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-
- Trio TR8400 memory backup
- =========================
-
- I recently acquired an old Trio TR8400 mobile 70cm FM rig. I was surprised
- to see that it requires a separate supply for the memory/VFO backup, at
- "only" 3mA. 3uA or even 3nA would be nearer the mark with current equipment!
-
- I didn't want to lose the memory and VFO settings when I switched off the
- PSU in the shack, or when there was a power cut, so I figured out an
- ultra-simple mod to overcome the problem.
-
- The current drain is too high for a non-rechargeable battery, even though
- the figure is more like 1mA with a 9v PP3. However, by adding just 2 cheap
- components, you can connect a float-charged PP3-size NiCad to the backup
- lead.
-
- 1. Gain access to the rear of the 3-pin backup connector. Identify the two
- switch contact tags, shown as 4 and 5 on the circuit diagram. 4 is easily
- distinguished, as it is strapped to tag/pin 1 (red lead) of the actual
- socket.
-
- 2. Solder the anode end (-ve) of a Silicon diode (eg 1N4148 etc.) to tag 5,
- with the cathode (+ve) end free - ie. the end marked with a ring.
-
- 3. Solder one end of a subminiature 2.7k resistor to tag 4 (or tag 1 if you
- prefer). Now solder the free ends of the resistor and diode together. Make
- sure this junction does not short down to chassis etc.
-
- 4. Connect a rechargeable NiCad PP3-size battery to the backup lead;
- black (pin 2) is -ve and red (pin 1) is positive. The white core is not
- used.
-
- The battery should now float-charge off the rig, as long as the 12v supply
- is connected. The charge will be only slight with the power/vol switch 'off',
- and in fact a fully-charged battery may well partially discharge a little
- before stabilising. However, with the rig switched on there will be a greater
- charge rate and the battery should top-up nicely. Note that the integral
- switch contact only closes when the battery plug is firmly disconnected.
-
- ------------- pin 1 ------ tag 4 ---\/\/\/---
- | | 2.7k |
- ___ + int. | + ___
- - PP3 NiCad switch / Diode ^
- | | |
- ------------- pin 2 tag 5 ------------
- (gnd) (+12v)
-
- 73 Rick G4BLT @ GB7WRG
-
-
- [End Msg 26427]
-