I’ve added a new rig to the ham shack. It’s not exactly new. Here’s what I’ve added and how I’ve put it into operation.

S&P — Search and Purchase

I have been searching for a rig to use for VHF portable operations. Ideally, it would have 6 and 2 meters, both at 100 watts. The best option among the Icom rigs I prefer was the IC-746, and the IC-746PRO is even better with improved DSP.

Given that premise, I found the perfect option on eBay from VE6XH. I’d previously purchased his M2 6M-1K2 amplifier. His rig had everything I needed, including the CR-338 high-stability oscillator and built-in external T/R connections for HF/6 and 2 meters. He also included the Digimode-1 interface for WSJT-X operations. Plus, it is in utterly pristine condition.

Portable Operation in DM85

When it arrived, with minimal shipping delay from Canada, I immediately used it from DM85 in the Texas Panhandle. I used my car battery for power through a Buddiepole PowerPlus. The WSJT ran on a MacBook Air using the Digimode-1 interface. I used a 3-element M2 6m Yagi supported by a painter’s pole for an antenna. See my article Texas Panhandler — DM85 on 6 meters for more insight.

Rig Swap at Home

The IC-746PRO worked great during my activation in DM85. Once home, I decided to swap it with the IC-7100, reserving that rig for future portable operations.

WSJT Interface Challenges

I discovered that the IC-746PRO worked great on the Mac with the interface to WSJT-X but not so great on Windows. There is a challenge with the PTT connection. The rig came with the Digimode-1 interface. I’ve used these interfaces on Windows for the IC-9100 and IC-910H, but something snags PTT with the IC-746PRO. I ended up using FLRIG as the interface to the rig. This inspiration was provided on the WSJT groups.io. That worked fine except for a random change in frequency.

I then asked the WJST groups.io guys what might work best. Mike, W9MDB, responded via a phone call. He then took over my rig via AnyDesk and sifted through all manner of issues. He fixed a serial port latency issue, which completely fixed the frequency change, and adjusted quite a bit of stuff. He recommended that I look into a different interface that allowed the audio levels to be adjusted. He prefers Signalink for audio and an RT Systems cable for CI-V CAT control.

I reviewed the Signalink documentation and found several issues with the IC-746PRO, chiefly around the DIN connections and the challenges of connecting HF/6 through the 8-pin DIN and VHF through the 7-pin DIN. Plus, a separate cable was needed for CI-V CAT control.

I also looked at the RigExpert interfaces and elected to buy the TI-3000. The pricing is reasonable, there is speedy shipping, and it works well with the IC-746PRO. The cable for the IC-746 provides both the 7- and 8-pin DIN connections. It still requires FLRIG as the interface to get PTT working. But I like it. [ October 2024 update: Not sure what I changed, but the TI-3000 is now working directly with the IC-746PRO, without FLrig. ]

HF and VHF Transmit/Receive Setup

As noted above and as you can see in the nearby photos, the rig has been modified to provide access to transmit and receive connections within the IC-746PRO. I’ve found some notes online about the modification. VE6XH did a fantastic job of installing that setup.

I’ve tried the T/R connections on the IC-746PRO. They worked well with an Airspy HF+ Discovery and a Nooelec HF LANA using SDR Console. I’ve also tried it on 2 meters with a Nooelec 2-meter SAWBIRD+ LNA patched in between the RX-out and RX-in. Next is trying the Airspy R2 with the LNA and a JFW Industries variable attenuator to get the signal to the right level. If you have any doubts, I’ve got gadgets and am willing to use them!

Power Distribution Box from eBay

One is a power distribution unit that I picked up on eBay from Crazy Ham. It has six switches, each with its fuse, and everything is connected with PowerPole connectors. I use it to control the voltage meter for the 6-meter amp and lights for each of the watt meters on my desk. It may also be pulled in to power the sequencers for 6 and 2, although it may be wise to leave those always connected to avoid problems. BTW, the case looks like it’s been printed. It’s a very nice unit at a great price.

New Old Rigs

As you consider your next steps for adding various items, including rigs, to your ham shack, consider some of the older rigs. This one fits my requirements exactly, and it gave me a few new ham radio adventures.