TM-D700 Audio and microphone Mods

I assume no responsibility for you toasting your radio trying to perform these mods. All the info came from the net, and just because it worked for me does not mean it will work for you. I'm repeating what others had to say, I just added the pretty pictures. I did my deviation adjustment the Redneck Vocational way......... I turned the knob until smoke began emitting from the back of the rig. For all I know the truck drivers are complaining because I am splattering on channel 19. BUT..... "Can you hear me now?"..... "Good!"

Deviation adjustment
Step #1:  Turn off rig and insert a small wire jumper to short pins 3 and 6 at the front of the radio.
Step #2: Hold down the "F" and "Tone" buttons (two buttons to left along bottom of display) while powering up the radio. Display will start as normal, then look like this.

Step #3: Use the "<-" or "->" buttons to select deviation (shown), power levels, squelch, etc. Remember that there is a separate setting for 2m and 70cm. The band being effected is determined by what frequency is shown on the other display half.

Step #4: While holding in the PTT, use the VFO knob to dial setting higher or lower as needed. I ended up with "D0" before I got enthusiastic responses from the ones who usually say I talk like I'm half awake.

Step #5: Press "SET" Don't forget this! Radio will revert to default if you don't.

Step #6: Power down, remove the jumper, and restart rig. Voila!
If you don't follow the directions correctly, and only hold down the "F" button while powering up, you'll get an animated screen like this. Why? I have no idea.

Improving microphone clarity
 It seems that the hole in the board (red arrow) channeling audio from the outside of the microphone into the mic element does not line up.

 Step #1: Leave the rig off, but the mic plugged in to help drain off static. Remove the three screws holding the back of the mic case. Remove the cover, "Lock switch" knobby thingy, and the clear plastic guard.

 Step #2: Remove the three screws (green arrows) holding the first pcb in place. Grab it at the top and rock gently side to side while pulling to unplug the sockets (yellow arrow) holding board in place.

 Step #3: Slide out up/down button pcb (blue arrow) and thin clear plastic shield.

 Step #4: Remove 5 screws (green arrows) holding board into microphone and remove board and underlying silicone dtmf button molding.
 Step #5: Flip the board and drill, pushing GENTLY to avoid stressing board, a like sized hole 3/32" in the appropriate place to the side of the original hole. I then used the bit to carefully slot the hole and connect to the original.

 Use a fresh, sharp, bit to drill with to avoid snagging and tearing the foil. AGAIN, I am not responsible!

 

I then cleaned up the slot with a sharp hobby knife, and trimmed the inside of the rubber donut to match the slot better.
 Step #6: I also used my hobby knife to slot the small hole in the rubber keypad.

 

 I like cutting things........ Cutting is fun...........
 Here's the finished product. Mic assembly is pretty straight forward. The curved edge of the little plastic sheet by the up/down/ buttons goes in first. Mine was also slightly rounded, like it came off a roll. I flipped it so the rounded edge was towards the mic and it slid by the buttons easier.

 Don't forget the knob for the lock switch.

Some say this mod worked for me, others can't see a difference. There's no external change to the mic, so you're not out much and I gave you a bit of time hiding in the shack instead of watching sitcoms with the XYL.

 

Easing PTT spring tension
 Whoever thought of this one deserves the Nobel. While the mic is apart, remove the little black rubber booger from within the confines of the coil spring. Don't flick it, you may want it later.

 No longer will your thumb ache after 5 minutes of trying to hold the ptt down. You can also remove the spring completely, but I was too afraid of being the mysterious carrier chucker, as the entire state of Maine listened to me talk lovers talk to my wife while driving. (been there, done that, still embarrassed)

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