Icom F50 - No Answer from Transceiver

brandonmckinney · #1 (**permalink**) 11-14-2012, 12:19 AM

I have been reprogramming some Icom IC-F50 radios. I have had good success with 3 of the 5 radios. However 2 of the radios come up with a "No Answer from Transceiver" response when trying to read or write the radio.

I have tried several different programming software versions including 1.7, 2.1 and 3.1 without success. The serial numbers of the radios are 0108429 and 0108430.

I have checked the Com Port settings, checked the cable and the radio is on. Like I said this exact same setup successfully programmed several other radios.

Any suggestions?

svfd17 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-14-2012, 12:37 AM

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.654 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/389)

Make sure that the cable is secure.

brandonmckinney · #3 (**permalink**) 11-14-2012, 1:00 AM

Check. I can literally program one radio, disconnect the cable farm the radio, attach it to another radio and can't read or write anything. At first I thought it may have been the radio until it happened to more than one. One of the radios is in like new condition.

jeatock · #4 (**permalink**) 11-18-2012, 11:02 AM

How old are the radios?

I am assuming that all of the radios and the software version match. There are three variations of the F50- the original, the MDC, and the V series. All take different software. Getting the right one is a pain. Pressing the UP and P3 buttons when turning the radio on will give you the firmware version.

If everything on the PC side is right...

Up until a couple years ago, Icom had a flaw in the F50 side connector- the solder joints between the main board and 9-pin board would break if a speaker-mic was attached and flexed too hard. Later and current production has fixed the issue.

Try connecting the cable and push the outside edge of the connector towards the back of the radio while reading. If it works, DON"T BREATHE! If it doesn't, try again with differing amounts of pressure and direction.

If that is the problem, you can:

a- do nothing except program the radios. There is a probability that a speaker mic won't work either but if you don't use them, no harm, no foul.

b- send the radio to Icom for repair. If out of warranty is should be a flat $100 repair.

c- if you are fearless and have the right equipment, open it up, remove all of the solder from the 10 or so 90-degree solder points, and resolder. Be prepared for performing a tiny, delicate operation.

Best of luck.

brandonmckinney · #5 (**permalink**) 11-21-2012, 7:02 PM

I am told by my Icom dealer that it is most likely that I have the wrong programming software.

My dealer says that there are 3 different versions:
CS-F50V VS
CS-F50v VS
CS-F50V V3.61

Does this sound correct? I am just a little suspicious since I was able to successfully program multiple IC-F50 radios with no problem and I am just experiencing this problem with a couple radios.

What say you?

Thanks!

jeatock · #6 (**permalink**) 11-22-2012, 8:25 AM

Brandon: Check you PM's!

W2GLD · #7 (**permalink**) 11-23-2012, 12:42 AM

The F50 uses the same cloning software for all versions; your issue sounds more like a com port setup issue. Make sure your set for no higher than 9600 baud, 8, None, 1 and Hardware.

Also, use the latest cloning software; also consider updating your firmware to the latest revision as there has been numerous changes. The current revision on the dealer website will be the last revision moving forward and contains the Minitor paging functions and is narrowband compliant as well.

Your cloning software and firmware should always be matched releases.

Good luck!

maxkelley · #8 (**permalink**) 11-27-2012, 11:33 PM

Very common issue with these, you probably will have to open it up and reflow the 9 solder joints for the accessory connector, or for that matter, you can check continuity between the outside contacts and the inner solder contacts on the board to verify.

But first, try all 3 of the versions of the software, CS-F50, CS-F50V, CS-F50MDC.

From what you're saying, though, it sounds like a bad accessory connector solder joint.

brandonmckinney · #9 (**permalink**) 11-27-2012, 11:54 PM

I finally opened up the radio to take a look. I found that most, if not all, of the solder joints/connections between the pin outs and the board had been fractured. I was able to flex the pin out connection with the cable attached to the radio to make the connection long enough to reprogram the radio. I plan on going back an re-soldering those connections when I have more time available.

Thanks for all the help!!