Icom/Alinco Tuner Interface
for Icom or Alinco Radios and SGC
Tuners
Model PTC-1 Tuner Control Interface
- as
originally described in the March 2004 QST, page 33.
*** NOW FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH IC-7000 ***
*** New firmware works with either the Icom or Alinco radios
***
***
New hardware works with SGC tuners using a single lock/reset line or separate
lock and reset lines ***
*** We have added firmware for the optional PIC16F505 replacement for the
PIC16C505 ***
- Provides a bi-directional interface between an Icom or Alinco radio's
tuner connector and an ™SGC Smartuner such as the model SG-237.
- Supports single lock/reset line tuners such as the SG-230, SG-237, and
SG-239.
- Supports separate lock and reset line tuners such as the SG-231 and SG-235.
- Supports any Icom radio designed to work with the Icom AH-3 or AH-4 tuner
(IC-703, IC-706, IC-706MkIIg, IC-707, IC-718, IC-725, IC-728, IC-736, IC-738, IC-746,
IC-746PRO, IC-756, IC-756PRO, IC-756PROII, IC-761, IC-765, IC775 and IC-7000).
- Supports any Alinco radio designed to work with the Alinco EDX-2 tuner
(DX-70T, DX-70TH, DX-77EQ, DX-77T, DX-701, and DX-707).
- Uses a 14-pin PIC processor to make the SGC ™Smartuner emulate an Icom model AH-4
tuner.
- Permits the full functioning of the IC-706MkIIg (and similar Icom radios) TUNE button and features.
- The processor is in sleep mode during receive so that there is no potential for RFI to
the radio.
- All inputs and outputs have RFI filters to minimize the potential for RF getting into
the control circuits.
- Switches the SGC tuner into bypass (antenna connected directly to the
radio) by a quick press of the radio's TUNE button or by changing bands on the
radio (Icom radios only).
- Starts the automatic tuning process by pressing the radio's TUNE button.
- Permits the optional use of the radio's feature to automatically initiate
tuning on the first microphone PTT press after a frequency change of 1% or
more (Icom radios only).
- Automatically cancels the radio's tune signal as soon as the ™Smartuner has found
an acceptable match. Total "on the air" time is only about 500mS on frequencies
in the tuner's memory and typically 2-4 seconds for new frequencies.
- Notifies the radio when an acceptable match cannot be found so that the
radio's TUNE button LED indicates the proper tuner status (Icom radios only).
- Pressing the TUNE button while tuning immediately cancels the tune signal,
puts the tuner in bypass, and resets the interface timers so that it is ready
for the next tune command (Icom radios only).
- When already tuned, pressing and holding the TUNE button for 2-seconds will force a
complete re-tune without using the memory bin settings. The new match is then loaded into
the memory bin for later use. Note: This is an undocumented function of
the SG-237 which may not be available on other tuner models or future releases
of the SG-237.
- A LOCK switch on the interface optionally prevents the tuner from seeking a new match
under conditions of varying SWR due to whip movement while in motion. This setting is
temporarily disabled when tuning is requested by the radio.
- A FAULT LED on the interface advises the operator when the tuner is not
properly matched. This functions for both Icom and Alinco radios.
- Both the interface and the tuner are powered via the radio's tuner connector.
Power to these devices is controlled by the radio's on/off switch.
Tuner Interface Construction and Installation Information
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New Version 4.x Hardware
Legacy Version 3.x Hardware (now discontinued)
