New Version of the Interface kit is now shipping
We have updated the design of the IC-705 Interface kit to include the ATU modifications. When connected to a Hardrock-50 with ATU, the IC705 will 'think' that it has an ICOM tuner attached and all of the radio's ATU functions will work with the Hardrick-50's ATU
If your IC-705 interface kit has two 3.5mm jacks download the 2024 assembly manual below.
If your kit only has one 3.5mm jack, it is the older version so use the original instruction manual.
The new kit uses a different Arduino sketch so if you need to update the FW in the Arduino Nano, download the HR50-IC705 2024.zip file.
The new kit includes the ATU upgrade so do not attempt to upgrade a kit that has two 3.5 mm jacks.
ICOM IC-705 Interface Kit
The IC-705 can send CI-V data via a Bluetooth connection so the band info can be extracted and sent to the Hardrock-50. We have created a IC-705 - Hardrock-50 interface kit that has everything you need to interface the radio to the amp. You can read about and order it here:
https://www.hobbypcb.com/index.php/products/hf-radio/ic705-to-hardrock-interface-detail
The assembly manual for the interface kit can be downloaded at the bottom of the page. Since the interface is based on the Arduino Nano and only uses a few pins, I routed many of those pins to empty headers so you can add other features.
Instructions, new Hardrock-50 firmware and a new Sketch for the Arduino Nano in the interface unit are located below.
If you decide to make this modification here is a list of things you need to be successful:
Hardrock-50 amplifier Rev F or newer with the ATU installed
ICOM IC-705 Transceiver
HardRock-50_v4.2a.zip from below
Hardrock-50 IC705 Interface Kit from HobbyPCB
IC705 Interface Upgrade kit from RF Power Tools
Tools: #1 Philips screwdriver, soldering iron
Windows PC
USB cables
HobbyPCB Bootloader from the Firmware Update site
Arduino IDE from https://www.arduino.cc/ installed on the PC
All of these items should be good working order, anything that wasn’t working before you start this upgrade will probably not be working afterwards.