Icom IC-91AD SMA Connector

When the MH-510 worked great on the VX-7R, I moved the SRH77CA over to the IC-91AD D-Star handheld. Immediately, a problem presented itself - there was a considerable gap between the bottom of the antenna and the top of the radio. That could easily stress the SMA connector and allow dirt and moisture to get into the connection, neither of which are conducive to good operating.



The first solution that popped into my mind was some sort of plastic or rubber washer, so it was off to the Home Depot. On the way there, however, another idea popped into mind: an O-ring. I remembered the varied sizes of O-rings that we sold when I worked at Builderama years ago so I headed straight to the plumbing department. I looked through the various sizes and found the perfect solution: #78 O-Rings. The #78 is 7/16" OD x 1/4" ID x 3/32" which perfectly fit around the SMA connector and under the SRH77CA.

As youcan see above, the #78 O-Ring fit into place perfectly and the antenna compresses it a bit when tightened down resulting in a stable and sealed connection. This is a very simple fix to allow a great radio to use a great antenna.

Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT

kf4lmt@comcast.net