Phase 2 build is complete and fully tested on the air! The shack is looking mighty neat and clean now!
Phase 2 adds Assembly #3 and a couple of minor improvements to Phase 1. See the OP for details on Phase 1.
Assembly #3: SG-239 coupler with PTC-1 Icom-to-SGC tuner controller.
The 239 is mounted up on stand-offs to provide a place for cable routing, interconnects and storage. There are some ferrites on the coax tail to 239 input. The PTC-1 is a fantastic product that is, sadly, no longer available. It makes any SGC coupler appear to the radio as if it is an Icom AH-4 thereby preserving all radio tuner automation. I built a custom banana jack fixture on the back of the 239 to allow for quick, tool-less connect/disconnect of ladder line or other wires type antennas. I was a little concerned about the proximity of the ladder line to the other cables however it has not proven to be any sort of problem.
Improvements to Phase 1: I changed the USB cable to one that ends in a USB port (sourced from L-Com) and changed from the giant ferrite on the USB cable to a couple of smaller ones that fit better. I also remounted the Microham so that it doesn't interfere with removing the IC7000 front panel in case I ever want to remote it.
I now have a Phase 2A planned. This will be fabrication of some cables for a deployment kit and a Plexiglas cover for the 239 assembly. Oh, and some OD webbing for the handles, too
Phase 3 will be another assembly that will contain a battery and a Powergate.
And now the obligatory pic's...
Front view of the entire stack. The 239 is pushed back a little in the housing to allow space for a hinged Plexiglas cover to provide some protection of the exposed terminals. I'm planning that cover in Phase 2A. The controls and LEDs on the 239 are easily accessible. The paint on the front of the 239 housing makes it much sexier!
Rear view. Note the passthrough holes, USB port, and ladderline connections. While I've engineered it so that nothing protrudes and it can sit on its ass with everything going through a passthrough, this is going to be a little challenging with a ladderline connection. However this probably won't be an issue since I'll likely only use it that way in a vehicle and in that case I'll be making a coax transition to the 239 output.
A more detailed view of the interior. That Microham has a lot of cable to stow!
And finally the side view. Yes, yes, I know, that horrible red!
I swear I'm going to ask the XYL to sew me up some OD handles, really...