I received the following mods for 24AT out-of-band from a very reliable source (although they don't specify RX only or RX/TX), for 75-195 MHz, 200-490 MHz, and 740-960 MHz. Rumor has it (unconfirmed) that the unit even switches to AM in the air band! 1. Remove diode D8 [see figure below] 2. Attach diode D7 [I believe this is already equipped] 3. Attach diode D12 4. Remove diode D13 5. Simultaneously hold "LIGHT", "B", and "#" keys and turn the power on. Release all keys after the display goes out (checks all LCD segments). [This is supposed to enable the out-of-band frequencies above] 6. Simultaneously hold "LIGHT" and "2" keys and turn the power on. This enables the 10 MHz frequency digit entry. 7. Simultaneously hold "LIGHT" and "3" keys and turn the power on. This enables the 100 MHz frequency digit entry. __________________ | | | | | | | CPU | | | | | | | |________________| o o o D7 lower left pin is [D7] [D8] anode of one diode, o o o lower right is cathode of the other. Top pin o o is common [D12] o D12 upper pins are cath- odes of diodes, lower is common anode. __I_ __I_ See text | | | | D13 |__| | | D? |/\| | | | | | | |__| |__| I I WARNING: I have NOT tried the hardware mods and cannot vouch for them, so proceed at your own risk! I am told that the newer 24AT's (believed not to have made it to the US yet) will have the hardware mods in place, so only steps 5-7 will be necessary. So, try this first. Steps 5-7 don't seem to have any effect on a 24AT without the correct hardware mods. BTW, this has been attempted on 2 units with serial numbers around 1000 and mid-1100's, neither of which worked. :-( Like I said, the ones with the mods aren't here yet. There are 5 screws to remove the case (5th is on the strap hook). Keep the top panel controls with the front of the radio, and be VERY careful pulling the back off because there are fine ribbon cables connecting the front & back. I don't think they'll take much flexing. Additionally, diodes D7, D8, and D12 are surface mount components. They contain 2 diodes connected to 3 pins. Diodes D7 and D12 are different configurations. I believe D8 and D12 are different, so I wouldn't put the removed D8 in the spot for D12. Since they are surface mount, removal of D8 may not be all that difficult for those with steady hands and a fine low power soldering iron, but adding D12 would be a bear. I know of no reason that small discrete diodes couldn't be used in for D12. D13 is a small but standard axial diode, and can be easily cut. It is for this reason I have not attempted the hardware mods. Now, if the referenced posting is correct, and only D13 needs to be cut... I'm guessing, but it could be that the rest of the diode changes are for the 10 MHz & 100 MHz digit entry (which I'd like but could live without) or out-of-band TX, or the like. If anyone has tried only cutting D13 and resetting? Did it work? What is your serial number? Please post to the net! If I learn more, I'll follow up. -- Mike Pflueger Packet: WD8KPZ @ W1FJI ------------------------------ Transmit range doesn't appear to be affected unfortunately. I was at least hoping for 420-450 coverage. BTW, I tried each amateur band from 6m to 23cm. The PLL doesn't lock up at either end. Another negative is the frequency step on 220 doesn't allow one to hit each possible repeater slot. All in all, not too bad. Now if I can get the cross-band repeater function... ------------------------------ The mods posted for the IC-24 enable the wide receive only (as far as I know). However, the good news is that there are more mods on the way such as direct entry of MHz when out of band. BTW the out-of-band sensitivity is very good (blew the doors off a BC-200xlt), except near the ends of the range. 73 Gene WA1UXA ::::::ADDITIONAL INFO RECEIVED 10-25-90::::::: This is from the icom "translated fax" FOR THE IC-24AT MOD Usable ranges after the mods will be: RX: 114-130, 138-192, 403-485 & 825-903 TX: 138-168, & 410-485 In reality I have seen a great variance between different radios on where they actually lock up but I have been impressed at the capabilities of this radio I assume you already have done the kbd mod for the out of band recieve so I will skip that part. Order the diodes from Icom, part number 912-06015. They are about $2.50 each. A lot for a diode but not a lot to spend for the mod. These are tiny tiny *tiny* surface mount dual diodes. They have three legs each and I forgot to see if they were common anode or cathode or back to front. Be safe and order the right ones from Icom. Open up the radio. Clip out the glass diodes D13 and D14. D13 should already be out to enable the rx mod but D14 will enable cross band repeat. Func-C,5,D will activate the cross band repeat between two *simplex* channels. Install the two surface mount diodes at position D7 and D12. The picture below may help find them. I used the hottest and tiniest tipped iron I could find, tweezers and magnifying glass. The extra temperature helps in soldering but you have to be quick. Be extremely careful adding these diodes as I have seen how easy it is to lift an etch. ____________________________________ | | | | | +=====-+ | | | CPU | | D5,6 Enable USA operation | | | | D12 Enable UHF TX expansion | +=====-+ | D7 Enable VHF TX expansion | | D13 Disable expanded RX | D5 V V D6 | D14 Disable crossband Rpt | D7 X " D8 | | D11 " V D12 | | | | | | | | | | D13 O O D14 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Mic . . | | _ . . | | (_= . Bat . | | . . | | . . | | | | | |__________________________________| ----8<=====---8<=====---8<=====---8<=====---8<=====---8<----