Using icom style external tuners?

ve2dx

hello gang,

the usual 4 pin molex icom external tuner connector, as 4 pins, 12vdc, trigger(tune), key.

I am assuming I could hook it up to a 6600, using local 12vdc and gnd, key to one of the ptt input. Two issues;

1- forcing low pwr when the specific ptt is triggered.

- Can't find any way at this time?

2- getting a tune triggered?

- Tune output to the tuner from the radio, isn't available.

- Well tune can trigger one of the ptts as an output, but not specific to a tune function?

- but this output would trigger tuning on EVERY tx, not only tune mode :😞

- and if I could would trigger tune both internal and external ATUs at same time!

I guess could use an external device to trigger the tune, but would have to drop pwr first, and then back up… :😞

asn'asn't anyone got this going yet?

73

Richard VE2DX

John KB4DU

Not sure of your complete station setup. I have an MFJ tuner I used with an Icom previously. The Flex does not support the Icom style external tuner operation. There is no tuner specific output on the Flex or tuner button to activate the tuner. The Flex tuner method is to click on the Tune button, which transmits a reduced power carrier to the tuner. With the MFJ tuner there are settings that allow the tuner to activate on the receipt of a carrier and search for a match to the feedline and and radio. My station is disassembled due to a move so I can't give you the settings I use and your tuner may be different from the MFJ. I set the tune power in the Flex to 10 watts and the tuner works well at this setting.