Picked up a MD8470A. Runs Windows XP & have been using it as a dedicated FT8 box. Replacement CPU arrived today Intel P4M SL6VC 2.4GHz. Works much better than original 1.7GHz SL6V6. Memory is standard DDR – 2 banks supporting 512MB each (I think). Shipped with 1x 512MB PC2100. I added another 512MB PC3200 (all I had on hand) and it works fine.
As I'm not using all the Anritsu RF, I've pulled out the 2x PCI signalling cards, 2x RF modules from bottom, combiner and coax hard line. At some point, I'll put a hackRF or 2 in place of the 2x RF bottom modules. There will still be enough room for a range of BPF filters and possibly a wide band PA or 2.
2x Fans is quite noisy so I simply unplugged 1x. Still works fine and temp sits nicely at 36 Deg C with replaced CPU.
I'm on the hunt for a service manual. Love to figure out motherboard PCI pinout's and more about the 10MHz OCXO – specifically how its routed the RF stages. The CPU clock looses time which is a pain for FT8 so I'd like to look into that too. Any help appreciated.
Some may wonder why spend $$ and time on an old dog like this. 1 – the PC is enclosed in a good RF tight case. 2 Will make a good wide band transceiver with a HackRF. 3 – its fun!
73s de chris zl1cvd
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