RogerTango.com - Build the Tango-Tuner for the Icom 718, 706 etc
Build the Tango-Tuner for the Icom 718, 706 etc Posted on Monday, 12/3/2007
The Tango-Tuner will permit your Icom 718, 706 or similar radio to be tuned up easily by switching the rig to 10w CW and
transmitting as long as the button is pressed, and revert back to the original operating mode and power when released. A max
of 60 seconds is set by the Icom 718, you would need to re-press the button if you needed longer. I run this with my
screwdriver antenna I operate in a fixed install and it works great! The parts are a momentary normally-open switch, some
wire, a resister and a computer power supply plug. You likely have all the parts and can build this tuner right now!
The 'special' Molox plug for the back of an Icom is near impossible to come by, so I figured out a way
to use a computer power supply plug, pictured is a 3 way power splitter, but you likely have or know of
someone with a dead computer power supply you and rob a plug off of.
A close look at the Icom Molox plug shows a triangle keyway at the end. Using a pair of wire snips I
removed the plastic from the end of the computer power plug, that will permit the plug to be used and
it also acts as a keyway, the new plug will only fit one way.
You can see the difference between the modified and unmodified power supply plug.
Wires are stripped down and a 10k resister already soldered in place. The schematic for the plug
is right in the background if you need it.
This has got to be the simplist project Ive worked on yet, the plug is finished and ready for use,
but I will add some shrink tubing and a project box to dress it up.
Shrink tubing added.
Project box added.
Fits perfectly on the back of the radio.
The tuner is "wedged" under the radio and works great, best part... it was free!
Some settings you need on the 718 for it to all work right. Power off the radio, plug up the dongle,
press & hold the SET key while you power on, the Initial Set menu will come up, match your settings
to those that are shown.
It is not advised to try to use this tune-up dongle on an Icom 7000 as the circuit is different
and damage to the rig would occur if it was attempted.
