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Z817 BNC mod

This page was last updated : 17-Feb-25 17:32:00

LDG Z817 BNC mod

As you might know I like to work in the field with my FT817nd or with my ILER20MK2 and just like my field antenna's, my DIY antenna tuners have BNC chassis parts. The LDG Z817 factory default has the UHF chassis parts, which is not a big problem when you have hook it up the the FT817nd (HF is a UHF chassis part) and use a coax to the antenna with on one side a PL-259 connector.

But on the last fieldtrip things got cold and time was limited, so screwing the jumper cable between the FT817nd and the Z817 and screwing on the antenna cable sand came between the threats and with gloves on it wasn't working well. Also one of the SO-239 chassis parts came lose making some service needed. And I was reminded about my statement "Say NO to UHF (Connectors)" indicating my feelings to this type of connector.

So back home, servicing the Z817, I made the choice to modify it to have BNC chassis parts instead of the SO-239.

The first step was to make a new backplate with the same size as the orginal backplate. Out of a plate of 1.2mm thick aluminium I cut out a rough shape and a little filing the corners made it fit again. Taking over the holes for the GND screw and the Computer and Radio connectors and drilled them. I used Radiall BNC chassis parts made of stainless steal which are more durable then the chrome plated brass ones and have a better fit.

Putting everything back in place, the wires were solderd to the correct connections.

And afters some testing and measuring, I made a dedicated PL-259 / BNC jumper cable to hook up the FT817nd. And it was QSO time.

Eventhough the conditions weren't that good with 2.5W in my 10/20/40m DIY endfed 2 QSO's where added to the log (between them some laundry work and cleaning).

When I find a BNC chassis part with the same size as the SO-239 on the back of my FT817nd it will get replaced.

 

A update from Cor PA4Q

Recently I got a email from OM Cor PA4Q, in which he told me that he is also using BNC on all his creations and a while back modified his Z817 with BNC connectors. But instead of making a new back plate, he 3D designed a set of rings which fit in the SO-239 holes and can hold a BNC chassis part. 

Included in the e-mail where some nice photo's and a set of STL files for me to print. 

So on my day off, I fired up my 3D printer, printed the parts. 

I still had the original Z817 back plate and from my stock I pulled out 2 BNC chassis connectors.

Because I recently purchased a new 3D printer, I wanted to try "Ironing" (re-touching the surface to remove the lines with the hot nozzle) and the results are shown below.

Although i'm not sure if that "Ironing" works, the parts do fit perfect.    

The texture on the 3D printed parts which you can see on the image above and below, are from the printing plate. it's something to keep in mind. 

Like said the parts fits perfectly and installation is a piece of cake. At first I thought the printed parts would melt a little when I soldered the GND wire to the connector lugs, but the head transfer to the chassis parts is good enough to prevent melting of the rings. 

Yup looks good.  

Then i had to re-test the tuner if I didn't mess things up, but all seems to work out.  

Big thumbs up for OM Cor PA4Q. 

 

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