Wide band transmit mod for the IC706mkIIg requires removal of diode D.2030. Remove top cover to access main board. Locate IC chip 4052C-8713. Looking at the chip and reading the number from left to right, look just left of the chip to locate 11 solder pads running up and down. Diode D.2030 was the tenth diode from the top of the solder pads on (USA Version) radio. Remove diode. This modification opens up transmit on HF, VHF, and UHF bands.
Ken Bessler KG0WX
http://www.athensarc.org/706.htm
Frequency Expansion
photoNOTE: The author does NOT advocate any illegal operation. It is YOUR responsibility to stay within your authorized bands. NOTE: This is for the MkIIG ONLY. Earlier models use an entirely different procedure. NOTE: This procedure WILL RESET the radio to a factory-new condition. All memories and settings will be cleared.
This modification will allow the MkIIG to transmit on most of the frequencies that it receives on.
It is useful for:
1. Accessing the new Amateur 60-meter channels
2. Authorized MARS and/or CAP operation
3. Authorized Maritime and/or Aviation SSB operation
4. Authorized VHF and UHF public service (police, fire, etc) operation
5. Authorized Land Mobile radio operation
6. Authorized VHF marine operation
7. Unauthorized operation on any frequency, only in immanent life/death emergency, only when no other means of communication are possible (legal but still legally risky)
8. NOTE: Amateur Radios are NOT FCC TYPE-ACCEPTED to operate in other services — even if you have the license to do so! Don’t goof around in the legal gray area unless your leg is mashed under an 11-ton boulder! Remember that other (non-Amateur) radio services require not only a license, but also a radio that is FCC Type Accepted for that service!
Tools: The 706 uses components that are extremely tiny. You will need at least the following tools:
1. 2.5x to 3.5x headband visor magnifier or jeweler’s loupe
2. Bright light
3. 15 watt pencil iron with a clean, lightly tinned, needle sharp point
4. Fine-point tweezers
5. Extremely steady hand
How to remove it (D2030):
(IC-706MkIIG ONLY – Top PCB – Red Arrow Indicates tiny SMT Diode to Remove.)
1. Some people just crush it with needle-nose. I don’t like that idea since it might damage the PCB.
2. Take the tip out of your 15-watt iron. Chuck it in a drill. Turn it against a grinding stone, to a needle point.
3. Reinstall the tip. Heat and re-tin it. Tap off the excess solder.
4. Remove power cable from radio. Remove top cover slowly. Carefully unplug speaker.
5. Using visor magnifier and bright light (and a very steady hand), catch one end of the diode with tip of iron (very lightly tinned).
6. Gently pull upward with the iron. The diode will either rotate upward on it’s other lead – or it’ll break off.
7. If you lift one end just a little, you can leave the diode there in case it ever needs to be reattached.
8. Plug in speaker. Reinstall cover. Power up. Reprogram all your memories and settings.