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-
-
- FT290R (first version) Extensions
- ==================================
-
- The pins no 38,39,40,41 near HMCS45C are used for extensions.
-
- pin no band step FM/SSB shift
- 38 39 40 41 MHz KHz Hz
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * * 140-150 25 1000 7.6MHz
- 100 100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * * * 140-144 10 1000 1MHz
- 20 100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * * * * 140-150 5 1000 no shift possible
- 10 100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * * 144-146 12.5 1000 600KHz
- 25 100 (European version)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * * * 144-149 10 1000 600KHz
- 20 100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * * 140-150 25 1000 5MHz
- 100 100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * * 140-150 25 1000 5MHz
- 100 100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * * * 144-148 5 1000 600KHz
- 10 100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * * 144-148 5 1000 600KHz
- 10 100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * 140-150 25 1000 1.6MHz
- 100 100 (FB for 70cm transverter)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * * 144-146 10 1000 600KHz
- 20 100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * 144-148 12.5 1000 600KHz
- 25 100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- * * * 143.5-148.5 5 1000 600KHz
- 10 100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- Thanks to F1GAN for this info.
-
- Serge F1EMT @ FF6KDC
-
-
- Yaesu FT290R Mods
- =================
-
- AUDIO DECOUPLING
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- It would seem most important that a 0.1uF capacitor is fitted into the receive
- audio line into the TNC. It can be fitted inside the five pin plug. This is
- because the audio out from the FT290R has no decoupling capacitor in the audio
- output (See wiring Diag. IC No.Q1027 (uPC575C2) off pin 7.
-
- CAP CRUNCH
- ~~~~~~~~~~
- Many people seem to be having problems in getting the FT-290 MK1 working on
- packet. This is caused by filtering in the 290's receiver, which attenuates
- frequencies above 2KHz. This results in the 2.2KHz tone being attenuated by
- some 10-15dB.
-
- To resolve this, perform the standard capacitor crunch mod, originally
- designed to give more "sparkle" to the audio.
-
- To do the modification, remove the case of the 290, and hold the rig so that
- the control knobs face away from you and the SO239 antenna socket is nearest
- you. At the back of the PCB you will see the relay (it's that box shaped
- component made of semi-clear plastic). Just above the relay you will see two
- green capacitors.
-
- Take a pair of snub nosed pliers, cross your fingers and grip the capacitor
- nearest the relay (C110) with the pliers. Now crush the capacitor and
- carefully remove all the debris.
-
- DE-EMPHASIS - 1
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- There is a very "hard" de-emphasis in FT290R. This can cause serious problems
- copying packet signals with some demodulator chips, eg. like the XR2211.
-
- This modification increases the intelligibility in noisy environments, and
- is also useful in FM voice communications.
-
- You'll have to add only a serial RC unit, the R being 4.7k, and C being a 1uF
- tantalum capacitor. Put them between the pin 9 of IC Q1019 and the collector
- of transistor Q1021, with the positive leg of the tantalum capacitor to the
- collector of the transistor. These points can be found as test points, near
- to IC Q1019. Solder the components together, wrap some insulation around
- them, then solder to the test points mentioned. That's all you have to do!
-
- With this modification, FM reception will sound somewhat noisy, but louder.
-
- DE-EMPHASIS - 2
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Yaesu seem to have goofed on both the FM de-emphasis and the audio filter.
-
- I have recently put some of the audio circuit through computer analysis -
- suggestions are:-
-
- 1. Reduce C125 from 10n to 4.7n in filter
- 2. Reduce C124 from 2.2n to 1.5n (near Q1026)
-
- This isn't perfect but it is quite a lot better - the tones now seem nearly
- equal. There appears to be plain FM (cf phase) with no pre-emphasis on Tx!
-
- RESET TO 145MHZ
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- This mod resets the CPU to 145MHz and sounds a bleep to tell you it's been
- done.
-
- Remove top and bottom covers, locate the hole in the case near the SO239
- socket. It is covered by a stick-on aluminium label. Make a hole in this
- label and install a push to make, non-latching switch. Connect one side of
- this switch to ground and the other side to pin 4 of J5003 which connects the
- keyboard unit to the control unit. A 1nF capacitor should also be connected
- from pin 4 to ground for decoupling. Replace the covers dial up any frequency
- press the button and the set should reset to 145MHz and bleep.
-
- LISTEN ON INPUT
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Place the set in front of you, controls towards you, remove the bottom cover
- and locate the black/white wire on SK1. It's the tenth one from the left. Cut
- this wire at the socket and insulate the free end. Now find the green/white
- wire on SK1 and solder the anode of a 1N4148 diode to it. Connect the cathode
- of the diode to the red/white wire soldered to the PCB adjacent to the mic.
- socket. You must insulate the diode leads to prevent shorts. Now when the
- call button is pressed, it allows listen on input on both +shift and -shift.
- However, when you want the rig to transmit a toneburst you must close the PTT
- at the same time as pressing the call button.
-
- CURING SYNTHESISER WHINE
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Early 290s suffered from a high level of whine. You can try moving the wiring
- harnesses around inside the rig whilst monitoring the whine on another rig.
- The real cure on early 290s is, if you have a delicate hand for soldering,
- locate LO6 in the synthesiser and solder a 15pF capacitor in parallel with
- it. This can usually be soldered between the hot ends of C24 & C25 which are
- at the rear of the IC in the synthesiser unit.
-
- MODIFIED SQUELCH
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- This mod reduces the difference in level between the opening and closing
- points and speeds up the operation of the squelch enabling the scanner to
- work better.
-
- To do this mod reduce C94 from 4.7uF to 1uF, increase R79 from 270K to 330K
- and add a 10uF tantalum or subminiature electrolytic between the leg of R78
- (4.7K) to the body of the transistor T1007.
-
- OPENING UP TO 148MHz
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Remove the battery compartment and slide out the power board to allow access
- to the microprocessor board. There are two tinned copper wire jumpers visible
- on this board, next to the microprocessor. One is easy to see and the other
- is difficult to see because it is next to the main board. Cut the jumper
- which is difficult to see. If the wrong jumper is cut then the frequency
- display will not be correct when the unit is powered up.
-
-