All Band Transmit Modification Icom IC-7300 Full Explanation w/ Test at End!

[@RobBob555]

no need for solder there.. a little flux if anything would have been better imho. when it comes to removing SMD stuff i find just a little upward pressure via tweezers and a lil heat is all you need, one side at a time..

[@BruceNitroxpro]

rob b, you're reading my mind. A little RA flux would be all you'd need.

[@NeilBeresford]

And mine too! good call guys, worth mentioning for any one with less experience removing SMD componenets.

[@johninjersey]

I dip solder wick into flux and use that. I think he used solder for the flux but with wick it draws up the solder as well. Much more fun is unsoldering a 128 pin chip , one leg at a time, heat and lift.

[@tedn4yx628]

Yep - no need for solder - simply heat & flip lift one side. Then, optionally, tweezer component & heat other side for removal.

[@NB3K]

No need to remove the diode, just pull one leg up and leave the other side attached!

[@donsdoityourself2547]

Just so you know, it appears if you make the mod, you can still lock out the Out Of Band transmit in the menu by going to Set=>Function=>Band Edge Beep=> set to On(User) & TX Limit. This appears to highlight the Transmit Limit with the red dashed line around the TX symbol at top left of display and physically limit transmit just like when the Diode was there. Effectively, the radio software now appears to give you a menu option to open it up for a life or death emergency or zombie apocolypse if ever needed with the mod, but function like the hardware (diode) is stock with TX Limit selected. I'd highly recommend if you do the Mod, set the menu to limit this transmit as it is illegal anywhere outside the HAM Bands and this way you won't be able to transmit outside the HAM bands if you accidentally lean on the transmit button or etc.. BTW... thanks for taking the time to make a video. I know it takes effort to do that.

[@JLPicard440]

HI Donald. That's great advice. I didn't know the radio would do that from the menu. I personally never TX outside of the bands so it would be great to have a safety net there, and it could be easily defeated in a pinch if an emergency should arise!... :-)

[@mrblue2989]

Just to be clear here. Are you saying the company made it so it would limit transmitting power even if you do this modification you displayed in your video?. If this is true, what is the transmit power then limited too?, can you still get 100 percent power transmission with diode pull?. Just curious, I don't even have this radio but thought about getting one possibly one day.

[@JLPicard440]

@@mrblue2989 The radio has tuned circuits inside the radio. It depends how far away from the Ham bands you are trying to go. Say if your on the 160M band and your trying to TX on AM broadcast down around 540KHZ for example this is to far away from the 1.8 MHZ that the circuit it designed for. IF your trying to broadcast on CB at 27 You'll get full power since it's close to the 10 Meter band. The radio will still make full power, you just won't see it on the meter. I don't recommend transmitting on any of these frequencies, I'm just using them as a explanation. Hope this helps.

[@evanfinch4987]

Or just know the band plan and work conscientiously.

[@gordonmcdonald480]

Thanks for this post it helped me out greatly. There were a shortage of IC-7300 in Australia so I bought one from Japan. I began experiencing restrictions to transmit in some band ranges and I couldn't figure this out. I found out that those ranges were programmed in according to the Japan Amature radio bands parameters. Your post gave me an idea. Changing the Band Edge Beep=> to OFF. - Default is set to - On(user) & TX Limit, removed certain perameters within the band. Very happy. Thank you.

[@javaman3765]

Best storage for removed parts I use is to cleanly one leg of part to "one" of the pads you removed it from as a place holder. That way it's stored and you know where it was placed originally.

[@JLPicard440]

Good Tip.. thanks..

[@tookthe5th182]

You can usually tombstone these small 2 pin smt parts by just heating one end and lifting that side up with the iron. No solder needed but tin your iron first. Done this many times with no PCB damage. 73

[@JLPicard440]

@@tookthe5th182 That's what I usually do too... thanks :-)

[@nobodysreview6137]

I did this, it worked, i had to use a magnifying glass to see. Thanks for the video.

[@JLPicard440]

You're welcome... ! Yes, I can't do anything without a magnifying glass... 😎😎. I used to be able to work on this stuff with nothing, but those days are long gone...☹️☹️

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

You have an awesome voice for a Radio Announcer. Thanks for the video. 73 from Australia

[@JLPicard440]

Wow, thank you! You're welcome.. :-). I've worked Australia a couple of times..73.. :-)

[@GaryLordsWayMinistry]

@@JLPicard440 😀

[@bartrosenberg]

How about a solder sucker and leave one side of the diode connected - slip a little bit of electric tape in if the diode wont lift off the board.

[@lzlb5927]

You are the master of soldering!

[@JLPicard440]

I wouldn't say that! I usually do better, but this one messed up a little. I couldn't re-shoot the video. I'm glad the radio never did have any trouble..

[@allescard4377]

You must be kidding

[@tonyhwang3888]

How about lifting one lead of diode instead of removing it?

[@lt4324]

correct, you do not have to remove it at all. This is good if you decide to put that diode back in place for some reason down the road.

[@JLPicard440]

Yes that would work too...

[@ronknight3417]

yes tony i always do this

[@dannelson8556]

That's actually the proper way to do this mod. You use the tip of a pin to lift one end of the diode while heating the other end up with a hot-air rework station pen Of course, you're going to want to use a little bit of desoldering Wick first. Unless you have a high-end. Soldering iron such as a hakko 951 with the proper tip then I really don't recommend using a soldering iron On boards like this. If you're just lifting one corner, be careful not to Lift a pad on the opposite side.

[@looneytune-upelectronicsll2241]

I thought about the same thing. Maybe even putting in a on off switch in case you want to turn the mod on an off.

[@GaryLordsWayMinistry]

Well I took out diode 422 as you showed and I do not have transmit on 27.425 lsb either. So I did a reset too and still no output power on 11 meters. Any ideas? I went back to see if there was any residual solder on the circuits and couldn't see any, I have a set of eyeglasses with different magnification coming maybe I can see better with them or I will have to buy a microscope to see even better into this circuit.

[@JLPicard440]

I would compare what your diodes look like to the mod itself on mods.dk for example. See if you have any diodes that shouldn't have been taken out, or some that still need to be taken out. IF your configuration looks exactly like the mod says, then that's a problem.. Do the rest of the ham bands still work?

[@normdingmore8521]

I have a Japanese IC-9100 that is closed to a large part of the US VHF/UHF frequencies. Wish I could do a mod like this to get on the US authorized frequencies.

[@JLPicard440]

HI, you might check mods.dk and see if they have a mod listed for the 9100...

[@scharkalvin]

The mod will be useful for MARS operation (assuming that by default the rig did not operate outside the ham bands at all).

[@samiam9059]

Hot air guns are used for a lot of surface mount removal like SMD stations.

[@JLPicard440]

Yep, I have one..

[@samiam9059]

@@JLPicard440 That is what you should of used then.

[@timothystockman7533]

There are mods for the iC-7100 (which I have as well. The main valid reason I might want to do this is to get 630 meters. Operating the 7100 on 630 requires a fairly elaborate diplexor which splits the low pass to the antenna and the high pass (harmonic spurs) to a dummy load.

[@JLPicard440]

630 Meters? I didn't know there was a ham band below 160.

[@timothystockman7533]

@@JLPicard440 160 is just above the top end of the AM broadcast band, 630 meters is just below the bottom. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/630-meter_band

[@JLPicard440]

Yes, I know that. I didn't think there was Ham use down there... But looking at the band plan I see there's a 630M band and a 2,200 M band! It's right in front of me! LOL..

[@jamesventura5106]

I noticed that a bridge was made after the Diode was removed from #1 to #2, was that superposed to happen ???

[@JLPicard440]

JAMES VENTURA it only just looks like a bridge, but it’s not

[@looneytune-upelectronicsll2241]

I wondered the same thing.

[@aarongriffin81]

There is already a trace there, he just left extra solder on an existing trace. The same trace connects all the diodes in that whole row.

[@SocialistDistancing]

I recently saw documentation of this radio being used as an AM transmiter on pirate radio station. And not for a short time, but for years. This radio us far more capable than credit is given.

[@JLPicard440]

Wow! I didn't think it would hold up to continuous TX for that long. I've heard of Collins amplifiers being keyed down at full 1500 watts and leaving it like that for like 30 days with no ill effects. I think that was a sales pitch they used back in the day...

[@SocialistDistancing]

@@JLPicard440 ya, I was pretty surprised when I heard what was being used for the transmitter. I wouldn't think that it could hold up.

[@JLPicard440]

Maybe they improved the heat sink and added a fan too... Or they could have been using it on a lower power setting. If I remember right this radio will dead key 25 Watts and from there modulate the carrier...

[@SocialistDistancing]

@@JLPicard440 ya, I think there were some mods made.

[@bigliftm]

perfect cb radio !!! highly recomended

[@JLPicard440]

It is a good radio for that.... although I'm not sure how good the AM TX audio is... I've never tried it on AM... typically Ham radios don't sound that good on AM, but some of them do...

[@bigliftm]

@@JLPicard440 nobody uses AM here in the netherlands. everything is fm so it does not matter

[@JLPicard440]

@@bigliftm Wow, that's interesting!... I didn't know that.. They use FM on CB? What about a conventional CB radio like a Cobra 29? Anything like that doesn't have the option for FM.....

[@BruceNitroxpro]

@@JLPicard440, The 7300 sounds terrific on AM. Best reports since the days of high level modulation! de KQ2E

[@JLPicard440]

@@BruceNitroxpro I've never tried it.. good to know.. thanks..

[@blazingjmen37]

Why do you stress not to go to 27.185? I am a trucker and using a 2970N4. Bought that radio because I thought thought it would be what I needed when I got my General Class. I know now I was wrong but don’t have anyone guiding me.

[@JLPicard440]

It's not that I'm stressing it.... It's not really legal to use the 7300 on 11 Meters. That's why i'm transmitting into a dummy load so nobody can say that I am. A lot of hams would be appalled at using a Ham radio on the 11 Meter band... I have nothing against 11 meters. especially if you're a over the road trucker. It's a useful tool to keep from going crazy when there's nobody to talk to!

[@hienokaveri]

So what the fuck, why would it be so bad to use it on CB, with lowest tx power? Nobody would know.

[@jerrydiver1]

He's a ham; a lot of his audience are hams; he doesn't want to advise them to break the law. Even though it's hard to get in trouble for it, it is still illegal for hams to operate their ham equipment on the CB freqs. So you'll see him in all his videos advising hams not to do something they all know that they shouldn't do.

[@whatsascrewdriver5572]

Hieno Kaveri - Would it be so bad to use it at 100 watts? That's 13 dB higher than 5 watts. Figure 6 dB per S-unit, so 100 watts will give you an additional 2 S-units, like going from S-5 to S-7. By itself, it's not enough to assure you're going to hell. There's also the issue that CB is channelized. If you want to talk to most people, you'll need to keep a chart nearby so you know what frequency to tune the radio to for what channel. That can be inconvenient compared to a channel selector every time you want to change channels. Personally, I wouldn't put in the energy doing this conversion "just" to put the 7300 on CB. Out of the box, it works on the Ham bands that are hundreds of times more interesting than CB. If you're considering doing surgery on this radio, then you're already demonstrating an interest is radio-electronics. If that's the case, I'd recommend putting your energy into getting a Ham license (which is not difficult, arrl.org) and be really free to explore operating the Ham bands that are all over the Shortwave spectrum, and worldwide... a lot of the time... sometimes not... A lot of high-power CB operation is testosterone-driven vulgarity, seeing who is able to step on who, indulging in power-wars so you won't be able to step on me anymore, ohhh the vulgarity, and the end result is a constant noise level of S-9 so you can't hardly talk further than an FRS walkie-talkie, even if you are running power. Radio can be more fun than that. And a lot more family friendly. After the incessant noise levels, my next problem with CB is the vulgarity. I'm no prude, but it gets pretty one-dimensional and tedious after a while. And God forbid you want to introduce your radio to a kid, but half of what you hear on the CB is stuff the kid would have gotten their mouth washed out with soap for. Granted, some of that stuff leaks through on Ham radio -- and sometimes in the worst places like 80 Meter AM, but it's still 99.99% less than on CB. And finally, of course, one has to mention that ALL Morse code requirements were eliminated from ALL grades of Ham licenses in February of 2007. So you can go all the way to Amateur Extra without doing a single dit, if you don't wanna. Today, the only people doing Morse code are the people that love it. Otherwise, the latest attraction is digital communications, hooking your computer up to your radio. You can contact people whose signals are so weak you can't even hear them in the loudspeaker, but your computer can pull out their signals, anyway. That opens the door to low power communications and/or inefficient antennas, and still being able to communicate around the world, sometimes. But don't get me started.

[@EvgeniX.]

thanks for the idea! legals aside, wonder how safe in terms of the unit longevity.. with such a low output far outside of the bands, where the power is actually going? will it overheat the final stage badly? need some additional mods to the filtering circuitry?

[@JLPicard440]

Yes I'd be very leery of using it at the far outskirts of it's normal intended frequency range. (A little bit should be ok) I believe the unit will develop a high internal SWR. This might cause the SWR protection circuits to kick in and hold back the power. At least I hope so.

[@GaryLordsWayMinistry]

Good to know easy enough. I know you had to clean that mess up because I saw one heck of a good bridge there between the diode you took out and the next one in line with it. What a mess. That looked scary to me. I'm glad I can do much better than that here.

[@JLPicard440]

HI... there was no bridge, it was the way the light was hitting the board... Just so happened that that one didn't come out real nice... Didn't hurt the radio. Thanks for stopping by.

[@allescard4377]

My thoughts

[@rayharkins9564]

I just found out the hams can use the 2200 meter band. Would it be safe to operate a 7300 thete?

[@JLPicard440]

HI, I don't think I would use it there. I seem to remember testing the radio at a much lower frequency into a dummy load and the power output was quite a bit lower. I believe this is due to the circuits in the radio aren't designed to operate much below the 160 Meter band. I think it will generate a high internal SWR. It probably causes the radio to automatically cut back on power to keep from damaging itself..

[@TheRadioKid_tt]

if you accidentally cook the diode under, for RX, what is the type of diode? i need to find one with the same value and symbols on it from another radio

[@JLPicard440]

HI, finding an SMD diode isn't the problem. It's finding one with the same characteristics as the original. You might be able to download a service manual for the 7300 and identify your component... D1115 for example... With that board identification that will lead you to a part number somewhere in the manual... With the part number you can do a google search to see if anyone has it other than ICOM themselves.. If no one has it you may have to call them and see.

[@TheRadioKid_tt]

@@JLPicard440 thank you for that advice. i didnt see it until today unfortunately, but i have already sent off my 7300 to be repaired through icom yesterday. thank you for the free knowledge buddy!!

[@JLPicard440]

No problem... Hopefully won't cost to much for them to fix it... 😀

[@TheRadioKid_tt]

@@JLPicard440 i know ray novak, was covered for free 😉

[@idpagroup6525]

On a 100 RF power on my 7300 icom I only get 55 Watts on my Watt meter on single sideban 27.385 how can I get 100 watts ?

[@JLPicard440]

Are you using a PEP sensing wattmeter? IS something out of tune? Mic gain to low? What happens when you select RTTY and try and key up? Can you get 100W on RTTY? There are so many variables, I can't see what you've got going over there. Do you get 100Watts PEP on 10 meters with the same meter?

[@poitevienphilip]

Hi friend, what size screwdriver did you use to remove the screws?good video

[@JLPicard440]

HI, not sure which screws you mean. Probably a Philips #2 would be most of them..

[@smitty2721]

Does this mod allow transmitting on 11 meters CB freq's?

[@JLPicard440]

Yes

[@princearthur4946]

Great presentation and unique modification on the IC-7300! Thanks!

[@JLPicard440]

Many thanks!

[@RC-Heli835]

Thanks for sharing. I want one of these like everything else.😎

[@JLPicard440]

I have also found a rework station to be excellent for this.. I made sure to check for any solder bridges before turning on power. Thanks for the input.. 🙂

[@RC-Heli835]

@@JLPicard440 Do these radios really work on all frequencies including 11 meter?

[@mowtown75]

@@RC-Heli835 Yes

[@parkerriverrat1]

thanks buddy, I just got my 7300 still playing around with it and learning it. Will do the mars mod in a few days. Great video. thanks.

[@JLPicard440]

TYSM! I really appreciate it. I actually sold this one sometime after making this video. I have a 7600 now, which I do like as well. The 7300 was a great radio, I probably should have just kept that one...

[@Paulskirocks]

Looks like all that solder you added formed a bridge?

[@Paulskirocks]

Nevermind. I see there is a common trace on all diodes

[@JLPicard440]

HI! Yes it looked that way, but it didn't bridge. I don't remember what side the apparent bridge was on, but you're right.. one side of those diodes is common anyways. 😀

[@robinj.9329]

That "Modern" circuit board looks exactly like the ones we removed for study, from the "Saucer" that crashed at Roswell in the 40's ! I wonder if there is a connection?

[@JLPicard440]

LOL... it is strange that Tech kind of exploded from that point on...!

[@johnjeffrey3660]

The tech is NEVER the problem. Certain people with their will perverted towards evil always are!

[@JLPicard440]

@@johnjeffrey3660 Yes, that's always a problem too.

[@xjohn1970]

@Take a Bath Productions with that mod will it TX on all 11 meters?

[@JLPicard440]

Yes.. but I don't recommend using it there!

[@vannjunkin8041]

Those Icoms are beautiful radios.

[@JLPicard440]

I like them... I like kenwoods too, but they are the ugly ducklings of ham radio!...

[@whatsascrewdriver5572]

@@JLPicard440 - You mean like the TS-2000 that looks like a brick fell right in the middle of it?

[@JLPicard440]

WhatsaScrewdriver? Yep

[@stuarthearn9890]

better that forking out mega squillions on a marine ssb of 100 watts, i knew it was common practice, but YOU DONE GOOD ME BOYO So what else is needed with a new install, that tuner?

[@JLPicard440]

Depends on the antenna.. if your antenna is tuned to that marine frequency, then you don't need a tuner... or can the internal tuner in the radio work? Depending on the SWR..

[@WA4TKG]

You’ve had the radio three years now. Would you buy it again? Would you buy it for $1000, like HRO has it now

[@JLPicard440]

I wound up selling the radio a while back. I would buy it again. I miss that radio and regret selling it.. 🙂

[@WA4TKG]

@@JLPicard440 damn...

[@JLPicard440]

@@WA4TKG IKR.. 🙂. I'm using a IC-7600 now. I like it too..

[@MickPaul]

Thanks for the video, interesting but is there a point of making it Tx out of band? Rx out of band I understand.

[@JLPicard440]

Yes some people use it for MARS operation. I don't think this will TX on 60M without the mod while others can use it incase of an emergency, you know like a zombie apocalypse!

[@VK7AM]

@@JLPicard440 some of us would like to use it on the 4M band. in the UK. What are the differences between the UK version and the American/Australian rig?

[@JLPicard440]

@@VK7AM I think the TX/RX might be a little different. Other than that, I'm not sure..

[@JeffreyPelkofer]

I purchased an Icom 9700 made for Japan's market. Can you modify the radio to be an all-band US Icom 9700? I bought the radio and can't return it. The radio is new and has never been opened. Icom says it can't be done, that I essentially purchased a scanner.

[@JLPicard440]

I don't know the answer to that! If you go to mods.dk there's a mod there for a European version which was originally 144-146 and 430-440. After the mod it was 144-148 and 430-450. Not much of a difference I know. I'm not sure what the JA version is locked to out of the box. You can go over there and check it out and see if it looks like it might help. Of course at your own risk if you decide to mod the radio! Not sure why Icom would say it can't be done..

[@JeffreyPelkofer]

@@JLPicard440 Thank for the info the *&(^ didn't tell me about this and I'm stuck with the radio. Thanks again

[@JLPicard440]

@@JeffreyPelkofer Hopefully you can get it going..

[@BrianBattles]

Look cool, but frankly I'm scared to do that on my nice radio!

[@JLPicard440]

I can understand that! Thanks for the comment.. :-)

[@RC-Heli835]

Does this mod make the radio equal to the FT991A far as bands are concerned?

[@JLPicard440]

No. This radio was never designed to RX or TX on VHF/ UHF.... This mod only opens the TX up to TX most places the radio can RX... Thanks for the comment.. 😀

[@AAABTonto]

Great knowledge ... might want the option in a SHTF sitch ....

[@JLPicard440]

Yes true...

[@Sparky5]

Got it done and took only a few seconds. Thanks for the video and 73!

[@JLPicard440]

That was fast!

[@Munky332]

Will this work on the Japanese versions of the IC-7300? There's quite a few cheap ones coming out of Japan, but they seem to be the "Japan version" which has a few frequencies that seem different from the US version?

[@JLPicard440]

HI, I've had that question before and I couldn't find any definitive answers on that... I'm sure there is a mod available, but whether or not it's the same components as the US version, I'm not sure on that...

[@Munky332]

@@JLPicard440 I did some more digging, seems that the major difference is that the Japan version has "all" the diodes installed in that D420/422/423 area and removing them can change the radio from Japanese to English, and Open up transmit. I've just been really confused because there's so many "radio fudds" out there saying zOMG DONT DO IT, YOU CANT DO THAT

[@JLPicard440]

Oh I know... I don't listen to those peeps!.. 😂. Thank you for that info. I suspected it was something like that. It's the same radio, but they have different diodes installed for different countries. I've sold this radio since the video, and I do miss it. It was a great radio. I'm using the 7600 now which I like too.

[@billfarnham1592]

Twi questions: q. Cab the diode simply be clipped in two? 2. If this is a yrue SDR, wy cannot software be accessed to do this mod?

[@JLPicard440]

Yes the diode can be clipped. Why isn't the software accessible.. I don't know, you'd have to contact Icom for that one..🙂

[@chuckwilliams6294]

Spell check Dude! It's a "thing" in "effective communications" that don't require a transmitter. 🤣

[@viaoutdoors]

@@chuckwilliams6294 *doesn’t Proper grammar is a preferred means of communications as well. j/k 😆

[@jeepien]

Because an SDR is not an SDT. it already receives on all bands.

[@levyonthelaw6196]

It looks like it even opened up the transmitter to Airbands, is that correct?

[@JLPicard440]

No, the airbands are in the 118-137 MHZ range which would be outside of the capability of this rig....

[@levyonthelaw6196]

@@JLPicard440 Thank you sir. I wish more of these have airband....

[@JLPicard440]

@@levyonthelaw6196 I believe the little brother of this one IC-9700 probably has airband. It's the VHF/UHF version of the 7300. You'd have to open it up to be able to TX on that one, but probably is not legal from a base station.

[@levyonthelaw6196]

@@JLPicard440 I appreciate the follow-up. I will take a look. I actually just got a pretty good deal on an pre-owned 7300 ... but will upgrade to the 9700 when I want to do sat work.

[@JLPicard440]

@@levyonthelaw6196 Yes that 9700 is a nice rig, but I've never had the chance to play around with it...

[@StanCook]

Good info for a HAM just getting back in after 40 years away. Stan is KH6JMK now in the Pacific Northwest. I am looking at the 7300, good choice? Oh, Advance Class

[@JLPicard440]

Lots of my local friends are advanced class... u just have to make sure to stay in the correct freq zone! Yes, I sold this 7300 and have regretted it ever since!... I enjoyed mine.. Welcome back to the hobby... :-)

[@3butalcomp3]

You bridged a couple & the whole world saw! Thanks for the mod. ** Did you know that the beastly Icom 740 can be opened up from 24.900 mc through 28.100 mc - using an 8 position- 4 wafer rotary, & a few 2.2k resistors, a relay to prevent transmit, and some wire. You'll find the components to clip/ jump on the HPL unit. Clipping is safe. Do not jump without using buffer resistors (2.2k). Clipping & jumping step by step will easily be used to figure out the correct wiring as it's a switching matrix. A very nice mod... A bit involved it's not for the inexperienced to take on, just letting you know. This mod is well worth doing to the Icom 740 because it's such a good rig. This mod. functions when the radios band switch is set to 28.0 and each position on the rotary switch you use will jump 500kc. Of course the display won't show the change but at an even 500 kc ~ 3.0mc shift, the math is nothing. Please be SURE to include the necessary relay switching to prevent accidental transmit where you don't belong as this is for RX pourposes only. Don't use a crystal switch to make the 740 general coverage. Also, a decent AM detector can be made and used for AM receive when the rig is on USB.

[@JLPicard440]

Hi Jeff... actually I didn't bridge them! It only looks that way on the camera, but upon close inspection with a eye loop, the connections were not bridged. I had a bad day that day, but what can I say, it happens to all of us. This was one of those things, you couldn't re-shoot! I am not familiar with the IC-740, .. only opens from 24. to 28.? The band switch on the front looks like it covers 1.8 - 29 MHZ? 160M-10M? Am I looking at it wrong?

[@3butalcomp3]

Take a Bath Productions Hi, it's good that it only looked that way with the solder... Imagine the awful possibilities... but I'm not surprised as looks can be deceiving. On the mod I mentioned, It is meant to gain access to 25.0 mc thru 28.0 mc while the rig is set on the 28.0 band. Wired correctly, the switch will drop a total of 3.0 MHz, in 500kc increments for those interested in listening to that spectrum. The radio does cover from 1.8 mc ~ 30.0 mc factory (separate bands) with a gap between 25.0 thru 27.999 +/- a couple KC. It's not a general coverage rig (1982-1983) and a simple mod is needed to allow TX on the WARC band. At $1299 or $1199 ( I forget) with no options installed, it's a gem. There are only a few 740 videos on KZbin, where you have so many 757's 430's, 440's etc. In that era. Icom stopped the 740 production due to gen.coverage rigs. Everybody had a 757 nice and all but no comparison in the RX. or user controls. The Icom 745 took the place of the 740 and honestly I'll take the 740 over it, and many others. But yeah, that's the deal with the rotary switch mod. Full coverage on the top end. Alignment was not necessary as it's only a 3 mhz max. drop in freq. @ 10 meters. I'd imagine some may need to be aligned of course. The 7300 caught my eye, nice video BTW.

[@thebrain4239]

Why not tiny nips on diodes both sides?

[@JLPicard440]

That might work, but those diodes don't have any legs to nip like a regular diode. The nips will crush instead of cut.

[@jeepien]

Or once in the middle.

[@hmack1246]

Any idea what d419 is used for? I mistakenly took out 422 and 419. The radio seems ok and is broad-banded. Thanks.

[@JLPicard440]

HI, I am not sure what that's used for. Do you still have the component? I'd probably save it to see if any ill effects show up.

[@hmack1246]

Thanks for the reply. I ordered some new ones just in case.

[@JLPicard440]

@@hmack1246 Great! Where'd you get the part? From Icom?

[@N6PCD]

Would LOVE to see this modded radio put on a spectrum analyzer in order to see how it responds in out-of-ham-band frequencies, with regard to spectral purity, etc.

[@JLPicard440]

I don't have one handy!

[@dannelson8556]

@@JLPicard440 I do.

[@dxfordummies]

It's probably good!! Lol

[@JLPicard440]

@@dxfordummies I never had any trouble, but I still only used it for in band frequencies. Regrettably I sold this radio! I should have kept it, it was a good one. ☹️

[@Trump985]

Well I know a few guys running these radios on 11 meters and I can tell you they are super clean. I don’t see any harmonics or out of band emissions when they are transmitting. I’d say these things are far far cleaner then any of the CB or export radios on the market. Honestly if everyone was running proper HF radios on 11 meters I might spend more time on it. I quickly get frustrated with 11 meters due to the large percentage of the operators lack of basic radio knowledge. Don’t get me wrong there are a few ham operators on 11 meters and they try to educate others but unfortunately there are way too many people who have the IQ of a fence post on 11 meters, you can’t fix stupid. I’d also love to see one on a spectrum analyzer as well but I don’t have one yet.

[@Psysam8202]

Useful information and good to know.

[@JLPicard440]

So nice of you! Thank you... 😀

[@Sparky5]

Perhaps a toggle switch in series with the diode?

[@JLPicard440]

Yes it certainly can be done.. Probably have to use some very small gauge wires..

[@Sparky5]

@@JLPicard440 The diode was a lot smaller than I thought it would be. I intended to just lift one side up and run some 30AWG to a switch but the whole damn thing came up off the board so I said forget it. Maybe a project for later. The radio is working great with the mod. Thanks again, 73.

[@JLPicard440]

@@Sparky5 Lol... yes they're about the size of a deer tick... 😂

[@Sparky5]

​@@JLPicard440 Switch installed. It was something to do since I'm sitting around with a broken ankle. Flush mounted rocker switch on the bottom front of the radio. Cool little mod. Have to power cycle the radio each time it's switched for it to take effect. I'll probably never use it but it was something to do with coffee. 73

[@JLPicard440]

@@Sparky5 Sweet! Yea I think it's a good idea to have that switch on or off. Glad you got it going, but sorry to hear about your ankle..:-(

[@Coalrollinfurry]

What u hear on 4-5 meters in north america?

[@whatsascrewdriver5572]

Now that they removed the TV stations, they should augment the Ham 6-Meter band.

[@ronangsr]

Does it Work on firmware 1.3? I have heated a pair of tweezers up till tops are red with a mini blow torch. Simply just grab the smd and it comes away instant

[@JLPicard440]

Good Tip.... My guess is that it would work... but the radio shown is on version 1.14, so I can't prove it... Thanks..

[@johnkemas7344]

Does this mod allow the band scope to function on all frequencies also?? The standard IC7300 will only give you an "OUT OF RANGE" on the band scope in the SWL general coverage freqs. It would be nice to have the band scope across the whole operating range???

[@JLPicard440]

I think it will work all thru, but I can't remember for sure.. I still have this radio, but I haven't had access to it for a couple of months. I hope to have it back in the coming next weeks..

[@StankyDanko]

@@JLPicard440 curious for this answer if you have the radio back

[@JLPicard440]

@@StankyDanko hi... I don't have it. I've since sold it and picked up a 7600

[@N9IBZED]

I wonder if you can expand the IC9700 for at least full receive if not full transmit to be able to listen to the public safety (police fire and weather) frequencies as well as get it to cross and repeat

[@JLPicard440]

I haven't had the opportunity to play with the 9700. A bit to expensive for me. I wish they hadn't included 1.2GHZ, it drove the price up and I have no use for that band...

[@N9IBZED]

@@JLPicard440 I hear that I have no use for that band as well 2ould rather have the abillity to receive the public service weather and Marine bands plus crossband repeat

[@gabrieltgh]

Where did the waterfall go???

[@JLPicard440]

Depending on the mode the water fall isn't visible...

[@gabrieltgh]

@@JLPicard440 Thanks!! Another question, do I have to reset the radio after removing the diodes??

[@JLPicard440]

If you read the mod is says to, but I actually never do a reset and it still works! So I would try it without the reset and see if it works. It always has for me... 😀

[@vu3mes]

You loose band edge beeping after this mode, QSL?

[@JLPicard440]

I can't remember for sure, but I think so

[@jeepien]

Do you know wtf QSL even means?

[@billtheslink4541]

Can't we legally use the mod on the two long wave bands, assuming we get the extra licenses and turn the power way down?

[@JLPicard440]

BillTheSlink probably... it should be legal for mars/cap use too with the license

[@bobt219]

Does this mean it can transmit on the legal 2 meter ham band now?

[@JLPicard440]

Hi, no this mod will open the TX, but the RX will remain the same. This radio never had the capability to receive 2 meters.

[@evanfinch4987]

First thing I'll be doing with my brand new IC-7300 when it arrives.

[@JLPicard440]

Excellent! Yes I usually open up a radio that I get. I don't know why, I doubt if I ever use it that way, but it's there none the less... 😊

[@TheJTcreate]

Why didn't you use some de-soldering wick instead? takes the diode off clean

[@JLPicard440]

Hmmmm. I don't know that.

[@TheDbcobra]

I have a Japan model from Japan will this mod work on it or what diode do I have to take out To open the transmit

[@JLPicard440]

HI, I've had this question before and I wasn't able to find info on the Japan unit to compare the mod with the US version in the video.

[@genesatterwhite8610]

@@JLPicard440 Do have any new info on opening up TX on the Japanese model? I Need this also. Thanks!

[@JLPicard440]

@@genesatterwhite8610 HI, I don't. Have u tried to google that to see if anything useful comes up?

[@robertrockwell7581]

a question does this open to wear you get 2 meter 70 cm bands looking for a all mode radio not really into the 27 mghz band i want one radio instead of different ones for different bands.?.

[@JLPicard440]

NO, this will not work on 2 meter or 70 cm... I think highest frequency it goes to is around 70 mhz. If you want all in one, yaesu ft-991 or Kenwood ts-2000, are good examples... or if you wait, the sister radio to this one is coming out sometime next year,... the Icom IC-9700.... they've been dragging their feet about releasing it... but I guess eventually it'll be out...

[@RogerSayers]

As I look at my circuit board this is what I see, and I'm very confused. | | | _ _ _ _ | The | represents a diode, and the _ represents an empty space. So I have three diodes, then 4 empty spaces, Then one diode at the end. Now I'm not sure what I have here. How do we tell what version of radio do we have?

[@JLPicard440]

Not sure on that one... you might look at the back and see if there's any indication there..

[@JLPicard440]

@@RogerSayers So I pulled up the Mod on mods.dk and looked at my radio in the video. The one in question is mine has the fourth diode down in tact and yours is apparently missing. The mod doesn't say anything about what that fourth diode does which is D413 on the schematic. The ones that are taken out are the first and third leaving the second one. If it were me, I'd probably try to toom-stone the two diodes and see what happens.. Of course I don't recommend you doing that if you're not comfortable..

[@RogerSayers]

@@JLPicard440 Take a look at this video, This is my radio showing the diodes in my radio. I might give you a better idea of what I have going on. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5fUZpuGfdmBn7s

[@RogerSayers]

@@JLPicard440 I found out today that my radio isn't even a USA version. By the SN: a shop looked it up and they say it's not even FCC certified. They also said that if my radio was a US version, the SN would start 02, not 01 and my SN is 01006552 What upset me is, they wouldn't even tell me what version my radio is. So, I'm a point of trying to get my seller to take it back. Not sure if that'll happen or not, and I'll have lost $1300.00 Yep I'm really upset.

[@JLPicard440]

@@RogerSayers Oh no! I gather you bought it new from a retail store? I've been trying to verify what you said there though online search but all I can turn up is that people are trying to date their unit by using the s/n. I have an icom -7600 i'm using now and it does begin with 02, but I can't confirm that the 01 numbers aren't USA models.. although it's probably true, I just wanted to be able to confirm it again, but no luck.

[@jatoav8or]

Can the current 2023 usa model 7300 still be modified? Trying to decide what rig to buy.

[@JLPicard440]

I don't have that model in front of me, but I highly doubt they would have changed the PCB. If you go to mods.dk and plug in the 7300 you can see the mod there. I'm pretty sure it'll be the same thread that's been there for quite some time. They do make you sign up for a free account, but they've never spammed me.

[@normanjody]

My 7300 mod was done by HRO. But it does not transmit on 30 mhz band. I have a 10 meter to 2 meter transverter. This means I cannot use it for the upper portion of the 2 meter band cause 146, 147 mhz would mean the 7300 would have to transmit on 30, 31 mhz. Is there a way to make the 7300 transmit there?

[@JLPicard440]

As far as I remember the mod I did here transmits through 54 MHZ. The test I did at the end shows that, but I don't remember. Maybe it's possible HRO did a different mod than I did here?

[@ThomasMarcotte-jt9od]

My vendor did the mod for me. It did not open up above 30 Mhz. Below 30 Mhz it did open up.

[@JLPicard440]

I seem to remember that it was normal for it to not tx above 30... then it opened up another section in the 50MHZ range that was above 54...

[@knightfamily9]

I bought my IC 7300 on E-Bay from Japan. I removed the diode with no effect. Are there more for a radio manufactured for a Japanese consumer? Thanks

[@JLPicard440]

That's a good question. It seems like the Japan version is different. Can you google the mod for the Japan version to see how it differs from what I did in the video?

[@knightfamily9]

@@JLPicard440 Thanks for the reply. No luck on the Google machine. I wonder what the diode I removed did now...The radio functions great

[@JLPicard440]

@@knightfamily9 I'm not sure what that would have done if there's no ill effects. Is that the EUR version? Or is there a separate JA version?

[@knightfamily9]

@@JLPicard440 I’m not sure. How do you tell? I do know that if I return the radio to factory settings, everything defaults to Japanese.

[@JLPicard440]

@@knightfamily9 If I'm not mistaken it should be on the sticker on the back where the model number is..

[@smbrown]

No power @ 100kHz because your meter is 1.8MHz - 200MHz

[@JLPicard440]

Steve Brown I’m sure that will affect it too, and the tuned circuits in the radio aren’t made for those frequencies either

[@trippledee351]

It was reading on the 200 watt scale also, maybe it would have read a little on the 5 watt scale at min power on the rig.

[@JLPicard440]

@@trippledee351 It probably would. Im not sure what freq youre trying to tx on, but if it's to far out of the range the radio is made for, it'll probably have a high internal SWR.

[@trippledee351]

@@JLPicard440 I would agree, outside the normal frequency ranges the meters accuracy will likely take quite a dive, but they will give some readings. I think he had the radio on minimal TX power at the frequency it was on and he had the Power meter set to the 200 watt scale, so Id say that is why it didn't register.

[@JLPicard440]

@@trippledee351 Yep, that'll do it too..

[@charlie12590]

Did I see correct. Was that 100 whiskey on am? Cool vid thanks for that. 73 from N2FJ. Your right on not recommending but good to know.

[@JLPicard440]

HI Charlie... I didn't test in AM mode... I was in RTTY... I haven't tried to see what it'll do on AM...

[@marcinmichigan2772]

@@JLPicard440 25W on AM from the normal ham bands, doubtful the ext freq mod would also increase power limits.

[@JLPicard440]

K8MH No it certainly won’t increase the power on AM or any other mode

[@davidlynch3421]

Don't you need that third diode removed to be able to receive all frequencies?

[@JLPicard440]

I think the US version comes with the RX already opened up..

[@behnkem1]

I think the reason you didn't see any power on 100KHz, is because your Watt Meter does not go that low, it only goes down to 1.8MHz.. So anything below that will give false output..

[@JLPicard440]

Yep that's possible

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

Stick a resistor at the load and measure it’s temperature rise over time. You can then work out the wattage!!!

[@TM15R]

Greetings, do you have any mods for opening up IC-R8600?

[@JLPicard440]

AAR2VZ I didn't see any... I guess it's already wide band RX.... they don't want us to listen to cell frequencies and stuff like that

[@looneytune-upelectronicsll2241]

I noticed the soldier on the board. Did you create a connection between the first and second diode on one side? Just need some clarification on the mod so I don't destroy a $1300 radio in theory lol

[@JLPicard440]

NO it only looks that way on camera. You are removing the component and that's it. If you're talking about a connection on the one side, I believe those are connected anyway through the ground, but check that out before you do any soldering.

[@looneytune-upelectronicsll2241]

@@JLPicard440 thanks I can't wait to get one.

[@sco4p]

I have icom v-86 USA model, it transmits only 144-148mhz, tell me what's the solution? Which ic is to be removed to open transmit on other frequency????

[@JLPicard440]

HI, I've had this question before, I've tried to find the MOD for the v86 with no luck. If you can find it, please let me know, and I'll do a video on it.

[@sco4p]

@@JLPicard440 I took my radio to a professional, he did the same job as your v80, its Transmitting fine on all frequencies, sorry could not film it. But happy it's working👍

[@JLPicard440]

OK... are you saying the configuration is the same was the IC-T70? I might get one if that's the case and see about a video.. :-)

[@spaghettibender7607]

Mine has the MOD, but it still has places it doesn't transmit.

[@JLPicard440]

I think that's normal.... I'm not sure of the reason..

[@whatsascrewdriver5572]

Places? You mean like under the davenport?

[@nitestrykerx01]

Can you get on the 11m band ?

[@JLPicard440]

Yes, but not legal

[@jimyohe100]

Can't seem to find D422 on the schematic in the service manual.

[@JLPicard440]

I'm not sure how to explain that one..

[@russphilly]

@@JLPicard440 hehehehehee...oH man...some people LMAO!

[@architectflocatalan1630]

Got it and i can now transmit to freq i want. Thank you

[@JLPicard440]

Excellent!

[@eugeneerickson6395]

Nextime use solder wick, you will have a cleaner job, and it Will absorb a lot of the heat, whick could damage the pcb lan as well as the diode. Myself I wouldn't take a perfectly good working radio and risk a butcher job, and for what, but that's just me.

[@JLPicard440]

I think the solder wick might be to big for the size of those tiny little components. Usually there’s other components in close proximity and the heat from the solder wick would spread to them. I do use the wick a lot, but on bigger parts... I tried one of those cheap hot air stations from amazon and I’ve had really good luck removing SMDs with that... the parts come off pretty clean with no damage to the board.

[@eugeneerickson6395]

@@JLPicard440 I was a tv repair tech for over 25 years and have done it all, hot air, oven flow, etc. But the best buy far for small smd's was solder whick for me, it comes in different sizes, the size i used the most for smd component was 1/8 inch, and get real solder whick not radio shack junk, and no i don't have stock in solder whick, just want to help you. On big ic's hot air works great if have the right attachment (jig) for the ic, and quick chip is not bad, but for small smd's I use solder whick

[@JLPicard440]

Eugene Erickson interesting, I’ll have to give it a try...thanks for the tip🤓🤓

[@Integr8d]

@@JLPicard440then use a solder sucker… that solder job was cringe😬

[@bbdhdhjsjsnd3453]

Do you have one for the 746 icom???

[@JLPicard440]

Yes I did do one for the 746 pro model... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nF7dmIChmauXiaM

[@Machria23]

I wonder if having the “MARS mod” done to the radio already, would affect doing this mod? Or is this the “mars mod”?

[@JLPicard440]

HI, That actually is the mod. If it's done already, then you're done.. 😊

[@Machria23]

@@JLPicard440 Thanks... figured that out after posting that yesterday... ;) Going to pull off the 3rd one though, so I have receive across the bands...

[@JLPicard440]

You're welcome.. 😊

[@charlesstephens3660]

Just use a dental pick to pop the SMT diode off. I hope if you do this you are a licenced MARS operator.

[@JLPicard440]

Yes that could work! Thanks..

[@mikem669]

Hello. Is there any chance you would identify the tx/rx MARS mod components to be removed from an icom 7600? (Please) :-)

[@JLPicard440]

I actually have a 7600, but it's already been opened up. If you go to mods.dk I believe you can find the mod there. You'll have to sign up for an account, but it's free.

[@mikem669]

@@JLPicard440 Thank you for the reply and for all of your time and efforts with your content.

[@JLPicard440]

@@mikem669 You're welcome.. :-)

[@mikem669]

@@JLPicard440 BTW, I tried the site and it seems they have mod info for practically every other model except the 7600 :-( But again, thank you for the suggestion. :-)

[@JLPicard440]

@@mikem669 I found this one the web; www.catlog.net/_Descarregas/Manuals/01-Icom/Icom%207600%20OBM.pdf

[@daveengstrom9250]

My hat is off to you. I would be afraid to fiddle around with a soldering iron among those tiny parts. I can see you know what you are doing.

[@JLPicard440]

TYSM! I really appreciate it. Since that video I have found I like the hot air station better for removing those small parts. I've also used an exacto knife with some success as well, but I like the hot air better...

[@DaveJohnsonad5nm]

What's the word from Icom on opening up the transmit. Most of their radios are nor friendly with the transmit opened up.

[@JLPicard440]

I haven't heard

[@BruceNitroxpro]

@@JLPicard440, My Icom 751 was opened up... didn't do anything bizarre.

[@JLPicard440]

@@BruceNitroxpro I've never seen a radio that has done anything bizarre after this mod...

[@dash8brj]

These are a great radio - got to experience one last night. Its amazing the number of people who buy Amateur sets and freeband - just set your radio to the audio analyzer and spectrum scope split screen, tune to an active frequency on 11m and watch - the legit CB radios have awful signals, and the modified amateur sets have awesome signals. Of course the set my mate brought over has not been modified as he has a normal CB to talk on if he wants to play on 11m - he has only just brought it, and is apprehensive of voiding his warranty on a brand new set.

[@furonwarrior]

So what do you usually find on HF outside the Ham band?

[@JLPicard440]

I've actually never transmitted there. This mod is for MARS or emergency purposes..

[@furonwarrior]

Take a Bath Productions I mean, since you can listen in on outside the ham bands, can you pick up any interesting frequencies? On my Wouxun, I found 3 talk shows outside the ham bands to listen in. But they all talk about the virus, so it’s kinda boring now. Also, I supposedly can listen in on AM Aviation frequencies with my radio, but I haven’t tested it out yet.

[@JLPicard440]

@@furonwarrior U might be able to listen to Aviation band on the Wouxon, but not on the 7300. The Airplane band goes from approx 118MHZ to 137MHZ or something like that..The 7300 won't receive in that range. But yes, there's all kinds of stuff on HF to listen to... Shortwave radio has a lot of frequencies to listen to.. but like you said the news is preoccupied with one subject!... :-(

[@Gostwriterindisguise]

It transmits on full auto now.

[@JLPicard440]

Gostwriterindisguise yep

[@n9oqu]

Nice video, Can you do an open transmit on an Icom ic2GAT? They are awesome radios that are built like a Tiger Tank.

[@JLPicard440]

If only I had access to one! Thanks for the suggestion... :-)

[@ArntPetterAndersen]

I have a EU Version. I Guess the thrid one should be removed… as of now I have tx on 0.1-30mhz, but I can't even go up on 50mhz or 70mhz.... Is this due to not having removed the Third diod? -AP!

[@JLPicard440]

I couldn't find anything specific to the EU version. Check this chart out and see if this is what you did.. www.cqdx.ru/ham/do-it-yourself/icom-ic-7300-wide-band-modification/

[@cro3090]

Can something like this be done to the IC-9700?

[@JLPicard440]

Yes, check mods.dk. I saw the mod there.

[@michaeldavidheit]

These are not diodes, they are "zero Ohm" resistors for pull up operation to the IC array ...

[@JLPicard440]

Sometimes they're diodes, sometimes they're resistors... (Depending on the radio) Thanks for the info... 😊

[@Oregun]

Very cool. Subscribed.

[@JLPicard440]

Thank You!

[@rickvia8435]

It looks like you deleted the diode, but you bridged two traces. Why please..?

[@JLPicard440]

It only looks like that on the camera, there was no actual solder bridge.. you would want to leave it open

[@davidaix5771]

Dose this work will new ones you can buy today?

[@JLPicard440]

If it's a 7300, I don't think they've changed the configuration

[@davidaix5771]

@@JLPicard440 ok

[@sm7fbj]

I've done this modification but I could not get any power out over 35.999 MHz, any idea why?

[@JLPicard440]

Does it work on 6 meters?

[@sm7fbj]

+Take a Bath Productions No it does not. First I picked the D422 out and that opened up the HF part. When I tried 6m it didn't work I then picked out D416 like on this URL: radioaficion.com/cms/ic-7300-wide-band-modification/ but that didn't make any difference. Probable cause is that the LPF doesn't switch in....

[@digitalmediafan]

No way would I contemplate doing this not that I needed to as the mod was done before I bought mine...great hair, reminds me of a DJ here in the UK called Mike Reid....

[@JLPicard440]

Yes, it's not too bad... :-)

[@lorderik237]

Knowing my luck, I would follow these instructions to the letter, try to turn the radio back on, and just see a black screen.

[@JLPicard440]

Oh No!😂😂

[@johnjeffrey3660]

Wonder how many folks follow his recommendations to NOT GO TO THE CRIMINAL BAND (CB) ? On another note, this guy could narrate for Nova films or any other scientific program on television 😎

[@JLPicard440]

Thanks for the vote for the voice over! I recommend not to go to the CB band because I follow those recommendations myself!

[@aguswinarno5652]

Done mod but my icom 7300 no tx on 70-72 Mhz ?

[@JLPicard440]

Not sure it will TX there. I go through the range at the end. I don't remember if that freq was activated.

[@aguswinarno5652]

@@JLPicard440 72.001 to 74.800 good TX and RX

[@JLPicard440]

OIC

[@dougtaylor7724]

Will it transmit at 630 meters?

[@JLPicard440]

HI, I don't remember if the lower end of the frequencies was in the 472KHZ range. What I do remember is that testing to see the TX on the AM band which is fairly close to the 630 meters band, there was much reduced power. I believe this is because it's to far from 160 meters and it's causing a high internal VSWR. So yes, it may TX there, but I don't recommend it