To Mod or Not to Mod a Radio

[W0LPQ]

For those who desire to mod your radio for CAP or MARS, you need to check out the NTC website.

https://ntc.cap.af.mil/

There are lists of HF/VHF/UHF Radios that do/do not meet the stability requirements as set forth by the NTIA.

Some radios need only the High Stability Oscillator to meet the requirements, while others there is no way.

I can remember when our Collins S-Line/KWM-2A met them with no problems. Not so any more.

Maybe this site will be of some help if you are looking at purchasing a radio for use on CAP or MARS.

MARS is close to being part of the high stability requirements. CAP is already there.

73

Bill, W0LPQ

[K7JBQ]

Love the comment on the ic7800.

If even the Air Force thinks something is expensive, jeeze.

73,
Bill

[K8YS]

interesting, I only looked at two brands, Icom and Yaesu/Vertex... Icom is almost all GREEN (with optional TXCO) and Yaesu is almost all RED even with the optional TXCO.

[AB8RU]

My sugguestion is that anyone looking to do so should go to RF Parts web site look at the specs on the RF Amp freq range Before you decide to mod it !

I did that to a Kenwood TM-241a and the output Amp puked. SAV-17 has a limits to 2M. and I think the PIN Diode also went out.

I think if I was going back into services where I was Authourized a certain freq. outside the Amateur Band I think I would rather pay the extra bucks and go buy a radio programmed in that area and install a separate 1/4 or 5/8 wave Antenna then Tune the SWR that way I wont have any problems.

I would also have my 2M. free in case I need to be in contact with Net Control.