FT23 frequency coverage
                      =======================

Some of you may remember that there was a bulletin circulated in Spanish
about extending the coverage on an FT23. I asked a student who was staying
with us to translate it for me, and I thought that others may find it useful.
I have done the modification to my FT23 which was previously to the standard
UK spec. It now works very well on the VHF marine frequencies (as I wanted),
however, it's sensitivity drops of very rapidly as you move away from the
standard frequency coverage.

Cheers Richard G1PVR

FT23R

This Handheld covers a frequency of 140-164Mhz originally for the version
supplied in the UK.  Nevertheless, by means of a simple modification, the
coverage can be extended to 50-300Mhz.

Open the case:-

BE CAREFUL. DON'T LOSE THE SPRING FROM THE TOP OF THE BATTERY!

On the left of the processor, 6 pairs of PCB pads will be found marked 7, 8
and 9.
As supplied, the 9 is closed and the 7 and 8 are open.

To widen the coverage, open the 9 and close the 7. 8 is left as it is.

The following table shows the coverage with different combinations of 7, 8
and 9.

9  8  7         Coverage
-------         --------

0  1  0         440-450Mhz   (FT73R)
0  0  0         300-550Mhz      "
0  1  1         430-440Mhz      "
0  1  1          50-300Mhz   (FT23R)
1  0  0         140-164Mhz      "
1  0  1         144-148Mhz      "
1  1  0         140-160Mhz      "
1  1  1         144-146Mhz      "   (UK SPEC)

Note. 1=closed, 0=open.

I hope that the information is useful.

Translated from Spanish by Alfonso  (EA4CAI)

(Downloaded from GB7SYP)