. ?If you don't get a picture on the external monitor, then there is a problem with video encoder or LCD control circuits on the Logic board.
Steve, W3AHL ---In ic7000@..., <allgyer@...> wrote : I am working on a "hangar queen" IC-7000 with multiple problems. I am wondering if others who have been deep inside the 7K have noted this issue: While the Service Manual a connection of both YGND and GND to the board foil on the Display Board, there is no such connection in my unit. The ground return for the entire front panel is via the shield on the video cable. There is no ground continuity between the Main Unit and the Display Unit unless the video cable is connected. One result of this is the unit cannot be turned on without the video cable plugged into the Main Unit. This is perhaps a fault in my unit but I have painstakingly traced the lands on both sides of the Display Unit and I find no connection between the two grounds as indicated on the schematic. Is this a known issue/feature or is this perhaps a symptom of my problem(s). Problems at the moment are a display that remains in black, intermittently displaying unlocked video. Warren Allgyer - WA8TOD
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Re: [IC-7000] New IC7000 owner .
This has actually been a refreshing post. I have my 7000 installed in a go box. Normally, we see posts here that deal with people's problems with their radio. I've been waiting for mine to die actually. The positive comments are very welcome. I love my 7000.
73 Brent Ingvardsen, W5GAS Louisiana ARES Region 7 DEC
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Radio was sent to icom service center in the U.S., finals replaced, burnt circuit replaced, re-alignment done.
Now it's back in my car working fine.
6Y5WW-William
I HAM Radio Active
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From: ic7000@... on behalf of William Reynolds ham6y5ww@... [ic7000]
Sent: 29 May 2017 23:55
To: ic7000@...
Subject: Re: [IC-7000] Re: ra
?
?
I am ready to get the radio repaired so I'm now ready to take up your offer to send the radio with one of your friends.
Please let me know as soon as possible?if the offer still stands.
6Y5WW-William
I HAM Radio Active
From: William Reynolds
Sent: 25 February 2017 00:14
To: ic7000@...
Subject: Re: [IC-7000] Re: ra
?
I'm not in a hurry because the funds are not available right now, I recently spent what I had on other stuffs.
Hooking up with your friend is a good idea.
6Y5WW-William
I HAM Radio Active
From: ic7000@... on behalf of maccpl@... [ic7000]
Sent: 24 February 2017 13:08
To: ic7000@...
Subject: [IC-7000] Re: ra
?
?
William,
Not sure if you are in a hurry to get your radio repaired or not, but I will be in Jamaica in a couple of months.? I have friends that travel there regularly... perhaps you can hook up with someone coming and going.
JR
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Re: [IC-7000] New IC7000 owner .
On Fri, 8 Sep 2017 12:57:43 +0200, you wrote: I also have three of them, two are installed in mobiles. One thing about them is that they like to have
a good voltage supply or else power output drops remarkably. With my ignition turned off, and just
getting 12.8 volts from the battery, I only get 50 % power output. But when I start the vehicle
and the alternator supplies 14.2 volts to the battery, my output jumps up to 100 %
Only way to fix this, if you are worried about the loss of 3 db when parked, is to install one of the voltage
boosters that MFJ and others sell. It maintains a steady 14 volts output when the supply from the battery
is less than this.
I tried the MFJ voltage booster and I was surprised how well it works. Could not find any birdies in the HF bands which I use. Seems to be a good thing. Cannot say this with all MFJ products.... w. OE8UWW
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Re: [IC-7000] New IC7000 owner .
I also have three of them, two are installed in mobiles. One thing about them is that they like to have? a good voltage supply or else power output drops remarkably. With my ignition turned off, and just? getting 12.8 volts from the battery, I only get 50 % power output. But when I start the vehicle and the alternator supplies 14.2 volts to the battery, my output jumps up to 100 %
Only way to fix this, if you are worried about the loss of 3 db when parked, is to install one of the voltage? boosters that MFJ and others sell. It maintains a steady 14 volts output when the supply from the battery? is less than this.
73 John
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Show quoted text
A great rig I own three they are so nice with the color screen and composite output looks great on the truck external screen. ? Yes get the programming software / cable and you will love your radio even more! ?
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Re: [IC-7000] Re: New IC7000 owner .
A great rig I own three they are so nice with the color screen and composite output looks great on the truck external screen.
?
Yes get the programming software / cable and you will love your radio even more!
?
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Would An Icom AT-150 antenna tuner work Automatically with the ic-7000? Many thanks
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Front panel troubleshooting
I am working on a "hangar queen" IC-7000 with multiple problems. I am wondering if others who have been deep inside the 7K have noted this issue: While the Service Manual a connection of both YGND and GND to the board foil on the Display Board, there is no such connection in my unit. The ground return for the entire front panel is via the shield on the video cable. There is no ground continuity between the Main Unit and the Display Unit unless the video cable is connected. One result of this is the unit cannot be turned on without the video cable plugged into the Main Unit. This is perhaps a fault in my unit but I have painstakingly traced the lands on both sides of the Display Unit and I find no connection between the two grounds as indicated on the schematic. Is this a known issue/feature or is this perhaps a symptom of my problem(s). Problems at the moment are a display that remains in black, intermittently displaying unlocked video. Warren Allgyer - WA8TOD
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Re: [IC-7000] Re: New IC7000 owner .
RT Systems has a nice program for? Setting all menu options and memories in my opinion.
73 K0RCW, Robert
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On Sep 7, 2017, at 9:13 PM, Charles & Sandra Cohen cpcohen1945@... [ic7000] < ic7000@...> wrote:
?
FWIW --
The IC-7000 has a deeply-nested menu structure, and it's not easy to get around.? The Icom manual is oriented "by feature", not "by task".
Your life will be easier if you get a copy of the NIFTY mini-manual for the IC-7000:
(and other sources).
The good part:
. . . Once you learn to use it, it's quite a nice rig!
Only one warning (IMHO):
. . . Leave the TX Bandwidth at "Wide".
I think that's the factory default.? Narrowing the TX bandwidth (IMHO) -- particularly, reducing the audio high-frequency limit -- leads to distorted output.
Have fun --
.???? Charles / VA7CPC
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FWIW --
The IC-7000 has a deeply-nested menu structure, and it's not easy to get around.? The Icom manual is oriented "by feature", not "by task".
Your life will be easier if you get a copy of the NIFTY mini-manual for the IC-7000:
(and other sources).
The good part:
. . . Once you learn to use it, it's quite a nice rig!
Only one warning (IMHO):
. . . Leave the TX Bandwidth at "Wide".
I think that's the factory default.? Narrowing the TX bandwidth (IMHO) -- particularly, reducing the audio high-frequency limit -- leads to distorted output.
Have fun --
.???? Charles / VA7CPC
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Congratulations! Even though I've had my 7000 for quite a while, I am constantly amazed at its phenomenal performance in such a compact package. You will enjoy it thoroughly.
73,
Kevin
N5KRG
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Re: [IC-7000] Re: New IC7000 owner .
I second that. ?I have 3 RTSystem.com programs for 3 different radios. ?EASY EASY EASY. ?Well worth every penny. (Goonie)
John
In a message dated 9/7/2017 7:11:11 PM US Mountain Standard Time, ic7000@... writes:
?
Get the programming software and USB cable from RT systems. It will be the best money you've ever spent, plus HamRadioDeluxe will work through the cable so that you can control the radio as well as program it!
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Get the programming software and USB cable from RT systems. It will be the best money you've ever spent, plus HamRadioDeluxe will work through the cable so that you can control the radio as well as program it!
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Going to take ownership to a ic7000 next week . This is going to be a big jump to a menue controled radio for this 75 year old . I,m going to need help setting it up . LeRoy VE3LGP ??
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Re: Wolphi interface for Android
I have one and it seems to work fine with my Android Tablet. ?Used it on my IC7000 and FT817ND. ?Did not want to work as well with my Dell Laptop/Tablet computer, but I think that is because the levels from the sound card are different and I did not adjust it. ?
73 Dick KC3EF
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Wolphi interface for Android
Anyone used one?? I'm thinking about getting one and want to see if there was any suggestions or ideas. I will be using this mobile in the Pickup. 73, AD6AA
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Steve W3AHL
Kevin Grantham - N5KRG