[CQ-Contest] TS870 Band data output

[Bob Henderson]

I love my TS870 which is a great radio but which because of its lack of band
data to control antenna and filter switching has been relegated to secondary
use in favour of two FT1000MPs in my SO2R set-up.  I did use the 870 for a
while with band data generated by the logging computer but I didn't find
that too satisfactory.  The problem being that if the computer crashed band
data was lost and the 870 was potentially exposed to front end damage when
band pass filters etc dropped out of circuit.

Yesterday, I decided to see if I could find a way of modifying my 870 to
provide the band data output it lacked.  I found it to be remarkably easy to
achieve but not as 4-bit parallel band data (Yaesu) rather as direct decoded
band data the like of which a band decoder connected to a Yaesu rig would
provide.  It seems to me this is a way better deal.  I don't need an
external band decoder for the 870.  It will now directly switch my Array
Solutions Six Pack and my Dunestar band-pass filters.

If anyone wishes their 870 could do this I am happy to provide details of
this relatively simple mod.

73 and good contesting.

Bob 5B4AGN, P3F, ZC4ZM