I used the same setup a while back with an original 706 and now I'm using the same Rascal through a 13 pin connector into an ICOM 718. I'm assuming from your note that you can receive but not transmit. Here are a few things to try:

1. Make sure your computer is keying the Rascal and putting the 706 into transmit mode.  The red light on the Rascal should light and the 706 screen should indicate it is in Transmit (TX), not Receive (RX)mode.  If it isn't, try looking at the COM1, etc. port assignments in your psk software.

2. Make sure your computer sound card is actually outputting.  You can use a speaker to check this.  With my particular combination, I have to set the computer output volume at maximum when connected to the rig.  You should be able to vary the speaker output volume using either the PSK software or Windows.  Just keying the psk software into transmit should get you sound output. Once you know you are outputting, unkey psk, remove the speaker and reconnect to the Rascal.  The WHITE plug on the Rascal goes to the LINE OUT on the computer and it wouldn't hurt to check this.

3. At least initially, set the 706's power output to maximum.  I'm assuming you have no SWR mismatch issue, so set 706's meter function to POWER OUT.  Then key the psk software into transmit and see if anything is showing on the POWER OUT meter. Hopefully it is but, if not, one other thing to try to adjust is the small potentiometer inside the Rascal. You should be able to vary the power output by changing the potentiometer.  I've been told that using the 13 pin accessory pin bypasses the MIC GAIN function.  Once you can output power, you can vary the rig's power output, the computer's output volume, or the Rascal's potentiometer to get the power output where you want it and get your IMD to good values.

Good luck and I hope these suggestions help!  73's from Greg....AD5DR

No, the two batteries are in parallel.  All the systems are regular 12 volts.  I think the reason there's two of them is to provide the high cranking amps necessary with a diesel's high compression ratio.

Does anyone have any advice on installing an ICOM 706 in a Dodge Pickup? It's a 1999, 3/4 ton diesel with a manual (stick) shift.  It has two batteries so I can get power from either side.

I'm specifically interested in:

1. How to bring 12 VDC and coaxs from two antennas into the cab without cutting holes in the firewall or floor.

2. Where to mount the 706.  I have the 3.5 meter separation cable, the optional back mount for the removable front unit, and the optional swivel unit it attaches to.

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks.....Greg (AD5DR)

A few days have gone by and you may have resolved your problem.  If not, here's one other thing to try:

1. Refer to page 31 of the manual.

2. The default CW mode (i.e. if you don't select something else) is NO BREAK IN.  However, to work in NO BREAK IN, you have to install a switch between pins 2 and 3 of the accessory plug.

3. So, to operate CW you either have to install the switch or change to FL "Full Break In" or SE "Semi Break In" using the quick set options mentioned at the bottom of page 31.

4. After changing to FL "Full Break In" my rig worked fine.

This doesn't address any of the grounding, swr,  or other issues.  If you have connection to the antenna, though, you should see some output power with the meter in the PO mode.

Give this a try and let me know if it works.  Good luck!  73's from AD5DR

I've been using that combination for a week or two and think you'll really like it.  The tuner sounds funny but it sure works!

Once you have the cables connected, you'll need to go into "Initial Set Mode" (the option you're after is on page 46 of the 718 manual).  To get into Initial Set Mode, you push the "SET" button while powering up.

Next push the UP or DOWN buttons until "TUNER" shows on the screen.  Then, rotate the dial until "4" shows.  The LDG interfaces just like the ICOM AH4 tuner (the reason you're selecting "4").  Once you've done this, power back down and then power up normally.

With the LDG powered up and in Auto mode, all you have to do is press the TUNE button on the 718.  You'll hear a strange noise for a few seconds.

Hope this helps!  73s DE Greg AD5DR

You had replied to my "No Output From Sound Card" post so I thought I'd get back to you here.  I gave up on the Compaq after trying both the motherboard sound as well as a new Soundblaster PCI16 card.  Similar to your problem, receiving on the computer worked but I couldn't get out.  It wouldn't drive speakers either.  If your computer will drive speakers, you might go by Radio Shack and get an "attenuating patch cable" to reduce the drive level - but I guess your voltage divider circuit's probably already doing that.  I hope you can work this out and am sorry I wasn't any help.
73s de AD5DR

The 718 is an excellent starting rig.  If you go that route I'd recommend you get the DSP option (called the UT106) because it makes a significant difference.  I really enjoy using mine.

The rig runs on twelve volts so you can't plug it into the wall outlet.  I used a deep cycle battery on mine while I was waiting for the power supply to arrive. Now I'm using a 20 Amp Astron supply and it does good. The specs show 20 Amps at max transmit.

I haven't done much shortwave listening but imagine it would do fine with an adequate antenna.  The specs show it will receive from 0.03 to 29.999 MHz.

The listed AM output ranges from 2 to 40 watts.  Again, I don't have any experience with that particular aspect (it does great for CW and SSB).

Texas Towers and gigaparts are both showing $600 for these new.  Price's run much less used.  I hope this helps.  73s........AD5DR (Greg)

Trying to get set up for PSK31 - can receive fine but no transmit.  I've isolated the problem down to the soundcard line output, tried listening with both speakers and headphones with no results, so it appears there's nothing being sent to my rig.  The soundcard does not output sound for other applications either.  Here are some details:

Compaq Pressario 2256 - motherboard sound disabled in BIOS setup (when I don't do this I show device conflicts).  All mixer volumes at 100%.  No device conflicts indicated.

Soundblaster PCI16 Sound Card (new)= drivers, mixers, etc. loaded from distrbution disc.  The Compaq only has one PCI slot.  Creative's webpage has been a dead end so far.

ICOM Original 706 rig interfaced through Rascal 13 pin accessory connector.

WINPSK31 software running in Compaq.

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?