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bazzer · 09-01-2011, 14:29

I have recently installed a Icom 710 along with a new AT 130. The 710 is used.
The installation is good I am sure. But the problem is I know not much about the 710. When I push the Tx button on the mic the TX symbol on the 710 only comes on with certain icom channels. But I get no indication of power output. On my next visit to the boat I am going to take a power/SwR meter, but in the meantime I wondered if anyone has any advice. Oh, I can hear the 130 tuning up ok.
Thanks
Bazzer

Greg S · 09-01-2011, 14:55

What channels? Are the Ham bands unlocked? If they are not, then you will have listen only capability on those channels. If they are locked, it's easy enough to unlock them. Graphical Frequency Allocations

bazzer · 09-01-2011, 15:28

I'm not on the boatat the moment, but I know the channels around 130- 160 are a problem. I purchases the 710 used and was told it was programmer for marine use. I can't see anything in the manual about locking or unlocking channels. Is there a guide somewhere online?

fairbank56 · 09-01-2011, 16:01

The M710 will receive freq's 500Khz to 29.999Mhz but will only transmit on marine frequencies. The frequencies that are factory programmed into channels 129-160 are ham frequencies and are receive only unless your rig is "opened" to transmit on these frequencies. This can only be done using the proper field programming software and interface cable via computer.

It appears that your radio is set to auto-tune via the set mode which means the tuner will tune when you press the PTT button on the mic. This causes the radio to transmit 10 watts cw until tuning is complete. After that, there is no power output until you start talking into the mic.

Eric

Greg S · 09-01-2011, 17:04

Contact ICOM. They should be able to open it up or, as in my case, recommend one of their vendors in your area. I did the latter, the vendor could not get the programming into the radio, said the clone jack was faulty. It turned out that they were trying to do the programming with a newer laptop which did not have the power to “push” the program through the clone jack and into the radio. You need to use a desktop or, as I found out, a really old power guzzling laptop. You will also most likely hear about the “snip a diode” method. As far as I know that will NOT work with the 710’s.

As Eric pointed out, your radio is set to tune when the PTT is pushed. You can also set it to tune only when you push the Tune button. Either way will activate the AT-130. Instructions should be in the owner’s manual.

Laidback · 09-01-2011, 21:59

Go to mods.dk - Modifications for radioamateur

fairbank56 · 10-01-2011, 04:09

The mod on that site is the "clip the diode" mod and only allows you to change a radio that doesn't allow transmit programming at all, to one that allows you to program transmit freq's but only ones in the marine band. It still won't allow transmit ham freqs. The only way to change that is thru software programming.

Eric

Laidback · 10-01-2011, 04:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairbank56

The mod on that site is the "clip the diode" mod and only allows you to change a radio that doesn't allow transmit programming at all, to one that allows you to program transmit freq's but only ones in the marine band. It still won't allow transmit ham freqs. The only way to change that is thru software programming.

Eric

Thanks Eric,
Where is the appropriate software to be found and utilized ?

fairbank56 · 10-01-2011, 05:14

Do a search on ex1726.exe

Sheriff · 11-01-2011, 08:27

STOP! DO NOT TRANSMIT ANY FURTHER TILL YOU CHECK THIS OUT!

you said that the tuner is an AT130.the settings in the radio comes with them set for an AT140.Trying to transmit can and will cause permanent damage to the tuner and radio.I am not around the office to get a 710 users manual to direct you to change the tuner type but if you have your users manual check it out ASAP! I had this problem with a M802 with an AT130 on board a fishing vessel and the captain did not know this when he installed it frying the tuner! so my friend do this A.S.A.P!