K6JRF's Page
formerly W6FZC
FT1000D Cooling Fan Page
(Updated: July 23, 2000)

This FAN Page details the required modifications needed to the FT1000D's cooling fan to increase the cooling and cut down on the fan noise. Note 7 details all of this.

NOTE 7

This report details modifications to the FT1000D FAN circuitry to increase the radio's cooling while lowering the noise. This is accomplished by adding two (2) resistors.

The FT1000's fan is a source of noise for me due to the high gain of the audio processing equipment. This makes the mic very susceptible to noise pickup especially when the fan switches to HIGH cooling mode. The high frequency (400 - 700hz) whine seems to 'propagate' right into the output audio. When in LOW speed, it cools the complete radio as well as being almost noiseless. This modification keeps the fan on LOW speed continuously and changes the high speed rpm when it kicks in.

LOW Speed Operation:
The picture below shows the schematic (Rload simulates the fan current load) and circuit simulation results of the fan control circuit. A short theory of operation follows: thermistor TH7602, located on the HEATSINK's right side, controls the input to an op amp Q7611-2 such that when cold, the output is HIGH (+8V). The cold resistance is around 3.7K ohms and the voltage on pin 5 (+ in) is apx 5.5 volts. The voltage on pin 6 (- in) is fixed at 4.5 volts. Thus, the output of op amp Q7611-1 is LOW (-8V) which cuts off the driver transistor, Q7621.

PSpice Simulation Schematic of the FT1000D Fan Circuit

As the radio warms, thermistor TH7602 heats up and drops in resistance, thus dropping the voltage on pin 5. When the voltage drops below the threshold point (4.5V) and the output switches LOW (-8V). This is inverted in op amp Q7611-1 to +8V which turns the FAN on LOW speed by turning on transistor Q7621 providing a path for current flow from J7607 FAN2 to FAN1. The fan is tied to +30V through R7640, 27 ohms. Transistor Q7612, that is AC coupled (220uf), provides a current 'kick' to the fan to insure that it starts.

HIGH Speed Operation:
The fans switches to high speed when J7608, pin 2 (TG standing for Thermal Guard) drops to ground potential. Referring to the FT1000 SERVICE MANUAL, page 7-125 shows the connector. This connects to the PA UNIT Board, page 7-87. In bottom corner, TG unit TS7001 applies a GROUND to effectively short around R7650 (120 ohm) resistor which allows the fan to go into high speed. At this speed it is really noisy! The sensor is manufactured by TOKIN (PN: OHD3-60M). It appears to be a temperature sensitive device with a contact closure that provides a 'ground'.

You should clean and lubricate the fan as part of this modification.
Although not mandatory, it's a good idea because after years of use, albeit intermittently, you'll find lots of dust! To remove the fan assembly which is 'buried' beneath the Low Pass Filter (LPF) Unit, do the following:
1) After removing the top and bottom covers, remove the LPF Unit by removing its cover, the four (4) indicated screws (see pic) holding it to the main chassis and disconnect all RF and Molex connectors.
2) Remove the PS distribution unit on the left side behind the power transformer by removing the indicated screw on the floor of the chassis and all Molex style plug-in connectors 3) Remove the screw on the back panel next to the IEC (AC line input) connector. Also remove the sheet metal screw on the back panel of the PS distribution unit that secures the fan housing.
4) Remove the red/black wire connector that plugs into the PS Board. This provides power to the fan and gently reroute any cable harness wires in the way.
5) Lift out the metal bracket that supports the LPF Unit.
6) The fan can now be removed by gently working it out from the floor of the main chassis. It floats on rubber feet.
7) Completely disassemble the fan and clean thoroughly. Lubricate the bearing surfaces with a light oil such as Radio Shack 'LUBRICATOR' pn 64-2301A. It contains Teflon and further quiets any rotational fan noise.
8) Reassemble by reversing the above steps.
You will find that the fan is very quiet now. Since the fan will now be running continuously, this preventive maintenance procedure will pay dividends later on.

PS Bracket to which the Fan is mounted

Low Pass Filter Unit

Modifications:
As with all of my modifications, you should have the FT1000 Service Manual. The following mod is accomplished with just two resistors. Here's the compete instructions:
1) Remove the TOP COVER (8 screws) and the POWER AMP shroud (6 screws) on the back of the radio.
2) Locate thermistor TH7602 where it solders into the PS UNIT Board.
3) Solder a 2.7K, 1/4W resistor across the terminals of the thermistor.
4) Locate the PA UNIT Board. Remove connector J7007 (marked J07).
5) The two wires are white (hot, TG signal) and brown (ground). Cut the WHITE wire about 2 inches from the end and solder a 47 ohm, 3W wirewound resistor in series with the connection. Placed shrink tubing over the resistor and shrink until tight.
6) Plug connector into J07. Replace shroud and top cover.

OPTIONAL: The fan speed is controlled by R7650 (120 ohms). You can change this resistor to say 75 - 100 ohms by paralleling with another resistor (at least 1 watt) to increase the low speed cooling rpm. I used 680 ohm, 1 watt resistor. The parallel combination is 102 ohms. This increases the fan rpm by 15% which increases the cooling but does not generate excessive fan noise.


Fan Ckt Mods

The fan will now run continuously on low speed when the radio is powered up. This keeps the radio remarkably cool. Even after 6 hours, the top, sides and back are very cool to the touch. If the PA output stage gets hot enough, the FAN will kick into high speed mode but at reduced rpm due to the 47 ohm resistor. This will take a little longer to cool down the PA since the rpm is about 60% of the original. However, the noise is quite low and airflow is adequate.


FAN Mod Results

Postscript: [7/6/00]
This mod was made about 6 months ago during cool winter weather. Now that we are in summer's heat, the mod has really shown its medal. The fan has never gone into high speed mode even with three (3) hours of SSB 'ragchew' at the studio temperature at 83 degs! And the radio stays cool to the touch.


The results of the two added resistors are shown here. Note that soldering is required to do this enhancement.


PSpice Simulation Results of Fan Circuit

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