Category Archives: Hardware

July 25, 2021
14:34
by: Dan

Resolving an Icom IC-7000 Power Meter Problem

Recently my Icom IC-7000 died during transmit. The result was a totally-dead appearance, which I resolved as detailed in this recent post. After repairing it with new parts, the radio powers on, but all is not well. The radio now … Continue reading →

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July 11, 2021
21:14
by: Dan

Fixing a dead Icom IC-7000

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with my Icom IC-7000. I think that it’s a fantastic radio, with a ton of stuff packed into a very small size. My radio has suffered several failures over its life and … Continue reading →

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April 15, 2021
18:52
by: Dan

Adding Bluetooth to a Kenwood TM-D700

I have a couple of older Kenwood TM-D700 radios that I use for APRS stuff. They’re solid radios, and even have some features not present in the newer siblings, like the TM-D710. But, they don’t have integrated GPS devices, they … Continue reading →

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November 26, 2014
23:10
by: Dan

Multi-room audio with multicast RTP

Our house has speakers in the ceiling in almost every room. This is not something I’ve had before, and was initially skeptical about usefulness and fidelity. However, I’ve actually been enjoying having the background music while working be spread further … Continue reading →

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April 11, 2014
00:44
by: Dan

Don’t touch my Schiit!

As a work-from-home-er and a music fan, having good audio in my home office is important. Until recently, I’ve used my laptop to feed a two-channel amp and some decent speakers. A large collection of digital audio, combined with MPD … Continue reading →

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August 8, 2012
03:01
by: Dan

9600 baud packet on a Kenwood TK-840

The Kenwood TK-840 is a nice commercial UHF radio that is starting to go for $50-$100 on eBay due to the fact that it is not narrow-band capable. It is happy in the ham bands, has a good screen, excellent … Continue reading →

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February 8, 2012
21:06
by: Dan

Update your FT-817, FT-857, or FT-897 with the new 60 meter channel

In the US starting in 2003, amateurs have had a secondary allocation of five specific channels in the 60 meter band. Unlike most other allocations, these are restricted to phone emissions in upper sideband, with a maximum of 50 watts … Continue reading →

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November 2, 2010
23:15
by: Dan

Q89 Compressor Modification

One of the first things you need when you start into off-roading is a good compressor.  This is because you air down your tires each time before you go, and have to air them back up before you drive home.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Hardware

July 11, 2010
18:34
by: Dan

Kenwood TK-380 Self-Programming Modification

I recently purchased a Kenwood TK-380 UHF handheld radio on eBay.  This is a commercial UHF FM transceiver used by public safety organizations.  It will do 4W output, narrow or wide band transmission, and conventional or trunking operation. This radio … Continue reading →

Posted in Hardware, Radio Tagged

June 29, 2010
13:53
by: Dan

Custom UPS External Battery Bank

When we moved into our current house, I had a Matrix 5000 UPS that I used to power my server room.  This 5kVA unit was a really impressive device that ran on 220V and could have its “brain” replaced without … Continue reading →

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