Build the Tango-Tuner for cheap or free

[W4INF]

http://rogertango.com/articleread.aspx?idnumber=99843234

The full article on the Tango-Tuner, a link to the video is posted at the end.

Using common parts such as a computer power supply plug, a 10k resister and some wire, switches, etc.. and you can have 10w CW transmit at the push of a button.

I found the circuit on the Internet, I am only detailing the project build and not claiming the design. I am however taking full credit for the modified power supply plug for which without, the dongle would never work!

73-
Andrew

[W3MIV]

The Molex plug and socket combo (the same as used on the ICOMs) is readily available at Radio Shack, among many other places.

[N2RJ]

Good job on the writeup.

The icom 7000 will work, it will just screw up the temperature display.

However if you put a diode in series with the 10k resistor it may work. I haven't tried the circuit on your webpage but I have modded the N2VZ Turbo Tuner with the diode.

The reason behind this is simple - with the TKEY and start line connected together, voltage goes where its not supposed to, giving an error on the temp display and fan start circuit. The diode prevents this voltage from going where its not supposed to and the radio works as normal.

As usual, caveat emptor, try at your own risk.

[W4INF]

Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Dec. 03 2007,07:03)]The Molex plug and socket combo (the same as used on the ICOMs) is readily available at Radio Shack, among many other places.

W3MIV, I looked, researched and searched to no avail. Could not be located, had or ordered. Unless they just recently added it to there website, it wasnt on there a few weeks ago when I went to build this.

At any rate, modifying the power supply plug makes this project a "dont need to leave home for parts" project! Extra thumbs up!
N2RJ, thanks for the feedback. This is NOT the same tuner that is common on say Ebay, those permit the tune button on the rig to operate... This one (I built) performs the task right away at the press of a button, I like this one's operation much better.

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (W4INF @ Dec. 04 2007,10:22)]Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Dec. 03 2007,07:03)]The Molex plug and socket combo (the same as used on the ICOMs) is readily available at Radio Shack, among many other places.

W3MIV, I looked, researched and searched to no avail. Could not be located, had or ordered. Unless they just recently added it to there website, it wasnt on there a few weeks ago when I went to build this.

At any rate, modifying the power supply plug makes this project a "dont need to leave home for parts" project! Extra thumbs up!
N2RJ, thanks for the feedback. This is NOT the same tuner that is common on say Ebay, those permit the tune button on the rig to operate... This one (I built) performs the task right away at the press of a button, I like this one's operation much better.
This one should also allow the "tune" button to be used.

[W4INF]

Yes sir, I *think* it does, Ill double check when I get home but I think I did used the tune button and it worked...

[N2RJ]

The tune button definitely should work, because the TKEY lead is tied to TSTART.

Basically how an AH-4 or any other Icom tuner works is that when you press the tuner button, it sends a signal via TKEY. The Tuner will send back a signal to the TSTART pin.

Since TKEY and TSTART are tied (along with the pull up resistor from 12v) it will think that an AH-4 is saying "go ahead, tune" when all it is is looping back from the TKEY lead.

[W3MIV]

If the Molex connectors have been dropped, it is news to me since I bought three sets of them just a few weeks ago at a local RS. In a way, it would not surprise me, since RS is noted for dropping items and selling the stock until it is gone.

[N5KRC]

Good write up and video. Great job!

Now for your next project, build a dummyload so you don't have to test your Tango-Tuner over the air! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[W4INF]

That was into a dummy load. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[W4INF]

Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Dec. 03 2007,12:30)]....I bought three sets of them just a few weeks ago at a local RS.
Would you happen to have the RS part number? If so Id like to verify availability and post the number on the article too.

Thanks,
Andrew

[n4bfd]

Quote[/b] (W4INF @ Dec. 03 2007,20:21)]That was into a dummy load. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Why such the high noise floor?

[W4INF]

T/R antenna switch

[K7ELP]

Quote[/b] (W4INF @ Dec. 05 2007,10:03)]Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Dec. 03 2007,12:30)]....I bought three sets of them just a few weeks ago at a local RS.
Would you happen to have the RS part number? If so Id like to verify availability and post the number on the article too.

Thanks,
Andrew
The Radio Shack P/N is 274-224
73
Ned

[W4INF]

Thanks Ned, even though it does not have the same shape, it fits okay?

[W4INF]

I updated the page with the 718's Initial Set menu settings as was pointed out by another user.