[SignalOne] Signal One 1030C (Modified Icom 781)

Wed, 11 Jun 2003 18:02:33 -0500

well I can help with the manuals..  I have the MilSpec ones..  I am one of
those who sent in a 781 and had it converted.. but remembering the Signal
One Legacy from the early-mid 70s .. and at the time doing several large
contracts for the navy.. I just sent mine in under a contractor repair order
and Walla , back she came with all documentation etc..  but FedEx did do
some damage, so back she went and came back even better..  and of course I
still have it and use it daily.  but if I can be of help . I will be most
happy to try and help..  mac/mc
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Smith" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 1:01 PM
Subject: Re: [SignalOne] Signal One 1030C (Modified Icom 781)


> Yes, it is an Icom 781 repackged in a Hewlett Packard cabinet with a
custom
> front panel.  There was someone in New Mexico or Texas that had acquired
the
> Signal One name and was issuing these beasts to the military at cost+++
> prices.  He advertised on the Internet for a while, offering to take in a
> 781 and for only $4000 return it as a Signal One Milspec 1030C.  Our Navy
> MARS club has two of them.  We tried to get an instruction book from him,
> but he wanted $400 for just the book.  He offered to repair them on a 24
> hour turn around for only $3500 a quarter.  When I mentioned we were just
a
> Ham Club, he suggested the Navy would be able to foot the bill.
>
> He closed up shop a year or so ago.  Just stopped answering the phone and
> pulled the website.  But after the first call he wouldn't return calls to
us
> anyway.
>
> We ordered a 781 manual from Icom for $40.  It covers most of the boards.
A
> couple of digital interface boards (for externally controlling the
> transceiver) are not covered by the manual and we don't have any
information
> on them.  (Does anyone here have any info?)
>
> They seem to be good radios if you like Icom design.  Big, and lots of
> buttons.  Both still have minor problems, which haven't been corrected
yet.
> If you have any info, or questions, will be happy to correspond.
>
> Bill Smith
> [email protected]
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Ora Smith
> To: [email protected]
> Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2003 7:51 AM
> Subject: [SignalOne] Signal One 1030C (Modified Icom 781)
>
>
> I searched the threads for info on this radio, but didn't find anything.
> Can anyone shed light on its history?  The unit is marked as a "Signal
> One 1030C" and has a Signal One serial number and Signal One logo on the
> S meter.  It looks like an IC-781 with a light colored front panel, a
> Collins mic plug instead of the standard ICOM plug, plus it has a
> Collins mechanical filter board installed using gold plated connectors
> (the board sits on top of the ICOM filters, and includes GAsFET amps).
> According to the guy I bought it from it has been modified internally
> with upgraded PIN's and different RF output transistors, plus various
> other things; however, it remains enough of a 781 to use the 781 service
> manual on it.
>
>
>
> It is NOT the 1030CI ( which I have also seen referred to as a 1030C),
> which was built into a extended height 781 cabinet.  The cabinet is
> stock ICOM except for the different colored front panel and perhaps
> different knobs.
>
>
>
> The fellow who sold it to me said he talked with Don Roehrs who said
> this radio was one of a batch of 6 produced as prototypes for the Marine
> Corps. I doubt that it was done for the USMC, because it is set up as a
> ham band radio, i.e., no extended transmit mod and the band selection
> labeling and selection is strictly ham.
>
>
>
> I heard from another source that this rig may have been made by someone
> who bought the rights to the Signal One name and was trying to start a
> business remanufacturing upgraded IC-781's, but never got past the
> prototype stage.
>
>
>
> Can anyone shed light on the history of this radio?  Whatever it is, it
> is a GREAT rig!  I have put my OMNI 6 up on the shelf.  The Rx is
> outstanding, and with outboard audio DSP it has become the finest
> receiver I've ever used.  I get good reports, too.
>
>
>
> I have pictures in case anyone wants to see what it looks like.
>
>
>
> Thanks es 73,
>
>
>
> Ora Smith
>
> W9DJ
>
>
>
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