Installing a LIF port into the IC-7000 transceiver
Intro
This document describes the procedure for installing an LIF (Low Intermediate
Frequency [9 – 18kHz]) port into the IC-7000 transceiver. This transceiver has a
high level of integration and already offers IF-DSP technology. Nevertheless,
connecting it to the MDSR has the advantages of improving audio clarity and the
reduction of hiss on low level signals. The noise reduction system of the IC-7000
is effective, but also makes the RX audio “boomy”. The MDSR has a real-time
spectrum analyzer, which does not affect the audio quality. The demodulation
system of the IC-7000 works very similarly to the MDSR. But the MDSR has the
advantage that it utilizes the PC, which has a much more powerful processor.
This procedure requires a level of expertise to dismantle the transceiver and to
solder. Nonetheless, the installation is straightforward and should not cause any
difficulties for the experienced HAM operator.
It is important to unplug all connectors and power before working on any
transceiver. It is also important to be grounded to avoid static discharges.
Please note
: no responsibility or liability will be taken by the author of this
document for any damage or malfunction caused by user modifications.
LIF port installation
Dismantling the Transceiver
The top cover of the radio must be removed. There are 8 screws that need
to be removed and then the lid will become loose; there are 4 screws on
the top cover and 2 on each side. Remove the lid carefully; the speaker
cable will still be connected to the circuit board. Unplug the speaker. In
order to extract the DSP assembly, two screws must be removed. When
taking the DSP assembly out, make sure that the gray audio cable does
not get pulled with the assembly.
An easy way to route the shielded RG-174 cable outside is to remove the
automatic antenna tuner plug. If this plug is required, an SMA connector
can be mounted on the left corner just above the ground screw. This
requires drilling a hole. To do this safely, all the PCBs on the top must be
removed, and all the holes that connect to the lower PCB must be covered
with masking tape to prevent metal shavings from falling onto the PCBs.
After drilling, all the metal shavings have to be wiped up with a slightly wet
cloth. Reassembling the unit can be difficult, especially the refitting of the
ribbon cables.
