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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Simple to build and works perfectly
A great solution for an annoying problem. Kit was well presented, dead simple to build, and works a treat.
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MUST HAVE!
This is an excellent device if you're using an Icom rig with a "non standard" ATU. I use it with an IC-7410 and ATU-130 and have also tested it on a friend's IC-7300 and ATU-100. Thanks SOTABEAMS for developing such a useful tool!
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Click2tune for icom
Just what i needed. Does what it says on the tin.
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Icom tune kit
Excellent
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Click2Tune
Cool gadget! Works perfectly with my 7300 and SGC-235 tuner arrangement. Enclosed in the 3D printed case, it not only works well, it looks terrific! A very handly little accessory for sure. Took 10 minutes to assemble too.
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Click2Tune
Easy to assemble and worked as it should. No problems. Makes tuning a lot easier.
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Good!!
Tks for this nice product!
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Click2tune
This is a perfect item. I wanted a tune button on my Icom IC 7300 and finally I found this product from Sotabeams. It sends out a 10w carrier so I can check my SWR or my amp is tuned quickly. The only thing I can fault Sotabeams for is, it's a pity they do not supply an enclosure otherwise it's great.
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Assembly of the product
The connector was the most difficult part of the assembly - namely crimping the terminals onto the wire. I overdid it with the pliers and the pins dont retain in the housing. I do have more pins and will get round to redoing the connector end.I did ass additional heat shrink onto the cable at both ends as additional strain relief. I think that the product is a superb idea and once I have corrected my error then it will be most useful. Especially when I try taking my IC-7300 to the field soon. ZL1MX Martin
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Click2tune
Simply fantastic, it was the only thing I felt the 7300 lacked. Including the enclosure for an extra fee would have been the icing on the cake.
