Date: 16 Oct 89 13:29:08 GMT
From: [email protected]  (Robert
Subject: some IC37 mods

Msg# TSP  Size #Rd Date/Time MsgID        From   To
6051 BF   2985   0 1010/0541 1631_N2EYR   W2JIA  ALL@ALLBBS
Sb: IC37 mods.

   Here is a list, transcribed from "220 Notes", of modifications for
   the ICOM model IC-37A. The 27A and 47A should be very similar:

    "We have been using [this mod sheet] in the Southwest Coast ever
    since the [IC-]'37 was in production. This one is the latest
    revision.

     "The design problems of the '37 are greater than ICOM would lead
     you to believe. The [IC-]'38 has solved a great majority of the
     '37a problems.  However, the microphone and the UHF pigtail
     problems still remain.

      "The fix for the microphone on both rigs is the same. [see
      below] The fix for the UHF pigtail on the '38 involves removing
      the pigtail, and installing a bulkhead chassis mount BNC
      connector in the hole left by the pigtail assembly. Some
      elongation of the BNC connector holes is necessary for a good
      fit. A short coaxial jumper may then be installed from the board
      to the connector.

       "Now, here is the official Condor Connection IC-37 modification
       sheet.

       "1. To restore high-frequency receiver audio response, replace
       C-103 on the main unit with a .0022 uf mylar capacitor (that's
       2200 pf).

        "2. To restore LOW-frequency receiver audio response, replace
        C-106 with a .22 uf mylar capacitor.

         "3. To eliminate the distortion in the transmit audio,
         install a 4.7k ohm resistor inside the microphone case, in
         series with the white lead coming from microphone element.
         Once the resistor is installed, set the DTMF level pot to the
         middle of its range (this pot is the only one inside the
         microphone case). To complete the mod, set R88 inside the
         radio to the desired "mike" level.

          "4. To improve the receiver sensitivity, power output, SWR
          at the radio, and reliability, remove the RG-58 pigtail and
          the UHF connector extending from the rear of the radio.
          Install a BNC chassis mount, screw-in connector (UG-1094/U)
          in the hole left in the back of the radio. The new connector
          will screw in as if the modification was done at the
          factory.

           "5. To greatly reduce chassis heating in the receive mode,
           remove the following components: R66, R67, R68, Q32, D42,
           and D44 in the main unit.  Install a 7808 [3-pin voltage
           regulator] on the transmitter power amp shield behind the
           space reserved for the optional voice synthesiser.  Thermal
           compound is recommended. Hook the input of the 7808 to the
           point where R67 and R68 used to connect. Hook the output of
           the 7808, in series with a 1N4001 diode, to J14-1. The
           cathode of the diode goes to the connector goes to  the
           connector, and the anode goes to the 7808.

                                         "---Mark Gilmore, WB6RHQ
                                         Newbury Park, CA."

                                          One note on the above - the
                                          BNC connector mentioned for
                                          the x7-series radios is sold
                                          by Radio Shack as 278-105,
                                          $1.39 each.

Note: I haven't tried these, proceed at your own risk.  WA2ISE
                                          0158z, 1390 msgs, #6500 last
                                          @KD6TH-4 MailBox>