This module allows locking the ICOM IC-9700 radio transceiver internal frequency reference, to an external 49.152MHz signal. If the internal reference is locked to a GPS signal, achievable ICOM stability can be better than 1Hz on all bands.

Installing this module inside the ICOM IC-9700 does not require any soldering or modification to internal circuitry. This modification is completely reversible and should not affect your warranty.

This module is designed to be used and has been tested with our range of GPS reference clocks signal sources.

Parts Required
1 x LBE-1420 or LBE-1421k
1 x ICOM Injection Board
1 x SMA/SMA Cable to connect the GPS Clock to the 9700

Step-by-step Installation Instructions

• Disconnect all external cables and wires connected to the IC-9700
• Place a soft cloth or clean towel on your working surface to avoid scratching your ICOM IC-9700
• Remove 12 cross-head JIS #2 screws holding the bottom cover - three on each side and six on the bottom. Use correct screwdriver to avoid stripping screw heads. We recommend P2x150 screwdriver that we stock.
• Turn IC-9700 upside down, remove the bottom cover and put it aside
• Unscrew the nut holding SMA connector on the back marked "REF IN 10MHZ". Disconnect small U.FL connector, remove and save the cable. Alternatively, leave U.FL side connected, place SMA connector, nut and washer into a small plastic bag and securely tape it inside the IC-9700
• Remove black airflow protection sponge and stick it elsewhere inside the IC-9700
• Remove two screws on the main PCB, marked "10" and "11". Put them aside
• Install injection board using two supplied longer screws
• Place old screws into two holes on the injection board for storage
• Install SMA extension cable between the injection board and the connector previously used by "REF IN 10MHZ" (cable is supplied.)
• Install bottom cover and fix it with twelve screws

ICOM IC-9700 Setup Instruction

• Configure your GPS clock to output 49152000Hz signal with full power (32mA setting)
• Connect the clock source to SMA connector on the back of IC-9700 (Cable not supplied)
• Turn IC-9700 on and let it warm up for 5-10 minutes
• Switch to a SSB mode and tune to a reasonably stable CW signal you can hear and see on the waterfall
• Press MENU button then tap (1), SET, Function, REF Adjust
• Turn on external 49.152MHz reference and observe CW signal frequency shift. Adjust sliders so that frequency shift is within 10Hz on 2m band (30Hz on 70cm band or 100Hz on 1200MHz band.)
• Exit the menu and test IC-9700 operation.

Troubleshooting - if IC-9700 does not lock

• Make sure external reference is switched on, has correct 49.152MHz frequency and 10-20dBm power level (Max 32mA drive setting)
• Verify that REF Adjust is set correctly. Coarse scale should be roughly in 40-50% range. Follow fine adjustment procedure above.
• Lock range for proper set up is wider than 100Hz (2m band), 300Hz (70cm band), 800Hz (1200MHz band) in both direction. This is about two times wider than extreme excursion during continuous transmit and receive periods.

When used with the LBE-1421 there is an additional clock output which can be programmed to the full range of frequencies.

You may find this You Tube video helpful: GPS Lock Your Icom IC-9700 with the Leo Bodnar Injection Board! Simple Installation & Setup!