GPS Lock Your Icom IC-9700 - STEP by STEP

[@AndrejaKostic]

Nice demonstration of how the tuning the radio for lock works. I've seen quite a bit of uncertainty about the topic on IC-9700 mailing lists. It's simple when you know what to do, but I'm sure this video will be helpful for those who don't.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks, yes rather simple design and installation.

[@nigelhanwell1044]

Thanks Hayden a nice succinct video. Best piece of advice is have the right screwdriver - JIS 2.0 - for the cover screws before you start. Another hint. The SO239 that is used for the 2m antenna on AU/US models is not soldered in place and can be simply exchanged with a N type socket by unscrewing 2 screws and swapping out. No need to remove the cover.

[@kevinmccool3719]

It's not soldered in place, how does it make connection, a tension spring? Damn just another corner cut by Icom?

[@uploadJ]

@@kevinmccool3719 It magnetically couples to another coil, in the radio. No direct connection required.

[@VK2KRR]

Nice summary of the board and installation Hayden. That should help people to make the decision to get GPS locked and onto 2m WSPR when they see how easy that is and you dont need to make any permanent mods to the radio to do it. Have had mine working for around 6 months now and never had an issue at all and mine runs 24 hours a day.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks for the comment and for the positive reviews you have had too!

[@bunston1000]

Just carried out this excellent modification from Leo Bodnar to my Icom 9700. The service from Leo Bodnar is second to none. Get your gps kit from Leo Bodnar, follow this brilliant video to help you install it, and you’ll never look back.

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Hayden, Awesome video. There will be a 9700 in my future for satellite communications. The Leo Bodnar board looks to be a great solution for the frequency drift and I already have a Zachtek GPS locked 10MHz standard. You and the family stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@alzeNL]

Was my goto reference for finally getting the board in and setting up the frequency - am already impressed how rock solid it is, I actually use WSPR on 2M with my 9700 when I'm not chasing the 'birds' but cant wait to get into digital modes as the sats go over now as the frequncy will be far more stable. THanks again, really good video. 73 2E0FWE

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks! Glad it helped

[@davidkerl1431]

Excellent information Hayden! I am currently setting up my 9700 with the GPSLO from Bodnar . I have noticed the drift while operating on EME 23cm. I hope to eliminate the problem today. Thank You. Dave N9HF el99

[@ianashley9801]

The 26th harmonic of 49152000 is on 1,277,952 and is audible on my IC-9700. Tune 1 kHz lower and use Spectran as Hayden shows to check frequency

[@VK2AAK]

For anyone reading the above comment, be advised that this won't work if you're using the external GPS to steer the IC-9700. You need to disconnect the output of the GPS clock from the new SMA connector on the back of the IC-9700 and have it instead loosely coupled to the antenna input of the radio ... think along the lines of a piece of wire as an "antenna" from the GPS clock SMA output at 49.152 MHz with the signal being picked up by an antenna connected to one of the coax antenna connectors the 9700. That way the IC-9700 will be using its internal reference and you can adjust the REF Adjust sliders using a harmonic of the output from the clock as the CW source. You can use any harmonic ... 3rd at 147.456 MHz, 9th at 442.368 MHz or 26th at 1277.952 MHz.

[@Ei2iP]

Excellent Hayden, I will have my 9700 next week.

[@DucatiMTS1200]

A good presentation with conformation of system operation. Thanks for doing and I'm looking forward to your other videos. 73 de GI8WFA.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks!

[@daviddowns715]

I've just ordered the Leo Bodnar Board, what type of Signal Generator do I need to complete the install job

[@HamRadioDX]

Something that will generate a carrier up at 70cm. Alternatively use a beacon if one is nearby

[@joemi0nwa370]

Great video Hayden, just one question, once the "enable output" has been ticked do you just close down the software and does it run in the background or do you need to keep the software running. I have the units ordered but just a bit confused as to how it operates in everyday use.

[@HamRadioDX]

Nope as long as it’s powered up, it will remember the last known state 👍

[@joemi0nwa370]

@@HamRadioDX Brilliant mate, I have a USB hub with 2 power output ports so once set up I'll pull it out off the USB and into the powered USB port so it's constantly on :-) Cheers.

[@kevinmccool3719]

What is really going on with these companies that make such nice radio equipment but they can't simply install a stable master reference oscillator in them. People pay a premium for it already so a little extra cost for frequency stability and accuracy should not be an issue for most to pay a little more.

[@thbe51]

Do you know if this can be done on the IC-7300 aswell?

[@stevehaines8034]

Excellent tutorial thanks Hayden

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad you liked it! Thanks Steve

[@glennnewell4179]

Great video Hayden nice bit of gear

[@BryanGrigsby]

Question, maybe dumb, when you used your TPI link signal generator to create that 1200mhz signal, did you inject this directly into the front end of the 9700? If so, what db level did you set? I was looking at picking up one of those TPI signal generators, they look super useful.

[@HamRadioDX]

Do I just hooked it up to an antenna (a little test log periodic) and hooked the 9700 to one too. I just set the dB level to about -70 which was super strong. The lowest the TPI will go is -90, so you need more attenuation if you were to plug it into the radio, but... I didn't do that just in case I accidentally hit transmit and blew it up!

[@BryanGrigsby]

@@HamRadioDX So I just received my injection board and their mini GPS. When I enable the output via the software, it does weird things to my 9700. It's like it's distorting the received RF I might be receiving at the time. For example, turn on my RF generator, things look good in the waterfall. Enable the output of the mini GPS clock, and I get all kinds of RF on either side of the waterfall. I took a screenshot: imgur.com/a/ByweUoU No idea what's happening with it. I shot Leo Bodnar support and email.

[@simontheu]

Hi, Would it be ok to put a link to this video on the injection board product page?

[@HamRadioDX]

Sure thing! Go ahead!

[@paulalbers1935]

Very informative Haden.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Paul

[@bryanwatson4046]

Hi Haden love your item I purchased one of the Leo Boards and injector but unfortunately the IC9700 has died the PTT out put to the amp ( even with the icom circuit ) taking out Q2932 TRANSISTOR and now nothing on the screen VK7KWB Bryan

[@fabianomoser]

Good video, congrats and tnx to share. Not needed yet to mine, I´m not operate WSPR or 1.2GHz yet. Let see in future. This affect normal operation on 432MHz also? 73 CT7ABD

[@HamRadioDX]

Normal operation on 432 MHz shouldn’t be affected.

[@nivid01]

Mate you need to buy yourself a couple computer cable plates from Bunnings to cover those large unsightly cable holes in your desk.

[@HamRadioDX]

Nah I like them :)

[@dalerobinsuk]

What comes with this board, is a SMA to SMA cable included?

[@HamRadioDX]

Yes a SMA male to SMA bulkhead female cable is provided with the board

[@dalerobinsuk]

@@HamRadioDX Thank you for getting back to me. That's very helpful.

[@DannyNF4J]

Good Evening Hayden, do you by chance have links for the Spectran and TPI-Link Signal Generator downloads? I would like to follow your calibration process exactly but Im having trouble finding the links for the software of the peripherals you used in your demonstration. I'd be most appreciative if you could help me with those links?? Good day my Friend, and Thanks for everything!! de Danny NF4J

[@n8sandx177]

Quick question. Does the drift effect 2m for EME JT65? Or this primarily effect the 1.2ghz? I'm tying to get my first EME next Saturday during the contest, but I believe it's only an issue on 1.2. Thank you.

[@HamRadioDX]

The drift is really only an issue on longer transmissions modes such as WSPR etc on 2m. JT65 works fine especially if you have the auto calibration sync with 10MHz connected to the back. 1.2 GHz would be another story though

[@n8sandx177]

@@HamRadioDX Thank you! I don't have the auto calibration sync or anything like that. But sounds like it's OK.

[@BentConrod]

The Minikits injection output level is too low compared to Bodnars, or is the problem the coupler design?

[@HamRadioDX]

I believe a combination of both. The inductor sits lower in the oscillator can than Minikits and I think it’s slightly more output but I would have to check

[@DannyNF4J]

Hayden, I haven't read through the notes below but how would you summarize the Bodnar Injection board performance? Definitely worth it or not? 73...de NF4J

[@HamRadioDX]

Hi Danny, Yes it works perfectly fine. I've had mine installed since this video release and haven't even had to readjust anything. Once setup it works

[@DannyNF4J]

@@HamRadioDX Thanks Hayden, I will be doing that Mod very soon...I received my 9700 2 weeks ago for my 53rd Birthday and I really like it! Thanks again for the Great Tutorials!! 73...Danny - NF4J

[@HamRadioDX]

No worries at all. You'll love that rig, my 9700 is awesome best VHF/UHF base rig out there!

[@RoelandJansen]

100% worth it if you want/need the stability. The YT movie takes longer than to install. (5 minutes here approx)

[@aussiedazvk4djh889]

Good to see. 👍🍻

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Daz

[@robkling2243]

I saw another one of your videos, where the running fan would cause it to drift which sounds like a thermal problem. The new board looks like it also blocks air flow, I wonder how it would work with just adding the unconnected board. The goal would be to control rapidly cooling but not let it get to hot -constant temp regardless of fan state.

[@kevinmccool3719]

Why can't the internal reference oscillator be bypassed instead of "swamping" it with a super intense outside source. This just seems like a mickey mouse way to do it.

[@uploadJ]

@@kevinmccool3719 Some ppl would rather not 'cut' into an operating radio. This adapter board can be removed at any time.

[@daveperry8769]

Great vid thanks for sharing de G6JIE

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Dave! Hope it helped

[@SV1RXI]

What is the rf generator you have there ,because i don't have any beacon and reliable to my area

[@HamRadioDX]

The generator is a TPI-1001B from RF consultant. rf-consultant.com/products/tpi-1001-b-signal-generator/

[@RoelandJansen]

any carrier will do. even a repeater. the only thing you need to withness is that when you switch on the ref, it will pull the freq. that's all.

[@Machria23]

Anyone having problems with the screws that came with the Leo Bodnar board? Tryign to install mine now, they are not long enough to catch the PC board??

[@johnratcliffe6438]

I wonder if ICOM will ever address this issue with a hardware revision? IC9700 MKII perhaps? They could incorporate an SDR out while they're at it; for the 7300 too.

[@Rob2]

Probably never. Look: they released the IC-705. It has a built-in GPS receiver. It cannot lock the radio to the GPS frequency. It cannot even lock the radio's date/time to the GPS. Stupid.

[@Aleziss]

@@Rob2 but I guess that would probably possible since they are SDRs after all, I am pretty sure it can be programmed... will it ever be done, that is another story...

[@kevinmccool3719]

Of course they will, and laugh all the way to the bank. Just like Yaesu did with the ft991 and later ft991a. Failing finals, what a joke.

[@Aleziss]

it's crazy to think at the price this readio sells, it needs such a hack in order to be stable... that 9700 was put on the market way too fast, it's way too expensive and has design flaws on top of not be a wide band receiver... that is a lot of money for what you get...

[@kevinmccool3719]

I agree, this reminds me of my Yaesu ft-991 with faulty finals. Yaesu never could fix it properly after 3 attempts under warranty. I gave up. Now it's a receiver only. What kind of b.s. are these companies trying to pull nowadays, guess it's all about quick money and profits, who cares about the customer and if the product is any good. I don't understand their mindset of thinking.

[@RoelandJansen]

there are good design reasons why it only covers in bad and not wide receive signals. the stability hack: I could easily wspr full power up to 70cm without issues where others could not decode me. Only on 23 it became an issue. FT8 on 23 most of the time worked. For most the stability is not even an issue. It's well within the specs. Now regarding the price -- just give an example of a compareable radio that has approximately have the same features at a lower price point.

[@chickennugget3362]

I don't understand this. Why set the frequency of the gps to 49152000 how is this relevent?

[@HamRadioDX]

That’s the oscillator frequency of the 9700.

[@mantassernius8976]

Hey, did Icom fixed drift on new version? Any one nows??

[@skyking6989]

I've heard with the new update the 10 mhz input now works and this is no longer required Is there any truth to this or does it still drift?

[@HamRadioDX]

The update does help - but it will still drift on WSPR

[@skyking6989]

@@HamRadioDX Outstanding I'm glad I finally got an answer. Thank you

[@zerobow9413]

Nice one

[@Machria23]

Can you just use the “sync to ref” button on the 9700 to set? Instead of adjusting manually using the course and fine sliders on the 9700.. sorry for the dumb/newbie question... ;)

[@HamRadioDX]

Hey mate, the sync to ref button only does a calibration of frequency. The radio drifts due to thermal temperature changes around the oscillator. The latest firmware can continually track, but it's still not fast enough to stay on frequency. That said, it's good for probably 95% of situations.

[@Machria23]

@@HamRadioDX Got it, Thank you!!

[@miketarlin9032]

Can the drift cause a problem on 2M FT8 or more of a problem on 432 and above?

[@HamRadioDX]

I don’t think so as FT8 is such a short duration transmission you won’t have too many issues

[@RoelandJansen]

@@HamRadioDX even on 23 ft8 worked ok. not super good though. On 70 and 2 - no issues with my unint. wspr on both bands (110 sec TX !) all just fine. 23 failed there.

[@IndependentNewsMedia]

Good video 👍

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Node Systems

[@3DJunkie]

good video de G1SDX

[@texasvarmint9542]

I can't get windows 11 to recognize the minigps 😢

[@rjy8960]

Failed at getting the last bloody screw out. Selection of drivers, tried best fit and the last b*****d won't budge :(

[@HamRadioDX]

Try and push down to create a bit more torque. But be careful! I had one screw that was the same, just a little bit of harder twist, but don't bur it out! Good luck!

[@kevinmccool3719]

Why are these companies using weird screws now? Crazy.

[@rjy8960]

@@kevinmccool3719 I think it's a standard that they have been using for decades - I'm not sure is my honest answer. I've not had time to have another go at it for a while due to other stuff.

[@RoelandJansen]

@@kevinmccool3719 I did not get a different driver kevin. Just used my 20 years of experience to remove them. You cano't see if that I used a normal head.

[@CarlDenbow]

@@RoelandJansen While they look like Philips screws they are actually JIS screws -- Japanese Industrial Standard. Best get the proper screwdriver. The the first owner of my rig also totally sheered one of the chassis screws. I had a devil of a time getting it out. Now I need a replacement screw for that hole.

[@AG8000]

I want this for ic- 705

[@RoelandJansen]

I have a 705 and tbh did not do wspr on 70cm but... does it drift that much ?

[@AG8000]

@@RoelandJansen no, drift is not so mutch but it gos better