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

Wed, 11 Jun 2003 19:14:08 -0700

Hi, Herschel

You are the first person who indicated they knew anything about the Milspec
1030C.  I wonder how many exist?  Four have been accounted for in the last
week (a real sea change).  Apparently ours are two of six prototypes built
for the Marines.  How large was the contract you refer to and how many do
you think were built under that contract?

We have a ground loop in the mic circuit in one, perhaps due to the change
in the microphone plug.  The other needs work in the audio stage, and
haven't dug into it to find out why.

Also, in the second, the digital interface circuitry isn't working
correctly, in fact a cable inside that radio has been pulled so the
transceiver doesn't lock up in transmit.  Is there a possibilty to obtain
copies of the interface schematics?  I believe there is a 3rd party
processor board, and a serial interface board.

Other than that, have had to resolder connections on a power supply
regulator board.  That was tough, because parts are mounted through the
board to a heat-sink and there appears to be no easy way to remove the board
to expose the printed circuit side.

73 de Bill, AB6MT/NNN0BIO
[email protected]

limited pix are at http://www.k6bw.org

----- Original Message -----
From: Herschel McCullough
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 4:02 PM
Subject: Re: [SignalOne] Signal One 1030C (Modified Icom 781)

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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