MODIFICATION OF THE YEASU FT-530 FOR EXPANDED RECEIVER COVERAGE

By:       Dave Robertson KD1NA

This modification will increase the receiver coverage of the
Yeasu FT-530 to include:

110 through 180 Mhz

300 through 500 Mhz

800 through 950 Mhz

This modification is a hardware configuration mod and requires
one to open up the rig and remove solder from certain pads.
These pads are very small and require a magnifying glass to see
properly.  As in opening up any small high performance handy-
talky, extreme care must be taken so no parts are damaged, lost,
or left out.  If you are even slightly squeamish about opening up
a $500.00 rig then I suggest you reconsider.

Work in a well lighted area and work over a white towel so parts
won't bounce and get lost. The tools required are as follows:

1,   A good quality small soldering pencil.

2,   A miniature Phillips screwdriver.

3,   A small amount of solderwick or some copper braid removed
     from miniature coax with flux added
     (DON'T USE A SOLDER SUCKER)

4,   A steady hand.

NOTE PERFORMING THIS MOD WILL REMOVE ALL DATA STORED INTO MEMORY
AND SET THE RIG BACK TO ITS FACTORY DEFAULTS.  It is a good idea
to list down all your memories before proceeding with this mod.

1,   After turning the unit off remove the battery and antenna.

2,   Using the Phillips screwdriver remove the four screws that
     hold the bottom plate and store in a safe place.  Note the bottom
     plate will now hang off a small ribbon cable so care must be
     taken as not to damage this cable.

3,   Remove the four black Phillips screws from the rig's body.
     Yes there are four (4) screws, 3 on the PTT side and one on the
     other side. One screw will be much smaller then the rest.

4,   Carefully separate and open up the two halves of the rig
     taking care as not to damage the ribbon cable. Place the rig so
     the bottom faces toward you.  You will notice a white insulating
     sheet of plastic in the right-hand side, remove this and set
     aside.

5,   Using the diagram below locate the solder pads on the
     bottom-right of the CPU printed circuit board. Note that pads 13
     and 15 have solder on them (as well as other pads).  These are
     jumper pads and when there is solder present they are shorted.
     To open these pads you must carefully use solderwick and wick
     away the solder.  remove the solder from pads 13 and 15 ONLY!

6,   Using a sharp knife carefully verify that the pads are open, be
     careful about static electricity.

7,   Reinstall the white plastic insulating sheet, be sure to
     allow the copper grounding tab to protrude through the slit in
     the sheet.

8,   Very carefully reassemble the rig.  Be sure that the
     internal ribbon cable connecting the two halves of the rig is not
     pinched between the halves of the rig and the halyard clamp is
     properly in positioned before pushing the two halves of the
     rig together.  Reinstall all screws, battery, and antenna.

9,   While holding the MR and VFO buttons down at the same
     time turn on the rig. Turn off the rig and now while holding the
     Up and Down MHZ buttons down at the same time turn on the rig.

10,  On the VHF side using the keys set the rig to 130.00 MHZ
     then with the dial tune down to below 130, this will unlock the
     vhf receiver.  Set the UHF side for 149.9 MHZ and using the dial
     adjust for above 450 MHZ.  This will unlock the UHF side.

Modification is now complete, enjoy your wider receiver coverage.



                        |
                        |  SMALL IC
                        | /
        _ _   _ _       |/
       (_|_) (_|_)      /
         11    9   __  /|
           _ _    |  |/ |   CPU PRINTED
       14 (_|_)   |__|  |  /CIRCUIT BOARD
              _ _       | / RIGHT PANEL
             (_|_)13    |/
        _ _   _ _    _  |
       (_|_) (_|_)  (_) |
        16    15       \|
                 _______\
                |        \ MOUNTING SCREW
                |
       _________|