Roger Beep - SM8 installation notes

This article contains notes on installation of a Roger Beep inside an Icom SM8 microphone.

There is very little space in the microphone base, but a Roger Beep module can be accommodated, and it provides a neat solution for integration of the Roger Beep with one or two transceivers.

CAVEAT: Any modifications that you make to your transceiver are entirely your own responsibility. Owen Duffy takes no responsibility for the accuracy of this article, or for the outcome of your modifications. Modification of a transceiver may have implications for original warranty.

Installation

The SM8 base has very little spare room, but with a little care, a Roger Beep module can be fitted.

Before constructing the module, remove about 1.5mm from the top and bottom edges of the board, and about 2.5mm from the side edges. DO NOT grind any tracks or pads away.

When installing the FET, leave sufficient lead length to bend it inwards at 45° to the board.

**Table 1:**
Roger Beep Pin	Description	Connection details
1	+DC	Connect to the cathode of the diode near the socket for mic 1
2	Reset (NC)	Not used
3	PTT in	Cut the lead of the RF choke near the locking PTT switch, so that wires can be attached to the lead coming out of the PCB and the free end of the RF choke, and push the RF choke sideways a little to make space . Connect to the lead coming out of the PCB.
4	PTT out	Connect to the free end of the RF choke.
5	Ground	Connect to the same pad as the shield from the electret insert.
6	Audio out	Connect to the same pad as the inner conductor from the electret insert.

Construct the module, and connect the wires as in Table 1. The work can be done without removing the SM8 PCB.

Fig 2: Roger Beep installed in SM8

Fig 2 shows the module installed in an SM8. The Roger Beep board was trimmed down a little to remove PCB material without grinding away an tracks. The module is encapsulated in heatshrink tube. Note the hole cut in the shrink wrap to provide access to the level adjustment pot.

Test and adjust the Roger Beep before closing the case.

The module is located behind the PCB, angled with the lower edge forward and bearing on the mic cables, and the upper edge backwards. Make sure that the ferrite beads on the mic cables are lifted upwards so that the module can slip in underneath them. Carefully close the cover over the base, jiggling the module and cables to fit. As the case finally closes, the module will push down on the mic cables, holding the module in place without rattles. Check that all the switches operate freely and that the case closes without pinching any wires.

Adjustment procedure

Before finally tucking the module into the transceiver:

Set the transceiver up on a dummy load or antenna for transmission testing.
Turn the processor off, select USB mode and adjust the MIC gain control as per the manual.
Configure the RB for mode 6, continuous tone, as per Configuration.
Press PTT to initiate tone transmission.
Adjust the RB level control until there is just sufficient level to cause indication on the ALC LED.
Press PTT again until tone transmission ceases.
Turn the transceiver off.
Configure the RB for your preferred mode of operation, as per Configuration.
Test operation.

Changes

Version	Date	Description
1.01	05/06/2009	Initial.
1.02
1.03
1.04