I see that ICOM just released a new Firmware upgrade for the IC-7300. This is Version 1.40 and it has some good looking upgrades to the Waterfall and the scope display, among other things. I also like the added ability to customize some of the Front panel control functions. I am going to go through... Continue Reading →
IC-7300 “SEND” signal – Be Careful when using it
There has been an ongoing discussion for quite some time about a reported "RF Tail" on the IC-7300. This report is based upon the fact that the 7300 provides a SEND signal that is supposed to be useful for telling offboard equipment if the 7300 is currently Transmitting or Receiving. Actually there are two of... Continue Reading →
Your Elecraft KAT-500 Tuner Protects your KPA-500 Amp – until it doesn’t – UPDATED 10/30/2019 and 10/19/2020
I have been using an Elecraft KPA-500 linear amplifier and a KAT-500 Antenna tuner with my Icom radios (mostly the IC-7600 and briefly with the IC-7300) After much research and discussion, I figured out what I thought was the best way to interconnect the IC-7600 with the KAT/KPA-500 so that the Amp would be protected... Continue Reading →
Can’t Use TUNE Button on IC-7300 with KAT-500 Tuner
When I initially connected my IC-7300 to my Elecraft KAT-500 Antenna Tuner, I was unable to get the Tuner to start Tuning the KAT-500 from the TUNE button on the front panel. Here is what I discovered: I was using separate 12 volt power from my Station power supply for the Tuner. Only the Tune... Continue Reading →
Using the KAT-500 and KPA-500 with Icom Radios: Part II – Updated 2 AUGUST 2020
I have continued to investigate the various ways to connect my Icom IC-7300 or IC-7600 to the Elecraft KAT/KPA-500 Tuner and Amplifier. I have received some very helpful communication from a number of other Hams using Icom Radios with the Elecraft KPA-500 Amplifier and KAT-500 Tuner. It appears that there are several different ways to... Continue Reading →
Using the Elecraft KPA-500 and KAT-500 with Icom Rigs: Part I
I now have the Elecraft KAT-500 Antenna Tuner and the KPA-500 Linear Amplifier. My rigs are not Elecraft, but Icom (7600 and 7300) and Yaesu (FTDX-3000). I want to setup the Station to use the Elecraft components with my non-Elecraft transceivers. Since the KAT-500 has connections for the Icom AH-4 antenna control interface, I will... Continue Reading →
Sure I Like SDR Technology. But I still Want a “Radio”
I have worked in an industry where we have been developing "digital radios" for many years. Many of the technologies that are finding their way into the great new fad we all call SDR (Software Defined Radios), are not new. What is new is the hardware that makes it feasible to produce small, lower-power, affordable... Continue Reading →
AntDecoder Testing and Logic Levels
I have been asked about the progress of the AntDecoder project. I have been working with a prototype PC board along with a 2X6 Antenna switch. The antenna switch is a homebrew model made by Mike, K4GMH. Mike was kind enough to provide the switch at minimal cost and also has supported this effort with... Continue Reading →
Updating FTDX-3000 Firmware
I finally decided it was time to update my FTDX-3000 to the latest Firmware. Yaesu has been good about making updates available for this Rig. Recent updates have greatly improved the spectral display including adding a nice waterfall below it, and added access to the 5 MHz Band using the Band buttons on the front... Continue Reading →
Building an Elecraft KAT-500 Antenna Tuner
I have had a number of automatic Antenna Tuners in recent years.I have had MFJ tuners, LDG tuners and the built-in tuners in my TS-930s, Elecraft K2, ICOM IC-7600, and Yaesu FTDX-3000. They have all worked pretty well. The first LDG tuner, the IT-1100 has been a real survivor. I put it in my mobile... Continue Reading →
