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More Trouble with IC 4161 DT

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Jimbo695

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Jan 19, 2010
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184
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Hauppauge NY
Hello again, folks. Now that I've upgraded the antenna I find that I still have issues hitting even the local repeaters that my CCR has no problem reaching. I double checked my settings to make sure I'm running high power (5W) and double checked the CTCSS on each machine (Interesting how different repeater directories often have different tones listed!!). The one exception where I can open a machine I get a receive signal that's really low and scratchy, even though its practically next door and should be hitting me hard and full quieting. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks to all.
 

FKimble

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Newnan, GA
Two things come to mind. Make sure it's not set for narrow band and check the tone's. If their off enough, it will not open a repeater. May need to bench test it. Also you used the term CTCSS, that imply's sending a tone to open the repeater and requiring a tone from the repeater to open your radio's sq. Not all repeaters pass the tone or send out one.

Frank KK4YTM
 

12dbsinad

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Mar 15, 2010
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A couple questions.

You can't get into any machines besides one that is right next door, correct?

Can you hear (RX) any of the machines that you cannot get into?

This sounds pretty drastic by the way you describe it, which can make troubleshooting a heck of a lot easier.
 

Jimbo695

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Hauppauge NY
Thanks for the replies, guys!

Set for wide band and the tones check out as per the repeater directories - and the separate programming that is in the CCRs and that works.

Yes; only the machine next door (with really low and scratchy audio and signal strength) and no, I hear no other machines.

Looks like I need to have it bench tested. Anyone have a suggestion where? ICOM no longer supports this model and I bought it "new" but from a reseller.
 

FKimble

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tones check out as per the repeater directories
Not what I meant. I mean the frequency/deviation of the tones may be off and hence not triggering the repeaters.
I would think any Icom radio shop or decent shop would be able to bench test the radio.
Good luck and please report back any findings.

Frank
 

12dbsinad

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Almost sounds like a busted antenna connector or something along those lines with no TX or RX. You've tried different antennas so that would rule out a bad antenna or issue. Does the antenna connector feel loose? Those can be prone to the spanner nut loosening and breaking the solder joint in the radio.

As far as service, Icom should still support it. They just recently discontinued the 4161 (but not the 3161 VHF version) at the beginning of November. Do a search on Icom website to find your closest service center, call and ask. How old is it anyway?
 

Jimbo695

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Jan 19, 2010
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Hauppauge NY
Good idea about the possible antenna connector. I found a tech shop out of the area with a pretty reasonable fee scale so off it will go.

Thanks again everyone!
 
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