Watch the MDSR TAPR presentation on how to upgrade RIGs to SDR
Hi Everybody;
Gary Pearce (KN4AQ) is presenting the MDSR project in his 116th. episode of HAM Radio Now.
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You can watch his take on the show and introduction followed by the talk given by Alex Schwarz (VE7DXW) about the MDSR project.
Your transceiver, a computer and a LIF2012 kit is? all you need to experience the MDSR software and turn your rig into a SDR radio.
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Here is the link:
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All the best and Happy New Year;
?
Alex
VE7DXW
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Re: RES: RES: [IC-7000] Spare parts
You are absolutely correct -- having a lightning suppressor installed will not stop a direct hit. ?But a properly installed lightning protection system will -- in most cases. ?I've seen over six sites where the antenna was vaporized, but nothing else was damaged. ?
A roof-mounted antenna is more of a challenge, if you don't have a ground-mounted metal tower or mast supporting it. ?It that case, you need to treat the antenna as a lightning rod and run at least 1/0 AWG wire (8mm diameter) from the antenna mast or mount to multiple 8' long ground rods. ?The ground rods should be spaced apart twice the depth of the ground rod's length. This will provide a lower impedance path to ground than the coax shield. ?Bond the coax shield to the mast, just below the 1/0 wire.
Run the coax to ground level to a GOOD lightning suppressor, properly mounted to a THICK copper bus bar, which is connected to multiple bonded ground rods with #4 AWG copper wire (5mm D.). This can be at the same ground rods used for the metal mast or separate ones.
From the lightning suppressor, run coax?and at least a #6 solid copper wire?to the radio area.?
Bond the lightning ground rods for the mast, lightning suppressors, and house electrical service panel together using at least #6 AWG copper wire (or as required by local electrical building codes). ?Any phone, cable TV, satellite TV, etc. cables must have lightning protection, which is bonded to all the other grounding systems with at least #6 copper wire.
That's a simplified description of the basic principles. ?It's important to understand how properly designed and installed lightning protection is supposed to be done, so you can apply the principles to your situation. ?If you know hams that support local repeaters, ask if you can visit some tower sites and see how it is supposed to be done. ?Most commercial towers take many direct lightning strikes a year with little damage.
Depending on your antennas, a good whole house lightning protection system can run 300-1000+ USD. ?That includes surge suppressor on the main electrical panel, all other utilities, ground rods, copper wire, ground clamps (or exothermic welding of wire to ground rods preferably). ?That's less than the cost of replacing everything every few years.
It's unfortunate that there isn't a good reference for hams on this topic. ?Polyphasor had one, but it is out of print now. ?There are pdf files of it on the Internet. ?Search for "Lightning?Protection &?Grounding?Solutions for?Communication?Sites" ?It is about 4.4MB.
Steve, W3AHL
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Re: RES: RES: [IC-7000] Spare parts
Hi all,
a coaxial line EM discharger is not enough when a lightning arrive on your antenna. I had a 8 meters long vertical antenna on the top of the roof. It simply exploded, I found several parts of a coil meters and meters far away from the home.
I always disconnect all antennas from my radios. But that time it arrived on my antennas and damaged:
- the vertical antenna
- one power supply
- IC 7k and antenna tuner
- Kenwood TM702
- one computer
- adsl router
- voip gateway
- tv antenna amplifier
- water heater control board
- satellite tv feeder
- some parts of the roof.
So I bet that nothing can protect a radio in this condition. The electrical discharge found a privileged path throut the grounding wire of the power supply. I noted, in fact, the most of the damages are on components close to metal parts connected to ground.
In the IC 7k, some components on the RF board vaporized and on the lower metal panel there a huge sign of this explosion - I couls say the evidence of the electrical discharge.
So probably all of you are right, and I simply have to think if to look for spare parts or not.
Thank you again.
Best 73s de IZ0ABD Francesco
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Re: [IC-7000] BktRemote Suite
IZ2BKT has released a beta version of the suite BktRemote. I
tried the version for Smartphone Android and, even if it is a
beta, works fine on local WiFi network. With the Smartphone can
use the IC-7000 changing frequency, mode and filter, to hear the
audio being received and transmitted using the same smartphone.
All well and good, but the ham radio control has never got out of
the proprietary model and become standardised.? This means we have a
heap of systems, all incompatible with each other, no possibility of
mixing and matching between vendors and poor cross platform support,
not to mention issues of sharing the radio, which brings back
memories of running MS-DOS (anyone else remember life before
multitasking? ;) ).
More of my thoughts on this issue here...
If I was a programmer, I'd have started work on this already.
--
73 de Tony VK3JED/VK3IRL
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CW Keying Spike & HSEND Timing
After a post last week regarding power spikes from the PTT switch, someone mentioned a similar problem with CW keying. ?There is indeed a brief spike at the leading edge of each dit and dah, with the level a function of what the Rise Time setting is and the selected TX PO. ?Faster rise times and lower TX PO setting result in slightly increased spikes (as a % of nominal power level). This appears to be related to the ALC circuit's attack time, which results in about a 300 microsecond spike.
Some SS amplifiers have fault-protection circuits that can be triggered by ALC-related spikes, but I don't know if 300 us. is long enough to create a problem.?
In Full Break-in mode, there is also a potential problem with the HSEND timing dropping up to 8 milliseconds (less with shorter Rise Times) before the actual RF envelope drops. ?This could cause some amplifiers to switch their T/R relay while the exciter power is still on.
For more details and waveforms, see: '7K CW Keying Spike.pdf in this group's Files section.
If anyone has experienced a problem with this, I would like to hear about it. ?I don't operate CW anymore, but my AL-80B seemed OK with both situations during a brief test.
Steve, W3AHL
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Re: RES: RES: [IC-7000] Spare parts
Here is a suggestion that could provide additional lighting protection, beyond the lightning arrester you should already have. I have multiple antennas, so I use a 4-position manual antenna switch. The one I have, has a fifth center position that is grounded.? By keeping the switch in the grounded position at all times except when radio is in use, I think the chance of lightning damage is greatly reduced.? Certainly static build-up is eliminated and that could possibly forestall a direct hit, or reduce the effect of a nearby hit. Significant static can build up on an antenna just from wind, in the right conditions.? This is something to remember.? I use an additional 4-way antenna switch on the equipment side which also has a grounded position.? This way, all the attached radios are grounded when in the ground position.? Though I think this is also the case even with a single switch.? When in the ground position, not only is the output grounded, but ALL positions are grounded.? If you use only one antenna, it would still be worth considering as a simple method of keeping both your antenna and radio grounded when not in use.? Naturally, the switch should be tied directly to your station grounding BUS.
Milo, KF5GCF
On Fri, Jan 3, 2014 at 10:09 AM, <w3ahl@...> wrote:
?
It is possible for a bad board from the defective unit to damage a good board, so I wouldn't suggest board swapping using a friend's 7K. ?
If two boards have visible damage from the lightning strike, it is likely there is damage to other boards that isn't visible. ?
Even if you bought spare boards, the radio would need a complete recalibration, which would require a trip to a service center.
This is why a good lightning protection system is necessary. ?For less than 100 USD you can get about 90% protection, depending on your installation.
If you send me photos of the visible damage to the boards, I might have some recommendations. ?Was anything else in your home damaged by lightning?
Steve, W3AHL ---In ic7000@..., wrote: I see..? Francesco
? The better is¡.? With another radio in? good condition. Check all the boards one by one until you have? complete sure which boards are damage.
After that? you will only buy what you really need. The boards are expensive.
? Good luck
? Ivan PY1YB
? De: ic7000@... [mailto:ic7000@...] Em nome de iz0abd@...
Enviada em: quinta-feira, 2 de janeiro de 2014 21:41 Para: ic7000@...Assunto: RE: RES: [IC-7000] Spare parts
? ? Thanks Ivan,
I appreciate your suggestions. I posted that question exactly to know if it can be good or not to repair it.
I asked to the service here in Italy and they gave me the radio back saying that it can be an expensive damage, so...
By the way thank you.
83 de IZ0ABD Francesco
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Re: [IC-7000] Spare parts
Yes, Francesco.? Always good to try if you are up to it.? However, not knowing one's skill level, always better to err on side of caution.? I know many times the feeling of satisfaction at having repaired something myself.? To know one's self, is to know one's limitations.
You might be interested in a fellow who writes a number of good electronic repair manuals.? Though not related directly to Ham Radio, the principles many times are the same. He is Jestine Yong ( ).? Check out the unique test instruments (kits) near bottom of that page.? I have both of them.? Jestine has a passion for helping people become competent repair technicians, either for professional, or for personal use.? Good luck.
73, Milo KF5GCF
On Thu, Jan 2, 2014 at 5:58 PM, <iz0abd@...> wrote:
?
Hi Milo,
I perfectly agree with you, time is important. But sometimes it's good to try, at least.
Last month I repaired a power supply damaged with the same lightning that damaged the radio, and I succeded. I tested it with my instruments and it's working good. And I did it with around 10€.
However an IC-7000 is not a power supply, is something more complicated.
Before the lightning, I succeded fixing the DSP board. After a while the radio was always stopping working, no RF power and no audio. Reworking all the soldering points of the DSPs, all the problems disappeared. But after few months, a lightning destroyed everything (and the antennas were all disconnected).
So, if it can be repaired ok, otherwise I'll have to decide what to do of it and of some accessories still in the original box (never opened).
Thank you for your message.
Best 73 de IZ0ABD Francesco
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Re: RES: RES: [IC-7000] Spare parts
It is possible for a bad board from the defective unit to damage a good board, so I wouldn't suggest board swapping using a friend's 7K. ?
If two boards have visible damage from the lightning strike, it is likely there is damage to other boards that isn't visible. ?
Even if you bought spare boards, the radio would need a complete recalibration, which would require a trip to a service center.
This is why a good lightning protection system is necessary. ?For less than 100 USD you can get about 90% protection, depending on your installation.
If you send me photos of the visible damage to the boards, I might have some recommendations. ?Was anything else in your home damaged by lightning?
Steve, W3AHL ---In ic7000@..., <ivan@...> wrote: I see..? Francesco ? The better is¡.? With another radio in? good condition. Check all the boards one by one until you have? complete sure which boards are damage. After that? you will only buy what you really need. The boards are expensive. ? Good luck ? Ivan PY1YB ? De: ic7000@... [mailto:ic7000@...] Em nome de iz0abd@...
Enviada em: quinta-feira, 2 de janeiro de 2014 21:41
Para: ic7000@...
Assunto: RE: RES: [IC-7000] Spare parts ? ? Thanks Ivan,
I appreciate your suggestions. I posted that question exactly to know if it can be good or not to repair it.
I asked to the service here in Italy and they gave me the radio back saying that it can be an expensive damage, so...
By the way thank you.
83 de IZ0ABD Francesco
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RES: RES: [IC-7000] Spare parts
I see..? Francesco ? The better is¡.? With another radio in? good condition. Check all the boards one by one until you have? complete sure which boards are damage. After that? you will only buy what you really need. The boards are expensive. ? Good luck ? Ivan PY1YB ? De: ic7000@... [mailto:ic7000@...] Em nome de iz0abd@...
Enviada em: quinta-feira, 2 de janeiro de 2014 21:41
Para: ic7000@...
Assunto: RE: RES: [IC-7000] Spare parts ? ? Thanks Ivan,
I appreciate your suggestions. I posted that question exactly to know if it can be good or not to repair it.
I asked to the service here in Italy and they gave me the radio back saying that it can be an expensive damage, so...
By the way thank you.
83 de IZ0ABD Francesco
|
IZ2BKT has released a beta version of the suite BktRemote. I tried the version for Smartphone Android and, even if it is a beta, works fine on local WiFi network. With the Smartphone can use the IC-7000 changing frequency, mode and filter, to hear the audio being received and transmitted using the same smartphone.
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Re: [IC-7000] More Smoke than RF
I certainly agree that it's good to use only the power necessary ( as does the FCC...), but I've done repeated thermal testing running 100 watts CW with the key down for 10 minutes solid, with no problems. ?The HF PA FET case remains below 90 degrees C (which would be <130 C channel temperature). ?That may seem high, but all of the driver and PA FET's are rated for 165-175 C channel temperature, so they're not being overstressed. ?Yes, the device failure rate increases with temperature, but for the low duty cycle operation ham radios see, the net result isn't anything to lose sleep over.
If there's a thermal problem in the 7K, it is more likely during the period right after TX ends and during RX, when the fan stops. ?The thermal mass of the cast aluminum case / heat sink causes the temperature to peak after TX stops and there is no forced airflow to equalize hot spots inside the case. ?The small case size reduces the amount of radiant cooling and there isn't much convective draft inside either.
That's why the fan mod that allows the fan to run at a low speed during RX is a good idea, especially in a hot ambient environment. ?But I still haven't added any cooling mods to my 7K's, other than adding some silver thermal compound to the Driver board when I had the radios apart on the bench doing measurements.
I have no qualms about running full power on FM or SSB when needed, other than digital modes such as Pactor, where the need for low IMD to reduce phase distortion makes 60-70 watts the limit.
Steve, W3AHL ---In ic7000@..., <anetherton@...> wrote: I use my 7k at 50% when using FM, or less, depending on the repeater. Most of the area repeaters only take a watt or so. Remember that FM is 100% duty cycle, and most repeaters don't take much to key. Of course, if you live in a difficult area, more power is better, but when doing that, I would recommend that you try to avoid the "Golden Alligator Award" (all mouth, no ears), and keep transmissions short. Mine shows some heating, but not too bad.
73 de KC4BO
On Thu, Jan 2, 2014 at 10:02 AM, <eirocha@...> wrote:
?
Agreed, Milo! Sometimes I feel my old vacum tube powered radio is just like a lit 5W lamp, compared to the 7k.
? I can¡¯t say I use that much my 7k, but, I can feel it very hot after 30 minutes at 50% power 2m band.
?
Planning to do the? cooling fan mod in the nearly future. ? ?
------------------------------------- ? Edson Rocha ? eirocha@...------------------------------------- ..snip..
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Re: [IC-7000] More Smoke than RF
Bill,?
I don't have any experience with the AT-180, but most autotuners tend to act strange when switched among a variety of antennas. ?There doesn't seem to be much band overlap in your setup, unless you occasionally use the G5RV above 40M, like many do. ?Having memory settings for a frequency on one antenna that may be low Z and -X, then switching to another antenna that is higher Z and +X tends to be rough on the tuners. ?And as you skip around a band, retuning occasionally, it's easy to hit a lot of rough spots. ?You might try to eventually simplify your antenna farm -- your autotuner will probably behave better.
I have an LDG AT-7000 and an SGC-237 that are used at home occasionally and mostly portable. ?I always (well almost) reset them when setting up at a new location, otherwise they are sometimes unpredictable. ?I use a 4-band fan/parallel dipole and a tri-bander at home with no tuner. ? But portable operation (on ham and MARS) varies a lot and neither tuner was happy with prior memory settings. ?
The problem you described as detuning on digital modes and wide variation of ALC & Power values sounds like a real problem that warrants attention. ?Do you have common-mode chokes at the feed points? ?Asymmetrical antennas like G5RV's present a very unbalanced load, which causes excessive RF to flow on the outside of the coax shield. ?This leads to RFI in the shack, which creates problems on tuner control and power lines and also on audio lines (leading to ALC and TX power fluctuations).
Much of the current on the outside of the shield is shunted to ground at the lightning suppressors, but grounding wires have enough inductance to allow significant current inside the shack. ?A properly designed common-mode choke will stop the problem at its source, which will also prevent the feed lines from radiating RFI into the house/shack. ?Ferrite chokes on audio and control lines will help reduce it further. ?Fair-Rite Type 31 clamp on chokes from Mouser.com are best for below 10MHz (and above also, although Type 43 are OK above 10 MHz). ?The best info on common-mode chokes, baluns, grounding, etc. is at:
http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/K9YC/K9YC.htm
It sounds like you've done a good job with lightning suppressors and grounding. ?You didn't mention if all of your lightning, radio and electrical grounds are bonded together with #6 copper wire. ?That's a critical part of the grounding system.
Regarding the possible Driver failure, I haven't seen many such failures first hand, but there seems to be a common theme of either running at reduced power or flakey autotuning. ?I've spent several days looking for ALC problems at reduced power and at RF levels around the driver during the "search" phase of the tuning cycle, but haven't seen anything that resembled a problem in my two 7K's. ?
Many owners blame heat for the Driver board failures, but that doesn't seem likely, in my opinion. ?Although it is truly a mystery why Icom doesn't put thermal compound between the heat spreader and the aluminum casting of the case! ?But thermocouples on the FET don't indicate there is a problem that would result in catastrophic failure due to thermal overstress or runaway.
Let us know if you find anything interesting with the tuner or 7K.
Steve, W3AHL
---In ic7000@..., <william.lifsey@...> wrote: Steve,
The first failure was most likely caused by a short in a jumper between the IC-7000 and my AT-180 tuner.? I have been meticulous about checking all of my feedlines since then, whether homebrew or pre-assembled.
For lightning protection, I have Polyphaser blocks (grounded externally) on each line prior to entering the shack.? All lines then connect to an Alpha-Delta switch in the shack, which also it's own gas-arc plug.? The switch is grounded to my shack ground system, which is a 10 ft copper rod I sunk through the foundation of the house.
I have two primary antennas: a homebrew 40m dipole, which also works very well on 15m.? Without tuning, SWR is 1.2 or lower.? The other is a G5RV Jr., for every thing else above 40m.? This antenna has always been easy to tune to a nice, low SWR.? I rotate through a selection of other antennas, right now I have up a 10m dipole (1.1 SWR without tuner across the SSB portion of the band) and a homebrew G7FEK 80m (1.3 SWR) with a 160m mod (1.8 SWR).? The AT-180 brings all of these down to 1:1, at least that's what the meter shows me.? I will also run up a 6m or 10m Yagi, and these are normally 1.5 or less - pre-tuning.?
I've suspected the autotuner in the past.? I did send it in when the pre-amp FETs blew the first time.? ICOM said it was functioning normally.? It has difficulty holding TUNE on 30m since it came back, not a problem I had before.?
When I sent the -7000 in a second time, it was for unusual behavior I noticed during operation - not any obvious failure.? There were some very wide fluxes on the ALC and Power meters during SSB, far beyond what I was use to seeing.? I probably should have sent the AT-180 back in as well.? ICOM replied that the -7000 was functioning normally.
When the IC-7000 returned, I had even more severe problems and it seemed like the -180 just wasn't wanting to comply.? I put the -180 through a home version of a factory reset, running several heavy tuning cycles across all HF bands into a dummy load.? Two cycles of this had the AT-180 back to normal function, except for my issue with 30m.? It's not really a problem with CW, but it will "detune" on longer digital mode transmissions.? I don't operate on 30m much, so it wasn't really bothering me.? After I got the AT-180 back in shape, the wide fluxes I had observed went away.? I believed I was probably suffering from a lack of operating experience and paranoia more than any hardware fault(s).
The system has been running flawlessly since late June.? I was happy.
When the IC-7000 was in the shop the first time, I picked up an IC-718 and put an LDG IT-100 tuner on it.? Granted I have not run this rig setup near as much as the 7000/180, but I have not had any problems with this set up in my station.? I did operate a couple of contests with the -718, so I've put it through the same stress loads and operating conditions as what I had the -7000 plugged into.
I'm willing to accept there may still be flaws in the rest of my system, but I think I've done a reasonably good job making sure there aren't any more.? The short in the jumper line taught me a hard lesson.? I'm more willing to believe that the initial short caused additional problems in the -7000 than just the FETs, and it's taken a little more time to expose those weaknesses.
I do like your suggestion about the tuner, and I will take it apart tonight.? Even if I don't find anything, I might as well send it back to ICOM for another look since I'm paying for shipping anyways.
I really do like my -7000, and I've met many who have been running them for years with rock solid performance.? Investigating where the smoke came from, it looks like the driver unit area - which seems to be a prior problem based on other online postings.?
I'm just wondering what everyone's overall experience has been with ICOM customer support once there have been equipment issues.
Thanks again for the tips,
Bill AB3TM
---In ic7000@..., <w3ahl@...> wrote:
With three failures in a year, I would look if there is something about your installation that could be a problem. ?The common problems in my experience are: - Intermittent shorts or opens in feed lines. ?These can be hard to find. ?Sometimes it's easier to just replace the connectors and carefully inspect the feed lines for damage along the entire route. ?Look for pinch points, rubbing, squirrel damages, signs of lightning damage, etc.
- Solder bumps on the end of a PL-259 center pin that spread the mating female contact, resulting in intermittent contact and arcing.
- No or poor lightning protection. ?This is the #1 cause of shorted FET's in the front end, which was your first failure!
- Poor grounding system. ?Most common problem is not connecting the radio's RF/lightning grounding rods to the electrical service panel ground. ?This is almost as bad as having no RF ground.
- Defective manual or autotuner. ?High SWR results in excessive peak voltages inside tuner, creating arc tracks on the circuit board, which get worse with time. ?Average SWR at the radio looks OK, but the arcing gets back to the radio, eventually causing problems. ?Don't exceed the max SWR the tuner is rated for, allowing for some safety margin. ?Take the tuner apart and look for discolored components or thin grayish or black carbon tracks between pads or traces. ?Then, get a reasonably resonant antenna.
My two 7K's a combined 12 years of operating time, with the only failure being a weak UHF PA FET, due to me plugging in the wrong antenna when I reinstalled the radio in my truck.
Steve, W3AHL
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Re: [IC-7000] More Smoke than RF
I use my 7k at 50% when using FM, or less, depending on the repeater. Most of the area repeaters only take a watt or so. Remember that FM is 100% duty cycle, and most repeaters don't take much to key. Of course, if you live in a difficult area, more power is better, but when doing that, I would recommend that you try to avoid the "Golden Alligator Award" (all mouth, no ears), and keep transmissions short. Mine shows some heating, but not too bad.
73 de KC4BO
On Thu, Jan 2, 2014 at 10:02 AM, <eirocha@...> wrote:
?
Agreed, Milo! Sometimes I feel my old vacum tube powered radio is just like a lit 5W lamp, compared to the 7k.
? I can¡¯t say I use that much my 7k, but, I can feel it very hot after 30 minutes at 50% power 2m band.
?
Planning to do the? cooling fan mod in the nearly future. ? ?
------------------------------------- ? Edson Rocha ? eirocha@...------------------------------------- ?
De:?Milo Austin Enviado:?2 de janeiro de 2014 12:28 Para:? ic7000@... Assunto:?Re: [IC-7000] More Smoke than RF
?
?
Hi Bill,
Just curious how long (over all, not that session) you have been using it, and if you were running full power, or close to it.? It has always been my opinion, not shared by all I might add, that the physical package size of the 7000 is just too small for that much power to work 100% reliably.? Many 7000's will work just fine for years. But if there were any undetected marginal components, they would be prone to failure under the heat stress.? I have not tried to investigate my contention, but I would bet that the full size desk top Icoms have not experienced this level of failures.? Granted, it's more likely you hear about the failures and not the thousands of non-failures.? Nevertheless, I have always been an advocate of running the 7000 at reduced power.? The difference on the receiving end between 50 watts and 100 watts is negligible. But the difference to the rig is considerable.? Just my 2 cents.
73, Milo KF5GCF ?
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Guess I've been lucky.? I bought my '7000 new in September 2008 (sn 0510369) and it still works great.? I do keep a small computer fan blowing air softly across the heat sink, as it can get 'toasty' at times.? A few months ago, I started to notice low output, so when I checked in in-line fuses, I saw the fuse terminal was becoming corroded. After a brisk cleaning of those fuse blades, voila! Right back up to 100 watts! I usually run 50w on CW, 40w on PSK31, and 30w on JT65.? The only time I use full output, is when I check into Army MARS nets on SSB (I did the MARS mod myself shortly after purchase).
Love the radio!
Curt WA2JSG/AAR2XJ NJ
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Re: [IC-7000] More Smoke than RF
Cooling fan mod? Brian Mackey KC1MAC Hams don't let hams get stuck on 2 meter repeaters! From: <eirocha@...> Reply-To: <ic7000@...> Date: Thursday, January 2, 2014 at 10:02 AM To: <ic7000@...> Subject: RE: [IC-7000] More Smoke than RF Agreed, Milo! Sometimes I feel my old vacum tube powered radio is just like a lit 5W lamp, compared to the 7k. I can?t say I use that much my 7k, but, I can feel it very hot after 30 minutes at 50% power 2m band. Planning to do the cooling fan mod in the nearly future. ------------------------------------- Edson Rocha eirocha@... ------------------------------------- De: Milo Austin Enviado: 2 de janeiro de 2014 12:28 Para: ic7000@... Assunto: Re: [IC-7000] More Smoke than RF Hi Bill, Just curious how long (over all, not that session) you have been using it, and if you were running full power, or close to it. It has always been my opinion, not shared by all I might add, that the physical package size of the 7000 is just too small for that much power to work 100% reliably. Many 7000's will work just fine for years. But if there were any undetected marginal components, they would be prone to failure under the heat stress. I have not tried to investigate my contention, but I would bet that the full size desk top Icoms have not experienced this level of failures. Granted, it's more likely you hear about the failures and not the thousands of non-failures. Nevertheless, I have always been an advocate of running the 7000 at reduced power. The difference on the receiving end between 50 watts and 100 watts is negligible. But the difference to the rig is considerable. Just my 2 cents. 73, Milo KF5GCF On Wed, Jan 1, 2014 at 12:59 PM, <william.lifsey@...> wrote:
My -7000 just produced a wonderful *pop* sound halfway into a Dit-Dit, and
then billowed smoke. Great way to kick off 2014 and work the ARRL Centennial
QSO Party. This will be the third time it makes a trip to ICOM in less than a
year. I had heard early model IC-7000s had a tendency to smoke, but thought
that was cured. Has anyone else had experience like this?
73,
Bill AB3TM
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Re: [IC-7000] Spare parts
Hi Milo,
I perfectly agree with you, time is important. But sometimes it's good to try, at least.
Last month I repaired a power supply damaged with the same lightning that damaged the radio, and I succeded. I tested it with my instruments and it's working good. And I did it with around 10€.
However an IC-7000 is not a power supply, is something more complicated.
Before the lightning, I succeded fixing the DSP board. After a while the radio was always stopping working, no RF power and no audio. Reworking all the soldering points of the DSPs, all the problems disappeared. But after few months, a lightning destroyed everything (and the antennas were all disconnected).
So, if it can be repaired ok, otherwise I'll have to decide what to do of it and of some accessories still in the original box (never opened).
Thank you for your message.
Best 73 de IZ0ABD Francesco
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Re: RES: [IC-7000] Spare parts
Thanks Ivan,
I appreciate your suggestions. I posted that question exactly to know if it can be good or not to repair it.
I asked to the service here in Italy and they gave me the radio back saying that it can be an expensive damage, so...
By the way thank you.
83 de IZ0ABD Francesco
|
For sure at least two boards have been damaged by a lightning.
One is the RF unit, the one facing the lower cover.
Another one is the small board with the KEY, ACC and DATA connectors.
By visible inspections no other boards seems to be broken.
Thanks,
IZ0ABD Francesco
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Re: [IC-7000] WTB IC-7000 separation cable, mount.
Ebay is sort of like Wikipedia; a bad start, bad quality control, but getting better all the time. I trust both now (but verify anyway).
KC4BO
On Wed, Jan 1, 2014 at 11:30 AM, john hinds <m0eou@...> wrote:
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i always use ebay only ever had one problem left it three weeks then claimed the moner back no problems
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Re: [IC-7000] More Smoke than RF
Milo,
I bought the radio in February 2013.? I do run 100% power during SSB and CW contests, and no more than 40% on digital.? I vary how much power I use when not in contests, and find that 70% is usually what I need to get the job done.? I've never had the temp meter go into the red zone.? When I'm pushing things it does get close, especially with heavy digital usage.? I built a rack for the radio that keeps it one inch above the tuner, and there is nothing above the radio.? I mounted a computer fan to the back of the rack to draw air across the heat sink.? This has kept things reasonably cool.? I do agree, the amount of electronics packed into such a small case probably contributes to far higher component fatigue than on a full-sized rig.? Having met many users who have had no problems with theirs though, I'm not going to say it is an inherent design flaw.? Maybe a few lemons are getting through QC and the increased internal temperature, compared to a larger rig, exposes those flaws more readily.
73,
Bill AB3TM
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Steve W3AHL