[ICOM] IC-706MKII low FM audio adjustment

[Dana Luke]

3/24/2006

QST to anyone who might know how to adjust the FM audio level on an 
IC-706MKII,

I have an IC-706MKII (not the G model) which seems to have low audio when on 
FM using the stock HM-103 hand mike.  I've had the rig 6 years now but never 
used it much on FM so it wasn't a problem but now I'd like to use it on FM 
more.

When I have the mic gain set to 10 the audio is just barely acceptable if I 
speak loudly into the mic.  On SSB I can run the unit at a mic gain of 6 or 
so and it's OK.  I tried a different HM-103 mic with the same results so 
it's not the mic.

Inside the unit there are two adjustment points, labeled FM MAX DEVIATION 
(R274) and FM 3.5 kHz DEVIATION (R260).  I have a feeling that adjusting one 
of these will fix the problem.  I don't want the rig to deviate more than 5 
kHz and go out of the passband of the repeater receiver, and I'm not clear 
as to which one of these adjustments will bring up the audio gain without 
making my signal more than 5 kHz wide.

Can somebody please advise me as to which one to turn?  Thanks!

73 de Dana KA1PK