Easy low-power tuning for ICOM radios (kit or built)
See review QST February 2018
Click here for instructions.
If you use an ICOM HF radio with an antenna tuner or amplifier you will have noticed the lack of any straightforward way to send low power carrier for tuning. To do so requires you to change the mode to AM or FM, reduce the power and press the PTT. It's annoying in the shack and can be very frustrating in the field. This is all the more of a problem if you use a narrow-band antenna such as a magnetic loop that needs frequent re-tuning. It's also a problem if you use your radio with an amplifier
Various "solutions" have been suggested, the most common being a dongle with a capacitor and a resistor. While this works, the tune period is fixed and it will not tune reliably twice in short succession. The fixed tune period is particularly problematic if you use your radio with a high power amplifier as if you see a mismatch you will want to act quickly.
Our Click2Tune for ICOM system provided you with complete and reliable control. It transmits a low power carrier (user selectable level on some radios) without any need to change the mode and for as long as you press the button - YOU are in control. We worked hard on getting the ergonomics right so that it sits nicely in your hand and we even trialled three types of buttons before we found one that had the right size and "feel". We also made it look good to fit in with your shack. It's a great accessory for any ICOM radio that supports their auto-tuner. Tested on: IC-7300, IC-7600 (ant. 1), IC-7600, IC-7610, IC-7100, IC-730, IC-746 (ant. 1), IC-9100 (ant. 1), IC-706 (all variants), IC-703, IC-746. See below for further information on compatibility.
The Click2Tune for ICOM is available as a kit!. We have also written great instructions (build time around 30 minutes).
You get:
- Branded Molex components
- Mil spec 4 core screen can for good RFI performance (1 metre)
- Top quality professional switch and components
- Double-sided professional PCB and other parts (total 17 parts).
Notes
Click here for instructions for making up the Click2Tune kit.
Plug in the Click2Tune BEFORE turning on your radio so that the radio recognises it properly.
Please note: using the Click2Tune usually disables the radio's internal tuner. The Click2Tune is connected to the radio's external tuner interface. When you press the button, it is equivalent to an external tuner initiating a tune sequence, which causes the radio to produce a low power signal suitable for tuning. However, since the radio thinks there is an external tuner connected, it will normally disable the internal tuner (may vary between radios though).
Will it work with my ICOM radio?
If your ICOM radio has a socket like this on the back, the Click2Tune will almost certainly work with it. Different radios will have the socket in different positions on the back panel.
This product is not suitable for the IC-7700 (and probably other 200 Watt ICOM radios).
The "Tune" indicator on my IC-7610/IC-7600 stays illuminated
The Click2Tune simulates a successful tuning sequence for an external AH4 tuner. There is also a switching sequence that is used by an external automatic tuner to indicate it failed to find a match. The Click2Tune appears to the transceiver to be a successful tune so sets the display as such. The 'TUNE' indicator simply indicates the transceiver's circuitry detected a successful external AH4 tune sequence. It does NOT indicate the internal tuner is in line.
Click to tune 3d printable case
Dave G8XUL has designed a 3d printable case for the Click2Tune. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3205159
Also available from:
46 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Gives Set Carrier Power - at Push of button
Makes Tuning up easy without "shorting key" whilst watching the final Tubes turn Red or Blue !
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Perfect for the Icom IC-7300
After trying various methods of tuning my IC-7300 with an LDG AT-1000 AMU including writing extended macros for HRD, this little device does the job every time. Excellent quality PCB and components - highly recommended.
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Works fine with the Icom IC-7100
After wading through the 7100's menus trying to make to make the Tuner/call button work without an auto-ATU connection I gave up and bought this fine little kit. It works as advertised, putting out a 10 watt tune signal regardless of mode. Here are some tips for IC-7100 users. Tip 1: switch the 7100 on with the Click2Tune plugged in, or it will not be recognised. Tip 2: it works on 160 to 6m, not 4m, 2m, or 70cms. Tip 3: the word 'TUNE' remains on the top left of the LCD after use - this is quite normal as that is what happens with an Icom auto-ATU. A great kit - recommended.
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Very useful product
This product saves all the hassle of wading through menus and also makes sure that you tune the amp with low power. Highly recommended.
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Simple & Quick
Very simple to tune my IC7300 with external smart tuner. I used to use the change modes method to get a carrier. Then I tried the plug in dongle (CR) circuit which was OK but you had to wait for the cycle to complete before you could use the PTT again. With this one you can tune for just the correct amount of time looking at the SWR meter on the display. A nice extra would be a small metal box to house it.
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Very Good
Excellent : Quick and simple way to tune my Mag Loop on Icom 7300 Push the button and tune as simple as that Thank you Richard Chris G7TCW 73
