IC-7600 mod to access the 1st IF for RTL-SDR dongle

[VE4SW]

Just published an easy mod to make the 1st IF of the Icom IC-7600 accessible. Tapped into the IF used for the built in scope and split the signal. Now, with a cheap RTL based dongle we can use the radio with SDR. All functions, filters etc of the radio still work.

See: http://www.ab4oj.com/icom/ic7600/ic7600_rtl_sdr.pdf

Feedback appreciated

73 Stefan, VE4NSA (VE4SW)

[K9IUQ]

Just published an easy mod

Feedback appreciated

73 Stefan, VE4NSA (VE4SW)

This has to be one of the best explanations of a mod I have ever seen. Nice pictures and links to the parts too. Great Job Stefan!!

At this time I do not own a Icom 7600 (have owned the Pro II and Pro III). If I did own a 7600 I would do the mod. It looks simple enough for even an old ham like myself.

Thanks for your efforts Stefan,

Stan K9IUQ

[VE4SW]

Thanks Stan!

Much appreciated.

73 Stefan, VE4NSA (VE4SW)

[W8EZT]

Great job Stefan! 

Good write up, clear photos.

I'm working on the same exact enhancement for my FT-920.  The first IF is at 68.985 and there is a maintenance jack (J1007 for anyone with an FT-920) that allows me to tap it without any other modifications.  I picked up a scrap board at a local hamfest this weekend with Takio-Denki cables on it and hope to have the whole show working sometime this week.  I am using a CliftonLabs Z10000u high impedance buffer (rather than the Mini-Circuits Divider) to avoid loading the IF signal but otherwise it's the same setup.

73!

  - Frank, W8EZT

[K0IZ]

You guys should get together and write an article for QST!

[VE4SW]

Thanks Frank,

I had originally planned on using the CliftonLabs amp/buffer like you. I actually got one However, I tapped into the IC-7600 scope line and still wanted to use the build in scope, that's what made me use the splitter. If you have an unused jack (e.g., maintenance jack), that's probably a good idea. Great thinking of getting an old board with the cables! Let us know how it went and thanks so much for the kind feedback. My next project is testing the different RTL-SDRs (E4000, FC0013 and the R820T) all on the same line coming from the IC-7600. Just got a new splitter with one line in and three out. They all can run on SDR# (three different windows on the PC).

73, Stefan VE4NSA (VE4SW)